Arnold Aboretum
Looking for nature close to the city? Grab your walking shoes and head for the Arnold Arboretum. This "museum of living plants" provides you with 278 acres worth of walking, jogging, and birdwatching. But don't pack a lunch—picnicking is allowed only on Lilac Sunday. 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA .
The Red Inn
With its wide windows and incredible vistas, this circa-1915 inn offers a clam's-eye view of Provincetown Harbor and the lighthouse at Long Point. Hardwood floors and beamed ceilings set the mood for platters of fresh-off-the-local-boat cod, lobster, and oysters. The only thing missing is sand between your toes. 15 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA theredinn.com.
Dropkick Murphys
Okay, a crushingly obvious choice. But consider that the Dropkick Murphys were able to get Bruce Springsteen on their first new studio album in four years—a kickass, heartfelt record that hit number six on the Billboard Hot 200. And now they're headlining at Fenway next month. dropkickmurphys.com.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Shoe heaven is, in fact, a place on earth—and you can find it at this second-floor salon, where heels from Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, and other stalwarts mingle with pairs from rising stars like Tabitha Simmons and Sophia Webster. In short: If your soles need saving, look no further than Saks. Prudential Center, Boston, MA 2199, saksfifthavenue.com.
Hudson
Interior designer Jill Goldberg’s expertly merchandized eight-year-old shop has all the rugs, furnishings, and knick-knacks that make a house a home. You’ll leave with an Assouline book, a Brahms Mount throw, and a whole new design perspective. 12 Union Park St., Boston, MA 2118, hudsonboston.com.
DePrisco Jewelers
This family-run business has helped grooms-to-be avoid the tyranny of the little blue box for 60 years. DePrisco's personable employees, wide-ranging stock of designer and in-house lines, and tendency to knock a few hundred bucks off the asking price can put the most nervous buyers at ease. 333 Washington St., Boston, MA deprisco.com.
Best Fit
The elegantly appointed changing areas and owner Lyudmila Sletkova's painstaking workmanship evoke a bygone era. They also ensure that, whether you've gone a touch brideorexic or decided to don Mom's '70s-era gown, Sletkova can nip your dress into shape without any skimpy-curtain indecency. 268 Newbury St., Boston, MA bestfitinc.com.
Shining Rock Golf Club
Opened only recently, Shining Rock looks like it's been around for years. And actually, it has: The course was built in 2005, but never opened until ownership changed. With multitiered greens and views of the Blackstone Valley Corridor, your toughest challenge will be staying focused on the game. 91 Clubhouse Ln., Northbridge, MA 1534, shiningrock.com.
Scarlet Oak Tavern
Comfort food rules at this pub and restaurant, so it's no surprise that brunch here feels like a good, warm snuggle. The polished farmhouse décor adds to the experience, but it's the lemon-ricotta pancakes sprinkled with fresh wild Maine blueberries and the house-smoked brisket hash crowned with poached eggs that leave us truly content. 1217 Main St., Hingham, MA 2043, scarletoaktavern.com.
Roslindale Farmers’ Market
This weekly farmers’ market doesn’t just peddle organic fruits and veggies—it fosters community, thanks to live music performances and activities for the kiddos. Fuel your search for microgreens, pasture-raised meats, and freshly picked apples with java from West Roxbury coffee roaster Recreo. Adams Park, Roslindale , MA 02131, roslindale.net/rvms-farmers.
Bellacquer
Treating yourself to a mani/pedi at this recently opened salon is like taking a deep breath of fresh air: relaxing, satisfying, and totally necessary. The bright space strikes a balance between clinical and cushy, with skilled technicians ready to trim, shape, and polish your digits to perfection (and have fun with nail art, if you please). 1389 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446, bellacquer.com.
Boston for the Dogs
This diverse team of animal aficionados—which includes a romance novelist, a Berklee graduate, and a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady—know how to make your pooch feel comfortable, be it on a neighborhood walk, a hike, or a quick potty break. They’ll even arrange playgroups with other dogs in a fenced-in area. MA bostonforthedogs.com.
Flair
Flair's gorgeous new Newbury Street store has everything you need to effortlessly choose frocks for your 'maids: the latest designs from Jenny Yoo, Alfred Sung, and Lynn Lugo in a wide range of colors and styles, and a cozy, elegant environment that invites conversation—not conflict. 140 Newbury St., Boston, MA flairbridesmaid.com.
Julie Michaud
Michaud will travel to your home or hotel and make you look picture-perfect for the big day, if it's a natural glow you're after or something more dramatic. She'll also give you a care package including the right shade of lipstick, liner, and powder for touch-ups throughout the momentous event. 297 Newbury Street, Suite 21, Boston, MA prettyology.com.
Winston Flowers & Garden
While Winston is best known for gorgeous cut flowers, the petal pusher also has an impressive garden store at its Newton location, where three greenhouses are bursting with hardy succulents, evergreens, annuals, and topiaries. You'll have to go elsewhere for spades and fertilizer, but this is the place to find the heart of your garden. 131 Newbury St., Newton, MA 2116, winstonflowers.com.