A4cade
In a city as proudly nerdy as this one, it's easy to find like-minded friends interested in vanquishing demonic forces. But the speakeasy-style A4cade, a collaboration between Roxy's Grilled Cheese and Area Four, is the only place where you can sip tiki cocktails while playing Ghostbusters-themed pinball and the ’90s classic Simpsons arcade game. (If whaling on bad guys with Marge's vacuum cleaner isn't your style, there's always foosball.) 292 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, areafour.com.
Showcase SuperLux
Where else can you summon pan-seared scallops and a Manhattan with the push of a button on your plush recliner, all while watching the latest Hollywood blockbuster? Showcase SuperLux has elevated theatergoing to a Zen experience, with a legit dinner menu and cocktails that will make even the dreariest rom-com bearable. What about the popcorn, you ask? Here, it's on the house. 55 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 2467, showcasesuperlux.com.
Bringing Up Baby
Whether your brood’s in tow out of necessity or to ensure accurate sizing, Bringing Up Baby makes the experience both convenient (the nursing and changing room) and fun (a toys area, crafts events). With its four organic layette lines and haute-tot labels like Québec-based Deux par Deux, discerning parents and those splurging for special occasions will be more than satisfied. 663 E. Broadway, Boston, MA 2127, .
Crane & Co.
In addition to products from Kate Spade and Vera Bradley, Crane & Co. carries an in-house line (we love the hand-engraved Queen Bee notes for thank-yous). Whether you're looking for invitations or your first set of monogrammed stationery as husband and wife, staffers will fall all over themselves to make sure you're pleased. 156 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, crane.com.
Bessie Blue
There's no shortage of painfully chic, designer-heavy boutiques in the western 'burbs. But this four-year-old spot manages to be both artfully fashionable and charmingly approachable—no sizing up or talking down to customers here. The place is stocked with glamorous yet fun apparel and accessories, and the stylish staffers, including owner Lee Gaston, are happy to help you translate the trends to complement your personal taste. 21 Leonard St., Belmont, MA 2478, bessieblue.com.
Crane & Co.
In addition to products from Kate Spade and Vera Bradley, Crane & Co. carries an in-house line (we love the hand-engraved Queen Bee notes for thank-yous). Whether you're looking for invitations or your first set of monogrammed stationery as husband and wife, staffers will fall all over themselves to make sure you're pleased. 156 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, crane.com.
Frette
If you're spending too much time counting sheep, drag your weary bones to Frette, where the bedding experts will help you unravel the mysteries of linens—for example, thread count (the higher the number, the heavier the sheet). The store carries sheets, quilts, bedspreads, and accessories by top designers, in addition to the in-house line, which comes in both classic shades and colorful prints. 776B Boylston St., Boston, MA frette.com.
New England Mobile Bike Fair
Nobody has a more luscious selection of cookbooks than this mammoth warehouse on the Newton/ Needham line. Your 15-year-old just became a vegan? Hosting 60 people for Indonesian rijsttaffel? Next aisle. The shelf for French cookbooks alone is 12 feet long; a tour of the 7-foot-high shelves is a foodie's armchair trip around the world. 82 Needham St., Newton Highlands, MA .
Gaslight
Over the past four years, Gaslight has proven it's more than just the restaurant du jour. It consistently turns out terrific takes on French classics in an authentically Parisian atmosphere. Crowds pack the dining room for dishes like the falling-apart duck confit with orange gastrique, and quite possibly the most sinful meat entrée Boston has ever seen—the bar steak, smothered in luscious cognac cream sauce and caramelized shallots. 560 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 2118, gaslight560.com.
Sfoglia
A low-key ambiance and an ever changing wellspring of impressively fresh Italian-influenced far—house-made gnocchi, chocolate-hazelnut-espresso semifreddo—accented with locally grown produce earn Sfoglia raves as an artful dining destination. It's also a blissfully ringtone-free one: There are no cell phones allowed here, which is just as well, as you might be tempted to call everyone you know to rave about the food, the décor, the wine list. And, oh yeah, your date. 1402 Lexington Ave., Nantucket, MA 2554, .
Savenor's
A selection of fresh meat and a knowledgeable staff are all you really need to get your carnivore on. Unless, that is, you've been spoiled by Savenor's Cambridge location, where grass-fed, organic, and free-range animals of all stripes (even rattlesnake) are readily available to the discerning meat eater. And thanks to the shop's new sandwich counter, now you can get those quality comestibles—from duck confit to house-roasted beef—nestled in a bun to go. 160 Charles St., Boston, MA 2114, savenorsmarket.com.
Anh Hong
Dorchester's Anh Hong is the real McCoy. Try the chicken pho ga, guaranteed to cure what ails you, the hearty grilled-pork rice plates, and standout dishes like vermicelli with beef, and jellyfish and shrimp salad. And if you want to dazzle the stubborn carnivores in your party, order the house specialty: a seven-course beef tasting. 291 Adams St., Dorchester, MA 2122, .
Harvard Museum of Natural History
If your precocious tots think they've seen everything, try sitting them in front of the case of enormous beetles at this house of curiosities, then savor their awestruck silence. Other impressive beasts on view include a buffalo, a jaguar, a giraffe, thousands of birds, and a rhinoceros—to say nothing of the massive dinosaur fossils—all stuffed, mounted, and densely arranged in glass 'cages.' 26 Oxford St., Cambridge, MA 2138, harvard.com.
Winnetu Oceanside Resort on Martha's Vineyard
You may not have a Vineyard abode to call home, but a stay at this family-oriented hotel will make you feel like you own the place. Situated just steps from South Beach, Winnetu offers both kitchenette-equipped suites and weekly house rentals, including four new cottages outfitted with all the comforts of home. For those in the mood to eat out, the hotel's restaurant, Lure Grill, offers excellent seafood with a side of ocean views. And for the kids, there are basketball and tennis courts, day camps, and evening clambakes. 31 Dunes Road, Edgartown, MA 2539, winnetu.com.
Flat Top Johnny's
Unlike its dank and dreary cousins, this billiards palace is clean and well-lit, with premium liquors poured at the full bar and food that would please even a discerning palate. True, some of the rowdy patrons seem more interested in slamming shots than shooting pool, but crowded around the hall's 12 tables you'll find plenty of serious players. Want to test your hustling skills? Cue up for the weekly 9-ball tournament Mondays at 6 p.m. 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 2139, flattopjohnnys.com.