The Bee's Knees
Hunting for a King Charles III coronation coaster, a jam pot, or even a tin of mushy peas? This online store and retail shop, owned and operated by a trio of British expats, have all your U.K. desires covered. Established in 2011, the emporium is now the largest regional importer of British artisan goods, including tableware, textiles, and everything you could ever need for a proper cup of tea. 566 Massachusetts Ave., West Acton, MA 01720, thebeeskneesbritishimports.com.
The Point Clothing Lounge
From the vintage NBA Jam arcade to the bar brimming with gratis whiskey, this place makes shopping for new threads — dare we say it? — enjoyable. But it’s not all fun and games here: Unrivaled in its selection of casual-cool clothing, accessories, and sneakers from more than 30 brands (including exclusives such as 7Diamonds, BYLT, and Oliver Cabell), the recently opened Southie shop makes it easier than ever to upgrade your wardrobe. 135 Emerson St., Boston, MA 02127, thepoint02127.com.
Glossier
Shopping for cosmetics is a tactile experience; how else can you know whether the lip gloss or foundation you’re buying actually works for your face? That’s why we’re so glad this cult-favorite beauty brand recently landed in Boston. Brimming with testers of all the must-haves — from the miracle-working brow pomade to the heavenly gel-cream blush known as Cloud Paint — the pink-hued shop is designed for experimentation and delight. 120 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, glossier.com.
Amy Bailey, Townhouse Beauty Bar
Want the secret to fabulous lashes? You’ll find it at Townhouse Beauty Bar, where lash guru Amy Bailey has been perfecting the art of sultry eyes for more than 15 years. What makes Bailey’s method unique is her custom approach, which involves meticulously selecting lashes with the perfect curl and length to give each client a natural but voluminous look. The result? No one will know your secret except you and Bailey. 28 Charles St., Boston, MA 02122, townhousebeautybar.com.
Chuck Bass, Patrice Vinci Salon
Why do we love Chuck Bass? Let us count the reasons. For one, he comes in as early as 6 a.m. to accommodate busy schedules. Two, he works quickly and quietly. Most important, his talent for creating gorgeous textural haircuts — including on curly hair — is unmatched, having honed his craft throughout Boston and New York City. Whether you’re looking for a big makeover or a subtle upgrade to your signature style, you’ll always leave his chair happy. 91 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, chuckbass.com.
Dream Spa Medical
With age comes wisdom — and, for better or worse, wrinkles, sunspots, hair loss, cellulite… the list goes on. The good news is none of those conditions is a match for the skilled practitioners at Dream Spa Medical, where the variety of laser treatments and injectables offer real results. And with a new location at Patriot Place slated to open this summer, it’ll soon be easier than ever to look and feel your best every day. Brookline and Canton, MA dreamspamedical.com.
Newbury Tailoring Co.
Finding a good tailor isn’t easy. Some will promise alteration results that can’t realistically be achieved; others will totally butcher the hem of your bridesmaid dress just weeks before a wedding. Thank goodness for Newbury Tailoring. The longtime Back Bay staple can always be relied on to be trustworthy and honest — and, most important, deliver impeccable work under even the tightest time frames. 324B Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, newburytailoring@gmail.com.
George Wright Golf Course
Designed by Donald Ross, this charming municipal course is famed for its immaculate greens and intricate layout, featuring undulating hills and intriguing dog legs that offer a welcome challenge to players of all levels. Post-match, relax in the historical clubhouse, sinking into leather chairs to watch the latest golf tournaments on TV or sating your appetite at the on-site café. 420 West St., Hyde Park, MA 02136, cityofbostongolf.com.
The Newbury Boston
The picture-perfect Public Garden views alone are enough to justify a staycation at this iconic address, which reopened as the Newbury in 2021. But add in the buzzy on-site restaurant, in-room afternoon tea service, and a “fireplace butler” to build a cozy wood-burning fire in your suite after a day of shopping, and you have the makings of a truly luxe getaway in the place where everyone wants to be. One Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, thenewburyboston.com.
The Wellness Atelier
We’ve all had those nights — the ones where you wake up the next morning with a blinding headache and an appetite for nothing but saltines. Plan ahead, and next time you can roll right out of bed and into Dr. Daniela Winston’s Newbury Street studio for the cheekily named “About Last Night” IV, a hydrating treatment designed to lessen hangover symptoms. The concierge medicine practice also offers a variety of other nutritional IVs that infuse your body with the stuff it needs to not just survive but thrive. 36 Newbury St., 3rd Fl., Boston, MA 02116, thewellnessatelier.com.
G2O Spa + Salon
Photo by Rachel G Photography G2O might be in the heart of the city, but step inside the door, throw on a robe, and it’s like you’re far away on vacation: in the Dead Sea with a weightless soak in the flotation pods. In Bali with fruit-extract cream softening your skin in a steam room. High in the Himalayas in a salt cave that promises to improve mood and increase energy. And you know what else makes it seem like you’re on holiday when you’re at G2O? How relaxed you’ll feel. 33 Exeter St., Boston, MA 02116, g2ospasalon.com.
Catalano Architects
Classic, timeless, and inspiring are words that come to mind when you see a house designed by Tom Catalano. Committed to designing spaces that are both functional and enduring, his firm’s number one goal is to create homes that suit their inhabitants’ lifestyles. Equally as important is honoring the integrity of the structure and seamlessly integrating it with its surroundings — which imbues even newly designed abodes with a sense of permanence. 125 Pearl St., Boston, MA 02110, catalanoarchitects.com.
System 7
For those of us who find navigating the myriad of home-technology systems overwhelming and stressful, System 7’s Experience Center is a godsend. The pros at the company’s two locations in Boston and Wellesley are as tech-savvy as they are patient. They’ll enlighten you on intuitive access controls, motorized shading systems, lighting, and about integrating it all together through wireless networking. And when you’re ready, they’ll create a plan tailored to your home’s specific needs. Boston Design Center, Ste. 130W, Boston, MA 02210, systemseven.com.
Zimman's
If you can't find the fabric you want at Zimman’s, you can’t get it anywhere. With four generations of experience, the team here offers an extensive stock of textiles consistently touted as phenomenal, including indoor/outdoor fabrics and luxurious embroidered pieces. That’s to say nothing of the custom reupholstery services, which can give everything from Grandma’s old settee to antiques-store dining chairs a new life. 80 Market St., Lynn, MA 01901, zimmans.com.
Coppa
Pizza at Coppa. / Photo by Brian Samuels Things might get a little flashier at Jamie Bissonnette and Ken Oringer’s other spots, but at this South End favorite, spotless technique and deep culinary knowledge quietly underlie the cozy enoteca menu of house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and other Italian treats. Some all-stars haven’t left the menu since day one — we’re looking at you, cavatelli with tomato-broccoli sugo — and that’s just how we like it. 253 Shawmut Ave., South End, MA 02118, coppaboston.com.