The Garden in the Woods
Don't dig up that lady's slipper! Come to the annual June plant sale at Garden in the Woods for wildflowers you can take home without fear of eradicating an endangered species. While the June sale is the largest, wildflowers are always available for purchase at the Garden, as well as books and other items in the charming gift store. But don't leave without a tour of the Garden itself, one of New England's unique treasures. Hemenway Road, North Framingham, MA .
Robert Aron, Cardealerphobia
Wanna buy a car? Whether you are looking for something new or used, to lease or purchase, Robert Aron will guide you through the car-buying maze. Aron's three-part service will help you decide what you really want, allow you to test drive your choices without having to endure the hard-sell of fast-talking car dealers, and then help you buy at a cost close to dealer's invoice.
Cambridge Soundworks
It doesn't look like much from the outside, but this factory-direct retail store sells Henry Kloss's great speakers (made on the premises), matches them to quality components, and presents them in an informed, low-pressure manner. No fancy showrooms. Just good value and a very liberal return policy (30-day total Satisfaction Guarantee), just in case you change your mind. 154 California St., West Newton, MA .
Divine Sales
Divine Sales, 415 Mass. Ave., in Central Square, Cambridge, is operated by the followers of Guru Mararaj ji, the short, fat spoiled brat of a perfect master. But religious convictions should never interfere with a financial transaction. Divine Sales does have a nice selection of second-hand goods, and you can buy them without selling your soul. 415 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA .
Jerry's Custom Tailoring & Alterations
To find Jerry's, look for the door between Uno Chicago Grill's two patios. Push it open. Walk down the hall to the slide-gate elevator. Take it up to the fourth floor. There, you'll reach Jerry, who will hem, shrink, or overhaul your prized suits, dresses, and jeans until they fit like second skins. In exchange, he'll expect cash or a personal check, and a minimum of talk. 729 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Jeanne Lee
Jeanne Lee doesn't shy away from problem toes—no, she specializes in them, taking the time to rigorously cleanse, file, buff, exfoliate, and massage before unscrewing the cap to your desired polish. And because Lee works with only one other nail technician (her mother) in her fourth-floor Newbury Street space, you're all but guaranteed a tranquil experience. 125 Newbury St., Boston, MA jeannesalon.com.
Exhale, Battery Wharf
Photo by Jesse Burke We love the daily bustle of living in Boston, of course, but sometimes we need an escape. At this expansive waterfront spa, the hammam—a stunning, stone-tiled Turkish bath—lets you while away time between treatments with a magazine, or just your wandering thoughts. The amenity-packed locker room, shampoo-commercial-worthy showers, and attentive aestheticians, meanwhile, all make the city feel far, far away. 2 Battery Wharf, Boston, MA exhalespa.com.
Sadie Higgins, Sarra
There are plenty of beauty rituals that can survive a rushed appointment. Eyebrow shaping is not one of them. Sadie Higgins spends a full 45 minutes studying the shape of your face while tweezing (no wax) a natural arch precisely where it was meant to be—even if nature had other ideas. She also dispenses at-home maintenance tips, all in a gorgeous loft space. 840 Summer St., Boston, MA sarrastudios.com.
Peter Welch's Gym
If you prefer a gym that's a glorified spa, look elsewhere. But if you want to train like a pro, then go where actual professionals work out. In the case of boxing, that's Peter Welch's Gym. Hidden in a warehouse in Southie, it's old-school, with real rings, real equipment, and real fighters leading each class. You'll learn proper punching and evasive techniques while getting the best workout of your life. 371 Dorchester Ave., South Boston, MA peterwelchsgym.com.
Lotus Designs
Earlier this year, Lotus relocated from Columbus to Tremont, and on crisp days, the shop's ambrosial array of flowers spills out onto the sidewalks. Watch the weekly parade of dramatic arrangements filing out to the parlors of tony South End townhouses, while you choose a set creation or design one of your own. Just be sure to request a few of their specialty blooms, including the gorgeous rare orchids. 977 Tremont St., Boston, MA lotusdesignsflowers.com.
The Urban Hound
Photo by Jesse Burke There are pets, and then there are babies who just happen to have fur. For the four-legged companions in the latter camp, the Urban Hound is ready to stand in as surrogate parent. The 8,500-square-foot boutique hotel has pristine private suites and large indoor and outdoor play areas. The service menu includes grooming and an on-site training program that will have you wondering who's had more fun on vacay—you or them. 129 Malden St., Boston, MA urbanhounds.com.
Brad Duncan Skin Care
Brad Duncan is the best kind of aesthetician. He isn't an alarmist, he doesn't push product, and, as years of sun damage and bad living dissolve under gentle fruit enzymes, he contributes just enough useful information and amiable chatter, even suggesting an excellent derm from his exclusive address book. Further ingenious use of downtime: the stress-defusing foot massage while your mineral mask sets. 530 Tremont St., Boston, MA bradduncanskincare.com.
G2O Spa & Salon
Fireside lounge. Penthouse roof deck. Inhalation-therapy relaxation room. The amenities at this vast Newbury Street retreat are top-notch—as are the always-invigorating services. Whether you stop in for a deep-hydration facial or a quick post-lunch manicure, the staffers here will treat you like a star, leaving you looking and feeling your best. 278 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, g2ospasalon.com.
Robin Chalfin, Toolkit
Photograph by Webb Chappell Given that Mick Jagger, Michelle Williams, and Salma Hayek have all put themselves in her hands (literally), Robin Chalfin can certainly lay claim to being a celebrity tailor. But while she's deployed her sewing skills on movie sets and at rock concerts, you don't need to be a star to be a customer: Just ring her up and she'll show up at your door, pins and measuring tape in hand, and return in a matter of days with clothes that fit you to a T. MA
David's Instant Shoe Repair
Nothing ruins a good pair of Ferragamos like a scuff. Or sidewalk salt. Or dog poop. So if you've got road hazards nipping at your heels, let us suggest you sic David's on them. A Financial District landmark, this homespun business has shoeshine chairs out front for lightning-quick buff-ups. But watch where you step, would ya?