Posto
WHAT’S THE VIBE? Sleek, with a view of the oven that fires pies at over 850 degrees and the clink of refreshing cocktails — see: the well-structured, bourbon-forward “Vitruvian Man.” TASTING NOTES: There’s clear commitment to top-quality ingredients (00 imported flour, San Marzano tomatoes) that once made Posto the first (and almost only) Massachusetts restaurant to get an official stamp of approval from the international Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana. And it shows in the char-spotted cornicione and thin, soft crust you might need a knife and fork to finish. 187 Elm St., Somerville, MA 02144, postoboston.com.
The Maids
When you start naming your dust bunnies, you know it's time to stage an intervention. Let the Maids help by eradicating all that befouls your home. Using environmentally friendly cleaning products, teams of four dirt-purging professionals will degrease your kitchen, disinfect your bathroom, and polish your floors to a glossy shine. Prices range from $140 per hour for a first-time cleaning down to $102 per cleaning for a weekly visit—and the results are worth the price. As for those dust bunnies, let's just say the Maids know a little farm in the country. 73 Lexington St., Newton, MA themaidsma.com.
The Four's
Until the Celtics ended the long drought for the Garden's resident teams, there wasn't much cause for hanging around the arena to throw back beers. But with the C's generating excitement the likes of which haven't been seen since Larry Bird hung up his mustache, Canal Street was reborn this year—and so, too, was the Fours. It's not as big as some other venues, and that's what makes it so appealing: squeezing elbow-to-elbow into a crush of like-minded revelers, Sam Adams in hand, throatily cheering on the local boys. There isn't another bar in town this good at producing the we're-all-in-it-together spirit. And since the Fours carries the major sports packages on more than 40 strategically placed televisions, no neck-craning is required to watch the game. 166 Canal St., Boston, MA 2114, thefours.com.
The Four's
The most important thing in the most important sports town in America is, aside from victory itself, finding the right place to soak up all the action. If you can't be courtside or behind home plate, that place is the Fours, the venerable North Station sports bar that's as classic as Fenway turf and Garden parquet. Whereas newer suds-and-scores hangouts tend to come wallpapered in TVs (leaving us feeling as if we're trapped in a Best Buy), the Fours leaves ample room for signed jerseys, vintage game photos, and other memorabilia it's accumulated in its 30-odd years. Adding to the ambiance: Many a sports scribe and team executive have been known to tip back a glass here after a game at next-door neighbor TD Garden. 166 Canal St., Boston, MA 2114, thefours.com.
Larry Fidalgo, Fidalgo Floors
The scene of the crime is that newly purchased, splendid Victorian house whose floors are battered by years of abuse and besmirched with coats of deck paint. Enter Larry Fidalgo and company—and 24 hours later, stunning pine planks gleam from beneath a coat of crystal-clear polyurethane. Not only does Fidalgo refinish soft- and hardwood floors, but he installs them, as well. Among his clients are the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Restoration Society of Charlestown. Which isn't a bad way to finish. Somerville, MA
Etore Harabalja
An old-world craftsman who is charming, polite, and pays attention to detail. 32 Sherman St., Natick, MA .
Ombe
At this integrative health center four floors above Copley Square, our therapist kicked off the 80-minute massage by asking about problem areas and preferences—and actually listened. After guiding our limbs through a series of stretches on the heated table, she kneaded shoulders, back, neck, and quads with the hard pressure we crave (and often request, but don't get). And green practices (down to the organic Badger balm and body oil and linens cleaned with an eco-friendly detergent) left our inner tree-hugger at peace, too. 551 Boylston St., Boston, MA ombecenter.com.
Crystal Clean
Let's face it: Your baseboards and windowsills haven't seen the swish of a sponge or the feather of a duster in forever. It's high time you called for backup in the form of the friendly, family-owned Crystal Clean. A team of three or more expert cleaners will arrive in a flurry of brooms and mops, leaving nothing behind but a fresh lemon scent and a sparkling home.
The Four's
The next best thing to box seats is a booth at the Four's. Here, the dining room and bar feature warm woodwork and tasteful displays of sports photography, while the menu has an upscale edge—grilled chicken wraps, mussels fra diavolo. On game days, this Garden-area institution is as dressed up and well mannered as the folks in the good seats. 166 Canal St., Boston, MA 2114, thefours.com.
EcoClean
Clean home, meet clean conscience. When you summon the grime busters of Somerville-based EcoClean, they come bearing only the greenest equipment and supplies: environmentally friendly microfiber cloths, nontoxic cleansers, and HEPA-filter vacuums. And that, along with an endless reserve of elbow grease, is all they need to quickly transform your unkempt abode into a model of good housekeeping. ecocleanboston.com.
Brookline Reservoir
We're not in the habit of awarding locations around town, but we would like to share our favorite walk with like-minded leisure hunters. The lap around this picturesque reservoir is framed with storied Brookline townhouses, and the track is clean, shaded by tall trees, and utterly peaceful. This could be the most perfect place to clear your head in the city. Route 9 and Chestnut Hill Avenue, Brookline, MA .
Flour Bakery + Café
College dudes and little old ladies alike line up for Joanne Chang's masterpieces, but one creation stands crust and center above the rest: her sandwiches. Bite into a brie, arugula, and smoked chicken number on crusty focaccia, slathered with roasted vegetables and grilled to perfection, and you'll see why. Or go for the country ham and Gruyère, laced with tarragon mustard. The atmosphere is hip but sweet, the prices are reasonable, and the daily sandwich specials are written on a quaint blackboard with a quote of the day and the weather. What could be more delicious? 1595 Washington St., Boston, MA flourbakery.com.
Duxbury Beach
Pillow-soft sand, uncluttered dunes, clean bathrooms, and a sparse crowd that's as consistently eye-catching as the surroundings—Duxbury Beach epitomizes the symbiosis of civilization and nature. Factor in a rustic lighthouse bookending the peninsula and a pristine bay lapping at the end of quaint Powder Point Bridge, and our choice is as clear as the blue sky that stretches peacefully to the horizon. Canal St., Duxbury, MA duxburybeach.com.
Darlene's Cleaning Service
Once you experience the personal touch of Darlene and her crew, you'll never go back to a corporate cleaning outfit. Would they pick up your kids at the airport, wash your dog, do your laundry, go grocery shopping, and even prepare dinner for you? Well, Darlene will. Not only that, she hand-scrubs your floors and even makes that black city grime on the window ledges disappear. 28 Smart Street, Waltham, MA .
Flour Bakery + Cafe
The chocolate chip macaroons alone are worth the trip to the cheerful, family-friendly outpost behind the Boston Children's Museum. 1595 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, flourbakery.com.