Blue Dry Goods
The menswear shop of your yacht-club dreams exists in Concord Center (naturally), where you’ll find all the gear necessary for a Nantucket weekend or a day on the links—from little boys’ blazers to cuff links to a massive selection of Vineyard Vines pants and coats. 16 Walden St., Concord, MA 01742, bluedrygoods.com.
Lexington Venue
In a world of plush megaplexes with cushy seats and cocktails, there’s still room for classic cinemas like Lexington Venue, with its healthy mix of indie flicks and new releases. Screen your movie of choice, then stroll to Rancatore’s for ice cream. 1794 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA 02420, .
Lux Bond & Green
The display cases in this Boylston Street showroom house brands that have literally stood the test of time—classics like Baume & Mercier and Patek Philippe. The shop also employs a helpful, honest sales team more interested in finding you the right ticker than the most expensive one. 416 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, lbgreen.com.
Elisabeth Accardi, Upon a Star Events
If your precious tot longs for a Wizard of Oz–themed hayride or a Lego Minecraft–inspired bash, call Elisabeth Accardi. The bubbly former actress has brought childhood fairy tales to life for 17 years, including a soiree for a former president’s daughter. uponastar.net.
Tartt’s
Drop the guilt along with your little one at Tartt’s. The fourth-generation owners have perfected a curriculum that balances cognitive development (sign language, Spanish) with serious fun (like Urbanity Dance–taught “baby groove” lessons). 477 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, tartts.com.
Best Fit
Even your most treasured designer duds are safe in the hands of Lyudmila Sletkova. Trusted by notable Bostonians like Vicki Kennedy to hem sagging slacks and bulky blazers, the Russian-born seam queen has been in business for 20 years. She’s even a favorite among trendy retailers like Agent Provocateur. 268 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, bestfitinc.com.
Page Music Lessons
Page’s virtuosos, many with degrees from nearby Berklee and the New England Conservatory, will give your budding Beethoven a head start. Older kids can take lessons in music production, where Pro Tools and GarageBand are just the beginning. 334 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, pagemusiclessons.com.
American Provisions
With as many as 80 varieties of small-batch fromage available, this Southie shop is small on space but big on nutty, pungent flavor. Staffers are ready with recommendations and armed with anecdotes about the herd of Vermont goats that produced your selected wheel, making this a destination for turophiles citywide. 613 E. Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127, americanprovisions.com.
Brannelly’s Cafe
The chatty bartenders, trivia nights, and weekly karaoke are more than enough to turn this hidden gem into your go-to watering hole. But the friendly Rozzie locals are what really make Brannelly’s feel like the home you never knew you needed. 4432 Washington St., Boston, MA 02131, .
Kelley Square Pub
Photograph by Kelsey Cronin It’s easy to see what drew Vinny Paz and Tommy Lee Jones to this watering hole: Here, conversation flows and the beverage selection is ample (including the most affordable pour of Woodford Reserve we’ve ever seen). 84 Bennington St., Boston, MA 02128, kelleyssquarepub.com.
City Hall Front Lawn
Only in the People’s Republic would the front lawn of City Hall be a fine place for some rest and relaxation. Leave your everyday worries behind at the city’s annual late-night dance party, where thousands flock to the green space to shake it off. 795 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, .
Julia Rosenthal, Pyara
From flowers formed by your own braids to a comb placed just so in a finger-curled bob, Julia Rosenthal's wedding-day tresses are consistently stunning. With just a glance, she quickly assesses the way a bride's hair falls, then creates a style that stays true all night long. 1050 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, pyaraaveda.com.
Sedurre
Skipping the flash and frills, Sedurre proffers soft camis from Eberjey, flowy sleepwear and tanks from Only Hearts, and, yes, a few choice flatteners from Yummie Tummie. The vibe is relaxed, leaving you more room to ponder your undergarment strategy. 28 Prince St., Boston, MA 02113, sedurreboston.com.
Flock
Breezy and bohemian, this South End boutique stocks a creative collection of hairpieces and fringed cross-body bags. Look for jewelry set to star in the latest layering trends and sought-after Turkish kilim flats and bags by Boston's Artemis Design Co. Really, all that's missing is your Coachella ticket. 274 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 02118, flockboston.com.
Blush Tan
Blush spritzes the sun-shy with a chemical-free DHA solution that's certified organic and derived from beets. And with more than 100 shades, you'll no doubt leave with a natural-looking glow. Can't make it to Wellesley? No problem—the team makes house calls. 562 Washington St., Wellesley, MA 02482, blushtan.com.