Achieve Fitness (@AchieveFitnessBoston)
Rather than fill your Instagram feed with impossible-to-achieve abs and “detoxifying” weight-loss teas, why not fill it with news you can actually use in the gym or at home? Somerville gym Achieve Fitness’s social community of almost 500,000 followers get valuable advice on living a healthy lifestyle. And if you still have questions, they’ll answer them via their story for the benefit of all. 42 Merriam St., Somerville, MA achievefitnessboston.com.
Gustazo
Just off the north side of Moody Street, Waltham’s restaurant row, sits this slice of Havana heaven. During the Cuban eatery’s bustling brunch, crêpes stuffed with slow-roasted pork are washed down with guava-mint mimosas and other hairs of particularly delightful dogs. The Spanish Colonial–inspired digs sport artsy Cuban movie posters, overhead mambo beats lend as much pep as the fresh-brewed Umbria coffee, and warm servers make this hacienda a home. 663 Main St., Waltham, MA 02451, gustazo-cubancafe.com.
Stern McCafferty Architecture + Interiors
Photo by Jim Brueckner Boasting expertise in architecture and interiors, Stern McCafferty delivers a powerful design punch to every home it touches, breathing new life into old spaces and building from the ground up with equal aplomb. For proof, consider the 1905 Cambridge abode the firm remodeled with a new two-story atrium, wrapped in oversize windows and Cor-Ten steel. 46 Waltham St., Boston, MA 02118, sternmccafferty.com.
Trident Booksellers & Cafe
With a selection ranging from the latest bestsellers to indie up-and-comers, this Newbury Street institution pleases all manner of bookworm. Home to two stories of books, magazines, and quirky gifts, not to mention a full-service restaurant, it’s easy to spend an entire day lost among the shelves (and you can—the store is open until midnight seven days a week). 338 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, tridentbookscafe.com.
Hermes
Last August, Hermès unveiled a new and improved Back Bay showroom, nearly doubling its fashionable footprint with more than 8,700 square feet over two stories. That’s given the très chic Parisian design house plenty of room to display its most covetable accessories: handbags and silk scarves, naturally, but also home décor, fragrances, and even the lusted-after equestrian line. 50 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, hermes.com.
Hotel Commonwealth
Photograph by Tony Luong After a sweeping $50 million upgrade, Hotel Commonwealth is in a league of its own. In addition to 96 sleek new guest rooms, the Kenmore Square gem now boasts a Red Sox-themed luxury suite and private event space overlooking Fenway Park. Add in three of the city's hottest dining and drinking spots—including Eastern Standard, which also serves up gourmet room service—and you have a home run. 500 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215, hotelcommonwealth.com.
Bricco Panetteria
This basement-level bakery is part of Frank DePasquale's North End culinary empire, and yet somehow everything about it screams old-world charm. From the tiny space, bakers churn out umami-rich olive-studded loaves and prosciutto-stuffed baguettes that are served at DePasquale's restaurants and, if you're lucky, with your next plate of home-cooked pasta. 241 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, briccopanetteria.com.
Janie Haas Events
It's the thoughtful details that make weddings so unforgettable. But who has time to sweat the small stuff? Leave it to Janie Haas. A 36-year industry veteran, Haas will coordinate vendors, secure rentals, review contracts, and make sure everything is picture-perfect for your walk down the aisle. She and her planners will give you plenty of face and phone time, making the whole process stress-free and—dare we say it?—fun. 125 Coachmans Ln., North Andover, MA janiehaasevents.com.
LaundroMutt
Hosing down Fido is simple at this ingenious self-service canine salon in Fresh Pond, where dog owners dunk squirming pooches into stainless-steel industrial sinks equipped with built-in leashes. Handy dryers and a choice of organic shampoos promise clean, fluffy fur. To keep patrons (canine and human) occupied while waiting, LaundroMutt offers a comfortable upstairs area appropriately dubbed the BarkaLounge. 489 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA laundromutt.com.
Crystal Clean
Let's face it: Your baseboards and windowsills haven't seen the swish of a sponge or the feather of a duster in forever. It's high time you called for backup in the form of the friendly, family-owned Crystal Clean. A team of three or more expert cleaners will arrive in a flurry of brooms and mops, leaving nothing behind but a fresh lemon scent and a sparkling home.
Jurys Boston Hotel
Thanks to a two-year, $68 million renovation of the former Boston Police Department headquarters, Jurys's wall of trickling water, sparkling elevators, lavish suites, and stunning marble bathrooms (with heated towel racks) are a far cry from the holding cells of yesteryear. A sizable accumulation of contemporary Irish art and a helpful staff lend European class to these very American quarters. 350 Stuart St., Boston, MA .
Ecoluxe
Name the stain (ketchup, dirt, car oil—we tried it all); Ecoluxe can get it out. Quickly, flawlessly, without hurting a fiber of the fabric, and without using medically and environmentally harmful cleaning products. With convenient home delivery and pickup service, plus tailoring and alterations, Ecoluxe is not only the next wave in clothing care; it's the ultimate in clean living. One Harvard St., Brookline, MA .
Kelly Nezat
The man has magic hands! Nezat, a recent transplant from the now-defunct Spa on Newbury, not only releases any stress-induced tension knotting your body with the fundamental Swedish massage, he can also pinpoint problem areas and offer sweet relief with more advanced techniques. With his strong yet gentle touch, you'll leave feeling like a wet noodle. And he'll do it for a whole hour longer than your Significant Other's brief obligatory poke-and-prod. Candela Laserspa, 28 Arlington St., Boston, MA .
Shreve, Crump & Low
Special occasions call for spectacular jewelry, and this Boston institution's got it covered. Popping the question? Buy a Shreve Astral Cut diamond. Celebrating an anniversary? Look to designer collections by the likes of Marco Bicego and David Yurman. Getting a divorce? Take home something deliciously sparkly for yourself. A helpful, attentive staff and a wide range of choices—from estate pins to Mikimoto cultured pearls—guarantee you'll always walk out satisfied. 330 Boylston St., Boston, MA shrevecrumpandlow.com.
Sephora
In case you've been in a beauty bubble for the past 15 years, Sephora is the adult version of Candyland. Nearly every brand of mascara, lip liner, and blush known to womankind is on display—and you can test all the colors before taking them home. After all, why buy the cheap drugstore foundation when there's a good chance it won't match your complexion? Prudential Center, Boston, MA sephora.com.