Eli's Pub
Eli's is the rare watering hole that is not too cheesy, too pretentious, or too pricey. Tucked off the main room of the Barker Tavern, this candlelit nook has a gleaming mahogany bar that serves a jovial but civilized crowd. It also serves such scrumptious food as crab cakes with roasted yellow pepper coulis and duck breast with orange honey—hoisin sauce. 21 Barker Rd., Scituate, MA barkertavern.com/pub.html.
Michelle Lee, Salon Eva Michelle
Michelle Lee's haircuts are shear genius. / Photograph by Toan Trinh, styling by Taylor Greeley/Ennis Don't let Michelle Lee's warm, chatty demeanor fool you. This woman is absolutely ruthless with a pair of shears—in the best way possible. She pulled no punches when telling us the problems with our current haircut (too heavy in the back, weirdly choppy in the front, not enough movement anywhere), and promptly got to work trimming and styling with aplomb. Thirty minutes later, it looked like half our mane was on the floor. The style left behind, however, was nothing short of impeccable. 118 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, salonevamichelle.com.
True West
A jolly gastropub in sleepy Acton? It’s a reality thanks to True West, the new sister restaurant of New Hampshire’s 7th Settlement Brewery. The pub has revitalized West Acton village with solar-brewed craft beer and a fun, casual menu—crisp tater tots, pulled-pork sandwiches with tomato jam—that attracts locals in droves. 525 Massachusetts Ave., Acton, MA 01720, brewtruewest.com.
Parker Cote Elite Fitness
Photograph by Toan Trinh Fitness model Parker Cote has graced dozens of magazine covers, each showcasing his remarkable physique. At his new studio, a 1,600-square-foot space brimming with luxury amenities (a spa-quality restroom and shower area, free Fiji water, and towel service), we can train to cover-model perfection, too. Cote offers semi-private and one-on-one training sessions that incorporate cardio, strength training, and plyometrics. 116 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, parkercotefitness.com.
The Quiet Few
Courtesy of The Quiet Few We’re calling it: If it isn’t already, the Quiet Few will soon be everybody’s favorite spot in Eastie. Since opening three short years ago, it’s already become a vital hub of neighborhood life — a walk-in-only joint watered by 100 whiskeys (one of the city’s best selections) and fed by five-star bar food. See: the “Frito pie” dogs covered in adobo-stewed pork, pickled onions and jalapeños, cumin crema, and corn chips. 331 Summer St., East Boston, MA 02128, thequietfew.com.
Mahaniyom
Mahaniyom's kang pu (crab curry). / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal From Thai tea Sazeracs and pandan daiquiris to a tightly curated menu of dishes that remind the restaurant’s Thailand-born staff of their various hometowns, Mahaniyom hits all the right notes and then some (see: crispy chicken skin, crab fried rice, and the unique green-papaya pad thai, which replaces noodles with thin strips of fruit). We’re also very excited to check out the team’s next project, Merai, which will offer a different take on Thai cuisine when it opens later this year. 236 Washington St., Brookline, MA 02445, mahaniyomboston.com.
Respoke
These shoes were made for walking — in only the coolest of places. Former fashion stylist Michael Tonello has repurposed his collection of designer silk scarves into handcrafted espadrilles that are now sold in specialty stores across the country. Snag them right here in P-town at the flagship boutique, where you’ll also find similarly made clothing and accessories. 145 Commercial St., #3, Provincetown, MA 02657, respoke.com.
North Beach Island
There’s definitely a desert-island vibe on this remote stretch of sand, reachable only by boat: Depending on the day or time, you might have the beach to yourself. At other times, expect pockets of locals staking their claim on the shoreline with colorful umbrellas, coolers, and portable grills and playing seaside games like horseshoes or beach bocce. Don’t have a vessel of your own to ferry you there? Beach shuttles are available through Outermost Harbor Marine.
Relax & Renew Day Spa
Five years after opening her quaint, cottagelike spa, owner Andrea Winget has hit her stride, welcoming returning patrons by name and securing exclusive rights to upscale skin-care lines like DDF and Phytomer. Summer residents of the posh Falmouths swear by Relax & Renew's personalized facials, deep-tissue massages, and creative body treatments (try the West Falmouth Wrapture, a detoxifying algae wrap that's perfect for sun-toasted skin). 635 Rte. 28A, West Falmouth, MA 2540, .
The Raw Bar
You get the feeling that the topless mermaid suspended from the ceiling here has probably seen it all. From the well-tanned friends whispering about something from last night to the pastel-draped golfers celebrating the completion of yet another round on the links, everyone at this low-key hangout just seems to be on permanent vacation. Join the party with an infamous rum punch (or two), but beware the boozy cherries: They're soaked in 100-proof rum. 252 Shore Drive, Mashpee, MA 2649, therawbar.com.
The Canteen
Situated in a weathered 200-year-old building, the Canteen’s surfer digs beckon from along Provincetown’s busiest strip. The menu, however, is entirely modern, with inspired takes on seafood staples—think shrimp sliders with lemon tartar sauce, cod bánh mì sandwiches, and vegetarian-friendly mushroom "fish and chips." 225 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA 2657, thecanteenptown.com.
Relax & Renew Day Spa
Five years after opening her quaint, cottagelike spa, owner Andrea Winget has hit her stride, welcoming returning patrons by name and securing exclusive rights to upscale skin-care lines like DDF and Phytomer. Summer residents of the posh Falmouths swear by Relax & Renew's personalized facials, deep-tissue massages, and creative body treatments (try the West Falmouth Wrapture, a detoxifying algae wrap that's perfect for sun-toasted skin). 635 Rte. 28A, West Falmouth, MA 2540, .
Hangar B Eatery
Enter this unassuming restaurant inside the tiny Chatham Municipal Airport, and questions abound: Should I order the croissant breakfast sandwich or the poached eggs with beet-and-sweet-potato hash? Is it appropriate to spoon the house-made blackberry-lemon jam directly into my mouth? Whatever you end up choosing (or spooning), one thing’s for certain: Chef Brian Erskine’s interesting and infinitely satisfying dishes take brunch to new heights. 240 George Ryder Rd., Chatham, MA 2633, hangarbcapecod.com.
Chatham Bars Inn
Everything at this posh spa is understated yet high-end. The outdoor relaxation pool has private cabanas nearby for al fresco massages; the locker rooms feature private steam showers. And body treatments like the Healing Sea Cocoon? Lovely, and mind-blowingly restorative. 297 Shore Rd., Chatham, MA 2633, chathambarsinn.com.
Añejo Mexican Bistro
During peak season, this bustling Mexican restaurant always has a crowd and not just for the Taco Tuesday specials. Tequila lovers will enjoy the extensive bar menu offering everything from guava-jalapeño and strawberry-ginger margaritas to palomas to tequila and mezcal flights though you’ll need to employ the staff’s help to choose from more than 100 varieties. The Hyannis location’s moody Tequila Lounge has the best nightlife ambiance, but Falmouth’s sunny patio is our pick for warmer evenings. Hyannis and Falmouth, MA anejo.cc.