Redemption
Tattoos stopped being solely for bikers and misfits a long time ago, so it's only right that tattoo shops have graduated from dimly lit spaces to more contemporary (and way less scary) digs. Redemption is the very model of the modern tattoo parlor: a hip, clean venue with wood floors, a classy portfolio on the walls, and talented artists. Whether you know what you want or need some collaborative input, the crew will deliver a flawlessly executed design, all while you lounge—to the extent that it's possible while having your skin pricked over and over—in a cushy chair. 2094 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2140, .
The Maids
We aren't ones to cry over spilt milk, as our floors can attest; our couch has more hair on it than our cat. Without a speck of judgment, the Maids clean up our act month after month, dusting baseboards, degriming showers, and all but eliminating any traces of pet (except for, of course, the pet itself). They're quick, well priced, and unobtrusive: Aside from the preternatural sparkle and neatly triangled toilet paper, you'd never know they'd been there. maids.com.
Charles Street Flowers
This is the kind of place where Harry might have stopped to buy a bunch for Sally. The look and feel of Charles Street Flowers is old Boston, as is much of the clientele—but the shop serves its share of young lovers too. Strolling by on Charles Street, you'll be lured into this secret garden by its floor-to-ceiling windows, which are filled with hanging ivy and artfully arranged pots of flora. The small interior is packed with everything from daisies and sunflowers to lilies and orchids; it is clean, bright, and a pleasure to navigate. A vase of crisp cut flowers starts at $40 (it's a small financial jump to a $50 arrangement, but worth it). There's also a bookcase filled with glorious pots of hand-arranged dried roses. 115 Charles Street, Boston, MA .
Johnny's Luncheonette
Having eaten our way across the MetroWest in a futile search for a challenger, there's little left to say except, once again, here's Johnny's. This four-time Best Of winner extends its run by virtue of its satisfyingly thick French toast and rib-sticking meals like pastrami skillet scrambles and Santa Fe burritos. Its sparkling-clean setup (surprisingly rare in breakfast joints) and '50s-style cheeriness further ensure its rulership over the early-bird roost. 30 Langley Rd., Newton Centre, MA 2159, .
The Wellness Floor at One Dalton
If the makeshift desk setup in the corner of your bedroom didn’t destroy your neck and back this year, the stress of the pandemic likely did. Not to worry: The Four Seasons One Dalton’s spa has the post-pandemic massage you’ve been patiently waiting for. Like a homing device, the talented therapists’ hands zero in on every knot and trouble spot without needing direction, ensuring you walk out the door feeling looser and more relaxed than you have in a very long time. One Dalton St., Boston, MA 02115, fourseasons.com/onedalton/spa.
The Maids Home Services
We aren't ones to cry over spilt milk, as our floors can attest; our couch has more hair on it than our cat. Without a speck of judgment, the Maids clean up our act month after month, dusting baseboards, degriming showers, and all but eliminating any traces of pet (except for, of course, the pet itself). They're quick, well priced, and unobtrusive: Aside from the preternatural sparkle and neatly triangled toilet paper, you'd never know they'd been there. 179 Boylston St., Jamaica Plain, MA 2130, .
M.M.LaFleur
No longer just boardroom attire, suits are being worn by women for lots of occasions — and who can blame themwhen there’s such a fab array to choosefrom at M.M.LaFleur? Available as mix and-match separates in a slew of fabrics, several suiting styles are washable, which makes them infinitely more wearable than their dry-clean-only counterparts. Colors range from cheery to classic, and if you’re unsure of which style to select, stylists will expertly steer you toward the one that most flatters your form. 134 Newbury St., Boston , MA 02116, mmlafleur.com.
Four Seas
Compared to, say, Ben & Jerry's, the list of flavors at this Centerville favorite doesn't seem particularly innovative. But Four Seas, which has been in business since 1934, was the first to come up with such then-brilliant ideas as adding chocolate chips to a vanilla base. They still do homemade chocolate chip, maple walnut, penuche, and fresh strawberry better than anyone around. 360 S. Main St., Centerville, MA 2632, fourseasicecream.com.
Jenny's Wedding Cakes
Photograph by Hornick/Rivlin A wedding cake is more than just flour, eggs, and sugar — it's an expression of your personal style. And Amesbury baker Jenny Williamson, whose breathtaking designs are informed by 14 years of experience, can execute just about any vision. Need a gluten- and dairy-free cake with art deco flair? No problem. Want your grandmother's vintage handkerchief pattern turned into a four-tier masterpiece? Consider it done. jencakes.squarespace.com.
Area Four
Photograph by Bruce Peterson Hand-stretched and fermented for more than 30 hours, Area Four’s crispy, Campania-meets-New Haven crust confidently undergirds a cornucopia of toppings—from handmade mozz to sustainable seafood to house-smoked meats. 500 Technology Sq., Cambridge, MA 02139, areafour.com.
Area Four
Area Four Since opening in 2011, this all-purpose spot has become Kendall Square's community dining room, the place Cantabrigians gather to enjoy wood-fired pies and hearty salads. Feeling social? Ask to dine at one of the long communal tables. What to Order: The garlic knots; "Kitchen Sink" salad; puttanesca pizza. 500 Technology Sq., Cambridge, MA areafour.com.
Four Seasons
When a local institution undergoes a renovation, we take notice. As part of this year's stunning Four Seasons makeover, lumpy old armchairs, timeworn furniture, and outdated décor were tossed to make room for cushy couches, flat-screen TVs, rich comforters, and marble-topped dressers. Add to that the hotel's already unflappable service, prime location, and stellar restaurants—Aujourd'hui and the Bristol Loung—and this sleepover spot has soared back to the level of glamour its brand implies. 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2116, fourseasons.com.
Four Seas
It doesn't get sweeter than Four Seas, where flavor favorites include lemon crisp and peach, and homemade toppings range from Melba sauce to crème de menthe. Best of all: You can eat your treat knowing your tips are put toward college funds for employees, all of whom are required by the owner to maintain good grades. 360 South Main St., Centerville, MA fourseasicecream.com.
Anthony's Pier Four
It's a shame the food isn't as good. 140 Northern Ave., Boston, MA .
Doggieday
Need someone to look after your critters? While you're away, DoggieDay will walk Spot four times a day, clean Fifi's litter box, grab your mail, water your plants, inject your diabetic gerbil with insulin, and taxi Dirk the boa constrictor to the vet—all for a competitive fee. Unlike most services, DoggieDay covers almost all of Greater Boston, and is registered with Pet Sitters International. Future services in the works include dog training at home while you're at work and massage therapy (for your pets, not you). 295 Devonshire St., Boston, MA .