Yankee Clipper Inn
There are surprisingly few seaside inns within an hour of Boston. But when you've found this one— and can afford the upper-end price tag— who needs others? Many of the 26 rooms located in four diverse buildings of the inn's compound overlook the ocean. Many have fabulous sun decks or glassed-in porches with a view of waves directly below. Thick lawns and colorful gardens roll down to the water's edge. There's no sandy shore, but there is a pool and a gazebo. Plan ahead: The dining room is strictly BYOB, as Rockport is a dry town. 96 Granite St., Rockport, CT .
Nine Zero
Hip enough for Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga, yet sophisticated enough to attract the likes of Bill Clinton, Nine Zero treats all its guests like celebrities—even the penguins en route to the San Diego Zoo that it accommodated in 2007. With daily wine hours, pet-friendly services, and charming themed suites (including the presidential Cloud Nine), we give Nine Zero a clear 10. Book the Skyline View rooms and your loaner iPad will come preloaded with tourist tips, a music library, even retail-therapy apps. 90 Tremont St., Boston, MA ninezero.com.
India Samraat
While lachha paratha, kadahi paneer, and the other spice-redolent dishes at this 17-year-old Back Bay outpost may be a challenge to pronounce, none are a struggle to polish off. Saffron basmati rice and steaming onion naan accompany curried meat and vegetable dishes; the tandoori chicken, often too dry elsewhere, is packed with savory juices. The gilded decor is a tad kitschy, so if an abundance of drapes and mirrors isn't exactly your thing, there's the option of delivery. Just remember to order early, as weekend nights bring wait times of up to an hour and a half. 51A Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA indiasamraat.com.
George's Island
This splendid island is part of the Massachusetts State Park System and its only residents are two knowledgeable park rangers. In addition to spectacular views of the inner and outer harbor, the Civil War-era Fort Warren on the island is full of charming and frightening history, told in great detail on guided tours. You can also lie on the grass, picnic on the rocks, or play frisbee on the beach if you want recreation rather than education. Summer ferry service runs hourly on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Maps and tourist information: MDC Reservations and Historic Sites, 98 Taylor Street, Dorchester, 727-5290. Bay State Cruise Company, 67 Long Wharf, Boston, MA .
Kings
Bowling alleys don't traditionally offer Veuve Clicquot. But then, Kings is not your traditional bowling alley. It's part lounge, part pool hall, and all fun. Dimly lit nooks, red fluorescent running lights, and upbeat dance tunes pumping through the cavernous one-time movie theater help make Kings the hippest place we've ever bowled (tenpin of course—none of that candlepin stuff). While away the wait (it can take upwards of two hours on the weekends to snag one of the 16 lanes) chowing down at Jasper White's Summer Shack or de Ville Lounge, both right on the premises. 50 Dalton St., Boston, MA kingsbowlamerica.com/boston.
The Daily Stroll
JIM BRUECKNER Sign up your four-legged friend for 30-to-60-minute walks that avoid toxic ice melt in the winter and hot pavement in the summer; off-leash pup playgroups; or daycare, where they’ll enjoy lounging on couches and playing with toys. Your dog will come home tired but happy and ready to snuggle. thedailystrollllc.com.
A4cade
Photo by Chloe Grinberg A nondescript door in Roxy’s Grilled Cheese serves as a portal to your wildest retro fantasies. Pinball and Pac-Man await your high scores, and Technicolor tipples are poured into vessels shaped like Simba and R2D2. In other words, this joint puts the joy in joystick. 292 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, areafour.com.
Crane Estate
Your very own castle overlooking the sea. It's a reality at Ipswich's Crane Estate, a 2,100-acre tribute to natural beauty and manmade opulence that showcases water panoramas and one very regal Stuart-style manor. While several party spots are available, the showstopper is the Great House's rolling lawn leading to the Atlantic. 290 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, MA 01938, thetrustees.org/crane-estate.
State Park
Photograph by Julia Hopkins Play pinball or pool, watch live music, and (if you can elbow your way in forcefully enough) try your hand at shuffleboard, the hipster bar game du jour. Sure, you could drink somewhere fancier—but why would you? One Kendall Sq., Cambridge, MA 02139, statepark.is.
Yale Applicances and Lighting
Shopping for a fridge or stove at a big-box store can be absolutely maddening, with all the appliances displayed like lawn mowers. At Yale, the ceilings are low, the lighting is soft, and each piece seems like a perfect fit for your home. Peep the $16,000 ranges on your own or book a tour at the desk. 296 Freeport St., Boston, MA 2122, yaleappliance.com.
The Someday Cafe
Coffee drinks don't come more sublime than the Four-Binger latte at this Pacific Northwest hangout. Baristas layer four ultra-smooth espresso shots and silky steamed milk in a tall glass; no sugar needed. Close your eyes and dream of Seattle. 51 Davis Square, Somerville, MA .
Kent Newton, Kent Newton Salon
The problem with getting an appointment at some vaunted salons isn't the star stylists themselves so much as the gate-keepers they have shooing away the unshampooed masses: "[Mr. Big Shot] isn't taking new clients at the moment," intoned multiple haughty receptionists during our research. We encountered no attitude, however, when we called Kent Newton Salon, and upon arrival we found chilled-out ambiance and meticulous craftsmanship. Partway through the session, the eponymous master — a former Mario Russo staffer — became so engrossed in precision-snipping one cowlick, we crossed our fingers that he didn't charge by the hour. (He doesn't.) For Kent himself, you will need to book a few weeks out, but it's the best cut we've had in years. And yes, he's taking new clients. 1315 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, kentnewtonsalon.com.
Ginza, Brookline location
When you're craving sushi but can't bear waiting in line for hours for a table while being barked at by harried hostesses (an all-too-common occurrence at other sushi restaurants around town), head to the Brookline outpost of Ginza. To be sure, Ginza still does an exemplary job of serving delicious sushi at its original Chinatown location, but the Brookline spot also offers a small, pleasant dining room staffed by the friendliest, most accommodating crew of any sushi joint around. Not only will they take your name with a smile; they'll also offer you a seat at the bar, where you can sip sake or ice-cold draft Asahi while you wait for a table or takeout. The sushi here is made from fish so fresh it practically melts in your mouth, perfectly cut into bite-sized pieces (or tightly rolled into maki) that don't preclude conversation, another pleasant surprise in a time when the supersize epidemic has infected even the humble California roll. 1002 Beacon St., Brookline, MA ginzajapanese.com.
Jackie Liakopoulos, Beaucage
Spirals, waves, and kinks beware: There’s no curl too unruly for Jackie Liakopoulos to tame. As a certified DevaCurl stylist and educator with a headful of ringlets herself, Liakopoulos is extensively trained in assessing what wavy locks need (moisture! shape! definition!) and dry-cutting hair to flowy precision. After a few hours in her chair, our curls came out looking exactly how they should: subtly highlighted, perfectly shaped, and fully goddess-like. 71 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, beaucage.com.
Marisa Marino, Stilisti
Call her the Cesar Millan of hair: With her big round brush and expertly wielded blow dryer, Stilisti owner Marisa Marino has no equal in commanding our unruly manes to sit, stay, or roll. The tresses listen respectfully, then fall just where she wants them—and remain looking salon-fabulous for a good 48 hours. 138 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, stilistiboston.com.