Formaggio Kitchen
Photograph by Toan Trinh Peek inside the musty underground caves where Formaggio’s young fromage is ripened (they’ll give you a tour if you ask nicely), and you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the Comtés and clothbound sharp cheddars you pair with your pinot noir and artisanal crackers. Once you’re back above ground, ask one of the store’s expert cheesemongers to recommend a wedge from their impressive selection, and grab a bottle of vino and a few gourmet accoutrements on the way out. 244 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, formaggiokitchen.com.
Puritan & Company
Photograph by The ideal brunch requires the trifecta of good food, good drinks, and good company. Puritan covers the first two in spades, with house-baked pastries (strawberry-almond muffins, cashew sticky buns); not-your-average brunch entrées (sourdough griddle cakes, a gloriously crunchy pork-shoulder hash); and creative hair-of-the-dog libations (the "Church," with gin, Aperol, and lemon). As for the third? That’s up to you. 1166 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 2141, puritancambridge.com.
Goodwin’s High End
If you think music sounds best through ear buds and films are meant to be watched on laptops, skip Goodwin’s. The guys here take high-end audio seriously: Before talking components, they’ll review your home’s blueprints or even make a house call to ensure that the speakers, amps, and digital equalizers they recommend will achieve mind-blowing sound. 899 Main St., Waltham, MA 2451, goodwinshighend.com.
Stellabella Toys
Photograph by Toan Trinh So often, toy shopping is an experience in extremes: You’re either wading in aisle-to-aisle plastic packaging or browsing precious baubles curated to please parents’ aesthetics, not kids’. Stellabella, however, has found the sweet spot at its four Boston-area stores. Its stacking cups are environmentally friendly but also fun for your growing infant, and the baby dolls are soft, cuddly, and ethnically diverse. Also find German-made tricycles, sturdy play kitchens and firehouses, and Legos galore. 1360 Cambridge St., Cambridge; and other locations, stellabellatoys.com.
Bringing Up Baby
Whether your brood’s in tow out of necessity or to ensure accurate sizing, Bringing Up Baby makes the experience both convenient (the nursing and changing room) and fun (a toys area, crafts events). With its four organic layette lines and haute-tot labels like Québec-based Deux par Deux, discerning parents and those splurging for special occasions will be more than satisfied. 663 E. Broadway, Boston, MA 2127, .
Jessica Thornton, the Green Room
Pat Piasecki Okay, so you caved and bought boxed hair dye from the drugstore before you got the vax, and it didn’t go well. There’s no shame at Thornton’s exclusive one-chair salon — just unparalleled color correction and plenty of good vibes. Let her wave her magic wand (er, comb) and create exactly the look you’ve been dreaming of since quarantine ended — whether that’s a head full of rich, gorgeous highlights or just all-over color that makes you feel like you again. 40 River St., Boston, MA 02108, greenroomboston.com.
Alan Rouleau Couture
Equal-rights couturier Rouleau specializes in flattering, custom-fit formalwear for either gender, but is especially skilled at creating sexy tuxedos for girls. 73 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, alanrouleau.com.
Loehmann's
Its hit-or-miss tendencies require a true shopper's mentality, but savings can be as much as 60 percent. Rte. 9, Natick, MA .
Cambridge School of Weston
It holds its own Punk Day. MA
Phillips Academy
Nips Exeter by a stiff upper lip. Andover, MA
B & G Oysters
An order of the fried Ipswich clams comprises two heaping piles—one of plump bivalves, and the other of twice-cooked, almost caramelized French fries. Follow our lead and generously dunk both in the house-made, lemon-aioli-based tartar sauce. 550 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02116, bandgoysters.com.
Jason Burke
In Burke's hands, a round brush is a magic wand. With it, he could do evil (a pageant bouffant, perhaps?), but he inevitably chooses to do good: not too big, not too flat, just soft and smooth. As for staying power, our Burke-blown mane remained fresh-looking for four full days. Kent Newton Salon, 1315 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, .
Neil Morris Fragrances
Having had way too many perfume bottles misted in our direction over the years, we relish fragrance designer Neil Morris's sanctuary of a studio, the very antithesis of department-store counters. Choose from his signature collection, or relax while he blends a custom scent based on your favorite memories. 221 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA neilmorrisfragrances.com.
Barry’s Bootcamp
Photo by Jamie Ducharme This is the most intense workout we’ve unearthed. The only sound louder than the whir of treadmills was our panting as we sprinted on a 12 percent incline for one minute straight. Barry’s will leave you sweating, shaking, and planning your next masochistic workout. 30 Chauncy St., Boston, MA 02111, barrysbootcamp.com.
Biga Breads
We could live by bread alone if it came from Biga Breads, the fledgling bakery that already has an enthusiastic following for its crusty peasant-style loaves. Olive bread and black currant and molasses loaf are especially popular but our favorites are the sour cherry and walnut and the chewy classic baguettes. 50 Terminal St., Charlestown, MA .