Bloomingdales
If you're like 99 percent of the female population, chances are you've got some sort of phobia about swimsuit shopping. Bloomie's helps set insecurities aside with flattering lighting, confidence-building mirrors, and a massive selection of demure one-pieces, teeny bikinis, and everything in between. Helpful (but not pushy) salespeople are available when you want a real-world opinion on that Juicy Couture two-piece. And if you'd like, they're ready to show more suitable alternatives from the likes of Vix, Shoshanna, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and more. The Mall at Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill, MA 2467, bloomingdales.com.
The Publick House
No need to fix what’s not broken: In the increasingly bustling Washington Square section of Brookline, the Publick House celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, and it continues to be one of the most successful gastropubs around. Whether you’re looking for a funky Allagash Coolship from our northern friends in Maine or a smoky Rauchbier from Germany, there’s always something exciting to explore on the draft and bottle lists. Add in a beer-infused pot of moules frites or some mac ’n’ cheese topped with beer bratwurst, and you have the ideal night out. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02445, publickhousebrookline.com.
The Barre + Yoga Experience
Some days it’s hard to decide on a workout: Do you want a cardio sesh or the sweet relief of yoga stretches? How about a workout that combines both? For that, you’ll need to sign up for the Experience — a one-of-a-kind class offered by the Barre + Yoga Experience, a studio that won over Rhode Islanders before expanding to Plainville in 2021. The signature class guides you through a vinyasa-inspired flow while you’re wearing ankle and wrist weights, mixing in some barre moves, cardio bursts, and breath work along the way. Talk about having something for everyone. 84 Taunton St., Plainville, MA 02762, thebarreandyogaexperience.com.
Birds of Paradise
Craving a trip to some far-flung, warm destination? You only need to go as far as Brighton’s Charles River Speedway, where Birds of Paradise has recently taken flight. The latest from Ran Duan (Baldwin Bar, Blossom Bar) and his cocktail magicians focuses on stunning drinks that combine influences from two places into one concoction. The “San Juan to Hanoi” cocktail, for example, takes you on a journey from tropical to subtropical, blending an aged gold rum and the citrus-vanilla Licor 43 with buttered cold brew, passion fruit, and lime. Charles River Speedway, 525 Western Ave. #12, Brighton, MA 02135, birdsofparadisebar.com.
Yafa Bakery & Café
Every baked good or sweet treat is a work of art at Yafa, whose menu showcases flavors of the Middle East, from pistachio to orange blossom. A parade of dates — with various nut and citrus fillings and chocolate and gold-leaf wraps — take center stage, surrounded by delicately shaped pastries in a variety of styles. Savory breads, too, are a must-try, especially whichever one just came out of the oven. Linger over a sweet lemonada, and you might find yourself tasting an extra treat or two, courtesy of the incredibly hospitable staff. 594 Somerville Ave., Somerville, MA 02143, yafabakerycafe.com.
Adamas Fine Jewelry
This Newton jewelry shop’s ring designs may range from the unconventional (think: a domed ring with a heart-shaped sparkler) to the tried-and-true (a diamond eternity band), but they all have one thing in common: timeless and lasting beauty. That’s thanks to the wealth of gemology expertise possessed by brother-sister duo Anto Aboyan and Veronica Sagherian, who’ve been business partners for more than three decades. Whether you’re updating an heirloom, creating your own bespoke piece, or dreaming of something simple and classic, they have the goods — and the know-how — to make it a reality. 22 Lincoln St., Newton, MA 02461, adamasfinejewelry.com.
Zegna
Boston gents, take note: You’re no longer restricted to showing off your personality through socks and ties. After relocating to the Newbury Boston hotel last November, this luxury brand has even more space to display its sharp ready-to-wear suiting in wildly diverse patterns and fabrics, includ- ing cashmere blends and high-performance wool fibers. (And that’s not even counting the enormous array of custom options.) Make it a one-stop shopping experience and pick up polo shirts, joggers, and maybe even an Italian-made leather backpack while you’re there. 1 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, zegna.com.
Great Rock Bight Preserve
Yeah, yeah, everyone talks about sunset in Menemsha, but you know the same show is playing at every beach with a western view, right? Great Rock Bight Preserve, one of the MV Land Bank properties, offers an excellent, secluded alternative to the crowded affair by the docks. Hike down the trail to the beach—there’s a short and a long way—and take in the view from there or, if you’re feeling adventurous, from atop the large rock just off the shore, for which the beach is named. Chilmark, MA 02535, mvlandbank.com/34great.shtml.
Race Point Beach
Who needs dinner and a show when you can simply spread out a picnic blanket on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and watch the sky turn vibrant shades of red and orange? The sunset is beautiful anywhere along the expansive shoreline, which can be accessed by foot, bike, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, permitted over-sand vehicle. Only the dolphins that swim nearby could make the view even more breathtaking. Provincetown, MA 02657, nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/race-point-beach.htm.
Carly Michelle Photography
In a crowded field of wedding photographers, Carly Yarbrow has emerged as a visionary. Her images’ signature rosy-hued aesthetic instantly elevates any wedding, elopement, or engagement shoot to a heavenly realm. One especially bright spot in Yarbrow’s divine portfolio? Her portraits, in which even the most camera-shy of subjects radiate with natural joy and love. Plus, her eye for detail is unmatched (see: her skill in sending a veil billowing beautifully into the breeze). carlymichellephotography.com.
Mark Spooner Photography
In a year when many weddings were postponed or canceled, Mark Spooner stayed booked and optimistic throughout. His sunny outlook manifests in his photographs, which highlight the most tender moments: a push-back of the hair, a touch on the arm, or a joyful glance at loved ones, all captured with a soft atmospheric glow. Another positive: the bevy of helpful resources on his website, invaluable for couples and fellow wedding pros alike. markspoonerphoto.com.
Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Market
Shopping online is fine, but isn’t it more fun to know where your favorite new sweater actually came from? After a successful launch last year, the 2021 installation of this collaboration between WS Development and the website Black Owned Bos. returns to Seaport Common one Sunday a month through October 17, letting Bostonians discover art, skin-care lines, house plants, adult and children’s clothing, and more exclusively sold by local Black entrepreneurs. Ready, set, shop! bostonseaport.xyz.
Mike's Pastry
You can spot Mike’s signature string-wrapped cannoli boxes in the hands of practically every tourist, and that’s exactly why some of our crabbier natives don’t give the place its rightful due. Honestly, though, the cannolis deserve all of the attention they get, with a crackly-crunchy shell overstuffed with dense, sweet-and-cheesy ricotta. Just one bite reminds us why out-of-towners — and yes, plenty of locals, too — will always line up for them on Hanover Street. Multiple locations, mikespastry.com.
Diana Rastegayeva, Massachusetts COVID Vaccination Help
Diana Rastegayeva of Massachusetts COVID Vaccination Help took us one step closer to vanquishing COVID by bringing together tech-challenged and underserved residents with volunteers who could help them navigate the formerly complex online vaccine-booking system. By early June, her team of Good Samaritans had booked more than 25,000 shots, making them some of Boston’s best community organizers.
Sophie Truong, Stitch & Tickle
The best handbags become extensions of who we are, and fiber artist Sophie Truong’s leather creations are no exception. Her SoWa storefront—which just celebrated its one-year anniversary—is an accessory lover’s paradise, stocked with hand-stitched hobo bags and adorable shearling cross-bodies that you’ll never want to put down. 63 Thayer St., Boston, MA 02118, stitchandtickle.com.