Southwest Corridor Park
Photograph by Julia Hopkins Looking for a place to stretch your legs? At this 4.7-mile, 52-acre linear park, you'll find dedicated bicycling and jogging paths for the hardy, basketball and tennis courts for the sporty, and jungle gyms and skate parks for the kiddies. 38 New Heath St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, swcpc.org.
Atwood's Tavern
This locals' hang boasts one of Greater Boston's best patios in the warmer months, and a seriously rocking lineup of local and traveling bands on its intimate stage year round. A long list of craft beers is ready to accompany your new soundtrack. 877 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141, atwoodstavern.com.
Barry's Bootcamp
True Yankees maintain a healthy skepticism of anything dreamt up in La-La Land, but this Hollywood-spawned fitness empire has won us over. Claim your spot early, then reward yourself with a smoothie from the Fuel Bar. 30 Chauncy St., Boston, MA 02111, barrysbootcamp.com.
Hops N Scotch
With 40 beers on tap, craft cocktails, and more than 100 scotches, bourbons, and whiskeys, Hops N Scotch will wet your whistle one way or another. Head upstairs on weekends for the live DJ, or grab a seat on one of the couches downstairs. 1306 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446, hopsnscotchbar.com.
Ritual Arts
You don't have to be a high priestess to shop here. With an intriguing array of crystals, incense, jewelry, and d̩cor, Ritual Arts is welcoming to anyone who appreciates a good Nag Champa. For extra good vibes, end your visit with head scratches for LoveBomb the cat. 153 Harvard Ave., Boston, MA 02134, .
Mother Juice
Mother Juice’s liquid diet is as tasty as it is virtuous, designed to satisfy cravings at just the right time (we’re particularly thankful for the hearty and sweet “Cashew Mylk” right before bed). The local chainlet will even deliver its freshly made elixirs to your door daily. 291 Newbury St., Boston, MA motherjuice.com.
M.Flynn
Sisters Megan and Moria Flynn have transformed old brooches into cool lockets and necklaces into eye-catching earrings. And if you’re looking for something completely bespoke, the jewelers will happily create an entirely new piece limited only by your (and their) imagination. 40 Waltham St., Boston, MA mflynnjewelry.com.
Colonial Shoe Repair
Favorite boots need a little TLC? These experts can quickly reheel, resole, or reinforce your kicks—sometimes even on the same day. They’re also honest enough to let you know when it’s time to retire them altogether. 101 Summer St., Boston, MA colonialshoerepair.com.
Blunch
We hesitate to draw more attention to this morning-to-midday sandwich shop, given the competition for seats. But we must evangelize the epic “eggwiches,” frittata-style patties with choose-your-own toppings such as fire-roasted peppers and fried shallots. 59 E. Springfield St., Boston, MA eatblunch.com.
Mirbeau Inn & Spa
Why escape to the Cape for the weekend when you can unwind right in your own backyard? A weekend at this French-style manor can include slurping local oysters in the elegant on-site restaurant; indulging in a seaweed wrap at the 16,500-square-foot marquee spa; or simply relaxing by the fireplace in one of the cozy guest rooms. 35 Landmark Dr., Plymouth, MA 02360, plymouth.mirbeau.com.
Hilton's Tent City
This equipment emporium, which moved from the West End to Central this year, stocks all the camping gear, boots, backpacks, and tents you need for your next rugged hike in the White Mountains. Including one remnant of the original location: a wall of trail maps and postcards. 565 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02114, hiltonstentcity.com.
Snip-Its
With games, prizes, and lollipops, getting trimmed becomes less an errand than an adventure. Each Snip-Its stylist is specially trained to work with children, and can even give parents a photo certificate along with those precious clippings upon your kiddo's first haircut. The Street, 25 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, snipits.com.
The Boston Children's Museum
iStockphoto Why choose a theme for your child's birthday party when she can have it all? Bashes at the Boston Children's Museum come with daylong admission, so guests can have a ball in the art studio, the land of the dinosaurs, and everywhere in between. 308 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210, bostonchildrensmuseum.org.
Shalyn Gamba, Prettyology
Tweezing brows is a risky business. Pluck the wrong teeny-tiny hairs, and your entire visage suffers. Leaving the job in Shalyn Gamba's steady hands, however, will ensure the perfect shape every time—flattering, natural, and tailor-made just for you. 18 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, prettyology.com.
Jeanne Lee
Photograph by Trevor Reid / Model, Tayla Fernandez/Maggie Inc. Kick back, relax, and indulge in the lost art of a good conversation while Jeanne Lee treats your digits to a detail-oriented manicure ($32) and spa pedicure ($85) that leaves no nook, cranny, or hangnail neglected. The finishing touch? A positively blissful massage. 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, jeannesalon.com.