Bouclé Salon & Spa
Being on vacation is no reason to neglect your tresses. So bring your salty, sun-damaged, unruly mop to Bouclé for some deep conditioning and a sleek, sophisticated cut. The young staff—including one cab driver turned stylist—is professional without the pomp. Getting your hair done with Bumble and Bumble products and a healthy helping of island gossip can be even more rewarding than a do-nothing day at the beach. 71 Main St., Edgartown, MA bouclespa.com.
Kendall Square Cinema
It's not the fresh popcorn, hot cappuccino, or high-gloss neon that draws the crowds to this megaplex arthouse near MIT. Sure, those things don't hurt. But even if the seats weren't plush and the parking weren't plentiful, crowds would still flood to this theater for one of the largest selections of eye-sprinting subtitles on the East Coast. With nine screens of foreign and indie flicks, this is the place to catch an obscure tearjerker while boning up on your Czech or Urdu. 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA .
Backbar
Discerning boozehounds have long since perfected the art of snaking into this legitimately industrial hideaway, but Backbar’s drink artistry also extends to its deceptively potent non-alcoholic offerings. The unexpected-in-one-glass flavors are what pack a punch. An "avocado piña colada" is at once hot and cold, with familiar coconut milk and pineapple spiked with throat-warming curry and unctuous avocado. A fennel-saffron " absinthe lemonade without any absinthe" is a brighter, more brilliant spin on Death in the Afternoon—without, you know, the impending death. 7 Sanborn Ct., Somerville, MA 2143, backbarunion.com.
The Centerpiece Flower Shop
Nothing cheers up a space like a gorgeous bouquet of fresh flowers. And these days, no one’s spreading more flower-powered joy than ángel Diaz. With an eye for design, the Venezuela native and owner of the Centerpiece Flower Shop — founded in 2020 — uses seasonal blooms and greenery to create artful arrangements bursting with color and texture. Bonus points for his monthly subscription service, which promises mood-boosting handtied bouquets delivered on your date of choice. 2051 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA 02132, thecenterpieceflowershop.com.
Next Move Theatre
Happily, producing director Steven Warnick seems to have stabilized his company in its downtown home. 1 Boylston Pl., Boston, MA .
The team of dolphins that Boston attorney Robert Rines hopes to use to photograph the Loch Ness monster.
Machu Picchu Charcoal Chicken and Grill
Order a quarter, half, or whole charcoal-roasted chicken, smothered in spices and paired with tacu tacu (rice and beans). 25 Union Sq., Union Square, MA 2143, machuchicken.com.
Looney Tunes
Relocated from its former home on Boylston Street, Looney Tunes remains as packed with vinyl—and as busy slinging it—as ever.
Walker's Riding Apparel
More than twenty styles of boots, plain old Levi's, and a whole lot more no-nonsense outdoor clothing. 292 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Frank and Pete's Shoe Repair
An old-fashioned shop with polish—literally. When they do sole and heel work, they polish your shoes at no extra charge. 239 Faneuil Street, Brighton, MA .
Roche-Bobois
Home chic from the traditional to the avant-garde, including a notable selection of streamlined European pieces. 133 Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA .
Harry's Bar
Far enough out of town so you won't get caught. Close enough to get home for dinner. Sheraton Rolling Green, North Andover, MA .
Rue Sherwood Landscape Design
From design conception and development to installation, Sherwood will work with you to transform a mere garden into a thriving outdoor extension of your home. Ipswich, MA ruesherwood.com.
Beacon Hill Athletic Clubs
With 4,500 square feet of equipment and studios, the BHAC could hold its own anywhere. 3 Hancock St., Boston, MA 2114, beaconhillathleticclubs.com.
Bread & Circus
Where hippie and yuppie meet over whole-meal fettuccine. So who needs sugar anyway? 916 Walnut St., Newton Highlands, MA .