F1 Boston
Forget Schwarzenegger films, mini golf, and laser tag. Once you've felt your own adrenaline spike through you from one mere inch above the ground at Braintree's indoor "Formula 1"-style kart-racing complex, just about everything else seems lame. NASCAR lovers, take note: This is, by any standards, a luxury establishment, with conference rooms, cafés and lounges, billiards, and exhibitions. 290 Wood Rd., Braintree, MA f1boston.com.
Regattabar
What this third-floor space lacks in atmospher—it's more cruise-ship quarterdeck than smoky back-alley haunt—is more than overcome by the quality of its acoustics and the pedigrees of its bookings. The club has been the site of countless memorable jams by the likes of acoustic act the Bad Plus, singer Irma Thomas, the Leo Blanco World Jazz Ensemble, and Snake Trio. 1 Bennett St., Cambridge, MA 2138, regattabarjazz.com.
Kings
As with so many scenes, Bill Murray puts this one over the top. Or his bowling ball does, anyway: The alley has the actor's translucent rose-in-the-middle Kingpin orb on display, along with a few other items from the Farrelly Brothers classic. Pumping music and a Rat Pack-chic lounge complete the glitzy packaging, but Kings' 16 lanes and $5 draft beers keep it firmly rooted in the throwback thrills that make rolling for strikes such a singularly good time. 10 Scotia St., Boston, MA 2115, kingsbackbay.com.
Tom Stemberg, Staples
Except for his feckless attempt at twisting the Globe's arm during the Barnicle scandal, Stemberg has made one right move after another in building his office-supply company into the industry leader. As a topper, he bagged the naming rights to the soon-to-be completed Los Angeles arena—just in time for next year's Democratic National Convention. At least someone from Boston came out a winner on that deal.
Richard Smith
Smith played the White Knight and charged to the rescue of Carter Hawley Hale Stores for the second time in two years, thwarting the Limited's second hostile takeover attempt on the Los Angeles company. All General Cinemas got for its corporate chivalry was a controlling interest in the fastest-growing and most profitable part of Carter Hawley's entire operation: its $1.1 billion-a-year-specialty-store division, which includes Neiman-Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Contempo Casuals. General Cinemas, Chestnut Hill, MA .
Wine Sense
Wine Sense is small, but that's a good thing, because you can feel confident that owner Samanta Ettore has vetted every single bottle on display. Don't want any part in the picking? Grab one of the tailored-to-the-season wine six-packs she puts together each month. Ettore also holds public tastings from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, and arranges private tastings upon request. 166 N. Main St., Andover, MA wine-sense.net.
"The Lost Boy," <em>Boston Herald</em>
We know, we know—how could we possibly overlook the Globe's compelling multipart series on that single, white Beacon Hill female and her frustrating search for the perfect man? Call us frivolous, but we preferred the three-part Herald narrative on a 14-year-old runaway living in the woods, eloquently written by Lauren Beckham Falcone and poignantly photographed by Garo Lachinian.
Wolfers Lighting
For urban dwellings that feel stuck in the dark ages, this standby has scores of ways to usher in enlightenment, from boudoir-ready chandeliers to energy-efficient outdoor sconces, and all the (lamp)shades in between. And here's the best part: You can take prospective purchases for a test run in Wolfers's real life-simulating light labs, guaranteeing the final pick is truly the most flattering for your home—not to mention that beautiful mug of yours. 1339 Main St., Waltham, MA 2451, wolfers.com.
Lana Barakat, December Thieves and Heist
This Middle East transplant's Italian jewelry and Japanese apparel have brought a global vibe to Beacon Hill. But the best part of a trip to December Thieves or Heist just may be Barakat herself, who's so darn fun to be around you might forget you're shopping at all. 88 Charles St., Boston, 617-982-6802; 51 Charles St., Boston, 857-239-9149; decemberthieves.com. 88 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, decemberthieves.com.
Winsor Dim Sum House & Bar
The beauty of this dim sum spot's new Quincy location is in the extensive, sharply executed menu: In addition to traditional cart service, diners can order dishes via checklist, which means the char siu-stuffed bao are fluffier, the wok-fried radish cakes are crisper, and the pea pod stems—prone to wilting and sogginess at lesser restaurants—still retain their vibrant color and delicate crunch. Bonus points for a full bar. 706 Hancock St., Quincy, MA 02170, winsordimsum.com.
SalonCapri
This 45-year-old local hair empire has expanded over the decades, launching its own product line, opening several satellite locations, and cultivating a strong media and runway presence thanks to dynamic lead stylist Nick Penna. But the Newton salon retains a family-owned vibe thanks to regular charity events for local institutions like Boston Children’s Hospital, pop-up shops with neighborhood businesses, and stylists who act like old (albeit exceedingly dexterous) pals. 31 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA 02461, saloncapri.com.
Pure Glow
One session with owner Lauren Rampello, and you’ll never hop into an automated spray-tan booth again. Her paraben-, formaldehyde-, and retinol-free formula is meticulously applied by hand, leaving no room for streaks or missed spots. Stop into the recently opened studio for a custom color consultation, or let Rampello bring her pop-up tanning station to your home. Either way, 20 minutes is all you’ll need for a subtle glow that lasts for the better part of a week. 176 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, pureglowtanning.com.
Select Oyster Bar
Unlike the chef-owners who delegate oenophilic duties elsewhere, Michael Serpa has embraced the role of part-time wine professional, curating an astute list that displays the same fastidiousness as his seafood menu. Debating between a sancerre and that stony Sicilian rosé? Just ask the chef: He knows the perfect glass to stand up to the panoply of flavors in his saffron-tinged bouillabaisse. 50 Gloucester St., Boston, MA 02115, selectboston.com.
Sofra
Visiting Oleana chef Ana Sortun's narrow bakery on the Cambridge fringes is an exotic way to kick-start the day. The menu is a parade of Mediterranean-inspired delights, including the luscious shakshuka, poached eggs pooling in a tangy tomato-curry broth that has even the most dignified Cantabrigians scraping the bowl. Ever-changing items like pistachio Pop-Tarts and pancakes stuffed with briny halloumi cheese and Swiss chard round out the glorious morning menu. 1 Belmont St., Cambridge, MA 02138, sofrabakery.com.
Beacon Hill Books & Cafe
Bibliophiles flock here not only to explore literary treasures but also to be seen doing it. The highly Instagrammable four-level space boasts unique book selections and a lovely ambiance to linger in, but the best part just might be the tea service. Indulge in a delightful array of tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and sweets accompanied by a pot of custom-blended tea or a flute of prosecco while flipping the pages of whatever you just picked up for your book club. 71 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, bhbooks.com.