Patch NYC
Curated by design duo John Ross and Don Carney, this eclectic home décor and accessories shop is chock-full of treasures, from Miriam Haskell’s beetle-inspired brooches to whimsical Astier de Villatte serveware. 46 Waltham St., Boston, MA 02118, patchnyc.com.
Marshfield
Twelve miles of beach, 108 acres of forest with nature trails and bridle paths, two rivers, the marsh itself, and A & W root beer stand, and homes at prices that won't spoil it all. MA
Land of Pawz
There's no place like home, especially for a pet. But when a kennel stay is inevitable, Land of Pawz in North Weymouth is a close second. A veritable Emerald City of doggie delights, the complex offers training, grooming, a retail center, and transportation. 204 Bridge St., Weymouth, MA 2191, landofpawz.com.
J. T. Farnham's
Whole or sliced, and fried to a deep, golden brown, Farnham's clams are soft and juicy on the inside, salty and even nutty on the outside. The homemade tartar sauce is just a happy bonus. 88 Eastern Ave. (Rte. 133), Essex, MA .
Stephanie's on Newbury
Great salads, delicious entrees, and terrific desserts make this our favorite stop on the way home from work when the day's been a dud and only a Chinese chicken salad and a Tarte Tatin will make it better. 190 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Legal Sea Foods retail outlets
Day in and day out, all year round, the most dependable source for high-quality fresh flappers and crustaceans. And the frozen fish stock is excellent for making your own soups at home.
Angelina's
As everyone knows, Everett is the home of the American sub, and Angelina's is the place that sub-lovers come to. The Jumbo feeds three Bruins or six normal human beings, and comes in a variety of octanesyou get to pick how many peppers. 696 Broadway, Everett, MA .
Steve Buckley
Sports guy Steve Buckley holds down four, count'em, four jobs: ESPN2 staffer, Herald columnist, WEEI weekend man, and prodigious freelancer. A little Buckley goes a long way.
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 .
Kobe Cap Steak, Grill 23 & Bar
We’re jonesing for the primal pleasures of a deep-charred steak crust that doesn’t involve sweating bullets over a home grill. 161 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116, grill23.com.
Cindy Jensen, Studio 9
Trained in the school of Michaud, Jensen calls on her years as a makeup artist to deliver brows that enhance the whole face. Plucking, not waxing, allows for maximum precision. 9 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Venus de Milo
A beautiful, stylish place, featuring cutting-edge hip-hop and house music, and a sophisticated, multicultural crowd. A slice of the Apple in the home of the bean and the cod. 9 Landsdowne St., Boston, MA .
The Independent
Come for the Irish breakfast—two fried eggs, grilled tomato, black and white pudding, bacon, beans, and home fries. Stay for the seasonal patio. 75 Union Sq., Union Square, MA 2143, theindo.com.