Barneys New York
Whatever your particular fetish—prim Lanvin flats, foot-high Louboutins—Barney's indulgent 3,200-square-foot shoe space is the ultimate playground. (In the year since it opened, we've officially kicked our persistent online footwear-buying habit.) Did we mention sizes are rarely unavailable here? On those few occasions when you can't immediately find your desired style, chances are that it exists somewhere in the Barneys universe, and a helpful associate will be able to track down said pair long before withdrawal sets it. Copley Place, Boston, MA barneys.com.
Bliss Home
Hand-selected by proprietor Panamai Manadee, the au courant dinnerware patterns at this Back Bay boutique can convince browsers to send their own plates packing. Great news for those of us who, during our engagement, went blithely over to Ye Olde China Shoppe and, after scanning the matronly selection, grabbed the least offensive style. At Bliss Home, pick from brands that your mother never heard of, decked out in colors invented only last week. Then relax—because with table settings this eye-catching, your dinner guests won't even notice that you overcooked the poor asparagus. 225 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
The Esplanade
The Minuteman Bikeway may seem the obvious choice for bike enthusiasts, but it's too straight for our taste. A good bike path needs some twists and turns, with long, empty stretches of solitude and glimpses of the city skyline. Only the Esplanade provides all that. The paths along the Charles River in Boston and Cambridge are usually so packed they require complete attention, but once you reach Newton and Watertown, the ride is all yours. The stretch? Watertown Square, where you glide over wooden bridges, swoop under low-hanging trees, and, for a few wonderful, brief moments, hear nothing but the crickets and the whir of your pedals. MA
Stan Frankenthaler, Choice Catering
We'll let Jasper White's former assistant chef make and deliver dinner to our house anytime. Can dining at home get any better than this? 256 Marginal St., East Boston, MA .
Coppa
Every time the kitchen changes hands at Jamie Bissonnette and Ken Oringer's tiny South End enoteca, we hold our breath. First it was Bissonnette handing over the reins to the talented Meghann Ward; this year marked Ward passing the torch to L'Espalier and Del Posto alum Michael Bergin. And yet somehow, the place never misses a beat. The classic pizzas are still smoky and rich (our new favorite is dotted with spicy globs of 'nduja sausage); the house pastas are still remarkably creative (see: parsley cavatelli with prosciutto-braised escargot); and the vegetable dishes remain some of the town's finest (Brussels sprouts smothered in robiola; roasted cauliflower bathed in bagna cauda). 253 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 02118, coppaboston.com.
Patrice Vinci, Patrice Vinci Salon
Patrice Vinci is the beauty fairy godmother you never knew you needed. With an old-school Boston accent and gorgeous golden tresses of her own, the colorist wields her brushes like magic wands and her dyes like potions. Case in point: a visit that turned our thick blond curls a rich, multi-toned copper that looked so incredibly natural, even our mother swore we must have entered this world a redhead. Expert or enchantress—why can't it be both?—Vinci will help your hair live happily ever after. 91 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, patricevinci.com.
Agent Provocateur
When we need support, we wade through the beige and white underthings at Intimacy and Nordstrom, where polite ladies wielding measuring tapes thoughtfully correct our ignorance in thinking we were a B cup. When we need lingerie, however (the kind of thing that revs our engine, and hopefully yours, too, hot stuff), we head to Agent Provocateur. New this year on Newbury Street, the British retailer deals in flashy-not-trashy revisions of boudoir basics: satin corsets, push-up bras in tartan plaids, tasseled pasties...okay, maybe not too trashy. 123 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 2116, agentprovocateur.com.
Abe & Louie's
It's the oldest story in the book: Man tours steakhouses, steakhouses run gamut, man eliminates fading relics, lesser chains, and 'modern' meateries where the flourishes outshine the beef. And by the final page, Abe & Louie's and Grill 23 once again have emerged as the heroes of our tale. In terms of overall atmosphere, it's a draw (lively merriment versus relaxed elegance), but Abe & Louie's cuts are a touch more flavorful, the wine list a tad kinder to our bottom line, and the non-steak options—like the addictive crab cakes—a little nearer to perfection. After all, in a showdown this sizzling, victory is measured by degrees. 793 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2116, abeandlouies.com.
Sunita Bhandari Bhusal, The Threading Spa, Chestnut Hill
Celebs know that great eyebrows can dramatically improve a face. Thanks to Bhusal, we’re well versed in this phenomenon as well. "Something’s different!" ... "You look amazing" ... and our personal favorite, "Your brows are killer right now," were just a few of the flatteries flung our way after Bhusal worked her magic, first delicately threading and then gently tweezing until she achieved the perfect arch. Sensitive-skin types rejoice: Threading is cleaner than waxing, doesn’t leave any stickiness behind, and the chances of a burn are zilch. The Mall at Chestnut Hill, Newton, MA 2467, the-threadingspa.com.
Yellow Door Taqueria
Kid-friendly perks here include speedy service, a noise level that will make your squirmer blend in, churros for dessert, and spacious outdoor seating. Adult-only bonuses are mature-palate tacos like chili-braised duck with vanilla-plantain purée, full-throttle cocktails (including eight kinds of margaritas), and reservations so you’re not circling the host stand with a yowling kid. Can’t get out of the house? They even deliver. Multiple locations, yellowdoortaqueria.com.
Sweet Meadow Farm
Sure, backyard bounce houses are fun, but has your kid ever put hair bows on a potbellied pig? At this Sherborn farm’s birthday extravaganzas, children start by feeding cows, mini horses, wallabies, and even emus. Next, potbellied pigs Charlotte and Penny appear for grooming and dressing. After that, cuddle lizards, chameleons, and Chompers, the resident desert tortoise. Finally, ride a unicorn (actually a pony with a rainbow mane and horns) before pizza. No wonder this is currently the hottest party-animal ticket in town. 111 Coolidge St., Sherborn , MA 01770, sweetmeadowfarm.com.
TreeTop Adventures
Kids turning your house into a jungle gym? There’s a better way to burn off that endless energy. At TreeTop Adventures, they can get an adrenaline rush from ziplining through aerial obstacle courses featuring rolling logs, bridges, ladders, and tightropes. The best part? With 10 trails for ages seven and up ranging from beginner to expert, anyone can join in the fun — yes, even you. 200 New Boston Dr., Canton, MA 02021, treetopcanton.com.
Grain Surfboards
Nick Lavecchia/Courtesy of Grain Surfboards One look at these artisanal wooden boards, and you’ll want to hang 10 with the best of ’em. Lovingly handcrafted from locally sourced, eco-friendly materials, Grain’s custom fish, midlength, and longboards are always the talk of the beach. Want to help make your own? Join the Grain crew during a four- or five-day workshop in York, Maine, for an unforgettable hands-on experience. 73 Webber Rd., York, ME 03909, grainsurfboards.com.
Beacon Hill Books & Cafe
Photo by Mona Miri Bibliophiles flock here not only to explore literary treasures but also to be seen doing it. The highly Instagrammable four-level space boasts unique book selections and a lovely ambiance to linger in, but the best part just might be the tea service. Indulge in a delightful array of tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and sweets accompanied by a pot of custom-blended tea or a flute of prosecco while flipping the pages of whatever you just picked up for your book club. 71 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, bhbooks.com.
MWI Fiber-Shield
In this day of open-plan living, and with pets and children in all areas of the house, stains happen. Thankfully, when your carpet takes a hit or the sofa gets spotted with red wine, the folks at MWI Fiber-Shield are there to help. It’s miraculous, really: With Michelle and Wayne Southworth at the helm, technicians clean furnishings using ecofriendly products that remove or rinse out even the most daunting stains and spills to reveal clean rugs, draperies, window treatments, and fabric and leather upholstery without changing the item’s texture or appearance. 516 E 2nd St., Ste. 3, Boston , MA 02127, mwifibershield.com.