Oona's
Given fashion's current obsession with the past, the vintage store is at the forefront of style. Oona's, just outside Harvard Square, has us swooning over vintage leather jackets, dresses from the 1960s, and unique jewelry and bags. With reasonable prices, a large men's selection, and an ample inventory, Oona's has the vintage pieces you need to create a timeless style all your own. 1210 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA oonasboston.com.
The Closet
You'll need to work to unearth the gems at this tightly packed consignment store. But it's worth the effort. The Closet has racks of cashmere sweaters, leather jackets, Lilly Pulitzer pants, and Gucci blousons, along with an excellent selection of designer shoes from Chanel, Prada, and Stuart Weitzman. That, plus the substantial men's section and well-organized collection of quality handbags and belts, make the Closet an effective nexus between the previous owners' closet and your own. 175 Newbury St., Boston, MA blog.closetboston.com.
The Art Store
From its creative workshops and tattooed employees to the epic collection of papers, every inch of the Art Store inspires creativity. The meticulously organized setting is the perfect place to lose track of time as you meander through wide aisles neatly packed with everything from standard paints, brushes, canvases, frames, journals, gifts, scrapbooks, and wrapping paper. Whether you're in the market for professional art supplies, a photo album, or rainy day children's games, the Art Store is the place to find your inner Degas. 401 Park Dr., Boston, MA .
Anna Cherkasska, Salon Capri
Anna Cherkasska takes her work seriously, which means clients take her work vigorously. Expect lots of effective pressure that goes deep tissue, gets right to the middle of the muscle, and leaves you ache-free and loose as a rubber band. Cherkasska is charming, diligent, and not at all shy; don't be surprised if she jumps on your back to face down a knot. The salon itself provides a slew of other top-notch services and a serene but sophisticated setting. 31 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA saloncapri.com.
Royal Jewelers
Royal Jewelers is to David Yurman addicts as Massachusetts is to Mitt Romney—a second, and maybe first, home. There's good reason for that: The family-run, gem-packed store literally holds the largest and most complete Yurman boutique outside his Madison Avenue shop. And it hardly stops there. Royal also houses case after case of delectable works by other highstyle designers, including John Hardy, Kieselstein-Cord, Luca Carati, Michael Beaudry, Doris Panos, Elise Rosenstock, and Charriol. 58 Main St., Andover, MA royaljewelers.com.
Grettacole
Push through the glass and wood storefront, past the bright pots of Trish McEvoy cosmetics and rows of neatly packaged Molton Brown potions (you can hit all of the above on your way out), and head straight for the heart of this operation: the spa. The intimate setting in back serves as the stage for some world-class pampering—whether it's a custom-designed massage at the hard-working hands of Amy Nicalek or a soul-saving pedicure. The entire staff works at the expert level. Better yet, they're downright sweet. 300 Boylston St. (Rte. 9), Atrium Mall, Chestnut Hill, MA grettacole.com.
F1 Boston
Forget Schwarzenegger films, mini golf, and laser tag. Once you've felt your own adrenaline spike through you from one mere inch above the ground at Braintree's indoor "Formula 1"-style kart-racing complex, just about everything else seems lame. NASCAR lovers, take note: This is, by any standards, a luxury establishment, with conference rooms, cafés and lounges, billiards, and exhibitions. 290 Wood Rd., Braintree, MA f1boston.com.
Periwinkles
Glowing candles and a well-scrubbed interior may keep it more refined than your average fish shack, but Periwinkles' sea fare is straight-off-the-boat fresh. The crabmeat pie is a sweet and thick bit of retro revelry; the fresh lobster pizza on sourdough crust is tangy, filling, and scrumptious. Sitting on the deck perched over the Essex River at sunset, with an Ipswich Ale and a plate of grilled swordfish, provides an experience with which few places on earth can compete. 74 Main St., Essex, MA periwinklesrestaurant.com.
Jennifer Harvey, The Wellesley Center
With years of teaching under her belt, and a style that's at once soothing and energizing, it's no wonder Harvey has such a huge following. Her phenomenally popular neuromuscular integrative action class feels like MTV-meets-dance-therapy; it's a great workout regardless of your fitness level. Harvey is also great at modification, offering a class as challenging for advanced students as beginners. 140 Great Plain Ave., Wellesley, MA .
Kendall Square Cinema
It's not the fresh popcorn, hot cappuccino, or high-gloss neon that draws the crowds to this megaplex arthouse near MIT. Sure, those things don't hurt. But even if the seats weren't plush and the parking weren't plentiful, crowds would still flood to this theater for one of the largest selections of eye-sprinting subtitles on the East Coast. With nine screens of foreign and indie flicks, this is the place to catch an obscure tearjerker while boning up on your Czech or Urdu. 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA .
Mighty Mighty BossTones
Ska may come and ska may go, but the BossTones are forever. Going on 20 years, the band is forcing listeners to again Pay Attention with a best selling new studio release. Notwithstanding some catchy hooks, the album features a more melodic side of the plaid-bedecked eight-some, or, as frontman Dicky Barrett says, songs that are "thought out, not just half-assed." Get your tix for the Throwdown now! bosstones.com.
Hollywood Express
Attention. Compassion. Unparalleled Service. No, it's not a bank—it's a video store. Actually, it's a chain of them, staffed by some of the most highly regarded film fanatics in town. They can answer all your dumb movie questions like, "Do you have the one with the girl, and what's-his-name, and they get marooned in the Pacific...?" The deals are sweet too—five tapes for $10 every night (no new releases), and two-for-one on Tuesdays. Only happy endings here! 14 McGrath Highway, Somerville, MA hollywoodexpressvideo.com.
Lawn at the Museum of Transportation
A little outdoor lunch in order? Your best bet is the secluded hilltop field next to the Museum of Transportation. This public plot has all the grass and trees to spread out on, but lacks the crowds that the Esplanade is known for. Pick a warm weekend day, stretch out on the lush lawn with a basket of goodies, and take in all the kites filling the sky. You'll come home invigorated. 15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA .
Boston Children's Theatre
photo by Alex Lau The BCT could play it safe. Instead, it offers outside-the-box productions, like Reflections of a Rock Lobster, about a gay teen's fight to bring his date to the prom, and Honk!, a lively musical based on The Ugly Duckling. And if your kids like what they see here, sign them up for one of the many workshops the BCT offers. 316 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA bostonchildrenstheatre.com.
Red Tail Golf Club
This course, now more than a decade old, is worth the haul to Devens: It has the wide-open, lush fairways and sloping sand traps that are typically found in the Southwest—but amid stunning New England foliage. That kind of beauty doesn't come cheap (expect to drop $99 for a weekend round during peak season), but at least you can reserve your tee time online. 15 Bulge Rd., Devens, MA redtailgolf.net.