Formaggio Kitchen
Not everyone appreciates the olfactory assault that is Formaggio. In fact, we frequently have to check our companions at the curb before heading in to sample this place's runny gobs of poisses and Robiola. True fans of the stinky stuff, however, will be blown away by the shop's countless whole wheels of raw-milk cheddars, marbled blues, and crumbly Parmigianos, aged and tended in Formaggio's own custom-built cheese cave. 244 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, formaggiokitchen.com.
Vetcall
Anyone who's ever tried to cram a hissing cat or a yelping dog into a pet carrier knows that a trip to the vet is the worst day of your furry friend's year. So spare everyone the ordeal and ring up Vetcall's Jake Tedaldi, a Harvard- and Tufts-trained DVM who'll examine Fluffy in your home and take care of vaccines on the spot. 304 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2115, vetcall.com.
Cooperative Dog
After suffering through trainers who merely barked advice (our ears are still ringing), we were overjoyed to discover owner Vera Wilkinson's quiet expertise. Certified both as a dog-behavior consultant and professional dog trainer—and armed with more than a decade of experienc—Wilkinson begins by watching you interact with Fido at home. Only then does she offer suggestions. She takes her time, and you and your dog will end up the better for it. 1786 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2445, cooperativedog.com.
Equinox Fitness
In the year since the high-end New York chain opened a location in the Back Bay, Bostonians have been flocking to this ideal spa-gym hybrid. The sleek, inviting space holds not only the latest fitness equipment, but also studios for Pilates, cycling, and myriad yoga classes (pranavayu, vinyasa flow, anusara, and power). Inclined toward pampering? Avail yourself of the full range of massages, wraps, and facials. Afterward, the juice bar and free WiFi in the lounge help recharge body and mind. 131 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Emerge Spa and Salon
By now you've seen the articles proclaiming that men are (hold on to your footballs!) concerned with their hygiene and grooming. Yet at most spas, the premises still feel dominated by women, or at least by lots and lots of flowers. Not so at Emerge. Its Men's Club, flush with mahogany paneling and boasting a flat-screen TV, is cordoned off and populated by neatly kempt guys awaiting their facials, massages, waxings, and manicures. The only femininity here comes via the friendly staff. And that's something the male clientele doesn't seem to mind. 275 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, emergespasalon.com.
Tresses & the Day Spa
Finding a great island spa can be a tricky business, with descriptions like "laid-back" actually translating to "remote location" and "untrained staff." At Tresses, the efficient stylists, aestheticians, and masseurs dole out high-quality treatments, letting guests keep their vacations free of any "I'm paying how much for this?!" vexation. Top picks include the detoxifying body wraps—all named for Nantucket beaches—and the post-surfing sports massage. It's not superfancy, but it's exactly what a resort-town retreat should be: therapeutic and relaxing. 117 Pleasant St., Nantucket, MA 2554, nantucketspa.com.
Crystal Clean Boston
You know what they say about cleanliness and godliness. Which must be why visits from Crystal Clean always leave your home so divine. A four-person team buffs and shines down to the hard-to-reach spots and tops it all off with finishing touches—dusted reading glasses, triangle-folded toilet paper—that other services often skip. Boston, MA 2116, crystalcleanboston.com.
Gretta Luxe
Chloé dresses and Balenciaga bags are just two style-savvy suburbanite mainstays found on the racks at Gretta Luxe. Owner Gretchen Monahan travels to New York, Paris, and Milan to bring home exclusive high-fashion apparel and recently debuted a line of knit separates; manager Katie Faessler plays resident style coach, recommending the right Zac Posen top to wear with your new Matthew Williamson embroidered skirt. 94 Central St., Wellesley, MA 2482, grettaluxe.com.
Giuliano Day Spa
It's too bad this full-service salon doesn't include a hotel, because after a 50-minute pedicure, the last thing you'll want to do is pull on a pair of heels and go home. Feet are pampered, soaked, massaged, buffed, and polished, all while you relax in a cushy massage chair. The friendly, professional staff is relentless with rough patches and doesn't stop sanding until your feet are smoothed to a buttery, baby softness. 338 Newbury St., Boston, MA g2ospasalon.com.
Common Dog
A caged kennel for Fifi? Quelle horreur! Now there's a doggie bed and breakfast where she can lounge like she's in her own living room. Common Dog, which opened last year, boards dogs overnight in a home-style setting, right down to sleeping on worn sofas and romping in a gravel backyard with wading pools. It also doubles as doggie day-care service, picking up canine campers in a small white bus so they can play while their owners are out earning their kibble. 22 Park Terrace, Everett, MA .
Billy Drummond
Short but not scary, his flattering haircuts make you feel like Winona Ryder or Isabella Rossellini (depending on your age and role model). Billy excels at developing long-term growth strategies for hair that looks like an outtake from the disaster movie of your life. He's also the manager of this youthful-but-not-too-trendy salon, set in a Commonwealth Avenue townhouse. John Dellaria Salon, 623 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
LuxCouture
While other retailers stay home and (literally) phone in their orders, LuxCouture owner Sari Brown hits the European circuit to source the next obsessed-over bag. She built a business on being first, introducing customers to new shoulder bags, clutches, and totes from VBH, Adriana Castro, and Elena Ghisellini. The store's increasingly impressive supply of casual clothing helps dress the woman who accessorizes, but in Brown's eyes, the bags will always have it. 21 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA 2461, .
Matsu
Luddites rejoice. Perhaps the factory-inspired, hard-sell, high-tech atmosphere infiltrating most retail outlets inspired Dava Muramatsu to open a store that has your spiritual well-being in mind. Sure she sells great designer togs from Dosa, Cynthia Rowley, and Lilith among others, but she also stocks objects of beauty for body, home, and soul. Keep your eyes peeled for her seasonal festivals featuring yoga instructor Roni Brisette, astrologer Elizabeth Hermon, and hair maestro Troi. 259 Newbury Street, Boston, MA matsuboston.com.
Metropolitan Health Club
Metropolitan's underground decor includes exposed stone walls, purple neon lights, big plants, and great shower curtains in the women's locker rooms. The mainly gay clientele is in better shape than most people ever hope to be. Barney Frank lost his flab and got pumped up at Metropolitan. Are you cool enough to belong? 209 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA .
Charles G. Crones
Crone's father began the J.A. Sanborn Company forty-nine years ago at 28 Merchants Row (next door to Quincy Market), and it's still flourishing. "We go out of our way to buy the best," Crones told us. "We buy whole fish off the boats, and cut them here. You can always find a good selection." If you dine at the Ritz, or at St. Botolph Street, you're eating Sanborn selections, and Crones will even mail fresh lobsters for you. J.A. Sanborn Company, 28 Merchants Row, Boston, MA .