Sabon
In the world of cosmetics—full of synthetic chemicals you can't pronounce and futuristic plastic packaging you can't dispose of with a clear conscience—the soaps, scrubs, and other skin-care products from Sabon are a welcome change. And a fairly appetizing one, at that, since many of the ingredients (brown sugar, honey) are as at home in the pantry as they are atop the vanity. Much of the line comes in recyclable glass jars, and nothing is tested on animals. Human testing, on the other hand, is something else entirely: Customers are encouraged to sample liberally to find their favorites. 129 Newbury St., Boston, MA sabonnyc.com.
Michael Albor, The Loft
When you're clearly a brunette—by coloring, heritage, and attitude—why do so many Boston stylists pressure you to go blond? The one man who gets brown in this town is Michael Albor. Wielding all the luscious shades (burnt umber, auburn, bronze), he creates a vibrant palette without a hint of brass. Unfortunately, the secret is out, so if you're fighting the clock to cover grays, book way (way) in advance. 253 Newbury St., Boston, MA theloftsalonanddayspa.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.
Dominick Mango
Mango's shop, The Image Maker, at 28 Boylston St. in Cambridge, is the favorite of our art director, Sam Savage, who should know about these things. For one thing, Savage says, Mango managed to clear up some pictures he could barely see on the contact sheet. "We give quality prints without killing on the price," Mango says. The Image Maker also has one-day developing service. The Image Maker, 28 Boylston St., Cambridge, MA .
Aura
First, the bad news: There's no clear view of the water. Now, the good news: With seafood this fresh, you know you must be close. Unusual pairings such as scallop and crab come matched with exactly the right sides—in this case, fava beans. Even the plump lobsters come seared, with a subtly balanced, ever-so-tangy sesame ginger broth. There are plenty of beef, lamb, and chicken dishes on the menu here, too, but it's the seafood that stands out. Seaport Hotel, One Seaport Lane, Boston, MA aurarestaurant.com.
The Moderna Vaccine
Dinendra Haria/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty What a coming-out party this past year has been for Moderna. For years the Cambridge company had been all-in on messenger RNA vaccines, the radical approach to disease prevention that attracted billions of dollars from investors but had yet to be proven in the real world. After its wildly successful vaccine put the startup on par with major drug manufacturers like Pfizer — not to mention helped break COVID-19’s grip on humanity — it’s clear that the bet has paid off. modernatx.com.
Le Labo
With signature fragrances hand-blended and packaged right before your eyes, it's clear why this parfumerie's name translates to "the lab." The simply appointed Back Bay store's distressed apothecary cabinets and metal lamps make it easy to focus exclusively on the olfactory, and focus you should: The Audrey Hepburn-inspired "Iris 39" will transport you to a forest footpath dotted with violets, the "Bergamote 22" to a citrus grove planted in musky soil. 129 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, lelabofragrances.com.
The Green Room
Photograph by Trevor Reid / Model, Tayla Fernandez/Maggie Inc. From the moment Jessica Thornton asks her first question—"What do you want your hair to say about you?"—it's clear she genuinely wants you to love your locks. The stylist leaves hair so perfectly voluminous that some of her regulars can't resist visiting her one-woman shop for a blowout ($85) multiple times a week. 40 River St., Boston, MA 02114, greenroomboston.com.
Claudia Grimaud, Jardin Day Spa
Few pedicures truly exfoliate tired, rough feet; even fewer actually redeem them. The capable hands of Claudia Grimaud can do both. The kindly, experienced Brazilian has earned a justifiably devoted following since opening her sunny spa last year. The reason is clear: her talent for banishing calluses, whisking away rough spots, unearthing shiny and soft new skin, and finishing a perfect polish in under an hour. 115 Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA .
Cambridge War Memorial Pool
The six-lane, 250yard pool is crystal clear and exceptionally maintained. Water temperature gets high marks too: warm enough to draw you in, but cold enough to make you work for a sweat. If the kids are in tow, steer them toward the shallow kiddie pool or the separate diving well. Prices are very reasonable, at $3.25 for Cambridge residents and $3.75 for nonresidents/ 1640 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA .
Hot Dog Annie's
It's hard to place the exact ingredients that make up the house signature sauce—an addictive barbecue-onion mixture that has led generations to this off-the-beaten-track hot dog stand with its siren call. What is clear is that it tastes damn good on a hot dog, especially on the small and skinny, slightly crunchy ones grilled up without ceremony at this shack behind Worcester's airport. Order three dogs for less than five bucks, and ask for some extra sauce to take home. 244 Paxton St., Leicester, MA 1524, .
Organic Bath Co.
Who knew that 2020 would be the year of the hand sanitizer? It seems like every beauty company and alcohol distillery has entered the category in recent months, but Charlestown-based Organic Bath Co.’s 2-ounce spray bottles are the clear winner. With a hint of glycerin to keep hands soft and essential oils such as lavender and Moroccan rose, this vegan, cruelty-free formula keeps germs at bay without smelling like a hospital room. organicbath.co.
Derby St. Shops
No need to don a fancy hat to enjoy this derby: With community events, pop-ups from local entrepreneurs, and new shops and eateries cropping up all the time, it’s clear that this browsers’ paradise has become the modern, beating heart of the South Shore since opening 15 years ago. Shop classics like Anthropologie as well as harder-to-find spots such as Evereve and Nic+Zoe—then stop by Cava to pick up a hearty grain bowl, all without having to race back to your car. derbystshops.com.
The Fabric Place
When we notices our Martha Stewart-wannabe friends actually leaving the city to buy their shantungs and chintzes, the answer was clear: for price, selection, and service, The Fabric Place wins hems-down. Whether you need custom drapes or bias tape, the knowledgeable staff make the superstore feel like Oleson's Mercantile, minus obnoxious Nellie. 136 Howard St., Framingham, MA .
Montilio's
Open for 50 years, Montilio's has clearly got its recipes for success down pat. Besides offering towering birthday and wedding cakes (Bobby Kennedy and Arthuer Fiedler are two famous recipients of the former), Montilio's has also adapted to the 21st century with its coffee, biscotti, and muffin selections. The cozy dining section makes this an ideal pit stop for tea and scones after a stroll down Newbury. 70 Arlington Street, Boston, MA montilios.com.