The Official Rock Song of Massachusetts
One, two, three, four, five, six! That’s not only the opening countdown of Natick native Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers’ 1976 classic “Roadrunner,” it’s also the number of times state lawmakers have tried to pass legislation making Richman’s ode to Route 128 night-driving “the official rock song of the Commonwealth.” Ten years since former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh introduced the first fail bills in 2013, Natick Representative David Linsky filed another one in February. Maybe the sixth time is the charm? Radio on!
Oak + Moss
Calling all plant lovers: This sweet Salem boutique has everything you need to transform your home into a garden oasis you’ll (really!) never want to leave. The best part? You can order its birds-of-paradise, philodendrons, and ferns online—as well as gorgeous planters to keep your new additions happy—then safely pick up curbside. And if you’re not sure your thumb is green enough, the shop also stocks home goods such as cheeky throw pillows and hand-poured candles to liven up your space. 143 Washington St., Salem, MA 01970, oakandmoss.com.
America Dural
Among Cantabrigians' best-kept secrets is America Dural, hidden on a quiet street in Observatory Hill. An unfussy storefront conceals treasures from every period: midcentury Bertoia chrome chairs, ornate Georgian mahogany chests, a refreshing selection of contemporary art. Only a pro could set up such an enticing array of home furnishings—and, in fact, the showroom is part of Phillip Miller's interior design business. You could buy a single piece, but then again, why not just engage Miller to bring his cultivated eye to your entire home? 143 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA americadural.com.
The Good Life Uptown
Don't attempt to call your own cab if you've had one too many here. "Where am I? Um... Harvey's? St. Botolph's? The Good Life?" None of the above—the latest incarnation of the rotating restaurant/bar is now the Good Life Uptown. 99 St. Botolph St., Boston, MA .
Charles Hayden Planetarium
Once the lights go down and an eager MIT undergrad begins narrating elliptical orbits, visitors to the planetarium can hark back to the days when every kiss was a stolen one. All you need for romance is a little imagination: Just pretend you're in a car staring at the stars over Swampscott. Boston Museum of Science, Science Park at Charles River Dam, MA mos.org/planetarium.
Picco
Upgrade your pizza delivery with one of these showstoppers, cooked well-done with bubbly crusts. For dessert, the brownie sundae is nothing short of divine. 513 Tremont St., South End, MA 2116, piccorestaurant.com.
David Boeri, Channel 2
"He didn't let go of 75 State Street until he heard bone crunch," said one admiring panelist.
The Maids
The initial cleaning fee might jar you more than the dust bunnies that have colonized your closet, but trust us—it's worth it. For $140 an hour, a team of professionals from this Newton-based maid service will wrestle your home into cleanliness, wiping down window sills, straightening stray objects, and mopping floors until they gleam. They'll even take out the trash. Carpet cleaning is available for an additional fee. When you come home to a sparkling, fresh-smelling house, the $75 charge for weekly visits will seem like a bargain. 73 Lexington St., Newton, MA .
Shine
Need just the right work-from-home outfit, hostess gift, or last-minute accessory? Glow up with help from Shine, where you’ll find sustainable brands in super-cozy brick surroundings. Browse woven clutches crafted by Balinese artisans from Poppy + Sage and small-batch sundresses from New Hampshire–based Emerson Fry made from low-impact dyes, perfectly paired with sneaks from Cariuma (which plants a tree in the Brazilian rainforest with every sale). Perky owner Erin Postl also stocks candles, perfume oils, and quirky pillows that promise to bring Earth-friendly accents to your home, too. 28 State St., Newburyport, MA 1950, shinenewburyport.com.
Bud's Goods & Provisions
It feels like home walking into Bud’s Goods in Watertown, and that’s just what was intended. The theme of the dispensary’s third and latest location is home, after all, bringing the customer on a journey from the store’s porch (ID check) through the pantry (edibles, anyone?) and ending in the grand room for checkout. But it’s the library that lures us in, with charming New England tchotchkes on curated shelves and undulating brass pendants spotlighting the custom-built display case filled with high-quality flower. The selection stuns, too, from classic pre-rolls to hazelnut espresso bonbons and grapefruit rosemary tonic. Worcester, Abington, and Watertown, budsgoods.com.
Nightshade Noodle Bar
After slinging “Hot Noods” in kitchens across the area, chef Rachel Miller finally gave her Vietnamese-inspired pop-up eatery a permanent home in downtown Lynn last year. From there, she’s now churning out an ace takeout and delivery program that includes homemade mi kho noodles with caramelized garlic sauce, a warm lemongrass-infused lobster roll, and coconut margarita mix that promises to turn any ordinary night at home into a party. But what’s even more satisfying than the food is knowing that Miller frequently donates proceeds to local non-profits. 73 Exchange St., Lynn, MA 01901, nightshadenoodlebar.com.
Philip Schwartz, Morning Paws
Hands down, Schwartz is the most distinguished walker of dogs in the city. Gray-haired and bespectacled, Philip stalks the streets of the South End, Back Bay, and Beacon Hill with his small leashed brood (including his own gentle doberman, Tara). A former retail executive, Schwartz never had a dog as a child and is making up for lost time, caring for up to 40 a day. He also does some sleepover home-stays—attending to pets, mail, and plants—and gives advice about Parisian travel and cooking. The cost: $10 per walk, $40-$50 per night for home stays.
Portobello Road
Much like its open-air London market namesake, Chestnut Hill's Portobello Road is vibrant, cavernous, and filled with exotic goods. Co-owners Marina Kalb and Kristina Lyons source boho-chic clothing, jewelry, and home goods from all over the world (Santa Maria Novella perfumes, silk basics from Sula) and close to home (breezy linen Nuthatch button-downs, Chan Luu leather wrap bracelets). Even though the boutique is located along Route 9, it feels as exotic as a shop in brightly painted Notting Hill. 55 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, portobelloroadusa.com.
The Summer Shack
Whether you order up one of the beautifully done basics—steamed lobster, Boston scrod—or a special like grilled wild striped bass, you'll have ample cash left over for a sinful dessert. 50 Dalton St., Boston, MA summershackrestaurant.com.
Hand the Hatter
In one of the grittiest corners of the Combat Zone, Hand the Hatter still plies the ancient trade of blocking and cleaning hats. Your battered bowler and pathetic panama will be restored to their pristine glory. 20 La Grange St., Boston, MA .