Kenzie Kids
Psst, admit it. Half the pleasure of having kids is dressing them up. The recently expanded Kenzie Kids (grown from one storefront to two) has a party dress section guaranteed to satisfy any little princess and proud queen mother. A section for the boys decks them out like miniature prepsters or young Eurodandies in natty vests, navy blazers, Italian wool Bermuda shorts, serr-sucker suits, and collarless shirts. The Mall at Chesnut Hill, 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA .
Marathon Sports
Thinking about next year's marathon? Here's the place to start your podiatric strategy. One fan writes: "The service I received from the hyper-knowledgeable staff verified everything I had heard about the store—the selection was truly vast, and they were able to explain to me which shoes were best suited to my needs." They're also great with, er, irregular shapes and sizes. 1654 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Coppa
Things might get a little flashier at Jamie Bissonnette and Ken Oringer’s other spots, but at this South End favorite, spotless technique and deep culinary knowledge quietly underlie the cozy enoteca menu of house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and other Italian treats. Some all-stars haven’t left the menu since day one — we’re looking at you, cavatelli with tomato-broccoli sugo — and that’s just how we like it. 253 Shawmut Ave., South End, MA 02118, coppaboston.com.
Grain Surfboards
One look at these artisanal wooden boards, and you’ll want to hang 10 with the best of ’em. Lovingly handcrafted from locally sourced, eco-friendly materials, Grain’s custom fish, midlength, and longboards are always the talk of the beach. Want to help make your own? Join the Grain crew during a four- or five-day workshop in York, Maine, for an unforgettable hands-on experience. 73 Webber Rd., York, ME 03909, grainsurfboards.com.
Barre with Jessica Diaz
TV personalities. Athletes. New moms. Seniors. With a decade of experience as a fitness instructor, Diaz is known for creating workouts that work for everyone, elegantly merging her bodymechanics knowledge with barre’s core-strengthening tenets. Whether you sign up for one of her in-person classes at Asana in Charlestown, join her on-demand workouts, or attend her sought-after Martha’s Vineyard retreat, you’ll leave feeling energized and motivated. jessicadiazwellness.com.
Bab Al-Yemen
Lucky Kenmore Square got one of the region’s only Yemeni restaurants last year — a superb (and superbly homey) addition to the neighborhood and Boston at large. From enormous pieces of fresh flatbread and warming stews to clove-and-cardamom-spiced teas, the lovely halal menu makes this a cozy spot in the winter, after the latest Sox game, or anytime, really. The ambiance adds to the comfort, from the colorful stained glass to the traditional low, pillowed seating area. 468 Commonwealth Ave., Fenway/Kenmore, MA 02215, babalyemenboston.com.
Salon Volition
Looking for Newbury Street finesse without the annoying commute? Make an appointment at this salon, where master stylist Alyssa Jackson (pictured) has assembled an all-star crew of cutting and coloring pros. And with M. Lekkakos Skincare in the same building, you can also book high-quality facials, brow care, waxing, and microdermabrasion on the same day, making this a one-stop shop for virtually every beauty need. 154 Main St., Wenham, MA 01834, salonvolition.com.
Get Konnected!
In a town where the power to convene is more valuable than gold, public relations pro Colette Phillips’s cross-cultural networking group is priceless. And with some of the biggest-name partners around, including Eastern Bank, Wayfair, State Street, and the Boston Foundation, plus a business or multicultural celebratory event offered nearly every month, there’s no one in Boston who helps busy professionals make meaningful connections like Get Konnected! 529 Main St., Boston, MA 02109, getkonnected.com.
Jan Gleysteen Architects
Perusing Jan Gleysteen’s portfolio, one word repeatedly comes to mind: timeless. With nearly four decades of experience under his belt, the Wellesley architect knows his way around traditionalism, dreaming up classic abodes—such as a grand suburban homestead with coffered ceilings and dramatic archway—that are built to last. 888 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA 02482, jangleysteeninc.com.
Tartt’s
Drop the guilt along with your little one at Tartt’s. The fourth-generation owners have perfected a curriculum that balances cognitive development (sign language, Spanish) with serious fun (like Urbanity Dance–taught “baby groove” lessons). 477 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, tartts.com.
Crane Estate
Your very own castle overlooking the sea. It's a reality at Ipswich's Crane Estate, a 2,100-acre tribute to natural beauty and manmade opulence that showcases water panoramas and one very regal Stuart-style manor. While several party spots are available, the showstopper is the Great House's rolling lawn leading to the Atlantic. 290 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, MA 01938, thetrustees.org/crane-estate.
Joanna Howell-Giraud
While it might seem like a contradiction in terms, colored hair that doesn't look colored is precisely the effect of a coloring session with Joanna. She does not subscribe to the one-color look but prefers to mix a number of warm and cold highlights to create, even with the finest hair, a sense of vibrancy and vitality. Solus, 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
The Red Wagon
The majority of this store's lines are stylish and durable, designed for kids who like to stand out from the crowd without standing still. The sales staff is always willing to search for a size or offer helpful suggestions and—of all—is sweet and patient with little ones of all temperaments. 69 Charles St., Boston, MA theredwagon.com.
The Children's Book Shop
Books are alive and well at this charming Brookline shop, where owner Terri Schmitz helps kids of all ages find the perfect rainy-day escape, sans batteries. Catch her when the little ones are fully engaged and reminisce about all the authors you loved as a child. 237 Washington St., Brookline, MA 2445, thechildrensbookshop.net.
Isis Parenting
No one demystifies the buying process like Isis, where the "Stroller School" guarantees you'll choose the perfect wheels. Unsure about the Bugaboo Donkey's double-seat configurations or the difference between the Boppy breastfeeding pillow and My Brest Friend? Staffers here will steer you in the right direction. 800 Boylston st., Boston, MA 2116, isisparenting.com.