Blick Art Materials
This cavernous space is stuffed to the rafters with paints, pencils, brushes, canvases, sketchpads—basically, all the tools needed to create a masterpiece, or just a big, pretty mess. Everything is arranged in supermarket-style aisles, the better to help aspiring Pollocks and Hoppers conserve mental energy for their work; classes led by the artsy employees teach the rest of us how to tell our alkyds from our acrylics. 401 Park Dr., Boston, MA dickblick.com.
Jan Gleysteen Architects
Perusing Jan Gleysteen’s portfolio, one word repeatedly comes to mind: timeless. With nearly four decades of experience under his belt, the Wellesley architect knows his way around traditionalism, dreaming up classic abodes—such as a grand suburban homestead with coffered ceilings and dramatic archway—that are built to last. 888 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA 02482, jangleysteeninc.com.
Colonial Shoe Repair
Favorite boots need a little TLC? These experts can quickly reheel, resole, or reinforce your kicks—sometimes even on the same day. They’re also honest enough to let you know when it’s time to retire them altogether. 101 Summer St., Boston, MA colonialshoerepair.com.
Mother Juice
Mother Juice’s liquid diet is as tasty as it is virtuous, designed to satisfy cravings at just the right time (we’re particularly thankful for the hearty and sweet “Cashew Mylk” right before bed). The local chainlet will even deliver its freshly made elixirs to your door daily. 291 Newbury St., Boston, MA motherjuice.com.
Polkadog Bakery
Your dogs and cats will go crazy — or might even sit still — for the dried, locally caught cod skins, chicken jerky, and many other delicacies from Polkadog. It makes sense, when you consider the treats are handmade in small batches right here in Boston from locally sourced ingredients. Multiple locations. polkadog.com.
Hodan Hashi and Toiell Washington, Black Boston founders
The city’s top social justice advocate is not just one person, but a duo symbolizing the importance of collective action: In the wake of George Floyd’s murder last year, Black Boston founders Hodan Hashi and Toiell Washington came together to work to dismantle racism in policing, healthcare, education, and housing. blackboston.org.
Xtend Barre
It might be 6:30 a.m. on a dreary Tuesday morning, but the staff at Xtend are all smiles, laughter, and encouragement.The positivity doesn’t stop at the barre; even as you pulse, squat, and tap your way toward a quivering mass of muscle, the instructors cajole instead of scold. 338 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, xtendbarre.com.
Kitchenwitch
At this jam-packed shop, you'll have trouble turning around without bumping into something you need (coffee filters for your Chemex), want (handcrafted Shun knives), or are happy to learn exists (bunny-shaped bento picks). 671 Centre St., Boston, MA 02130, kitchenwitchjp.tumblr.com.
Ron's Gourmet Ice Cream and 20th Century Bowling Lanes
There aren't many places like Ron's left in this world. The 10-lane candlepin bowling alley has barely changed since it opened more than 50 years ago. The house-made ice cream has won accolades from the likes of National Geographic. 1231 Hyde Park Ave., Boston, MA 02026, ronsicecream.com.
Lux Bond & Green
The display cases in this Boylston Street showroom house brands that have literally stood the test of time—classics like Baume & Mercier and Patek Philippe. The shop also employs a helpful, honest sales team more interested in finding you the right ticker than the most expensive one. 416 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, lbgreen.com.
Best Fit
Even your most treasured designer duds are safe in the hands of Lyudmila Sletkova. Trusted by notable Bostonians like Vicki Kennedy to hem sagging slacks and bulky blazers, the Russian-born seam queen has been in business for 20 years. She’s even a favorite among trendy retailers like Agent Provocateur. 268 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, bestfitinc.com.
Page Music Lessons
Page’s virtuosos, many with degrees from nearby Berklee and the New England Conservatory, will give your budding Beethoven a head start. Older kids can take lessons in music production, where Pro Tools and GarageBand are just the beginning. 334 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, pagemusiclessons.com.
Brannelly’s Cafe
The chatty bartenders, trivia nights, and weekly karaoke are more than enough to turn this hidden gem into your go-to watering hole. But the friendly Rozzie locals are what really make Brannelly’s feel like the home you never knew you needed. 4432 Washington St., Boston, MA 02131, .
Architectural Kitchens
Bill Prachnick and his design team are masters at creating and building classic New England kitchens replete with elegant custom cabinetry and fully integrated appliances. Their bedside manner is impeccable, which helps when you're renovating the most important room in the house. Wellesley Hills, MA architecturalkitchens.com.
Atwood's Tavern
This locals' hang boasts one of Greater Boston's best patios in the warmer months, and a seriously rocking lineup of local and traveling bands on its intimate stage year round. A long list of craft beers is ready to accompany your new soundtrack. 877 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141, atwoodstavern.com.