Parla
A cocktail at Parla. / Photo by Brian Samuels Sure, this speakeasy-style gem is known for its knockout bar with house-made shrubs and riffs on classic cocktails (martini with lemongrass gin, anyone?). But don’t sleep on the creative Italian fare — rich seafood risotto, fresh burrata — best enjoyed with sleeves rolled up as you adventure through the “Dungeon Master” secret cocktail menu, rolling a 20-sided die to determine your boozy fate. 230 Hanover St., North End, MA 02113, parlaboston.com.
Faraway Nantucket
Matt Kisiday If, in fact, we go on vacation to lose ourselves, consider your new identity within the self-described quirky interiors of Faraway Nantucket. The hotel is comprised of six unique properties, each thoughtfully designed to reimagine the lives of historical former residents. Inside the main building on Centre Street lives the in-house restaurant and bar, complete with a gorgeous terrace and patio for savoring Nantucket’s fresh air. The vibe is coastal New England meets Alice in Wonderland, in the best way possible. 29 Centre St., Nantucket, MA 02554, farawayhotels.com/nantucket/location.
Smolak Farms
Open year round, Smolak’s commitment to sustainability shows up in its dedication to teaching future generations the importance of family farms. Educational tours interesting enough to keep the adults entertained are bolstered by animals to feed and a robust pick-your-own schedule. A kids’ club, meanwhile, offers special access and discounts to future events like breakfast with Mrs. Claus and Easter egg hunts. 315 S. Bradford St., North Andover, MA 01845, smolakfarms.com.
Seoul Soulongtang
Signature seollongtang beef soup is the heavenly house special that keeps this Allston eatery humming. The dish is presented with Dickensian austerity—chalk-white broth hiding slices of boiled brisket and slippery vermicelli—but once you season your bowl with the supplied sea salt, scallions, properly fermented banchan, and exceptionally good (tender, chewy, clumpy) steamed rice, it’s one of the most soul-satisfying meals around. As for the bulgogi and bibimbap? Things of beauty, both. 1245 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, MA seoulsoulongtang.com.
Bosso Ramen Tavern
How does Harvard Square newcomer Bosso stand apart in a town saturated with ramen joints? First, with its broth: the house tonkotsu is prepped with both chicken and pork bones, a double dose of collagen that ups the umami factor. Second, with the flavor profiles of its tasty bowls: the “umami” is enhanced by black garlic; sour “sanmi” benefits from tomatoes and green shiso; the salty “enmi” is brightened by yuzu; and the spicy vegan bowl is spiked with red chili oil. We’ll take one of each, please. 24 Holyoke St., Cambridge, MA 02138, instagram.com/bossoramentavern.
Young's Bicycle Shop
Photo by Elizabeth Cecil Call it the OG of Nantucket bike rentals: For nearly 100 years, this family-owned business has been operating just steps from the ferry terminal, marked by the trademark spinning bike wheel out front. And considering the wide selection of beach cruisers, mountain bikes, and mopeds on offer, it’s no surprise it’s been around so long. Need four wheels for your adventure? Check out the selection of over-sand vehicles for rent. 6 Broad St., Nantucket, MA 02554, youngsbicycleshop.com.
Brighton Music Hall
THE SCENE: A dive bar with a big stage and even bigger sound, this vestige of Allston Rock City’s glory days has a decidedly modern vibe that’s keeping a new generation jamming. THE LINEUP: Homegrown indie, rock, and hip-hop acts share space on the calendar with nationally touring acts and comedy legends, plus DJ and dance nights for all of your booty-shaking needs. 158 Brighton Ave., Allston, MA 02134, crossroadspresents.com.
Long's Jewelers
It’s hard enough memorizing the four Cs of diamonds, never mind actually choosing the perfect sparkler. Cue Long’s Jewelers. With classic solitaires, trendy emerald numbers, and vintage bands among its many options, the family-owned biz makes easy work of finding the perfect engagement and wedding rings. It also designs custom pieces that are as unique as your betrothed. Multiple locations. 100 Summer St., Boston, MA 02110, longsjewelers.com.
Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Market
Shopping online is fine, but isn’t it more fun to know where your favorite new sweater actually came from? After a successful launch last year, the 2021 installation of this collaboration between WS Development and the website Black Owned Bos. returns to Seaport Common one Sunday a month through October 17, letting Bostonians discover art, skin-care lines, house plants, adult and children’s clothing, and more exclusively sold by local Black entrepreneurs. Ready, set, shop! bostonseaport.xyz.
Alan Bilzerian
Finally ready to dive back into the party circuit? With racks of knee-weakening chiffon gowns, rocker-chic tuxedos, and mad-cool jewelry from the world’s top designers (hello, Yohji Yamamoto and Rick Owens!), this multi-level boutique has exactly what you need to make a splash. In business for 40-plus years, the store also offers an in-house workshop to custom-create the black-tie gala look of your dreams. 34 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, alanbilzerian.com.
Benedetto
Grape-juice stewardship is an art, not a science. But it’s empirically proven that a well-informed beverage team increases your odds of success. Sommelier Robert Taylor manages arguably the city’s loveliest Italian lineup—showcasing gorgeous bottles in the two-digit range and exhilarating nebbiolo depth—and GM Megan McKinnon is a seasoned vino vet herself. A deep bench helps: On a recent visit, a clued-in server whisked us away on an impromptu Friulano mini tour. Charles Hotel, One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA 02138, benedettocambridge.com.
20byNine
This little bar just off the main drag in Oak Bluffs has upped the cocktail game for the whole island with its expertly executed house-made syrups, infusions, and discerningly cultivated selection of boozes—including an imposing whiskey list. With classic Old Fashioneds and Sazeracs that meet or beat just about anything you can find in the city, the only clue that you’re on the Vineyard will be the sand in your hair. 16 Kennebec Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, 20bynine.com.
The Sinclair
Sure, it lacks the grit of some of the area’s older music venues, but in return it has every touring indie band on its calendar, fantastic acoustics, and (gasp!) nice bathrooms. Plus, the attached restaurant’s patio is a solid spot to kick back with a craft cocktail and house-made pretzels while waiting for the show. Is the concert experience any less rock ’n’ roll if it’s this pleasant? In any case, we’re happy to partake. 52 Church St., Cambridge, MA 02138, sinclaircambridge.com.
Haley.Henry
With its hip-hop soundtrack, generous pours of outside-the-box wines, and cheekily named snacks (e.g., a "David" Hasselback potato), this wine bar mixes serious oenophile cred with a laid-back atmosphere. Pop in to discover your new favorite vino; they'll open anything on the old-world-focused bottle list if you commit to two glasses. 45 Province St., Boston, MA 02108, haleyhenry.com.
The Nautilus
An instant hit when it opened in 2014, this ACK spot continues to wow diners with Asian-inspired shareable feasts and small plates, not to mention a stellar cocktail menu. And despite its inland location, you'll still get dinner with a view: The dining room features an open kitchen, so you can watch while chef Liam Mackey and his team whip up house-made udon noodles, savory blue-crab fried rice, or whatever else strikes your fancy. 12 Cambridge St., Nantucket, MA 2554, nautilusnantucket.com.