Brassica Kitchen + Cafe
A bustling coffeehouse that doubles as an intimate bistro, this spot can satisfy even the most singular of culinary cravings, morning (egg and cheese on house-made brioche), noon (kimchi grilled cheese), or night (the five-course tasting menu). 3710 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, brassicakitchen.com.
Ittoku
Photograph by Julia Hopkins There's a reason the crowd at this izakaya always spills onto the street. The sashimi's so fresh it tastes like it swam onto your plate, the beef yakitori crackles with charred flavor, and the ramen portions are more than generous. 1414 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02134, .
Urban Axes
Feeling tense? Make your way to Urban Axes, where resident “axperts” will lead you in throwing honest-to-God weapons at a wall. Stress relief just got edgier. urbanaxes.com.
Turtle Swamp Brewing
Gone are the days when Sam Adams was J.P.’s only claim to brewery fame. Opened in 2017, Turtle Swamp serves IPAs, porters, sours, and ales all made with local ingredients. turtleswampbrewing.com.
Tadpole
COURTESY PHOTO Forgo the soulless online registry in favor of this family-owned baby wonderland, where a turquoise door leads to all the quirky cotton onesies, ultra-modern cribs, and baby carriers your little angel will ever need. 58 Clarendon St., Boston, MA shoptadpole.com.
State Road
Want a meal to match your ideal summer day—unpretentious, nourishing, and simply delicious? State Road has the breakfast for you, from the rustic mushroom toast with a fried egg to the hearty lemon-ricotta pancakes with blueberry coulis. stateroadrestaurant.com.
Patch NYC
Need a one-of-a-kind present for a house-warming or dinner party? Step into designers Don Carney and John Ross’s funky shop for vibrant throw pillows, fragrant soaps, and more. 46 Waltham St., Boston, MA patchnyc.com.
Marathon Sports
Marathon Sports’ Brookline outpost stocks shoes galore, from old standbys to coveted limited releases. Not sure where to start? Let a staffer diagnose your stride. marathonsports.com.
Capers Catering
After nearly three decades in the biz, Capers knows how to whip up one hell of a spread. And with a “farm-to-fork” philosophy, it’s a safe bet your meal will be totally fresh, too. 21 Emerson Street, Stoneham, Massachusetts 02180, caperscatering.com.
Ashmont Cycles
Count on owner Jack Pelletier and his team to help you find a ride that fits your needs (new or used, hybrid or mountain, Fuji or Linus), as well as accessories like helmets and gloves. ashmontcycles.com.
Paddle Boston
Looking to canoe, kayak, or paddleboard your way through the city? Let these experts hook you up with the gear — and the guidance — you need to get out on the Charles or the harbor. Multiple locations, paddleboston.com.
Newbury Boston
Photo by Read McKendree Looking for picturesque views to go with your room-service breakfast and Frette robe? Touch down at the Newbury Boston, where the sparkling-new rooms overlook the Public Garden and the Common. One Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, thenewburyboston.com.
Urbanity Dance
At Urbanity Dance, a community-minded professional company located in the South End, your dancer in training can learn alongside the pros. There are even "mommy-and-me" classes for newborns and babies up to age two. 1180 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118, urbanitydance.org.
SoWa Winter Festival
Returning this holiday season, this event is the ideal winter one-stop shop: Get all of your gifts from local arts and craft vendors while enjoying food and cocktails, all graced by the glow of ice sculptures. 500 Harrison Ave., South End, MA 02118, sowaboston.com/sowa-winter-festival.
Alison Braverman, Etant
Chatty and lightning-quick, the self-described perfectionist will put you at ease, show you how to breathe, and get you (and every last one of your strays) out of there before you can say "frog position." 524 Tremont St., Boston, MA 2116, .