Formaggio Kitchen
If your idea of heaven smells like stinky blues and buttery Comté, welcome to paradise. True nerds du fromage shouldn't miss Formaggio's classes (some of which are held in its underground cheese cave) or its cheese-of-the-month clubs. 244 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, formaggiokitchen.com.
Ecco Boston
The lengthy list of craft beers is appreciated, but it's the potent cocktails, featuring house-made bitters and infused spirits, that stand out here. With a late-night menu including double-fried chicken fingers and pulled short-rib arepitas, Ecco takes bar fare to the next level. 107 Porter St., Boston, MA 02128, eccoboston.com.
Brookline Booksmith
Well into the Kindle era, Boston still hits out of its weight class when it comes to bookselling, and we treat big-name authors like visiting royalty. The Booksmith is where our memoirists, like Andre Dubus III and Gail Caldwell, and our suspense gurus, from Hank Phillipi Ryan to Joseph Finder, come to tell their tales. It’s where Atlantic columnist James Parker throws a celebration of his literary magazine the Pilgrim—the one produced 10 times per year by the city’s homeless population. And it’s where Barney Frank turns up to talk baseball. In sum, it’s the kind of place you keep going back to, because you never know what they’re going to think of next. 279 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2446, brooklinebooksmith.com.
Out of Town News
We here at Boston appreciate every newsstand—especially the ones that give our issues prime real estate. But our highest esteem is reserved for the venerable Out of Town News, which makes its home in an old subway kiosk at the sk8er-boi-and-grrrl heart of Harvard Square. The newsstand carries more than 450 titles—spanning Granta to German GQ—plus at least 15 international newspapers. And even though the staff doesn't hustle browsers out, we recommend buying several extra copies of the issue you're reading right now. Go ahead. Do it. The register's right over there. Zero Harvard Sq., Cambridge, MA 2138, .
Eye Adore Threading
Got 15 minutes to spare? Then you have enough time for a stunning eyebrow makeover courtesy of the pros at Eye Adore, who specialize in the ancient process of threading (a.k.a. removing hair using nothing but string). We experienced the magic firsthand at the spotless Beacon Hill location, where our technician’s gentle technique produced subtly shaped brows that accentuated our peepers rather than detracting from them. And at just over $20 with tip, it’s the cheapest facelift stand-in we can think of. Beacon Hill and South End, MA eyeadorethreading.com.
Keytar Bear
Boston has a long, rapturous history of genius buskers, from Susan Dietrich Schneider, the infamous "Space Lady" of the ’80s, to such future stars as Tracy Chapman, Mary Lou Lord, and Amanda Palmer. But none has so captured the soul of the city as Keytar Bear, our unofficial musical mascot. Yes, our funky spirit animal—the furry king of costume-core—has been twice attacked by thugs. But he's now back in action, appearing with Guster in January and welcoming the Fenway faithful with slinky grooves on Opening Day.
The Proprietors
You’ve never seen brunch like they do it at “Props,” as the locals like to call it. Creative menu items—including a breakfast sandwich piled high with fried green tomatoes, egg, chili jam, and ranch pickles, and a yogurt parfait with roasted strawberries and coconut-blueberry granola—make this Sunday-only meal service something you’ll anticipate all week. And with an outdoor patio and easy-order pop-up brunch takeout window, it’s never been easier to get your fix. 9 India St., Nantucket, MA 02554, proprietorsnantucket.com.
Micro Plant Studio
Invite a little life into your workspace with help from this South Boston shop, which carries and delivers all things leafy and green (bamboo palm, burro’s tail, Venus flytraps), plus fun pots to display them in. Even better: You can brighten two households with Micro’s “buy to give” initiative, which lets you sponsor a succulent to send to a local essential worker. 365 W. Broadway, Boston, MA 02127, microplantstudio.com.
Southwest Corridor Park
Okay, so the Southwest Corridor (pictured, top) isn’t exactly a secret. But considering that the rectilinear park stretching from the Back Bay to Forest Hills is basically an open-air urban butterfly garden, it’s the closest thing to magic you’ll find within walking distance of your T stop. Come summertime, the corridor’s community plots burst into bloom with sunflowers, lilies, hollyhocks, black-eyed Susans, zinnias, and more, attracting Bostonians and butterflies alike. Boston, MA 02130, mass.gov/locations/southwest-corridor-park.
The Lexington at the Picnic Grove at Cambridge Crossing
The Order: Take your pick! At this two-month-long al fresco pop-up, chef Will Gilson will preview multiple menu highlights from the Lexington, his restaurant/café/rooftop bar juggernaut that is slated to open in September. The Cause: A portion of all July and August proceeds goes to Lovin’ Spoonfuls, a food-rescue organization marking its 10th year of service. lovinspoonfulsinc.org. 219 Jacobs St., Cambridge, MA 02141, thelexingtoncx.com.
Safe Supply at Bow Market
Smart, streamlined, safe food shopping? We’re sold! This ongoing series of open-air markets allows you to reserve a socially distanced place in line ahead of time, then proceed to tables of mask- and glove-wearing vendors who handle and bag your selections, from Picnic & Pantry’s kitchen staples and specialty groceries to prepared spinach-and-cheese layered phyllo from Koshari Mama, a mother-daughter maker of Egyptian cuisine. One Bow Market Way, Somerville, MA 02143, bowmarketsomerville.com.
Red Sky
Let’s be honest: When you say you want al fresco dining, what you really want is waterfront dining. And no place does that better than this recently opened northern-Italian spot in Hull’s Steamboat Wharf Marina, where the views of the water and World’s End on the expansive patio are worth the visit alone. Be sure to stop by at sunset to experience the namesake red sky with a glass of your favorite red and a bubbling-hot pizza from the restored vintage brick oven. 48 George Washington Blvd, Hull, MA 02045, redskyhull.com.
Landry's Bicycles
As interest in biking soars to new heights, Landry’s has met the moment with unmatched care and attention to newbies, while also catering to a wave of repairs — be they from road warriors putting in extra mileage or stir-crazy locals digging old rigs out of the basement. Upgrading your ride? Help the bike-hungry masses by trading in the old one at the Landry’s Comm. Ave. outpost, where the team can patch it up, get it back on the floor, and keep the cycling surge rolling along. 1048 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215, landrys.com.
Kelly's Underground Dog Grooming
Chances are your pup doesn’t love getting a wash, cut, and blow-dry as much as you love when they do. Thankfully, a visit to this South End favorite is something you can both look forward to: In addition to being a talented groomer, Kelly’s doesn’t crate dogs while they wait, so they can enjoy a little playtime with pals before they get clipped. 248 W Newton St., Boston, MA 02116, .
Myrth Ceramics
Understatement might be the central theme of Myrth Ceramics’ handcrafted dishes, bowls, and tumblers, which always come out looking timeless. The studio’s delightfully monochromatic offerings are available in a variety of rotating glazes, all designed in-house and each available only for a limited run. Don’t miss the deep-ochre “Chestnut” or the seafoam-green “Agave” — a prime choice for the new mug you’ll never want to put down. 9 Olive Sq., Somerville, MA 02143, myrth.us.