Bakers' Best
Although it has expanded its dining area, we love Bakers' Best most for its sophisticated takeout options. Everything comes with detailed reheating directions that will fool your guests into thinking you cooked it yourself. But don't worry: The employees here won't give away your secret. They'll even come over to cater for you. 27 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA .
Top Dog of Rockport
Forget any preconceived notions of what a hot dog is: Top Dog outdoes them all with all-meat dogs in natural casings that lend a juicy chewiness, whether you order yours grilled or steamed. This little shack on the point of Bearskin Neck is immaculate—though once the friendly folks who work here pile your plate high with baked beans, grilled peppers, sauerkraut, or Vidadlia onion relish, you may not be. They also serve great lobster rolls and fries. 2 Doyles Cove Rd., Rockport, MA topdogrockport.com.
South Street Diner
We're not talking about strip joints—get your mind out of the gutter. Table dancing of the G-rated sort is a rare and special event within city limits, taking place at only a handful of late-night dining spots after city clubs close. Your shot at catching some spontaneous hip shaking is at the South Street Diner, where die-hard dancers are known to jump onto tables and countertops, continuing where they left off when the lights came up at Joy and M-80. 178 Kneeland St., Boston, MA .
Gamesville (www.gamesville.com)
Gamesville's tag line is "Wasting your time since 1996," a counter on the front page tallies the total number of minutes wasted on the site. The lure? You can play bingo, poker, and trivia, or guess the results of events like the Academy Awards. Cash prizes turn casual visitors into gamesville addicts. For protection against snoopy bosses, there's also a "panic button" that will instantly cover your gaming screen with a serious-looking business news page.
Makeovers Salon + Spa
With 26 styling stations, Makeovers is one of the largest salon/spas in the state—which means you just may be able to snag a last-minute Saturday appointment (amazing!). Co-owner Edward Blum uses his magic scissorhands to cut your hair based on the architecture of your face, and his team of talented stylists all follow suit. There's also a fully stocked snack bar and a separate wing devoted to inviting spa treatments. 574 Washington St., South Easton, MA makeoverssalon.com.
The Sweet Life Café
Once you and your sweetheart have strolled the beach and sailed at sunset, your next romantic rendezvous should be dinner at the Sweet Life Café. This upscale eatery serves fresh fare such as chévre ravioli in curry sauce and roasted halibut with eggplant purée. Don't miss dessert—the blueberry— brown butter tart is divine—in the candlelit garden. 63 Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA sweetlifemv.com.
Winston Flowers & Garden
There are a lot more reasons to visit Winston than birthdays, Mother's Day, and anniversaries. Beyond the profusion of cut flowers and potted greenery are all the accessories necessary to turn any thumb a deep emerald, including seeds, garden furniture, and three greenhouses filled with ready-to-go annuals and perennials. Two acres of plants and flowers will conjure images of your own private Eden, and the vast knowledge of the staff design consultants will ensure your vision lasts well beyond the parking lot. 11 Florence St., Newton, MA winstonflowers.com.
Boston Design Center
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, whose bathroom looks like a dorm-room stall? Not yours—not after a spree at the Design Center. With 12 bath showrooms—open to the public via a designer-on-call program—the South Boston facility has options aplenty for making your loo fit for royalty, from handcarved basins to gleaming chrome fixtures by Billie Brenner to glass mosaics by Ann Sacks to Geologica's marbles and granites. One Design Center Place, Suite 337, Boston, MA 2210, bostondesign.com.
Missy McInnis
Hingham-based Missy McInnis is just as comfortable working with haute couture as she is with your jean jacket. And because she’s independent (rare amongst personal shoppers), she can source a wardrobe from anywhere and everywhere. Starting in your closet, McInnis finds what fits and flatters, then takes you shopping. She can also pull choice pieces from her contacts at DVF, Calypso, Armani, and more, and bring it all to you. missymcinnis.com.
Boston Unique Events
It's your wedding and all you got was this lousy, rubbery chicken. Make your special day special by hiring Boston Unique Events. Owner Susan Callender puts together wedding menus with a chef s eye, and her seasonal dishes lemon-marinated grilled scallops, warm pumpkin-ginger bisque, seafood crêpes with thyme cream made with fresh ingredients and plated with a subtle flair, ensure the food looks as good as you do. 498 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA bostonuniqueevents.com.
Rafanelli Events
After you've been to three or more weddings, things begin to get predictable. But there is an antidote: Rafanelli Events. Bryan Rafanelli and his expert team sweat the small stuff, tending to every detail, from the rehearsal dinner to the reception. Whether you've been dreaming of a simple oceanside wedding or an opulent Boston affair, Rafanelli's staff will spare your guests a cookie-cutter wedding, and ensure that, far from yawning, guests will be talking about your reception for years to come. 142 Berkeley St., 2nd floor, Boston, MA rafanellievents.com.
Bob Slate Stationer
Old souls who still prefer old-fashioned card stock to Evites may get carried away when shuffling through the pens, pencils, and paper of every possible type at Bob Slate. For an extra-personal touch, you can work with the store's knowledgeable and creative staff to custom design your own full set of embossed, 100-percent cotton stationery, a move that will have you leaving your calling card all around the city. 1288 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, bobslate.com.
Marathon Sports
The wall of New Balance, Nike, Brooks, and Saucony sneakers is just for starters. Marathon Sports also stocks running maps, reflective vests, fuel belts, and fun gadgets. But what really keeps us coming back to this repeat Best of Boston winner is the service. Staffers here will analyze your stride—after you take a self-conscious sprint down the sidewalk—before slipping your foot into the perfect shoe. 671 Boylston St., Boston, MA marathonsports.com.
Barneys New York
Your credit card may get a workout here, but think of the time you'll save: an entire wardrobe in one fell swipe. Workdays are covered with Surface to Air button-downs and Alexander McQueen ties; for weekend wear, scoop up hoodies and tees from T by Alexander Wang. And if your pockets start to feel empty, there's always the selection of wallets and handkerchiefs to fill 'em back up. 100 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2116, barneys.com.
Lucia Lighting & Design, Inc.
A gorgeous chandelier in a lighting emporium is one thing; that same chandelier in your home can be quite another. Which is why Lucia's showroom is a superlative place to peruse your options: Task lighting is displayed in kitchen-inspired settings; vintage-looking brass fixtures are shown off in what look like real dens. Suddenly you're seeing things in a whole new light. 311 Western Ave., Lynn, MA 1904, lucialighting.com.