Comfort Kitchen
Photograph by Joe St. Pierre. Styling by Madison Trapkin. The dining scene in Boston’s largest neighborhood didn’t always reflect the area’s diversity — that is, until Comfort Kitchen came along. The restaurant at the intersection of Caribbean, African, Asian, and American soul-food cuisines offers everything from jackfruit sliders and harissa-date chicken bowls from the afternoon café to occasion-worthy plates (think: jerk-roasted duck leg with rice and peas) and Sumac Sour cocktails come dinnertime. 611 Columbia Rd., Dorchester, MA 02125, comfortkitchenbos.com.
Urban Hearth
Photograph by Nina Gallant. Styling by Madison Trapkin. The four-seat chef’s counter offers a front-row seat to the culinary ballet performed seamlessly by chef Erin Miller and her team, who weave together an adventurous tasting menu from the freshest seasonal ingredients in the tiniest of kitchens. Here, it’s high-end dining sans snobbery — while dishes are plated to tweezered perfection, the vibe is alway sconvivial and warm. 2263 Massachusetts Ave. , Cambridge, MA 02140, urbanhearth.net.
Chocolate Therapy
We’re not exactly advocating eating your feelings…but when the treats come from Chocolate Therapy, it might not be the worst idea in the world. Thirteen years ago, owners Pam and David Griffin left corporate America to try their hand at chocolate-making — and the results speak for themselves. The couple recently relocated their shop to Wayland and keeps the cases stocked with row upon row of bonbons in unique flavor combos (London Fog, Key lime, French toast) that are as beautiful as they are utterly delicious. 63 Andrew Ave., Wayland, MA 01778, thechocolatetherapystore.com.
Table
The bright, San Marzano–based marinara enveloping Table’s generously sized beef, pork, and veal meatballs makes every season feel like tomato season. And that’s not the only reason to celebrate at this restaurant, where every meal feels like a dinner party thanks to the communal seating and family-style platters of food you’ll share with your group. 445 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, tableboston.com.
Café Fresh Bagel
A great bagel does three things well: texture, flavor, and shape. And this longtime takeout favorite nails them all. A glossy, crackly crust with a slight chewiness gives way to an interior with plenty of “pull” to it. A hint of sweetness balances any savory toppings you might add (think: lox; chicken salad; or bacon, egg, and cheese), and a perfectly sized middle makes for even toasting and plenty of room for one of nine available flavored cream cheeses. Add a large iced coffee, and every morning is yours for the taking. 896 Highland Ave., Needham, MA 02494, .
Chilacates
Chilacates’ burritos are fresh, authentic, and reliably comforting every single time. The kitchen starts with some seriously generous portions (plenty to save in the fridge for your next meal, trust us.) Then there are the proteins — 12 to choose from, including birria, grilled shrimp, and chorizo, as well as vegetarian options and a breakfast burrito — plus countless sauces and toppings. And unlike most so-called destination burritos out there, with 11 locations, Chilacates is a destination that’s probably pretty easy to get to. Multiple locations, chilacatesmx.com.
Nomad
Wendy Mills Photo It may be chaotic in downtown Nantucket on a typical summer day, but inside the apparel and home-goods store Nomad, all is calm. Set in soothing coastal tones, the store offers a place to rest your eyes on a neutral palette of sophisticated home accessories, including throws, pillows, and glassware. Worldly sourced loungewear, jewelry, and sandals, meanwhile, epitomize what we’d call Nantucket barefoot elegance. 17 Centre St., Nantucket, MA 02554, nomadnantucket.com.
Faraway
Matt Kisiday The main guest house at this chic boutique hotel may date to 1742, but the interior design is firmly planted in the 21st century. Spread out between six buildings, the property features a central swimming pool and perfectly manicured grounds, with sleek common areas that hint at stylish rooms decorated in warm, neutral tones and appointed with five-star amenities. 23 Kelly St., Edgartown, MA 02539, farawaymarthasvineyard.com.
"Cop Slide"
Comedian John Oliver declared this August 2023 viral video “the single best movie of the summer,” and what a groundbreaking work of gonzo filmmaking it was. Seven seconds of an on-duty Boston police officer shooting out of a tube slide like a potato from an exhaust pipe, “Cop Slide” yielded tens of millions of TikTok views, inspired Halloween costumes (and FOIAs), and transformed the City Hall Plaza playground into a tourist attraction. Not your average enforcement beat, but one with way more weeeee!
Wenham Street Cinema
Courtesy Wenham Street Cinema The films are free, the vibe is neighborly, and the seating is bring-your-own at this DIY screening space, which also happens to be a Jamaica Plain home garage. Resident Matt Shuman started casually hosting watch parties here in 2015, but the pandemic necessity for open-air gatherings made his Forest Hills carport an Instagram-official community venue. Now, Wenham Street Cinema’s 2024 season is already underway, with live-music performances, comedy, and movies like Dunkirk and Bring It On programmed through October. 23 Wenham St., Boston, MA instagram.com/wenhamstreetcinema.
School of Rock
Got a budding rock star on your hands? Sign them up for afternoon classes at this edgy music academy, with locations everywhere from Wakefield to Watertown. Here, wannabe drummers, keyboardists, guitarists, and more jam out alongside professional musicians (many of whom trained at Berklee). And forget traditional recitals: Lessons culminate in a full-throttle rock performance that’s more Boston Calling than Beethoven. Multiple locations, schoolofrock.com.
Magic Beans
Now that a certain big-box retailer has closed its doors (sob!), having a top-notch local option for baby gear is more important than ever. Thankfully, this tot-prep goldmine is still offering essential services such as in-person consultations and a help line staffed with equipment experts who actually answer. The best part? When you’ve finally made your choices, registering for that UppaBaby stroller or leopard-print BabyBjörn carrier can be done with the click of the mouse online. 200 Linden St., Wellesley, MA 02482, mbeans.com.
Lego Discovery Center
The best way to keep the words “I’m bored” at bay on gloomy days? Buying a day pass to Assembly Row’s freshly renovated Lego wonderland. Kids can get moving in the Hero Zone, which features a laser maze and climbing wall; rescue a princess on the Kingdom Quest ride; and build, build, build to their heart’s content — without scattering tiny pieces all over your living room floor. 598 Assembly Row, Somerville, MA 02145, legodiscoverycenter.com/boston.
Franklin Park Zoo
Photo by John Werner/Zoo New England It doesn’t matter where in the zoo you are — when the big cats make a sound, you’ll hear it. Of course, the facility’s two majestic lions are just one of the 100-plus amazing animal species your kiddos can check out here. Watch the gorillas scramble around their outdoor grove, see the giraffes and zebras grazing on the zoo’s savannah, or catch the kangaroos bounding along the Outback Trail. Then talk about it on repeat all the way home. One Franklin Park Rd., Boston, MA 02121, zoonewengland.org.
Mirbeau Inn & Spa
Hotels should be more than just a place to rest your head. That was the mindset, at least, of Mirbeau founders Linda and Gary Dower, who opened this luxury retreat by the water in Plymouth nearly a decade ago. Whether you’re looking for a weekend away or a weeklong vacation from reality, you’ll find plenty to do here. Relaxing with a candlelight yoga class? Check. Unwinding in a mineral bath? Sign us up. Sipping on a glass of the new hotel-branded vino at the wine bar? Every single night. 35 Landmark Dr., Plymouth, MA 02360, plymouth.mirbeau.com.