Flair Bridesmaid Boutique
One of the perks of having lots of friends is being in lots of weddings. The downside? Being in lots of weddings. Flair makes those obligatory bridesmaid's-dress shopping trips something close to fun. The cheerful boutique overflows with modern silhouettes in tasteful shades (really!) and quality fabrics by lines like Jenny Yoo and Coren Moore. And while you still probably won't wear the dress again, Flair's sensible prices make that okay. 129 Newbury St., Boston, MA flairbridesmaid.com.
Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q
Texas smoke versus Memphis rub, vinegar tang versus peppery heat—barbecue debates will likely rage until kingdom come (and straight on into the sweet hereafter). This year our returning champion silenced at least one point of contention—which of its two outlets is better—by debuting a central, honking-big smoker (reportedly New England's largest) that turns out uniformly succulent sliced brisket, pulled pork, and an array of other regional specialties for both Blue Ribbon locations, as well as its booming catering business. 1375 Washington St., West Newton, MA blueribbonbbq.com.
Pigalle
Always up for a challenge, chef Marc Orfaly is taking on the notion that bar food has to be cheap and greasy with a Malaysian-themed menu culled from his recent trip to the Far East. Pigalle's bar seats just six, but the small plates of duck fried rice, baby-back ribs with sweet and sour kumquats, and shrimp shumai with ponzu dipping sauce make the fight for a spot one worth waging. 75 Charles St. S., Boston, MA pigalleboston.com.
Jimmy Tingle's Off-Broadway
A mediocre alternative theater is content to stage Brecht rip-offs and plumb the depths of existential mime. A great alternative theater like Jimmy Tingle's Off-Broadway hosts political fundraisers, film panel discussions, local comedy, cabaret, storytellers, and rock bands. Topping the marquee are must-see popular productions like Shay Duffin's channeling of Brendan Behan in Confessions of an Irish Rebel, not to mention Tingle's own venerable one-man shtick. 255 Elm St., Somerville, MA jtoffbroadway.com.
Tafari Wraps
Our hair is an important part of who we are. No one understands that better than Tafari founder Imani McFarlane. Celebrating the culture of the African diaspora, her gorgeous silk and Ankara head wraps (to say nothing of the sharp headbands and scrunchies) promise to protect, nourish, and beautify. McFarlane also offers tutorials and personalized consultations, so everyone can learn the art of head-wrapping. tafariwraps.com.
Chinese New Year Parade and Cultural Village
There’s only one event that’ll entice us to spend the day outside in the middle of winter — and judging by the crowd that came out in the snow this past February to ring in the Year of the Tiger with the first lion-dance parade in two years(!), we’re not alone. The Cultural Village at the China Trade Center, meanwhile, always adds a layer of fun to the experience, with calligraphy, lantern-making, and more — and a layer of warmth, too. chinatownmainstreet.org.
Food for the Soul
Brothers William and Donnell Singleton’s love of community is the secret ingredient at this completely halal restaurant, which serves up plate after plate of favorites, from smothered chicken to beef ribs to jerk chicken with collards. For one thing, Food for the Soul prepared 80,000 meals for locals in need during the early days of COVID. And now? It still stands above the rest for creating an atmosphere that’s as homey — you’ll be greeted the minute you set foot in the door — and comforting as the food itself. 651 Warren St., Boston, MA 02121, bostonfoodforthesoul.com.
Thom Solo
Why should Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera be the only ones to sport Boston shoe designer Thom Solo’s rock-star creations? Go ahead and snag a pair of his blush lambskin wedge boots or sculptural reptilian stilettos. Not only will you tower over most mere mortals, but you’ll be wearing heels that consistently turn heads. thomsolo.com.
William E. Carter Playground Tennis Courts
The five new-ish courts here are in such high demand there’s usually a 30-to-60-minute wait. Accordingly, players keep to a courteous one-hour limit, even under the twinkling lights at night (closing time is 11:30 p.m.). Got ankle-biters? No problem. The lively adjacent playground is the perfect distraction for your energetic tots while you serve up a storm. Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02118, .
The Superette
Where else can you buy yoga pants, high-end custom fragrances, tacos, and, oh yeah, an electric car all in one place — and top it all off with a round of indoor mini golf? That’d be the Seaport’s newest shopping destination. It may have been designed to look like a “charming European square,” but the sprawling 125,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space is New Boston through and through — and we’re loving every bit of it. Boston, MA 02210, bostonseaport.xyz/superette.
Whim Events
One does not simply throw a super-chic party. From designing tablescapes and communicating with vendors to making sure your aunt isn’t pestering you with questions the morning of the ceremony, there are countless details to wrangle. Whim Events specializes in taking care of all of the above and then some — hello, inhouse floral design! — ensuring that your event is a stress-free, perfectly polished fete. N/A, whimevents.com.
Leonard Miller, Boston Center for Plastic Surgery
A licensed plastic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience, Leonard Miller is the perfect battle buddy in the war against gravity. And we’re not talking radical changes; he firmly believes that less is more. Miller specializes in subtle, natural-looking facial Botox that will have you looking healthy and well rested in just 10 minutes. 69 Newbury St., Boston; One Brookline Place, Brookline. 69 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, bostoncenterforplasticsurgery.com.
The Langham, Boston
Courtesy P&Co. Ltd. Let’s be honest: Staying at a hotel is a fun experience for kids no matter the amenities. But if you’re looking to wow your little one with the experience of his or her lifetime, there’s no place better than the Langham, which is offering a “Playtime with Paddington” staycation with all kinds of special surprises now through December. The package includes a Paddington-themed room with a kids’ tent, a plush bear, a cookie-decorating kit, and even a child-size Paddington bathrobe and slippers — which your little explorer can wear down to the indoor pool, complete with water toys. 250 Franklin St., Boston, MA 02110, langhamhotels.com.
Bar Vlaha
Hungry Hellenophiles won’t find the traditional gyro and grilled octopus at this festive Greek restaurant, now in its second year and as busy as ever. Instead, they can expect a hearty menu inspired by the Vlach communities of northern Greece. That translates to flaky phyllo pies (including one with cornmeal, wild greens, and feta), rustic platters of charcoal-grilled meat, and other traditional dishes served up by acclaimed chef Brendan Pelley. Add a glass of Greek wine or a funky cocktail, and it’s dinner at yiayia’s house with an upscale spin. 1653 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02445, barvlaha.com.
Your Dream Bridal
Bridal-gown stylists deal with a cross-section of the touchiest subjects: our relationships with our bodies, our closest family members, and our money. Your Dream Bridal’s Malinda Macari expertly guides you through that emotional minefield, landing you and your perfect gown—handpicked from designers such as Jesus Peiro and Truvelle—securely on the other side. The icing on the cake? Macari insists on booking just one client at a time, so you and your squad get the boutique all to yourselves, ensuring that the experience is both meaningful and safe. 730 Boston Post Rd., Sudbury, MA 01776, yourdreambridal.com.