Yankee Lobster Company
The waterfront boasts flashy seafood emporiums mad with pricey cocktails and massive TVs, but we still head down the wharf to this retail arm of a decades-old lobster wholesaler. Sure, the napkins come in dispensers and the stellar view is of the street, but this is the freshest affordable seafood around. Grab a bowl of thick chowder, a basket of fried scallops, or go for lobster (in a bisque or on a roll) for a meal that's big on substance, not on flash. 300 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2210, yankeelobstercompany.com.
The Comedy Studio
Few comedy clubs these days are actually dedicated to the craft—which makes this Harvard Square studio a rare gem. Not only does it fill seats six nights a week with a variety of acts, it also devotes time to nurturing up-and-coming cutups and runs a sought-after comedian-in-residence program. And because it's located above the Hong Kong, you can get your laughs with a side of greasy-good Peking ravioli and a scorpion bowl. 1238 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA thecomedystudio.com.
Harvard Book Store
It's not exactly a shock that Harvard is able to reel in big names for its reading series. The pleasant surprise is the sheer variety, from political leaders (Ralph Nader) to literary-world sweethearts (Gary Shteyngart). Listen to discussions on the environment, the economy, or good old-fashioned plot analysis—and even take part in one yourself, with the book circle or the "Philosophy Café" Many events are free, and the ones that aren't seldom cost more than $5. 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, harvard.com.
Jerry Remy's
Owned by Mr. Red Sox Nation himself, Jerry Remy's has upped the ante (and the cholesterol count) for Fenway bars. The TVs are mammoth, and the kitchen serves a burger wedged between two pieces of fried dough. Best of all, the barroom is so close to the park that when the windows are open, you can even join a 'Yankees suck' chant while noshing on a tasty RemDawg sandwich. 1265 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2215, jerryremys.com.
Alma Nove
Technically speaking, Alma Nove is a restaurant. But why quibble? There are only so many places where you can sit outside next to a giant fire pit, sip a well-crafted cocktail, and look out over the bay—and this Wahlberg-family-owned spot is one of them. If you just can't miss the Sox game, head inside. The bar is long and armed with two 50-inch TVs. 22 Shipyard Dr., Hingham, MA almanovehingham.com.
The Scarlet Oak Tavern
With its classically elegant dining room and steak-and-seafood-packed menu, the Scarlet Oak plays the part of a swanky suburban establishment. But don't expect the usual tepid filet mignon and gluey mashed potatoes. Every dish, from the spicy tuna tartare and perfectly cooked rib-eye to the oven-fired blue-crab-and-sharp-cheddar dip, is meticulously prepared and delicious. 1217 Main St., Hingham, MA 2043, scarletoaktavern.com.
Giblees
Occupying the better part of a nondescript strip mall on Route 114, Giblees has attire for every manly occasion: golf, work, weekends, and formal affairs—plus a pool table and coffee bar for gents who need a break from the dressing room. Assistance is available but never forced—our inquiry about a birthday bow tie for a super-stylish pal yielded a drawer full of dapper options. 85 Massachusetts 114, Danvers, MA 1923, giblees.com.
Chez Nous
In his newly renovated restaurant, chef Franck Tessier serves extraordinary French cuisine including goat cheese—and—portobello timbale, scallops with saffron risotto, and chicken fricassée. Guests sit in one of three tasteful dining rooms, and pastry chef (and Tessier's wife) Rachel Portnoy makes a hot chocolate mousse and a banana toffee tart that are sweet bliss. 150 Main St., Lee, MA cheznousbistro.com.
The Williamsville Inn
Set in bucolic West Stockbridge, the Williamsville Inn boasts everything a home away from home should: superb service, snowy linens, and cut flowers. Husband-and-wife team Erhard and Kandy Wendt have transformed this once dilapidated 18th-century inn into a modern country guesthouse complete with blond hardwood floors and quaint touches. Erhard also acts as the inn's chief chef, and his German-inspired fare is some of the finest in the county. 286 Great Barrington Rd. (Rte. 41), West Stockbridge, MA williamsvilleinn.com.
Bristol Lounge
Life should always pause around 4 p.m. so people can revive themselves with a cup of tea. Besides this genteel refreshment (or coffee, if you must), the Four Seasons Hotel serves the traditional three-tiered silver trays of dainty crustless-cucumber-and-smoked-salmon sandwiches, scones with lemon-curd and Devonshire-cream, miniature fruit tarts, and tea bread. A pampering staff and exquisite views of the Public Garden provide almost more afternoon comfort than kindergarten naptime. Four Seasons Hotel, 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
China Pearl
Hands down, the best dim sum in Boston. Get there before 10:30 a.m. on Sunday or be prepared to wait for cart-delivered delicacies that include shrimp chow foon, sticky rice wrapped in grape leaves, and chicken feet—if you dare. The bill usually averages around $12 a person, and then you need not think about food again until dinner. 9 Tyler St., Boston, MA .
Tremont Ale
A classic pale ale—vaguely sweet, distinctly hopped, and tinged a deep shade of copper—this is the flagship brew of tiny Atlantic Coast Brewing, more commonly known as Tremont Brewery, in Charlestown. The really cool part? After years as a tap-only product, Tremont is finally, thankfully, in bottles available at finer packies everywhere. For a by-the-pint-only treat, look for Tremont's cask-conditioned best bitter of IPA, stocked in small batches at select bars such as Doyle's in Jamaica Plain.
The Eighth Congressional District's, for Quantity if Not Quality
Among those who've been in at one time or another: Joe Kennedy, George Bachrach, Jim Roosevelt, Mel King, Tom Gallagher, Carla Johnston, Tom Vallely, Jim Spiegel, Clark Abt. Midlred Jefferson, Robert Cappucci, Bill Galvin, Richard Black, Vin McCarthy, Joe Markey, Jon Hillson, Markham Lyons, and Bob O'Connell.
TreeTop Adventures
Kids turning your house into a jungle gym? There’s a better way to burn off that endless energy. At TreeTop Adventures, they can get an adrenaline rush from ziplining through aerial obstacle courses featuring rolling logs, bridges, ladders, and tightropes. The best part? With 10 trails for ages seven and up ranging from beginner to expert, anyone can join in the fun — yes, even you. 200 New Boston Dr., Canton, MA 02021, treetopcanton.com.
Porchfest Somerville
There’s no better way to spend a sunny day than weaving back and forth across Highland Avenue and its various side streets, listening to hundreds of very talented Somervillians rocking out on their porches, balconies, and driveways. The city has this tune-filled May fest down to a science, and other communities have taken note — including, for the first time this year, Dorchester, which launched its aptly named Dorchfest in June. Now that’s music to our ears. Multiple Locations, somervilleartscouncil.org.