Rialto
Like a Verdian lothario, this town's upscale Italian has a knack for breaking hearts. Leave a place transported by its pillowy gnocchi, and you can bet your Bolognese it'll be dense as lead when you go back for more. Spending more while testing this category than for French and Steakhouse combined, we mourned the fall of every contender, with consistency issues (Bina), new-project distraction (Dante), service glitches (Sorellina), and failure to inspire (everyone else). Sorry for the lame valentine, Rialto, but we've got baggage. Just say your roast duck will remain tender and your stellar pastas will stay true, and we'll break this serial-monogamy habit once and for all. 1 Bennett St., Cambridge, MA 2138, rialto-restaurant.com.
Serenella
Not since Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker's first date has understated elegance sat so close to attention-grabbing glamour. The frocks at Serenella—meticulously cut, pressed, and hung—are a whirlwind of sophisticated designs. Start with the impressive collection of European imports: whimsical Moschino ensembles, sexy Blumarine pieces by Italian designer Anna Molinari, and a sunny lineup of Roberto Cavalli gowns in saturated colors that will steal your heart (if not your paycheck). Your sensible side will be seduced by Narciso Rodriguez's latest lean looks. The compilation is so artistic, it even pulls in hard-core Pucci collectors, ardently looking for the Next Big Piece. As for the rest of us, we're just happy to wear the stuff, which we do whenever the evening calls for something special. 134 Newbury St., Boston, MA serenella-boston.com.
Crane Beach
The long, winding boardwalks and grassy dunes at Crane Beach can magically readjust the tired mind of even the most citified creature. After sinking your toes into the beach's soft white sand, you may decide to trade in your power suit for a bathing suit—permanently. Bird lovers, bring your binoculars—Crane is home to more than 200 aviary species, including wild turkeys. Getting there a problem? For those without wheels, take the commuter rail to downtown Ipswich, and then bike five miles to the beach. For those who drive: Stop to go antiquing in nearby Essex on the way. For kids of all ages: Don't miss Crane's annual sand-sculpture competition on August 12. Beach amenities: ample parking, refreshments, clean bathhouses, and outside showers. Argilla Road, Ipswich, MA .
AR Nail Bar & Lounge
Ombre nails. Tie-dye nails. Gem-bedazzled nails. The skilled nail artists here can do it all — just bring along an inspo photo or two, and they’ll take it from there. Pro tip: Be sure to book your appointment ahead of time so they have the time to achieve the nails of your dreams. 485 Revolution Dr., Somerville, MA 02145, arnailbarsomerville.com.
Boomerangs
Your wallet will like the vintage clothing, hard-to-find books, and furniture on display. Your conscious may like that all proceeds go to the nonprofit group AIDS Action, which owns and operates this and three other local thrift shops. 1870 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA shopboomerangs.org.
Barre Groove
They may not be traditional, but Alanna Perry’s barre classes incorporating mini trampolines, dancing, and even weighted pom-poms sure are a blast. The former New England Patriots cheerleader will have you jumping 360s and throwing your hands in the air before it’s even time for your first water break. 52 Province St., Boston, MA barregroove.com.
Arteriors
When your project calls for more than a coat of paint, Arteriors dials up the drama. Whether you envision a metallic-infused ceiling finish or a custom mural in your playroom, the Natick-based business comes prepared with designer paints and plenty of know-how. 45 Lakeview Ave., Natick, MA arteriors.net.
Ardan MedSpa + Salon
Bustling Ardan may not scream "relaxation." But downstairs, as you lie on a heated massage table in a candlelit room, the commotion melts away. Massage therapist/medical aesthetician Sarah Rattet incorporates aromatherapy into even a basic massage, leaving your head clear and your muscles tingling. 72 Central St., Wellesley, MA 2481, ardanspa.com.
Luxlash
This tiny beauty oasis focuses solely on the eyes—reassuring when it comes to the fastidious work of lash extensions. Combining patience and precision, the LuxLash pros will fill out your fringe with semipermanent synthetic lashes or your choice of colored and exotic styles. The result? A come-hither look that'll have everyone aflutter. 232 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, luxlash.com.
Ecoluxe
So you spilled on your suit jacket—again. What to do? Bypass your neighborhood cleaners and drop off that soiled silk at Ecoluxe, which uses only organic, environmentally friendly treatment on materials including linen, suede, wool, and cotton. It also offers on-site alterations and tailoring. One Harvard St., Brookline, MA .
Gypsy
The perfect excuse to 'forget' to pack enough clothing for your island getaway, Gypsy is fully stocked with big names like Céline, Isabel Marant, and Rick Owens. And if your current vacation plans don't require a $2,500 Lanvin cocktail dress, remember: Plans can change. 20 Federal St., Nantucket, MA 2554, gypsyusa.com.
Blick
Painting your next masterpiece starts here. Blick has a deep selection of everything you'll need, plus folks behind the counter who are artists themselves—meaning they'll be delighted to expound on the differences between papyrus and parchment, suggest the best brushes for your buck, and point you toward the perfect frame. 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 2215, .
Robert Charlton
Robert Charlton uses a vintage letterpress to produce classic handset type on textured card stock. His invitations, stationery, and note cards will impress party guests and future employers. And his willingness to work on the fly means that while your wedding might be shotgun, your invitations won't give you away. 460 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 2118, goosefishpress.com.
Claudia Grimaud, Salon Mario Russo
She spends so much time on your nails you'll think you're her only client for the day. Grimaud pampers you with a soothing hand massage and expertly takes the rough edges off your talons. Most important, her multicoated polishing will take you through a week and then some. 9 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Longfellow Sports Club
At Longfellow, childcare does not mean dumping your toddler in a playpen. The club offers day caps (ages 5 to 12) where elementary-age children can play ball games, run, or read. In addition the club specializes in birthday parties. Your kids might decide to join without you. 203 Oak St., Natick, MA .