Ecoluxe
With reports out almost daily about the dangers of chemical cleaning solvents (perchloroethylene, for example, has been linked to liver damage and cancer), the organic and biodegradable cleaning methods at owner Shelly Mars's Ecoluxe are literally a breath of fresh air. Crunchy ethos notwithstanding, this small Boston chain is also a modern and decidedly bourgeois establishment. The clean, streamlined storefronts are so pretty they could be mistaken for boutiques, the polite and efficient service (from cleaning to pressing) never wavers, and home delivery is available. 1018 Beacon St., Brookline, MA .
Lower Mills Tavern
This cozy joint checks all the right boxes—the cocktails are potent, the beer list long, the vibe distinctly homey. And the team seems genuinely happy to host you: With friendly servers and bartenders quick to dole out thoughtful recommendations, it’s clear that all are welcome here. 2269 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester , MA 02124, lowermillstavern.com.
Twelve Chairs
Miggy Mason and Roisin Giese founded their home design store with a clear objective: Whenever possible, collect items that are made locally and sustainably. In their lofty space, the duo has created an urban dreamland that's equal parts industrial, romantic, and ethical. 319 A St., Boston, MA 2210, twelvechairsboston.com.
Back Bay Laundry Emporium
The heel of your shoe is falling off. There's marinara sauce on your tie. Your rug smells like Chinese takeout. You've been going to CVS in the morning—to buy socks. Enough. It's time to clean up your life, but the problem with your life is that you have no time to clean up. Luckily there's the Emporium, the only place where you can pick up your dry cleaning, drop off your laundry, have your shoes repaired, store your winter coats, and get your rug cleaned at 10:45 on a weeknight. If your shirts have ever been trapped for a month at a laundry that closes before you get out of work, this is the place for you. 409-A Marlborough Street, Boston, MA .
Inn at Hastings Park
You may come to Lexington for a lesson on the Revolutionary War, but you’ll leave schooled in hospitality after a stay at the Inn at Hastings Park. The Relais & Châteaux property is celebrating 10 years of hosting serene New England retreats this year, and it’s clear why. The 22 uniquely decorated guest rooms across the inn’s three buildings make each stay feel slightly different, yet the amenities remain comfortingly familiar (see: statement wallcoverings, in-room fireside seating, and marble bathrooms). 2027 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, innathastingspark.com.
Bloom Couture Floral Studio
Flowers, at their essence, are really just plain fun. And no one has more fun with flowers than Suphoj Chancheaw, who infuses each of his arrangements with a sense of effervescence and a clear appreciation for sculpture. Whether you opt for next-day delivery on a custom or pre-designed arrangement or join a floral workshop led by the master himself, you’ll find it’s easy to transplant Chancheaw’s passion for blooms into your own life. 769 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, bloomcouturestudio.com.
Porchfest
West African drummers, punksters, Bollywood funksters, and space rockers, all jamming out on porches, patios, and more across Somerville. This outdoor festival just might be the only time all year that you’re going to be happy to hear your neighbor play the guitar. With copies appearing in Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Arlington, and at the Lawn on D, it’s clear the fun(k) is now infectious. somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest.
Redbones
The years-long influx of challengers has ebbed, the smoke has cleared, and the winner and still champion is...Redbones. This is barbecue the way it's meant to be: noisy, messy, and crowded, with a selection of thick, meaty ribs that reads like a geography lesson—Texas, Memphis, Arkansas, St. Louis. Not in the mood? Try the fried Louisiana catfish or grilled sausage sandwich, or skip straight to the pecan pie. And don't forget to wash it all down with one of the 24 beers on tap. It's enough to make even a southerner all weepy. 55 Chester St., Somerville, MA redbones.com.
Panificio
Warm sun streams into this Charles Street bakery-cum-café's expansive windows, where the clientele kicks back (sometimes for hours) over high-octane lattes, crumbly slices of walnut bread, and the daily papers. And while you can clearly witness the hustle and bustle outside, it fades as you sink deeper into the shop's meditative momentum. 144 Charles St., Boston, MA panificioboston.com.
Parish Cafe
This bistro doesn't dub its sandwich selection "The Great Ones" for nothing. Some of the city's best chefs have contributed recipes for lavishly layered concoctions sure to make your mouth water. Steer clear of the calzone, and instead sink your teeth into the Capital Grille's Smoked Salmon on brioche, the Pudding Portobello with onion marmalade, or Norma's Zuni Roll with cranberry chipotle. The latter ensures you'll never look at a turkey sandwich the same way again. 361 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
International Buddhist Progress Society
You'd never know it from the outside, but the Buddhist Society, between Harvard and Central squares, is an oasis of peace, zen, and—great food! Start of with a little mind-clearing in the meditation room, pick up some literature about spiritual happiness, then settle in the beautiful tea room, sip superb tea ($5 "donation" per pot), and snarf up eye-opening snacks ($3 "donation"). Nine to five will never be the same. 950 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
The Beachcomber
Whoever said you can't please all the people all the time clearly hasn't been to the Beachcomber. Awesome views and beach access? Check. Long list of cocktails and heavy-pouring bartenders? Got 'em. Live music? Yup. As far as we can tell, the only thing missing is a cot in the corner — so we never have to leave. 1120 Cahoon Hollow Rd., Wellfleet, MA 2667, thebeachcomber.com.
Gloucester Street Cigar Company
A clear-cut winner here: The Gloucester Street Cigar Company outshines every other smoke shop in the city for cigars, pipes, and accessories. The cigar selection, especially, is easily the best in town; the help is friendly and knowledgeable; and the markup is kept within reason (unlike at a certain cigar club a little farther up Newbury Street that gulls wannabe aficionados into paying $9.20 apiece for the same Ashton 8-9-8 that goes for $6.60 at Gloucester Street). 34 Gloucester St., Boston, MA .
Great Eastern Trading Co.
Make sure you clear your schedule before stepping inside this time warp of a store, which stocks clothing and accessories dating to the 1920s. You’ll need plenty of time to browse rack after rack of still-good band tees, three-piece crochet sets, ’70s-era palazzo pants, forever-stylish leather jackets, quirky vests, and just about anything else your vintage heart could desire. Multiple locations, greateasternvintage.com.
Jennifer Catrambone, Prettyology
If the best way to judge a good aesthetician is by her skin, Jennifer Catrambone wins this award easily—her face is clear and radiant. Her spa-side manner is equally as inviting: Combining a clinical approach with luxe touches (hot lavender towels, a gentle upper-body massage), Catrambone offers more than 20 treatments, from medical-grade facials to chemical peels and microdermabrasion. 18 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, prettyology.com.