Rugg Road Paper Co.
Whether you're looking for a gift or for your own personal use, no other store is more fun to browse in for writing, wrapping, and special occasion papers. Rugg Road carries an unusual and beautiful selection— sold by the sheet or by the box— that is a nice departure from the ubiquitous Crane's stationary, and great for customized invitations. Its heavy stock writing paper is email's most valiant enemy. 105 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Canyon Ranch
Peace and quiet don't come cheap. (If you have to ask how much, sweetie, you can't afford it.) But the Ranch's formula for relaxation is worth every buck: no cell phones, no booze, no table salt, and plenty of yoga and pampering. And since the resort's amenities also include nutrition classes and cooking demos, you're guaranteed to leave not only your stress behind, but a few pounds as well. 165 Kemble St., Lenox, MA 1240, canyonranch.com.
Cape Poge Lighthouse Tour
A narrow beach used to connect Chappa-quiddick to Martha's Vineyard, but the sea breached the divide in 2007, and a 300-yard channel now separates thetwo. Don't let that deter you. Take the ferry from Edgartown and spend a day exploring "Chappy," which boasts 1,000 acres of preservation land. Sign up for the Cape Poge Lighthouse Tour, and a guide will pick you up at the ferry, drive you along the beach, and take you up into the lighthouse for sweeping views of the area. thetrustees.org.
Chatham Bars Inn
Sweeping oceanfront views and luxe accommodations (did someone say spa butler and private beach?) are par for the course at this classic resort. But the Chatham Bars Inn is always a step ahead. Produce is sourced from its 8-acre farm. The spa overlooks Japanese rock gardens. Tired of boating and swimming? Pay a visit to the lush croquet court. And if you ever need to leave the resort, just borrow a house Lexus with unlimited miles. 297 Shore Rd., Chatham, MA 02633, chathambarsinn.com.
Love Notes by June
Known by one bride as “nothing short of a miracle worker,” Love Notes by June owner June Leung pulls off everything from simple romantic sweeps and tousled curls to textured low ponies and effortlessly stunning chignons accented with bedazzled combs. Hoping to add volume? The beauty buff and her talented team of stylists will gladly hook you up with extensions, too. lovenotesbyjune.com.
Marathon Sports
There's a myth that says running requires nothing more than comfortable sneakers and willpower. Untrue: If you're serious about the sport (or are merely trying to look as if you are), you're also going to need some sweat-wicking shorts and shirts, a cardiac monitor, several pairs of cushy socks, a hat and/or sunglasses, maybe a windbreaker, and, oh yeah, one of those belts that holds little water bottles. Marathon Sports has all the gear you need, and some you probably don't. And its running-obsessed staff is clued in and honest enough to help you sort out which is which. 671 Boylston St., Brookline, MA 2445, marathonsports.com.
The Sports Club/LA
The Sports Club/LA has staked its claim as the city's most exclusive urban country club. Members have full use of the seemingly countless treadmills, free weights, basketball and squash courts, and swimming pool, not to mention spinning, yoga, and Pilates classes. But it hardly ends there. This club also features dry-cleaning services, babysitting, a full-service salon and spa, and a gourmet restaurant, blu, that serves up a special low-fat, health-conscious menu. And while it may be uncomfortable to break a sweat with so many beautiful people lurking around, that's not a bad thing: The club is one of the best places in town for singles to mingle. 4 Avery St., Boston, MA boston.sportsclubla.com.
T.T. the Bear's Place
Somewhere between a band's first roadie and their first rider, they play T.T.'s, a beer-soaked cranny in Central Square now in its third decade. For about 10 bucks a night, the club gets music geek nation on its feet with both established and rising acts from the East Coast (the Damnwells), the West Coast (the Thermals), and beyond (Denmark's Efterklang), along with local favorites like the Motion Sick and Faces on Film. Although it's true that Allston's Great Scott is increasingly booking tomorrow's Middle East and Paradise headliners today, for that pure ear-pounding, sweat-drenched, punch-drunk rock-club experience, the Bear remains the one to beat. 10 Brookline St., Cambridge, MA 2139, ttthebears.com.
Saltie Girl
Quick, it’s 3 p.m. and you’re peckish from a grueling afternoon bolstering the Newbury Street economy. Where to pop in for pristine bivalves and a chilly glass of curated Chablis? Saltie Girl, open all day every day, is our favorite solution to the first-est of first-world problems. Here’s to the meticulous shuckery, the handy cheat sheets ("small, briny, cucumber"), and the ingenuity of eye-droppers for doling out hot sauce and bracing mignonette. 281 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 02116, saltiegirl.com.
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
The hardest part of a vacation is making sure everyone has a good time. At Ocean Edge, however, that’s never a problem. Looking to work up a sweat? Swing a club or paddle a kayak. Need to entertain the kiddos? Keep ’em busy with kite-making and scavenger hunts. Longing for some time all to yourself? Lounge on the private beach or check into the spa. No matter how you spend your trip, you’ll want to find time at sunset to roast s’mores ’round the beach fire. 2907 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631, oceanedge.com.
Torbert MacDonald State Park
No need for hiking boots and day packs at this nexus of nature and urbanity. A stroll through Medford's Torbert MacDonald State Park provides ample fodder for urban birders, with sightings of red-tail hawks common. And though the stresses of the daily grind are just a few steps away, the sweeping views of the Mystic River and winding walking paths will make them feel a world away. 4253 Mystic Valley Pkwy., Medford, MA 02155, .
Living Proof
When MIT scientists are the brains behind your hair care, you know you’re getting the most effective product. The Cambridge-based Living Proof team invented and patented new molecules that protect your tresses and provide next-level volume. We’re obsessed with the Perfect Hair Day dry shampoo, which removes dirt and sweat from hair without an ounce of water. livingproof.com.
EcoClean Boston
We love the aptly named EcoClean in part because its proprietary supplies are made from sustainable materials, keeping things green, safe, and pleasantly unscented. But we also love them because they arrive on time and get to work in a whirlwind of efficiency. They might even surprise you—one day we came home to find our balcony swept of a winter’s worth of debris. Nice touch. ecocleanboston.com.
Dresscode
Amy Finegold knew the suburbs had style before anyone else did—she brought it there. Her two-year-old Andover shop is filled with up-and-coming designers and old favorites such as Filippa K, Charlotte Tarantola, Ted Baker London, Vince, and Ella Moss. Fashions range from sweat suit casual to party perfect, accessible to cutting edge. Whatever and wherever the occasion, Finegold will personally find the outfit that helps you fit in. 2 Elm Sq., Andover, MA 1810, dresscodestyle.com.
Fitcorp
Let's be clear: Gyms are not health clubs. They are not about watercooler antics and needless amenities; they are about sweating. Period. And with its slew of state-of-the-art equipment (strength-training machines, free weights, treadmills, Stairmasters, bikes, and ellipticals), that's what Fitcorp's Prudential Center flagship is about. There's also a diverse mix of fitness classes and programs, and a full-time fitness training staff. All of that should be motivation enough for anyone. Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St., Boston, MA fitcorp.com.