Konditor Meister
Whether it's duplicating Pinterest printouts or dreaming up a wholly original confection, Konditor Meister (German for "master pastry chef") creates wedding-cake wonders. Its tiered masterpieces have delighted couples for three decades with 21 cake-filling combos, from orange-champagne mousse to apple-cinnamon chai. No rubberized icing for your guests, either: KM forgoes fondant in favor of creamier (but equally decorative) rolled white chocolate, keeping both design and flavor front and center. 32 Wood Rd., Braintree, MA 02184, konditormeister.com.
L'élite Bridal & Bridesmaids
This petite third-floor boutique offers a who's who of designers (Amsale, Watters, and Monique Lhuillier) that are sure to please your discerning ladies. Some lines even allow for mix-and-match necklines, styles, and fabrics to ensure pretty little ’maids, all in a row. An added perk: refreshing honesty. If a look doesn't fit, the staff won't force it. 14 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, lelite.com.
Ports & Company
Along Route 3, it's the same sad story: shopping plaza after shopping plaza, each offering a slightly different version of the pants you've seen on every one of your coworkers. Break away from the crowd with a stop at this under-the-radar Cohasset storefront, which packs AG jeans, Nicole Miller dresses, cashmere sweaters, and other individualistic pieces onto shelf and rack. 23 S. Main St., Cohasset, MA 02025, portsandcompany.com.
Follain
This pore house founded by Babson College grad Tara Foley has dominated the healthy skin-care market of late—and with good reason. It features environmentally friendly products from more than 30 U.S. brands, like Indie Lee's cleansers and oils and Amber Blue's age-defying serums. Meanwhile, a new collection of men's shaving products rounds out the selection of thoroughly researched, wholesome skin saviors. (Multiple locations.) 65 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, shopfollain.com.
The MacDowell Company
With decades of experience under their belts, the talented landscape architects and contractors at the MacDowell Company know a few things about exterior design. Whether creating the ultimate backyard oasis or sophisticated stone terraces and courtyards, MacDowell folks shepherd the process from beginning to end, ensuring picture-perfect results at every turn. Go ahead, give 'em a call. Your neighbors will thank you. 21 Center St., Weston, MA 02493, macdowell.com.
Ace Wheelworks
Sure, you can buy a decent bike anywhere, but the friendly folks at Wheelworks make the hunt stress-free. Once you've made your pick—be it a fixed-up second-hander or a brand-new designer bike—cycle easy knowing that anytime you need expert servicing, the team will take care of it. On warmer days, staffers line up the refurbished rides outside the store for easy browsing. 145 Elm St., Somerville, MA 02144, wheelworks.com.
Alan Bilzerian
You're buzzed in the front door like it's a speakeasy, quickly greeted hello, and then given merciful room to roam. From Petrol-leather zip boots by Carol Christian Poell to handcrafted Italian cap-toe sneakers, Alan Bilzerian has your inner foot fetishist in mind when he curates his selection of stylish hoof art. 34 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, alanbilzerian.com.
Dew Luxe
Photograph by Jared Kuzia An Hermès scarf for $350? A Burberry trench for $500? This isn't the end-of-season sale at Barneys, just the everyday deals found at Michaela Bavis's twee luxury consignment shop in South Boston. The sleek repository of new and lightly used high-end designer pieces includes suits, cocktail dresses, handbags, and heels from the likes of Chanel, Valentino, and Louboutin. Don't skip over the accessories display case, either; those oversize Bulgari sunglasses might finally be within your grasp. 36 A St., South Boston, MA 02127, dewluxe.com.
Little Flippers Swim School
Devoted to children's lessons, this pool is kept at 89 degrees. Equally warm instructors tempt kids underwater with an arsenal of colorful foam toys and treasure tokens they can trade in for prizes. With spotless facilities, a comfortable waiting area with toys for siblings, and towels and swim diapers available for purchase if you've forgotten yours, this place runs swimmingly. 7 Strathmore Rd., Natick, MA 01760, littleflippersswim.com.
Elisabeth Accardi, Upon a Star Events
With the friendliest vibe in the business, Accardi pinpoints your vision (and budget), creating kid-friendly bashes with unforgettable touches—ice-blue marshmallow fondue, retro toy stations, DIY designer-bag crafts. Employing former babysitters as her high-energy helpers, the Andover mom and former stage actress specializes in birthdays and bar/bat mitzvahs, but can make magic wherever you need to keep a group of kids entertained. uponastar.net.
Dungeon Rock, Lynn Woods Reservation
If your kids are balking at the prospect of a walk, tempt them with a trek to this spooky site. A gentle one-mile round-trip walk takes you to a 174-foot cave, once a hiding spot for a 17th-century pirate. Go between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, when the park ranger props open the heavy iron door, then descend a wooden staircase and explore the tunnel within. ci.lynn.ma.us/citydepartments_lynnwoods.shtml..
Muckykids Art Studio
Each week, director Liz Vance comes up with several new projects—from doll quilts to magnetic sculptures to homemade slime—and arranges supplies on tables in her studio. A helper or two is always around, but the tidy, colorful stations are so inviting, you'll likely find yourself up to your elbows in oobleck, too. 1776 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140, muckykids.com.
The Kirkland Tap and Trotter
This mellow gastropub goes beyond carnival fare with nourishing plates like house-made spaghetti with meat sauce, or fish and chips, all accompanied by fresh, organic veggies. The space is so big that yowling tots won't raise brows, and servers happily accommodate the smaller set (in other words, modifications aren't frowned upon). 425 Washington St., Somerville, MA 02143, kirklandtapandtrotter.com.
Exhale Battery Wharf
Whether prepping for a big race or recovering post-CrossFit, the sports massage at Exhale Battery Wharf is a workout-regimen must. After a pre-massage consultation identifying trouble spots, let your 30-, 60-, or 90-minute treatment melt away tension, then enjoy luxurious amenities like the hammam—a steamless Turkish sauna that melts away stress. First pain, then gain. 2 Battery Wharf, Boston, MA 02109, exhalespa.com.
Bliss
After hunching over a keyboard all week, nothing does a body better than a full-body massage. Enter the newly renovated Bliss facility at the W Hotel, which offers a "Blissage" treatment perfect for wound-up muscles. Using hydrating creams and warming oils from the Bliss line, therapists tailor each massage to your concerns, taking care of knots you didn't even know existed. 100 Stuart St., Boston, MA 02116, blissworld.com.