Moody’s Delicatessen
At Moody’s, even the bologna sandwiches are on another level. That’s because owner Joshua Smith crafts everything in house—salumi and sausages, sure, but also the pickled peppers, pimiento cheese, and swipe of herb mayo on your Pullman loaf. And this year, the tireless chef is expanding his meaty empire with a state-of-the-art curing facility down the road, meaning his New England Charcuterie cold cuts will not only be more readily available in Boston—they’ll also be hitting the national stage. 468 Moody St., Waltham, MA 02453, moodyswaltham.com.
Deep Thoughts JP
This shop is welcoming enough to embrace all varieties of weirdo, informed enough to impress every type of nerd, and just strange enough to ward off the squares. With a huge stock that spans the musical universe, from way-out folk to cassette-punk and art-rap—not to mention every hyper-hyphenated subgenre in between—Deep Thoughts is an essential day trip for the city's music obsessives. 138B South St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, deepthoughtsjp.com.
Amy Bailey, Townhouse Beauty Bar
Want the secret to fabulous lashes? You’ll find it at Townhouse Beauty Bar, where lash guru Amy Bailey has been perfecting the art of sultry eyes for more than 15 years. What makes Bailey’s method unique is her custom approach, which involves meticulously selecting lashes with the perfect curl and length to give each client a natural but voluminous look. The result? No one will know your secret except you and Bailey. 28 Charles St., Boston, MA 02122, townhousebeautybar.com.
Contessa
The crown jewel atop the Newbury Boston, Contessa upgrades the restaurant experience from swanky to downright royal. The service? Attentive without fawning. The drinks? The Sgroppino — with lemon vodka, lemon sorbet, and prosecco — is like basking in the sun. The food? A court of northern Italian delights, from pillowy ravioli to garlicky, hot-from-the-grill lamb chops. All of this in a dreamy art deco dining room, with views that are like looking out over the city from a throne. 3 Newbury St., Back Bay, MA 02116, contessaristorante.com/boston.
Camp
Forget ball pits and bounce houses: Hidden behind a bookcase at the Burlington Mall’s Camp toy store are endless hands-on adventures for birthday groups. This summer’s theme is retro summer camp, with a “disco” cabin for dancing, a splatter art room, and slides. Keeping parents happy? The squeaky-clean environs and partnership with next-door neighbor Shake Shack. Burlington Mall, 75 Middlesex Turnpike 1st Floor, Burlington, MA 1803, camp.com.
Ellisha Alexina
Experimentation is at the heart of every fabric Ellisha Alexina brings to life — and boy, has it paid off. Created through a unique combination of silk-screen printing and handpainting, the native New Englander’s delicate designs feel at once fresh and familiar, inviting attention with soft colorways and artful motifs. One favorite? Alexina’s “Dotted Stripe” fabric, an abstract interpretation of pebbles by the sea. 460 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, ellishaalexina.com.
Belfry Inn and Bistro
You'll thank the Lord that the owners of the Belfry saw the light and created this cozy, romantic inn and bistro in what used to be a Catholic church. Stained-glass windows, roaring fireplaces, and live piano music serve as perfect complements to chef George Willette's artfully presented cuisine, including baby spinach salad wrapped in prosciutto, and roasted rack of lamb over blue cheese—and—shallot gratin. We'd gladly worship here nightly. 8 Jarves St., Sandwich, MA belfryinn.com.
Of Note Stationers
In an effort to revive the lost art of everyday note-writing, Kate Kellman and Isabel Bonenfant founded Of Note Stationers, a small paper-goods company that prints simple, minimalist cards and stationery. The duo insists no occasion is too small for purposeful writing, and with simple messages like "Glad you’re here" and "I think of you often, and I want you to know" their cards prove that taking pen to paper isn’t just for birthdays. MA ofnotestationers.com.
Dayna Gamba, Love and Mercy
Dayna Gamba brandishes a pair of clippers like a sculptor’s tool, deftly shaping locks of hair into works of art. Trained as a barber and a stylist, she’s the rare double threat who can give clients a graceful fade or a fierce bob. An unsolved mystery is how she’s able to be both so precise with her cuts and so charming with her conversation. But there is no question that adventurous style mavens, buttoned-up CEOs, and everyone in between will leave her chair absolutely in love with Dayna—and their hair. 403 D St., Boston, MA 02210, loveandmercysalon.com.
B/spoke
If you don’t like to sweat, B/spoke’s cycling classes are not for you. Those who relish getting drenched in the name of a good, clean workout, however, will appreciate this studio’s state-of-the-art bikes, pump-you-up tracks, and peppy instructors, who use hand weights and core work to target more than just the legs in heart-pounding sessions. Amp up your experience with B/spoke’s "hot" ride, a hilly adventure in sizzling temps, and feel the burn. 101 Federal St., Boston, MA 02110, bspokestudios.com.
C.R.K. Beauty
To newbies, the fine art of lash enhancement can seem downright confusing. Extensions, lifts, tints—where to begin? Thankfully, Cori Kurker is here to break it down for you in her cozy Beacon Hill studio, then deliver the goods, whether you decide on a classic full set with come-hither appeal, an on-trend curl, or simply a darker lash hue to accent those twinkling eyes. 135 Charles St., Boston, MA crkbeauty.com.
The Hatch Shell
It’s not summer if you’re not sitting in the grass by the Charles, taking in some tunes at the Hatch Shell. The art deco venue best known for the Pops’ annual Fourth of July extravaganza more than makes good on its mission of bringing classical music to the people, with a free concert series that runs all summer long and a top-notch sound system. All you have to bring is a blanket and a picnic. 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston, MA hatchshell.com.
Joan Jonas
Happy birthday to this multimedia pioneer, who turns 83 this month with plenty to celebrate. After decades of medium-defining work—not to mention a Tate Modern retrospective in London and a Kyoto Prize last year— the MIT arts professor emerita continues to leave her mark on Boston. Between her recent light-and-crystal installation Ice Drawing at the MFA and her Isabella Stewart Gardner exhibit of evocative animal drawings, Jonas just may be having her best run yet.
Hourglass
Project Runway winner Erin Robertson and designer Nicole Fichera’s pretty pink boutique filled with feminist art from local creatives, colorful dresses, and handmade jewelry was so popular that it popped up in two different Fenway locations over the past year alone. Where will it sprout next? Until we know, you’ll find us shopping the collection online. N/A, hourglass.boston.
Boston Hairnista
Healthy hair is owner and lead stylist Andrea Sealey’s main goal—and it shows in every masterful style she creates inside her chic Dot. Ave. salon. Sealey’s recently expanded list of services makes the space a one-stop shop for everything from kinky twists and micro-link extensions to always-silky silk presses. Her braids, meanwhile, are true works of art—no surprise given the Roxbury native has been at it since she was 10 years old. 1690 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA 02122, bostonhairnista.com.