Bernard Toale Gallery
Veteran art dealer Bernard Toale, formerly based in the Back Bay, relocated to Harrison Avenue back when SoWa was just a gleam in ambitious real estate agents eyes. Today he stands as one of the pioneers of the neighborhood's thriving arts scene. The works on display at his upscale gallery are so edgy you could shave with them. Two spare, bright white showrooms host a merry-go-round of psychedelic paintings, urban photography, graphic prints, abstract sculptures, and mixed media displays; featured artists range from international stars like Laura McPhee to rising Massachusetts talents such as Sandy Litchfield. 450 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 2118, .
Avalon
This mammoth Fenway space is more than just a place for catching concerts. Come midnight most nights of the week, the venue transforms into the dance club of choice for Boston collegians and techno lovers alike. With an outstanding lineup of big-name DJs from Junior Vasquez to Sasha, John Digweed, and Grandmaster Flash, an impressive sound system, and a newly redesigned VIP lounge called the Nu Room, the line behind Avalon's velvet rope is consistently one of the longest in town. Not to worry: The high-energy, anything-goes atmosphere attracts a hip but diverse crowd, making the people-watching alone well worth the wait. 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, MA .
Dress
The swish crowd shed tears when Dress bid adieu to Newbury Street in May 2012. Thankfully, owners Martha Pickett and Jane Schlueter reopened their girly-cool boutique on Beacon Hill last August, and in addition to stocking the designers that defined the store’s first iteration—Vanessa Bruno, Loeffler Randall—they’re introducing fresh lines like A.P.C. and Ulla Johnson. Mix in small-batch fragrances, statement jewelry, and curated housewares, and it’s a one-stop shop for the city’s pretty young things. 70 Charles St., Boston, MA 2114, dressboston.com.
Clementine
With the opening of the Street and Chestnut Hill Square, the western ’burbs have experienced a retail renaissance of late. Yet nothing compares to the experience at the always-darling Clementine, in Wellesley. Owner Judi Rizley selects the most exclusive designers and styles for her boutique, from Piazza Sempione’s fitted fall jackets and Repetto’s luxe ballet flats to elegant dresses from Harvey Faircloth. One stop here practically guarantees you’ll never show up at a soiree in the same brand—let alone the same outfit—as someone else. 445 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA 2481, ourclementine.com.
Exhale Battery Wharf
The downside of an hour of someone expertly kneading every ounce of stress and tension out of your body? Knowing that as soon as it’s over, you’ll have to check your Zenlike state at the door, only to hop on the T (or, worse, contend with Boston drivers). But here, after one of nearly a dozen massage options (for straight-up relaxation, we like the signature "Flow" style), you can stave off the inevitable in the complimentary Turkish bath, stacked with sleek surfaces, cool washcloths, and mood lighting to keep the post-treatment buzz going. 2 Battery Wharf, Boston, MA 2109, boston.exhalespa.com.
Pescatore
For a town that prides itself on being a seafood lover's Valhalla, Boston has surprisingly few exemplary restaurants in the category. And after subtracting the ones that'll set you back more than a few clams (B&G, Oceanaire, even Legal), the outlook is bleak indeed. A lovely exception is Pescatore, serving up Italian-style seafood entres that never venture past the mid-teens. Highlights include generous pasta specials like the fusilli Amalfi: Tossed with sweet lobster claw meat, scallops, and shrimp in a garlic-wine sauce, it makes for an unbelievable bargain. 158 Boston Ave., Somerville, MA 2144, pescatoreseafood.com.
Spa NiJoli
We'll admit we're skeptical of any salon inside a full-service day spa. Can one place really excel at massages, pedis, and cuts and color? At Spa Ni'Joli, the answer is a resounding yes. The stylists strike the delicate balance between listening to your hair-care woes and delivering advice, and our tresses were all the better for a visit. For all you busy North Shore moms: Ni'Joli also offers babysitting ($5 for two hours). Now that's what we call full service. 116 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen, MA 1844, nijoli.com.
InterContinental Boston
Considering the onslaught of just-opened and recently renovated hotels, it's a good time to be a guest in Boston (if a somewhat less good time to be a hotelier). How to stand out among the expected 300-thread-count sheets, Frette robes, designer bath products, and 24-hour room service? The glossy waterfront InterContinental outshines the competition (literally—its wavelike structure is swathed in reflective glass) with all of the above, plus a spa, a gym, three novelty restaurants, and one of the biggest ballrooms in town. The quick, courteous employees are a business traveler's dream; the mini esplanade along nearby Fort Point Channel, a stroller's delight. 510 Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA intercontinentalboston.com.
The Art Store
Yeah, we know it's a chain. But it's got all the accessories a starving artist—or, at least, an aspiring one—could ever need. And in this case, bigger is better. The warehouse-like space is stocked with brushes, paints, pens, easels, sketchpads, and practically every doodad imaginable. From acrylics to oils, origami to crafts, most of the inventory is organized supermarket-fashion and is reasonably easy to find. Even if you're not a budding artist, there are plenty of other goodies to tempt the creative shopper: photo albums, notebooks, colorful bins, design books. Who knows? You might even find some inspiration. 401 Park Dr., Landmark Center, Boston, MA .
Neiman Marcus
One step inside and your willpower begins to fade. After three steps, you're fixated on a lustrous, lacy negligee. Soon you're too weak-kneed to take any more steps. And here's why: set after set of bras, underwear, corsets, and simply sublime undergarments so beautiful, they'd make Roseanne Barr feel like Cameron Diaz. Far from tacky, these are quality labels like Cosabella and La Perla—all pricey, all worth splurging. How will you ever decide? With the help of the friendly and efficient staff, of course. 5 Copley Place, Boston, MA neimanmarcus.com.
Kitchen Arts
Next time you need a hard-to-find imported baking pan, follow your inner Escoffier to Kitchen Arts. From culinary esoterica (a one-inch funnel or a rolling mincer) to basics (need your knives sharpened?), these kitchen wizards have it all, including five lines of high-performance cookware. There are good old American brands alongside fancy European makes, and no fewer than 20 types of coffeemakers (stovetop percolators, French presses, and filter drips). Don't worry if your cooking skills extend little beyond boiling water. The employees know of what they speak and want you to enjoy the time you spend in your kitchen. 161 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Bloomingdales
If you're like 99 percent of the female population, chances are you've got some sort of phobia about swimsuit shopping. Bloomie's helps set insecurities aside with flattering lighting, confidence-building mirrors, and a massive selection of demure one-pieces, teeny bikinis, and everything in between. Helpful (but not pushy) salespeople are available when you want a real-world opinion on that Juicy Couture two-piece. And if you'd like, they're ready to show more suitable alternatives from the likes of Vix, Shoshanna, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and more. The Mall at Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill, MA 2467, bloomingdales.com.
Zegna
Boston gents, take note: You’re no longer restricted to showing off your personality through socks and ties. After relocating to the Newbury Boston hotel last November, this luxury brand has even more space to display its sharp ready-to-wear suiting in wildly diverse patterns and fabrics, includ- ing cashmere blends and high-performance wool fibers. (And that’s not even counting the enormous array of custom options.) Make it a one-stop shopping experience and pick up polo shirts, joggers, and maybe even an Italian-made leather backpack while you’re there. 1 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, zegna.com.
The Publick House
No need to fix what’s not broken: In the increasingly bustling Washington Square section of Brookline, the Publick House celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, and it continues to be one of the most successful gastropubs around. Whether you’re looking for a funky Allagash Coolship from our northern friends in Maine or a smoky Rauchbier from Germany, there’s always something exciting to explore on the draft and bottle lists. Add in a beer-infused pot of moules frites or some mac ’n’ cheese topped with beer bratwurst, and you have the ideal night out. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02445, publickhousebrookline.com.
The Barre + Yoga Experience
Some days it’s hard to decide on a workout: Do you want a cardio sesh or the sweet relief of yoga stretches? How about a workout that combines both? For that, you’ll need to sign up for the Experience — a one-of-a-kind class offered by the Barre + Yoga Experience, a studio that won over Rhode Islanders before expanding to Plainville in 2021. The signature class guides you through a vinyasa-inspired flow while you’re wearing ankle and wrist weights, mixing in some barre moves, cardio bursts, and breath work along the way. Talk about having something for everyone. 84 Taunton St., Plainville, MA 02762, thebarreandyogaexperience.com.