The Winnetu Oceanside Resort
The Winnetu is an island classic for a reason: It's family-friendly (with evening s'mores and a life-size chess board) and ultra-convenient (overlooking one of New England's best beaches), yet removed enough from the hustle and bustle to be relaxing. And the best has recently gotten even better, thanks to a renovation that left the guest rooms—which range from one-bedroom suites to five-bedroom cottages—with notable new polish. 31 Dunes Rd., Edgartown, MA 2539, winnetu.com.
Kelly Link
Link's fiction may be teeming with the inexplicable—polite zombies, world-swallowing purses—but it's no mystery why the work of this Pulitzer-nominated Northampton author was chosen for the Boston Book Festival's "One City, One Story" campaign last year. Razor-sharp, her take on magical realism is packed with local flavor. Who else would start an urban fairy tale in the Garment District's $1-a-pound pile? kellylink.net.
BodyScapes
No pain, no gain? We so understand that phrase. Our first day at BodyScapes was a bit of a shock: Our butts were kicked—hard—as one of manager Jerry Labbate's six smiling trainers guided us through a series of squats, lunges, lifts, and sprints so intense we ached for days. But then one morning, two months later, we suddenly awoke with abs. Real, defined abs. And biceps. And calves. And—did we mention?—abs! One Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2116, bodyscapesinc.com.
Tremont IPA
Enough with the fruit-and-berry recipes made by all those microbreweries that are (not coincidentally) going out of business left and right. Enough, too, with the endless seasonal brews—even the ones from Tremont. It's time to get back to basics, and the finest basic Boston beer is this one, with its malty, hoppy goodness and light copper hue, now on draft year round in the best Boston-area bars and available in bottles in and around town. MA
Pavement Coffeehouse
One of the first places in Boston to offer pour-over and cold-brew coffees, Pavement goes well beyond crafting lattes and cappuccinos (although these are fantastic here, too). From the quality Counter Culture beans and complimentary soy milk at the bar to the strong WiFi connection and inviting tufted couches, this is a true coffeehouse experience, one that both java aficionados and on-the-go professionals will savor. 1096 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2115, pavementcoffeehouse.com.
The Union Oyster House
The semi-circular oyster bar has been in continuous operation since 1826, with the likes of Daniel Webster tossing back three dozen Blue Points at one sitting.Yes, it's on the Freedom Trail; yes, it's "America's Oldest Restaurant"; and yes, it's one of "Ye Olde" tourist magnets. But, all the hokum aside, it is simply the best place to get a dozen freshly cracked oysters. 41 Union St., Boston, MA .
The Beehive Cafe
Photo by Bob O'Connor One part jazz club, one part restaurant, the Beehive is our go-to spot for a laid-back night out on the town. The stellar list of libations (we're fans of the champagne cocktails and the "Apparatus," a Scotch and cognac concoction) and the sophisticated fare are the perfect complement to the musicians onstage. Something to keep in mind: If you want to be at all close to the action, make a reservation—otherwise, you'll be cooling your heels at the bar. 541 Tremont St., Boston, MA 2809, beehiveboston.com.
New Jumbo Seafood
Last year a new owner added "New" to the name of this steadfastly excellent Chinatown joint. Happily, that appears to have been his only real change. The spicy salt calamari remains one of the city's best takes on tricky-to-cook squid. The XO sauce is still a house specialty, as are the dishes served in citrus-tinged Yu Hsiang sauce. And you will continue to find no fresher fish than the ones pulled from the large tanks that greet you at the door. 5 Hudson St., Boston, MA .
Oak Bar, Fairmont Copley Plaza
Raise a glass, if you will, to the ever-stunning Oak Bar. It's where sex appeal takes its post-prandial drink, where intimacy lounges in a long, cool black dress. It's where fascination sips a stiff Manhattan. There are mere mortals here, too, in everything from Levi's to tuxedos, huddled in conversation with one another, raiding the cigar-stocked humidor, slugging oysters from the raw bar, and soaking up the live jazz that oozes through the intricately detailed room. No matter who's filling it, the Oak Bar is simply one of the New World's most intoxicating Edwardian settings. 138 St. James Ave., Boston, MA fairmont.com/copley-plaza-boston/dining/oak-long-bar-kitchen.
Synergistics Personal Training Studio
Just when you thought fitness fads had reached their zenith, Helena and Brian Collins turned the notion of working out on its head. Forget long lines for treadmills, aerobic Amazons, and nightclub noise: Synergistics is a calm haven where trainers work one-on-one with clients. The Collins' approach to fitness uses sculpting, balancing, and strengthening programs in addition to Pilates, target eight training, and martial arts techniques. Brian is trained in the art of Huo Tuo Tui-Na, a massage therapy thought to alleviate migraines, lower back pain, and stress-related health problems. 9 Newbury Street, Boston, MA lifeinsynergy.com.
The Independent
To those living in eternally up-and-coming Somerville: You may not have solved the public transportation quandary that is Union Square but, boy, are you lucky from a pub-hub perspective. Outfitted in the classy dark-wood stylings of a more upscale joint, the Independent is smartly cleaved into one room for drinkers, one for diners—and manages to do right by both groups. Expect well-executed, moderately priced cuisine, like the béchamel, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan macaroni and cheese, as well as innovative drink offerings (such as the Sub Rosa: campari, lillet rouge, grapefruit-tarragon vodka, and soda water) that tickle more-alcohol-focused palates. 75 Union Sq., Somerville, MA 2143, theindo.com.
Covet
If you’re looking for a classic Chanel shoulder bag, a David Yurman star burstring, or a Burberry pea coat for a fraction of the list price all under one roof, Covet is the place to go. And if you’d rather browse from the comfort of your couch, the store also posts more than a hundred items to its Instagram Stories every day. Just make sure you’re the first one to hit reply in Covet’s DMs, because that bubble gum-pink Gucci bag you’re eyeing will go quickly. Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South Boston, Boston , MA covetboston.com.
Select Oyster Bar
Photograph by Jared Kuzia After seven years spent manning the tiny kitchen at Neptune Oyster, chef Michael Serpa stepped out on his own with another petite seafood spot. This one's a passion project, with Serpa's hands in everything from the quirky beverage selection (funky whites, Basque-style ciders) to the décor (posters featuring Jacques Cousteau and The Life Aquatic). The menu strays from clam-shack tropes in favor of creations like fried rice with cuttlefish, cuttlefish ink, and uni, which is even more delightful when enjoyed on the heated enclosed patio. 50 Gloucester St., Boston, MA 02115, selectboston.com.
La Campania
Given its Main Street address and wall of accolades from the likes of Wine Spectator and Zagat right inside the front door, there's no pretending La Campania is an undiscovered jewel. The beauty is, it still feels like one. Stepping into a rustic dining room glowing with candles and tiny winged lights, even regulars must sense a kind of secret privilege. The handmade staples—bread with cheese-and-pancetta strata, tender filled pastas—and gourmet Italian-inspired entrées are robust and delicate by turns, all complemented by a choice of more than 300 unique Italian wines. La Campania's a crowd-pleaser, to be sure, but one that comes off like a private affair. 504 Main St., Waltham, MA 2452, lacampania.com.
The Boston Shaker
Most men appreciate a stiff one (we're talking drinks, people). And most men enjoy impressing others with their knowledge of crafting a good stiff one (please). Adam Lantheaume's recently expanded cocktail-supply shop, in a new Davis Square location, is like a candy store for mixology connoisseurs. Books about cocktails, handstitched ice-crushing bags, shaker tins, glasses of all shapes and eras, and a vast selection of garnishes help stock every man's dream bar. And hard-to-find ingredients like gum syrup and maple bitters will have him drunk with joy. 69 Holland St., Somerville, MA 2144, thebostonshaker.com.