AR Nail Bar & Lounge
Ombre nails. Tie-dye nails. Gem-bedazzled nails. The skilled nail artists here can do it all — just bring along an inspo photo or two, and they’ll take it from there. Pro tip: Be sure to book your appointment ahead of time so they have the time to achieve the nails of your dreams. 485 Revolution Dr., Somerville, MA 02145, arnailbarsomerville.com.
<em>Boston Globe</em>
The Globe again, for slashing not only the aforementioned book section, but also the Sunday Focus section in one of America's most cerebral cities, then promising to launch a new "ideas" section "when a more robust economy brings us better resources."
Hudson
Interior designer Jill Goldberg’s expertly merchandized eight-year-old shop has all the rugs, furnishings, and knick-knacks that make a house a home. You’ll leave with an Assouline book, a Brahms Mount throw, and a whole new design perspective. 12 Union Park St., Boston, MA 2118, hudsonboston.com.
Oasis Day Spa
There are long-awaited, I-deserve-this massages, and there are last-minute, I-had-a-bad-day massages. In either case, hightail it to Oasis. It's as sophisticated as a downtown destination, but not so much a hot spot that you can't book a same-day appointment. And the rubdowns? Strong, soothing, and utterly reviving. 108 Pleasant St., South Weymouth, MA 2190, relaxatoasis.com.
Chive Events
Drawing from an arsenal of locally sourced produce, Chive whips up such mouthwatering dishes as apple-and-wine-braised short ribs and decadent cocoa-caramel cream puffs. Need another reason to book? To avoid wasting food, the company delivers leftovers to local composting businesses. Virtue never tasted so good. 30 Rantoul St., Beverly, MA 01915, chiveevents.com.
The Underdog
The Underdog, 6 Bow St., Cambridge, is top dog in our book. The franks are meaty and tasty—the stuff of an Oscar Mayer dream. Marty's Famous, on Cambridge Street opposite City Hall, also hawks hot-stuff red hots. 6 Bow St., Cambridge, MA .
Brookline Booksmith
As it marks its 50th year, this place is still free of the "ism"s (elitism, hipsterism) that characterize too many independent booksellers. Instead, it continues to keep the focus on books and the people who love them with its balanced mix of bestsellers, staff picks, and bargain tomes—plus a star-studded author series. 279 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2446, brooklinebooksmith.com.
Boston College hockey
The football players are better known for making book, and the hoopsters for celebrating at Mary Ann's, but Jerry York's BC hockey team brought the Heights its first NCAA title since 1949.
Steve Bulpett, <em>Boston Herald</em>
This rising star now writes the Best basketball-game stories in town, especially since Bob Ryan obviously has loftier aspirations than merely keeping his eye on the ball for the fans—like writing the aforementioned book.
Waterstone's
A great mix of writers, from high-profile sensations like Martin Amis to cult favorites like David Sedaris, plus a comfortable space make this the best cheap date in a book-obsessed city. 26 Exeter St., Boston, MA .
The Middle East
The best by far. There's music in the restaurant's back room, in the bakery, in the basement (once a bowling alley). Eclectic bookings, a much-needed showcase for local rock and jazz musicians, and not a milliliter of yuppie pretension. 472 Massachusetts Avenue (Central Square), Cambridge, MA .
Boomerangs
Your wallet will like the vintage clothing, hard-to-find books, and furniture on display. Your conscious may like that all proceeds go to the nonprofit group AIDS Action, which owns and operates this and three other local thrift shops. 1870 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA shopboomerangs.org.
224 Boston Street
Nothing says charming like this adorable restaurant, situated in a cottage complete with a garden of tulips. Once inside, you'll be sated by apps like delicate ahi tuna tartare with wonton crisps, and homey entrées like cod cakes with zucchini fries. The whole experience proves that sometimes, a book can be judged by its cover. 224 Boston St., Dorchester, MA 2125, 224bostonstreet.com.
Earfull
In a stoke of creative genius, the folks at Newtonville Books and Q Division came up with Earfull, in which writers and musicians share the spotlight. The positive vibes flow over brews at the intimate Kendall Café. Why didn't anyone think of this sooner?
Parker's, in the Parker House
Besides the usual, this elegant establishment offers finnan haddie, pate, hearts of palm, lamb chops, veal Marsala, croissants, and live jazz harp music—all for $8.50. The two seatings, at 11:30 and 1:30, are usually booked by Wednesday, so make reservations early. 60 School St., Boston, MA .