Celeste
The ceviche is always stellar at this pint-size Peruvian spot, thanks to a vibrant marinade of leche de tigre (“tiger’s milk”) that’s a whole different animal from the limey bell-pepper water everyone else plies. Temper the punishing bursts of ají-chili fire with bites of cold sweet potato and an egg-white-velveted pisco sour before moving on to the kitchen’s creamy shredded-hen stew. “Celeste” means “heavenly,” and after sampling the menu here, we’d hardly disagree. 21 Bow St., Somerville, MA celesteunionsquare.com.
Brookline Booksmith
A great bookstore does more than bring you the latest blockbuster—it promises to surprise you. And so it is with the eclectic readings staged at Brookline Booksmith. From eye-opening appearances by authors such as sci-fi icon Neal Stephenson and former Teen Vogue editor in chief Elaine Welteroth to horizon-expanding initiatives like the Transnational Literature Series (which focuses on books about migration, displacement, and exile), the Booksmith offers a steady stream of programming that promises to keep your bedside table stocked. 279 Harvard St., Brookline, MA brooklinebooksmith.com.
Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
Don’t worry, this isn’t your middle schooler’s violin recital: Rising from the insuppressible enthusiasm of maestro Benjamin Zander—who founded the (senior) Boston Philharmonic Orchestra 40 years ago—this ensemble of fantastically talented 12- to 21-year-olds delivers exactly what you want from a night at the orchestra: to be blown away. Whether playing the notoriously difficult Mahler (one of the maestro’s specialties) or another canonical composer, they deliver youthful energy and just a touch of wonder. bostonphil.org.
Boston Paws
You can’t make your dog enjoy getting groomed, but you might be able to trick him into not hating it here. Upon walking in, Fido will be distracted by buckets of treats and chew toys at snout level; by the time he reaches groomer Sarah Sneyd, even the most anxious pooch will be primed for a top-notch wash and cut. 313 Belgrade Ave., Roslindale, MA bostonpaw.com.
Boston Ballet Ball
MICHAEL BLANCHARD If you’re on the gala circuit, you know that the similar guest lists can make it feel like one big night on repeat. But this year, with a vivacious crowd (perhaps thanks to first-time co-chairs Charles Carignan and Michael Cerruti), the Boston Ballet Ball stood out—particularly for its stunning preview of Full on Forsythe, by legendary choreographer William Forsythe, a whole month ahead of its opening at the Opera House. How’s that for a night to remember? bostonballet.org.
Be Well Studios
Wellness is about more than just breaking a sweat three times a week; it’s about taking care of your mind, body, and soul. This Zen retreat in Scituate lives by that mantra, tempering its approachable barre and cross-training classes with restorative treatments such as meditation, reiki, and massage (bonus points for therapies tailored especially to clients undergoing cancer treatments). A waterfront perch adds to the gloriously relaxing vibe. bewellstudios.net.
Afterhouse
Dreamed up by the all-star team behind Nantucket’s Galley Beach, Afterhouse stands apart from would-be rivals with cozy garden-level digs and a curated drink menu full of globally sourced vino. Snag a seat at the wood-topped bar to sip your way through a bevy of Italian whites, French rosés, and Napa reds, all ideal complements to the bistro’s stellar lineup of fish-forward small plates. afterhouse.net.
Aeronaut
Do you possess a surplus of useless knowledge about obscure summer-camp traditions and the classic Oregon Trail computer game? Seize the opportunity to show off your affinity for random factoids at Aeronaut’s weekly “Indie Trivia” nights. The Somerville taproom taps the fiercest trivia competitors in town to create and host ultra-competitive Tuesday-night quizzes complemented by the ultimate brain food: Aeronaut’s signature hoppy brews. 14 Tyler St. , Somerville, MA aeronautbrewing.com.
Achieve Fitness (@AchieveFitnessBoston)
Rather than fill your Instagram feed with impossible-to-achieve abs and “detoxifying” weight-loss teas, why not fill it with news you can actually use in the gym or at home? Somerville gym Achieve Fitness’s social community of almost 500,000 followers get valuable advice on living a healthy lifestyle. And if you still have questions, they’ll answer them via their story for the benefit of all. 42 Merriam St., Somerville, MA achievefitnessboston.com.
Willow Tree Films
When a former client likens Greg Fisher’s films to something you’d see on a major TV network, you know you can count on him to tell your love story with skill and ease. The founder of Willow Tree Films, the videographer combines stunning drone shots with high-level footage of the day’s festivities to deliver a breathtaking finished product, whether you host an intimate celebration aboard a sailboat in the harbor or a magical fete in the orchards of a New Hampshire farm. willowtreefilms.net.
L'Etoile
Photo by Elizabeth Cecil Located in a former whaling captain’s house, this bistro’s bar earns top honors for versatility. Begin with the aptly named “startini” (citrus vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, pomegranate, and prosecco) or another creative cocktail. The singlemalt scotch and bourbon selections are impressive, while wines by the glass cover a lot of terroir in price, varietal, and geography. Then there’s the atmosphere, always lively without being obnoxious: Guests can choose between a seat at the bar, a banquette, or the porch, although the Adirondack chairs on the lawn beckon on balmy nights. 22 North Water St., Edgartown, MA 02539, letoile.net.
Roadrunner
Photo by Ben Stas/Noise Floor THE SCENE: Built by the same people who brought us the Sinclair, the area’s largest (and newest) indoor live-music room has a similar flair for ultra-cool minimalism, pristine sightlines, and industry-leading acoustics — at more than six times the capacity. THE LINEUP: A who’s who of 2022 touring acts, from Gen Z pop darling Olivia Rodrigo to multi-night runs by LCD Soundsystem and Lake Street Dive. 89 Guest St., Boston, MA 02135, roadrunnerboston.com.
Roxbury International Film Festival
Twenty-four years after its debut, this summer festival’s commitment to showcasing vibrant, dynamic films by, for, and about people of color remains as strong as ever. This year’s fest premiered its offerings in person and online, and handed out awards for categories including Narrative Film, Documentary Short, Audience Favorite, and more. And for those interested in making their directing debut, the fest has long offered abundant networking opportunities, as well as panels and workshops. Multiple Locations, Boston, MA 02111, roxfilmfest.com.
Frank Vocals
You know you’ve made it when your song has soundtracked not one but two TV shows. The embodiment of modern-day R & B, Frank Vocals’s delicate, sexy croon can now be heard on an episode of the Starz series BMF, as well as Power Book II: Ghost. No surprise when you consider the lyrical vulnernability and pure romance of his 2020 EP Cure. frankvocals.com.
Camp
Forget ball pits and bounce houses: Hidden behind a bookcase at the Burlington Mall’s Camp toy store are endless hands-on adventures for birthday groups. This summer’s theme is retro summer camp, with a “disco” cabin for dancing, a splatter art room, and slides. Keeping parents happy? The squeaky-clean environs and partnership with next-door neighbor Shake Shack. Burlington Mall, 75 Middlesex Turnpike 1st Floor, Burlington, MA 1803, camp.com.