Revolutionary Story Tour
Led by local experts, this Boston history refresher along the Freedom Trail will not only remind you of everything you learned (and forgot) in school, but also how lucky you are to call this city your own. One Washington Mall, Boston, MA 02108, therevolutionarystorytour.com.
North Shore Dog
Parting with a furry friend pre-vacation is such sweet sorrow. But book your pup a stay at this 7,000-plus-square-foot boarding-and-daycare facility, and you can rest assured that he’ll sleep tight after romping for hours in one of four supervised, climate-controlled rooms where dogs, from teacup Chihuahuas to mastiffs, are grouped by play style and size. Walks and Blue Buffalo food are available at no extra charge, and Web cams allow globe-trotting owners to keep tabs on their pets throughout the day. 139 Endicott St., Danvers, MA 1923, nsdog.com.
Area Four
This highbrow pizzeria may have a few new outposts, but it was here where Cambridge's technorati first learned to love those perfectly charred and chewy pies. For brunch, try the hangover-slaying "Hot Mess" in a screaming-hot skillet. 500 Technology Sq., Cambridge, MA 02139, areafour.com.
Publick House
Several craft-beer haunts opened this year, but our hops-loving hearts still belong to the Publick House. Draft selections in the triple digits and a phone-book-thick menu don't always make a great beer bar, so we especially appreciate its carefully curated draft and bottle list. The amiable staff of beer experts, excellent food, and dark, oaky ambiance seal the deal. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02445, thepublickhousebeerbar.com.
Boarding House
For more than two decades, Angela and Seth Raynor have provided prime people-watching on their outdoor patio. The brunch is top-notch, too, with Sunday-morning saviors like chicken and waffles, lump-crab-stuffed avocado, grilled banana bread, and, naturally, a bacon bloody mary. 12 Federal St., Nantucket, MA 02554, boardinghousenantucket.com.
Eben House
Housed in a building dating to 1776, this Provincetown inn eschews the floral ruffled bed skirts typical of historically minded B & Bs in favor of crisp white duvets, restored hardwood floors, and inspired breakfast options. Add in the saltwater pool opening this summer, and you may never want to take the short walk to Commercial Street. 90 Bradford St., Provincetown, MA 2657, ebenhouse.com.
Area Four
To find espresso this good—hot and potent, with a nutty crema—served sans withering disdain is a rare thing indeed. 500 Technology Sq., Kendall Square, MA 2139, areafour.com.
The Publick House
Carb addicts, allow us to introduce you to your downfall: Monk's Frites at the Publick House. A mere $6 gets you a shareable portion of hand-cut fries worth their weight in Yukon gold. These not-too-crispy, not-too-soft pommes are lightly dusted with sea salt, wrapped in a traditional Belgian paper cone, and finally served up with a choice of two homemade dipping sauces (we can't get enough of the fresh herb mayo and the truffle ketchup). 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2445, .
The Publick House
Sometimes a cozy haunt, sometimes a party den, the imported-beer mecca is consistently the square's best bet for elbow bending (and rubbing). 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2445, .
Siam House
Service in this nondescript brick eatery in Quincy Center can be a bit slow, but the seafood dishes are some of the freshest we've found this side of Phuket, and well worth the wait. So are the unusual and savory specials—the Sizzling Combo, for example, a mix of squid, plump shrimp, and juicy tenderloin. 1472 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA .
Cabot House
While the crowds at Ikea load up their minivans with pre-boxed goods, savvy homeowners hunt for their furnishings at family-owned empire Cabot House. Here's where upscale American brands like Ralph Lauren Furniture, Sealy, Baker, and Thomasville mingle in posh, roomlike settings. Can't fit it all into your Land Rover? Sorry, quality like this doesn't come flat-packed. 266 Main St., Weymouth, MA 2188, cabothouse.com.
The Custom House
Boston musician Fran Sheehan has put together an extensive, well-priced list at this North Shore establishment. 9 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, MA .
SweatHouz
Sometimes, a good shvitz is exactly what the doctor ordered. That’s certainly the case at this Assembly Row wellness destination, where you can sweat it out from the comfort of your own private infrared sauna suite, complete with towel service, a TV, and surround sound. Sign up for the monthly membership program to maximize the promised benefits, which include supple skin and better muscle recovery. 385 Revolution Dr., Somerville, MA 02145, sweathouz.com.