Andy Seplow
Andy Seplow, part-time owner of a limited catering service called L'Alliance Pate, makes a firm, toothsome cheesecake based on cream cheese, sour cream, and ground almonds. It's available regularly at Peasant Stock, the Stock Pot, and Malben's Gourmet. 383 Somerville Ave., Somerville, MA .
A. Russo & Sons
We adore the cases brimming with imported and locally made cheeses (like fiore di latte from Everett's Mozzarella House), the boxes teeming with exotic Asian vegetables, and a deli counter loaded with top-notch finds. But the best part about a trip to Russo's is that we get whole foods without dropping an entire paycheck. 560 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 2472, russos.com.
Newbury Tailoring Co.
Here, talented staffers act like whatever garment you bring them is the most beautiful they’ve ever seen—and yet somehow they manage to make it even more beautiful, whether they’re hemming jeans or mending a torn handbag. 324B Newbury St., Boston, MA newburytailors.com.
Paradise Rock Club
Stoner dads and undergrads alike loiter outside these vaunted doors, thanks to the ’Dise's reliably eclectic roster. The sense of égalité only continues once inside: Don't be surprised if you spot the opening act dancing in the crowd behind you. 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215, thedise.com.
American Provisions
With as many as 80 varieties of small-batch fromage available, this Southie shop is small on space but big on nutty, pungent flavor. Staffers are ready with recommendations and armed with anecdotes about the herd of Vermont goats that produced your selected wheel, making this a destination for turophiles citywide. 613 E. Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127, americanprovisions.com.
Twelve Chairs
Miggy Mason and Roisin Giese founded their home design store with a clear objective: Whenever possible, collect items that are made locally and sustainably. In their lofty space, the duo has created an urban dreamland that's equal parts industrial, romantic, and ethical. 319 A St., Boston, MA 2210, twelvechairsboston.com.
Shag
After a quick tête-à-tête, Brianna Coons shaped our unruly hair into something slick, taking into account our capacity for at-home styling (none). The best part? The chop grew out so evenly, it still looked fresh months later. 840 Summer St., South Boston, MA 2127, shagboston.com.
Charlestown Preservation Society
First-time visitors to Charlestown are invariably struck by the neighborhood's beauty and charm, a consequence in no small part of the efforts of the town's 29-year-old preservation society. This group, which works to preserve the town's landmarks and grade the neighborhood, supports its efforts with a delightful annual house tour—in the evening by candlelight, and during the day by trolley. P.O. Box 201, Charlestown, MA .
Crane Beach
Four miles of white sand, more than 200 species of birds, and awesome striper fishing in the flats. And, if you have a boat, you can get to the backside, an unpopulated part of the beach that stretches on so far, you'll feel like you're at the edge of the earth. Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA .
Hingham Jewelers
After armed robbers fled with most of their inventory in 2010, owners David and Stacey Page considered shuttering their jewelry shop. Lucky for the South Shore, the couple decided to remain open, and they continue to showcase traditional offerings (Rolex watches, pearls) as well as funkier, chunkier options (colorful, celeb-approved baubles from Anzie). 35 Whiting St., Hingham, MA 2043, hinghamjewelers.com.
Mike's Pastry
Boston cream pies are all about ratios: cake to chocolate, chocolate to cream, cream to cake. At Mike's Pastry in the North End, somebody did their algebra homework. More like a cake than a pie, Mike's rendition brings together equal parts satiny custard, rich chocolate frosting, and airy sponge cake. 300 Hanover St., Boston, MA .
Bentonwood Bakery/Cafe
This classic not-really-a-pie has three parts: cake, custard, and chocolate frosting. Bentonwood's version is unconventional—individual, cupcake-size BCPs, a circle of cake topped with a creamy custard, all hidden underneath a bittersweet-chocolate glaze, but terrific. 47 Langley Road, Newton Centre, MA .
Eastern Standard
A 46-foot-long marble bar gives manager Jackson Cannon room to move as he stirs up snow cone daiquiris, tart Whiskey Smashes, and mojito-esque Old Cubans. The jazz-meets-Brit-pop beats entertain a mix of twentysomethings and power brokers—most of whom Cannon knows by name. 528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, easternstandardboston.com.
Henry Bear's Park
From the latest Pusheen merch and Tegu block sets to all sorts of crafts and STEM-themed kits, this spot stocks everything the kids in school are talking about and more. Best of all are the unfailingly friendly staffers, who are enthusiastic enough to tell you about their after-work games of Rat-a-Tat Cat. 17 White St., Cambridge, MA henrybear.com.
Lanes Bowl & Bistro
Not every day on the Cape can be sunny and 72 degrees (shocking, we know). When the weather's lousy, head to this multipurpose Mashpee complex, which opened this past winter. There's bowling, a variety of brick-oven pizzas, and a huge selection of New England brews. If the clouds part, hit the outdoor bar for bocce and live music. 9 Greene St., Mashpee, MA lanesbowlandbistro.com.