Crane Beach
Four miles of white sand, more than 200 species of birds, and awesome striper fishing in the flats. And, if you have a boat, you can get to the backside, an unpopulated part of the beach that stretches on so far, you'll feel like you're at the edge of the earth. Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA .
Dropkick Murphys
Okay, a crushingly obvious choice. But consider that the Dropkick Murphys were able to get Bruce Springsteen on their first new studio album in four years—a kickass, heartfelt record that hit number six on the Billboard Hot 200. And now they're headlining at Fenway next month. dropkickmurphys.com.
Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga Institute
Twenty bucks for yoga? Om, no. At Baron Baptiste's Monday and Wednesday community classes, $7 buys 90 minutes of eagles, dolphins, and downward dogs. Expect to lose about a gallon of sweat—though not your shirt—in the center's heated environs. 2000 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2140, baronbaptiste.com.
Vox Populi
In this den of preppy testosterone, the open floor plan encourages circulating (the better to scope prospects), the pop soundtrack doesn't drown out conversation (the better to initiate small talk), and the martini menu is 20 varieties long (the better to loosen your inhibitions). 755 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2116, voxboston.com.
Foundation Lounge
We've never understood the phrase "so hip it hurts." A bikini wax—now that hurts. But a night spent amid lacquered wood and PYTs, drinking mango martinis while dipping into small plates of Japanese zensai and nodding along to high-rent house DJs? There's nothing painful about that. 499 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, .
Campus Night at Manray
Think young. Then subtract two years. That's the average age of a ManRay patron on Thursday "Campus Nights," which draw a 19-plus crowd of supersweet male eye candy and their admirers. Spectators are welcome, and young women (sexual preference uncertain) pour in by the hundreds to bump bodies with Ivy Leaguers in designer blacks. 21 Brookline St., Cambridge, MA .
Galley Beach
For the ultimate drink with a view, head to this chichi waterfront lounge, plant your feet firmly in the sand, and try a Moscow Mule or a North Shore (made with local 888 cranberry vodka). Sip and repeat until the sun sets, then retire to the dining room for lobster tail and a veal chop, prepared by the new executive chef, Neil Ferguson. 54 Jefferson Ave., Nantucket, MA galleybeach.net.
Carter Dayton Home
The interior designer Michael Carter teamed up with the retail visionary Lynn Dayton to create a Wellesley showroom that doubles as a valuable resource for professionals. Think of Carter Dayton Home as the answer to all your decorating prayers—it even offers a fabulous array of fabrics, wallpapers, and lighting usually available to the trade only. 276 Washington St., Wellesley, MA carterdaytonhome.com.
AKA Bistro
What do French toast with dulce de leche and Hawaiian poke have in common? They're both on the brunch menu at this French-Japanese fusion spot, where you'll also find house-made pastries, Sunday dim-sum specials, and one incredibly decadent croque-madame sandwich. 145 Lincoln Rd., Lincoln, MA akabistrolincoln.com.
The Leonhards'
Don't be surprised if you smell this 37-year-old shop before you see it—every inch of the store, inside and out, is a riot of blooms and plants. Whatever your floral needs, you'll find it at this heavenly spot. 87 Corning St., Beverly, MA theleonhards.com.
Natale's
Natale's is the place to go for high-end men's clothing south of the city. Everything in the store is tailor-made with only the finest wools and fabrics; staffers pride themselves on their ability to help you create a custom wardrobe designed precisely for your needs; and a lifetime of alterations is guaranteed. 171 Washington St., Norwell, MA natalesclothing.com.
Bundle of Hope
With charming clothing and accessories from lines like Zutano, Aden + Anais, and Petit Bateau; a dressing room with a handpainted toile motif; and a French armoire that doubles as a display area, this place is way more sophisticated than the big-box stores—which makes it perfect for your precious darlings. Once Drive, Scituate, MA 2066, bundleofhope.net.
Straight Wharf
A gorgeous waterfront location, impeccable service, creative New England fare from chef Gabriel Frasca—Straight Wharf has it all. Particularly notable are the signature clam bake—buttery lobster and chorizo over sweet corn and clams—and the flaky, baked-to-order strawberry galette with house-made buttermilk ice cream. 6 Harbor Square, Nantucket, MA 2554, straightwharfrestaurant.com.
Winston Flowers
Winston has cornered the petal market west of Boston. Its bright blooms are consistently the freshest around, and whether you want rare lilies or timeless red roses, Winston always finds your flowers. Plus, its unique year-round arrangements and gourmet gift baskets make present-sending simple. 31 Central St., Wellesley, MA winstonflowers.com.
Sundog
Weekend visitors still dressed in their power suits and spiffy slacks should hasten to Sundog, where comfort always reigns supreme. The store's dark interior houses Turrau shirts, Izod pants, and affordable Tommy Bahama swim shorts. After a short and successful hunt, men reemerge into the sunlight looking island appropriate. 41 Lower Main St., Edgartown, MA .