Louis Boston
The ground-floor inventory at Louis Boston changes as often as Maria Fei's whim dictates—which is to say, almost daily. The veteran home-accessories buyer is constantly tweaking the store's displays to incorporate her latest prizes, gleaned from upscale markets and dealers around the world. Porcelain tea sets by Mat & Jewski and graceful Astier de Villatte flatware are juxtaposed with handcrafted birch birdhouses; dotted amid the lighting fixtures are vintage French dishes and glassware, handmade candles, and even a clutch of beautifully preserved antique handbags. 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2110, louisboston.com.
La Petite Maison
Bastion of awe-inspiring seaside houses that it is, the South Shore is flush with well-stocked home shops. Among that crop, the undisputed attention-getter is the nine-year-old La Petite Maison, brimming with French-inspired panache. Its trove of sumptuous Yves Delorme bedding, Matouk towels, eye-catching Juliska glassware, and vintage silver and porcelain is unparalleled in making the interiors of local oceanfront manses as fabulous as their views. 142 North St., Hingham, MA 2043, .
Ares Shoe Repair
Stopping by this tiny garden-level shop feels like visiting your friendly but gruff grandfather's house: Cobbler Mike Damirshian won't hide his disappointment in your shoes' subpar appearance, but he will assure you that they can, in fact, be saved. And each and every time, he's true to his word—heels that have been worn to metal posts are miraculously rebuilt, holey soles are replaced, and scuffs are polished away. You'll walk out with kicks that look (almost) brand new. 84 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, .
Sayle's Seafood
More of a fish market than a dining destination, this Nantucket favorite deep-fries clams to crispy perfection. The crunch of the outer coating is followed by a burst of sweet and briny bivalve—the stuff of summer dreams. Sayle's also offers lobster rolls, whole lobsters to go, and superfresh raw catch for you to cook at home (although you might struggle to match the savory flavors of Sayle's). 99 Washington St. Ext., Nantucket, MA saylesseafood.com.
Fenway Park
Fenway became a regular venue for musical acts 15 years ago, enlivening the Sox stomping grounds with a no-holds-barred set by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Since then, America’s most beloved park has enchanted audiences with surprisingly strong acoustics, ample seating both on and off the field, and a stellar lineup of A-list acts including Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, and (coming this summer) Billy Joel and Pearl Jam. A home run, indeed. 4 Jersey St., Boston, MA 02215, mlb.com/redsox/tickets/concerts.
Royal Jewelers
Royal Jewelers is to David Yurman addicts as Massachusetts is to Mitt Romney—a second, and maybe first, home. There's good reason for that: The family-run, gem-packed store literally holds the largest and most complete Yurman boutique outside his Madison Avenue shop. And it hardly stops there. Royal also houses case after case of delectable works by other highstyle designers, including John Hardy, Kieselstein-Cord, Luca Carati, Michael Beaudry, Doris Panos, Elise Rosenstock, and Charriol. 58 Main St., Andover, MA royaljewelers.com.
Fabric Place
Who knew cloth could be such a passion-inducing topic? The folks at Fabric Place, apparently. Even domestic neophytes are blown away by the possibilities in this store. Bolts by the thousands—in shiny floral chintzes, neo-Yankee plaids, and high-tech eggplant-colored sheers (many handbeaded and embroidered)—are enough to send up visions of everything from simple slipcovers to whole-home makeovers. If you'd rather not pay for the designing and sewing services on offer, sign up for any of the 300-plus classes, and stitch it all up yourself. 136 Howard St., Framingham, MA fabricplacebasement.com.
Juniko
This Hanover workout center is less a gym and more a lifestyle dojo. Named for Japan’s "Twelve Lakes" and cofounded by jujitsu world champ Daniel Gracie, Juniko takes a fitness-academy approach to wellness, offering adult- and child-level formats to suburbanites investing in their whole family’s health. Held in a sleek studio, the classes—including Brazilian jujitsu and aerial yoga—feel more like performance art than exercise. But you’ll still want to reward yourself with a visit to the on-site juice bar for kale smoothies, avocado toast, and take-home cleanses. 1376 Washington St., Hanover, MA 02339, juniko.com.
Chris' Texas BBQ
Purists might be put off by the fact that there's pizza on the menu, but it's impossible to argue with the down-and-dirty authenticity of Chris' barbecue sauce. This place would be right at home on a Memphis side street, from the friendliness of the staff to the offbeat customers who wander in now and then. Try the Dallas-sized plate of meaty, flavorful ribs, or the heaping pulled-pork sandwich. Both ooze in a sauce that is at turns sweet and spicy, changing subtly with each bite. There are traditional side dishes such as collard greens and cole slaw, but the sweet potatoes drowned in maple syrup are a must. 1370 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA .
GlenPharmer Distillery
From vodka and whiskey to tequila and spiced rum, this “grain-to-glass ” distillery in Franklin whips up nine different spirits to sip in its tasting room and restaurant. Sample them straight in a flight or in any of the custom cocktails — including a whole menu of smoked options. We settled on the Cranberry Smash, featuring GlenPharmer vodka infused with locally grown cranberries, orange honey, and blood orange sparkling soda. The food menu, meanwhile, goes far beyond bar bites, with standouts including the miso-glazed tuna with sesame soba noodles. The best part? You can grab a bottle to go for a nightcap at home. 860 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038, glenpharmer.com.
Durty Harry's
Sorry to disappoint Clint Eastwood fans, but this much-loved dog spa and shop is named for owner Michelle Fournier's Lab-retriever mix. Pooches are the stars here as groomers lovingly shampoo, trim, and clip. There's even pickup and drop-off service for Charlestown residents so your pup can greet you at the door, clean and styled, when you arrive home from work. Fournier and her team also dole out advice on toys and training, deliver food free of charge, and host gratis Ruff Week parties in Charlestown's Paul Revere Park. 287 Main St., Charlestown, MA durtyharry.com.
Summer Girls, University Home Services
This firm will arrange for qualified baby-sitters to accompany your family on vacation and help take care of the kids, at modest prices. 9 Crest Rd., Wellesley, MA .
Geraldine Cole, Style Your Threads
Let Geraldine Cole give your wardrobe a boost. / Photo by Christopher Churchill When your wardrobe starts to feel like the by-the-pound pile at the Garment District, it’s time to give Geraldine Cole a call. The fashion maven began her career working in the costume departments of various theaters, eventually starting Style Your Threads when friends kept asking her for outfit advice. She’ll organize and cull your closet (or "archives" as she calls it), put together the ultimate special-occasion ensemble, or even pick out the perfect gift. MA styleyourthreads.com.
Larry Bird and Kevin McHale
The former for the regular season, of course. The latter for the play-offs.
Beacon True Value Home Center
Squished into a Beacon Hill storefront is this incredible urban resource center. Need to rent a power drill? It's five bucks a day. Run out of paint in the middle of a job? Head right over. Want to plant a window box full of tulips? Seeds of every sort are out front on the sidewalk (in season). Plus, the store sells the entire Leatherman line of cool-dude tools, and the service is terrific; these guys make Bob Villa look like he needs a little renovating. 216 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA .