Larz Anderson Auto Museum
Set against a sweeping hilltop backdrop in Brookline, the Larz Anderson Auto Museum pairs striking architecture with rolling views—and America's oldest car collection. Get revved up for your “I do"s in the stately carriage house showcasing everything from rare brass-era beauties to streamlined midcentury models and iconic roadsters, all immaculately preserved. Then party on the sprawling lawn with city views, which can host tented receptions for up to 500. 15 Newton St., Brookline, MA 02445, larzanderson.org.
AWOL
The Province Lands marshes make up one of the Outer Cape's most uniquely beautiful landscapes, and AWOL in Provincetown's rooms have a front-row seat to them. The boutique hotel offers understated yet luxe lodgings—plus a heated pool and fire pits outside—that overlook the vibrant green grasses and cerulean-blue waters. Though it's a short walk to town, you may never want to leave, especially if you book the Lark Suite, complete with a roof deck. 59 Province Lands Rd., Provincetown, MA 02657, larkhotels.com/hotels/awol.
The Energy Barre
This North Shore micro chain has a motto: You belong here. And with a vast menu of classes beyond barre for exercisers of all stripes—from “abs and ass" to “mom + baby barre"—they deliver on that message. Each class offers a precise but non-intimidating goal (enhance cardio function, restore balance), demystifying the workout process for first-timers. Even more accessible? A large library of on-demand virtual courses for members who prefer to work out at a place (and time) of their choosing. Multiple locations, MA theenergybarre.com.
Water Garden, Larz Anderson Park
Visiting this idyllic, sheltered enclave is something like stepping into a Georges Seurat painting. It wouldn't be surprising to see ladies with parasols strolling around the pond, seeking shade under the willows, or daydreaming on the footbridge. With such out-and-out tranquility just minutes from the crowds of the city, Larz Anderson Park is an ideal spot to relax, stretch out on the grass, and spread out a feast. There are even grills and tables. At the end of the day, when the sunset reflects off the water and slides through the trees, you'll feel as though you've entered an entirely different era. Newton St., Brookline, MA .
Winthrop Square
Located a few blocks from JFK's birthplace, this 2-acre courtyard-style park beckons with inventive climbing structures, sandboxes, a pair of swing sets, a spray pool, and an adjacent soccer field. It's also surrounded by stately oaks that create a shady refuge on sweltering afternoons. But perhaps its finest feature is the gorgeous Minot Rose Garden: Marked by a turn-of-the-century trellis taken from the Larz Anderson estate, it hosts 70 varieties of roses, lovingly tended by a neighborhood alliance. Corner of Browne and St. Paul streets, Brookline, MA 2446, .
Yale Appliance + Lighting
Why do so many area designers get their large appliances from Yale? Because the 20,000-square-foot Dorchester showroom displays dozens of models of ranges, cooktops, refrigerators, and more for the discriminating shopper to measure and compare. Even better, this family-owned business has been stocking dependable brands like Miele, Maytag, Sub-Zero, and Whirlpool since 1923.
296 Freeport St., Dorchester, MA 02122, yaleappliance.com.Grill 23 & Bar
It's hard to root for a champ, but when it comes to steakhouses Grill 23 has an overwhelming advantage. Why? Because this is not your traditional steakhouse: There isn't sawdust on the floor, worn-out Laz-E-Boys for chairs, or sirloins so big they fall off the plates. Replacing those beef temple staples is restrained, refined elegance courtesy of a large, airy dining room, an extravagant wine list, and fastidious service. At Grill 23, the experience is as important as the steak: The prime-aged beef is reliably excellent, and the ambiance takes the steakhouse experience to an opulent level. 161 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA grill23.com.
Roadrunner
Photo by Ben Stas “Allston Rock City” is thrumming louder than ever thanks to the 3,500-capacity general-admission club from the Bowery Presents, the same folks who brought us the beloved Sinclair in Cambridge. Boasting a massive standing-room floor and a seven-row balcony, the venue’s world-class design ensures there isn’t a bad viewing spot in the house. Its impeccable sound, meanwhile, guarantees you’ll hear every lyric, instrument, and pin-drop from the stage. Pro tip: The line for the upstairs bathrooms is almost always shorter. 89 Guest St., Boston, MA 02135, roadrunnerboston.com.
Roadrunner
Photo by Ben Stas/Noise Floor THE SCENE: Built by the same people who brought us the Sinclair, the area’s largest (and newest) indoor live-music room has a similar flair for ultra-cool minimalism, pristine sightlines, and industry-leading acoustics — at more than six times the capacity. THE LINEUP: A who’s who of 2022 touring acts, from Gen Z pop darling Olivia Rodrigo to multi-night runs by LCD Soundsystem and Lake Street Dive. 89 Guest St., Boston, MA 02135, roadrunnerboston.com.
Reagan's Appointment of Harvard University's Jonathan Moore As Ambassador-at-Large For Refugee Affairs
A perfect fit of man and job.
Mamma Maria
Valet parking and reservations? In the North End? Absolutely, at this house of refined and authentic Italian cooking tucked away in North Square. Better still, it's perfect for large parties, thanks to well-timed service and tables spaced just far enough apart to provide both privacy and a jolt of the room's energy. Add Rockwellian views of the neighborhood, the menu's mix of traditional and creative dishes, a diverse wine list, and you've got large-party dining nailed. 3 North Square, Boston, MA mammamaria.com.
Franklin Cafe
This utterly unpretentious, hip South End restaurant is doing its best to change the image of Boston as an early-to-eat town. Though it has only nine tables and a crowded bar, Franklin services perfectly homey, simply executed food that gives late-night dining a good name. Favorites on the New American menu include loin of tuna (a large piece of fish cooked medium-rare and served atop creamy mashed potatoes) and the grilled lahmajune (an Armenian-inspired pizza topped with ground lamb and cilantro). Portions are large, prices are low, and the crowd is cool—a winning combination that keeps hungry night owls happy and fed until 1:30 a.m. every night of the week. 278 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA franklincafe.com.
Mistral
Mistral is the kind of restaurant where it doesn't even matter if the occasion is special—you feel special just being there. Which is why when dining with a group for an important client dinner, anniversary celebration, or just a Saturday night gathering of friends, Mistral is the place to go. The large main dining room, with its soaring ceilings and intimate tables, can easily accommodate large parties, while chef/owner Jamie Mammano's French-Mediterranean menu accommodates every diner's taste. There are crispy, thin-crusted grilled pizzas to share, an extensive menu of such tempting appetizers as seared foie gras with confit of duck in brioche, and entrées from crispy soft-shell crabs to roast rack of Colorado lamb. For the biggest groups, there's the stylish, candlelit Le Salon du Mistral, which can accommodate up to 60 for a lavish seated dinner and is perfect for the most traditional of group dinners: the wedding reception. 223 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA mistralbistro.com.
Belly Wine Bar’s " Arm + A Leg" Dinner
The large-format meaty feasts here are an excursion unto themselves. One Kendall Sq., Kendall Square, MA 2139, bellywinebar.com.
Thomas Segal Gallery
For its risky decision to open a new space in Jamaica Plain for large installations. 73 Newbury St., Boston, MA .