Harvard Street Grill
If every neighborhood had a John Vyhnanek, chef and owner of the Harvard Street Grill, nobody would ever eat at home. 398 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA .
Kacie Corbelle, KC Bridal Beauty
Styling upward of 40 brides per season, Kacie Corbelle is one of the most sought-after makeup artists around—and it’s easy to see why. Her bronzer and highlighter make a bride glow, while neutral-colored eye shadow adds a subtly seductive touch. And whether she’s working with Tom Brady, Gisele Bündchen, Bernie Sanders, or you, she comes prepared: Equipped with foundation for all skin tones, long-lasting lipstick, and false eyelashes, the only thing she’ll ever wing is your eyeliner. 450 Harrison Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, kcbridalbeauty.com.
The Porches Inn
Fleeing the city seems an idyllic notion, until you find yourself bunking down among doily-strewn antiques and overpowering potpourri at a B&B advertising bucolic "charm." A rare exception is the Porches Inn, set in a row of renovated multi-colored Victorians in North Adams. Its 50-odd rooms are done up in modern décor and feature high-speed Internet and smart service. Out back are a pool and sauna; out front, the stylish Mass MoCA complex. Those still craving a little countrification can kick back in one of the dozens of rocking chairs that sit on the inn's verandas. 231 River St., North Adams, MA 2147, porches.com.
Deep Ellum
Grungy and loaded with undergrads, Allston isn't exactly known for its restaurants. One place we can always count on, though, is Deep Ellum, where a great meal can be had at any time of day. Start out with root-beer-glazed pork belly or soft pretzels dunked in beer-cheese sauce, then progress to bigger plates like pork schnitzel or fried catfish po' boys. Bar too packed? Swing on over to the restaurant's new sibling, the adjacent Lone Star Taco Bar, for killer chili con queso and micheladas. 477 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 2135, deepellum-boston.com.
The Boston Marathon's Turning Pro
There was no question that by remaining stubbornly amateur in a sport that had gone professional, the Marathon was dying. Then David D'Alessandro persuaded his employer, the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, to spring for $10 million to sponsor 10 Boston Marathons. A course record, a world-class field, and hundreds of runners later, today's Marathon is again one of the city's—and the country's—preeminent sporting events. "We've got athletes from 30 or 40 countries," said D'Allessandro, a senior vice president at Hancock. "I've got letters on my desk from the agents of guys who wouldn't even look at us last year."
Stellabella
Only enlightened children need apply. Stellabella, you see, is a completely gun-free shop that specializes in educational toys. But before you start criticizing what political correctness has done to childhood fun, check out the selection: nature projects, musical instruments, colorful science puzzles, and bulk art supplies. Better still, look at what the kids are doing. They're singing songs, painting, listening to stories, riding on oversized stuffed animals: just plain playing. Prices are reasonable, and the staff is beyond helpful. It's like one big PBS special come to life. 1360 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA stellabellatoys.com.
Larry Bird
(Fooled you again, right?) With Kevin McHale a worthy runner-up.
Boston Harbor Hotel
Better than home. Each stall is a spacious 5'9" by 5'9". Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA .
PKL Boston
Courtesy of PKL Boston So you’re a pickleball virgin, but want to get in on the craze. No worries — you’re totally covered at PKL in Southie, which offers beginner to advanced clinics in a super-cool atmosphere (including full dinner, brunch, and cocktail menus to fortify yourself between rounds). Once you’ve mastered the art of dinking and volleying, you can meet up with your new pickleball buddies for open play, or even join one of PKL’s leagues. 64 C St., Boston, MA, 02127, playpkl.com.
Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club
Going places is fun. Whiling away the hours at Logan is not. Unless, that is, you’re a Chase Sapphire Reserve card member, a Priority Pass member, or you snag one of the limited day passes available to enjoy the Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club. Be warned: Once you’ve tried the massage chairs, meals from Boston chef Douglass Williams (of Mida fame), and gourmet coffee, local craft beer, and artisanal cocktails, you might start coming to the airport extra early. 200 Terminal Dr., Boston, MA, 02128, account.chase.com/sapphire-airport-lounge.
Flying Horses Carousel
Lucian Nastasi Grabbing the brass ring is considered a Vineyard childhood rite of passage, and for good reason. One of the oldest carousels in the country, Flying Horses was moved to its current location in Oak Bluffs from Coney Island in 1884 and has been charming children and adults with its nostalgic charm ever since; the handcarved horses have glass eyes and manes and tails of real horsehair. The adjoining arcade offers further diversions once the room stops spinning. 15 Lake Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA 02539, vineyardtrust.org/property/flying-horses-carousel.
Seoul Soulongtang
Signature seollongtang beef soup is the heavenly house special that keeps this Allston eatery humming. The dish is presented with Dickensian austerity—chalk-white broth hiding slices of boiled brisket and slippery vermicelli—but once you season your bowl with the supplied sea salt, scallions, properly fermented banchan, and exceptionally good (tender, chewy, clumpy) steamed rice, it’s one of the most soul-satisfying meals around. As for the bulgogi and bibimbap? Things of beauty, both. 1245 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, MA seoulsoulongtang.com.
Toscanini
There are plenty of Boston ice cream shops worthy of caloric indulgence, but none as enticing as this one. The selection may not be the biggest in town, but it's varied enough for even the pickiest of palates, with about a dozen incredibly smooth and rich flavors including Hydrox cookie, Vienna Finger, burnt caramel, and ginger-snap molasses. The real draw, though, is the super-light texture, which especially comes through in the richly flavored nocciola (hazelnut) and Belgian chocolate varieties. 899 Main St., Cambridge, MA tosci.com.
Flat Top Johnny's
Fast Eddie Felson wouldn't have set foot in most of the upscale pool halls that have replaced the smoky hustler haunts of old. He might have made an exception for Flat Top Johnny's, though. Unlike the rest of its ilk, this Kendall Square hangout is one classy joint that's neither a meat market nor an amusement park. At once understated and regal, the place features clean red felt, good cheap beer, and regulars who actually know how to play a game of nine ball. 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA flattopjohnnys.com.
Toro
Photo by Jesse Burke Here, crusty pan con tomate and aioli-smothered tortilla española mingle with refreshingly less-traditional small plates such as roasted bone marrow with radish-citrus salad and oxtail marmalade (pictured). It's precisely this mix that has helped the tapas spot develop a cult following over the years—one that we suspect will expand south when chef-owners Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette bring their creative fare to a Toro outpost in Manhattan this fall. 1704 Washington St., Boston, MA toro-restaurant.com.