Eu2be
Your skin is your body’s largest organ — which means if you’re going to slather something all over it, it better be the good stuff. That’s where local entrepreneur Charla Jones’s newly relaunched line of body creams, oils, and balms comes in. Formulated with nourishing carrier oils (derived from the likes of sunflower, avocado, and sweet almond) that promise to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, the products are also sustainably sourced and packaged, so you never have to wonder if what you’re putting on your body is healthy for you, or the environment. eu2be.com.
Posto
WHAT’S THE VIBE? Sleek, with a view of the oven that fires pies at over 850 degrees and the clink of refreshing cocktails — see: the well-structured, bourbon-forward “Vitruvian Man.” TASTING NOTES: There’s clear commitment to top-quality ingredients (00 imported flour, San Marzano tomatoes) that once made Posto the first (and almost only) Massachusetts restaurant to get an official stamp of approval from the international Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana. And it shows in the char-spotted cornicione and thin, soft crust you might need a knife and fork to finish. 187 Elm St., Somerville, MA 02144, postoboston.com.
Forevermark Flowers
This season’s wedding florals will be inspired by both the intimacy of pandemic-era nuptials and the joy of once again celebrating en masse. And Vivian Zhou, the owner of Forevermark Flowers, excels in tackling all of the design trends this year will bring. Her petite centerpieces showcase unique textures best appreciated at small parties, while her voluminous installations are must-have accessories for grander soirees. 562 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA 02459, forevermarkflowers.com.
Southern Proper
When chef Jason Cheek opened Southern Proper this year, he sought to bring a taste of his native North Carolina to Boston. Step inside the South End restaurant, and you’ll see he’s done just that: The eatery takes design cues from Cheek’s grandmother’s living room, serving up comfort food on mismatched plates. The kitchen, meanwhile, cranks out platters of tender fried chicken, not to mention flaky popovers and out-of-this-world homemade pickles. 600 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, southernproperboston.com.
Scullers
It may be housed in the DoubleTree hotel next to a highway overpass, but once you enter this cozy cabaret-style venue of just 200 seats, you might as well have been teleported to a chic lounge in the French Quarter. Get up close and personal with the genre’s leading artists—Terence Blanchard, Esperanza Spalding, Chick Corea—or spot the jazz world’s next big thing: Scullers is dedicated to hosting next-gen musicians from local schools. 400 Soldiers Field Rd., Boston , MA 02134, scullersjazz.com.
Bodega
This Best of Boston Hall of Famer clearly wears the crown for cool streetwear and footwear, but with the opening of its Los Angeles sibling this past year, the brand’s influence has officially gone bicoastal. The new Bodega may draw in A-listers such as Jamie Foxx, Maya Rudolph, and Cameron Diaz, but thankfully, the buzziest lifestyle launches from Adidas, Nike, and Karhu are still happening right here in our own backyard. 6 Clearway St., Boston, MA bdgastore.com.
Bellacquer
Word to the wise: Arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment, because you’ll need extra time to choose from Bellacquer’s seemingly endless wall of colors—more than 1,500 hues, actually. Once you’ve picked your polish, it’s time to move on to the pampering, administered by technicians who wield a nail file and cuticle trimmer with particular precision. Salon connoisseurs will appreciate the blissful hot-stone massage that comes standard with each classic pedicure. 1389 Beacon St., Brookline, MA bellacquer.com.
Oona’s
If you lack the patience to sift through piles and paw through racks to find vintage gems, head to this Harvard Square institution, where staffers have done the treasure-hunting for you. Waiting to meet your closet: sweet Twiggy-era shift dresses, a sequined Valentino jacket, and baubles to satisfy every taste, all at not-that-outrageous prices. Guys can get in on the fun, too, with Hawaiian-print shirts, striped ties, and denim jackets. 1210 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, oonasboston.com.
Drink
After six years spent whipping the city into a craft-cocktail frenzy with its pitch-perfect Manhattan variations and handcarved ice cubes, Barbara Lynch and John Gertsen's tippler's haven has, thankfully, loosened up a bit. Once-monthly tiki-themed soirees keep things festive, and groups can now make bar-section reservations during off-peak hours. 348 Congress St., Boston, MA 2210, drinkforpoint.com.
Sweet Cheeks
Local barbecue fiends once faced a split decision: You could hit up roadhouse joints like Lester’s, in Burlington, or SoulFire, in Allston, or go a tier higher at Newton’s Blue Ribbon or Davis Square’s Redbones. Then came this smoked-meat haven, which, true to its Fenway locale, is in a league of its own. The quality of chef Tiffani Faison’s signatures—giant biscuits, fall-apart racks of ribs—hasn’t changed since the restaurant debuted in 2011. 1381 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2215, sweetcheeksq.com.
Flair
You don't want your girls in some garish getup out of 27 Dresses. Thankfully, a trip here makes finding the right dresses simple, owing to a tight selection of gorgeous (and, happily, understated) frocks from the likes of Coren Moore, Jenny Yoo, and Lynn Lugo. There are tons of colors, fabrics, and styles, and the service is both professional and patient. 10 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, flairbridesmaid.com.
Cheryl Richards
Weddings come—ideally—but once a lifetime. Cheryl Richards makes sure the memories will last. Richards and her equipment dissolve into the background only to emerge with stunning black and white photojournalist-style images capturing the poignancy, humor, and beauty of the Big Day. How good is she? Even if the wedding doesn't turn out to be as perfect as your fantasy nuptials, Richards manages to make it seem as if it were. 224 Clarendon St., Boston, MA cherylrichards.com.
Lumiere
Pike traffic is a proven romance killer. Which is why it's a good thing Newton has its own spot to sip, sup, and swoon. The dining room's billowy fabric sets the tone for a special evening, while the dishes from chef Michael Leviton—juicy Crystal Valley chicken; delicate Rhode Island striped bass with preserved lemon and mint—romance your palate. 1293 Washington St., West Newton, MA 2465, lumiererestaurant.com.
Marathon Sports
Boston is (as a running city should be) chock full of running shops. But none provides the level of personal attention offered at Marathon Sports, where the staff is rigorously trained to labor over every sale. Salespeople here will consider your budget, your running level, and—above all—your foot structure and stride (test runs included) before weeding out your ideal buy from the store's epic stock. 1654 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA marathonsports.com.
Rizzo Custom Tailor
The Rizzo who clothed Robert Frost and John F. Kennedy is long gone, but his legacy lives on at this venerable Harvard Square haberdashery. Owner and native Calabrian Joseph Calautti walks his customers through three separate fittings as he transforms supple Italian fabric into bespoke garments with the classic kind of born in-it fit that never goes out of style. 66 Church St., Second Floor, Cambridge, MA .