Verrill Farm
There are as many farm stands west of the city as there are historic battle sites. But, sadly, most are just glorified supermarkets. For a real honest-to-goodness country produce market, head to Verrill Farm in Concord, where you can actually see the veggies popping out of the ground. They even cook up and package country fare for takeout in their own kitchen. You can also pick your own berries, jump on a hay ride, and tap your foot along with the banjo band, along with other seasonal events. 11 Wheeler Rd., Concord, MA verrillfarm.com.
TD Garden
It's a vaunted sports temple, of course, but the Garden had a banner year for music, with appearances by everybody from the current stars Museto the stalwart Rolling Stones, on their 50th-anniversary tour—plus Justin Bieber, Mumford & Sons, and Coldplay. Lady Gaga had to cancel her show to undergo hip surgery, but the fact that she planned to perform here, for the second tour in a row, is a testament to the arena's go-to status. 100 Legends Way, Boston, MA tdgarden.com.
Singing Beach
This half-mile stretch cuts a sandy swath into the rocky terrain of Cape Ann's coastline, giving picnickers plenty of sheltered space to spread out and dig in. Nearby, the Kitchen Witch makes packing the basket effortless with gourmet sandwiches, pints of pasta salad, and homemade cookies. Work off your lunch with a romp in the invigorating tide pools, or let your repast settle as you lie back and wallow in the view. Beach Street; the Kitchen Witch, 4C Summer St., Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 1944, .
Pyara
Even if you have only 30 minutes to spend at Pyara, you'll reap the relaxing benefits: Nosh on dark chocolate and sip a calming tea while your therapist prepares a combination of oils and lotions with fragrances suited to your needs for a quickie Elemental Nature massage. The spa partners with Aveda, but also offers a variety of different hair, beauty, and skin-care products. 101 Middlesex Tpke., Burlington, MA pyaraaveda.com.
Makeovers Salon + Spa
With 26 styling stations, Makeovers is one of the largest salon/spas in the state—which means you just may be able to snag a last-minute Saturday appointment (amazing!). Co-owner Edward Blum uses his magic scissorhands to cut your hair based on the architecture of your face, and his team of talented stylists all follow suit. There's also a fully stocked snack bar and a separate wing devoted to inviting spa treatments. 574 Washington St., South Easton, MA makeoverssalon.com.
The Hingham Greenery
The ability to arrange—to conjure and orchestrate—is what makes a flawless florist. That's who you'll find hard at work at the Hingham Greenery. They'll form your bouquet from the shop's pristine white roses, yellow forsythia, or giant lilies. The colossal collection of vases, from hand-painted Asian jugs to crackle-glazed pots and toile planters, is sure to contain a perfect container for your beautiful buds. 39 South St., Hingham, MA hinghamgreenery.com.
The Sweet Life Café
Once you and your sweetheart have strolled the beach and sailed at sunset, your next romantic rendezvous should be dinner at the Sweet Life Café. This upscale eatery serves fresh fare such as chévre ravioli in curry sauce and roasted halibut with eggplant purée. Don't miss dessert—the blueberry— brown butter tart is divine—in the candlelit garden. 63 Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA sweetlifemv.com.
Bellezza Day Spa
Chances are you'll enjoy your every minute at the newly relocated and expanded Falmouth Bellezza spa. A complimentary cup of tea or relaxing glass of wine precedes a supersoothing head massage and chic, contemporary cut. Whether you're looking for a simple style or a totally new color, these hair designers pay close attention to your desires before making them a reality. 221 Main St., Falmouth, MA spabellezza.com.
Bakers' Best
Although it has expanded its dining area, we love Bakers' Best most for its sophisticated takeout options. Everything comes with detailed reheating directions that will fool your guests into thinking you cooked it yourself. But don't worry: The employees here won't give away your secret. They'll even come over to cater for you. 27 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA .
Grettacole
Beauty may be only skin deep, but the relaxing effect of a day at Grettacole goes so much deeper. A true spa-goer's spa, Grettacole is staffed by an army of masseuses, aestheticians, and nail technicians—every last one a perfectionist—who can fix a nail as perfectly as they can clean your pores or buff your skin to a high shine. The spa offers not only top-of-the-line services, but also excellent salon and spa products from Kérastase, Bumble & bumble, and Trish McEvoy. 95 Central St., Wellesley, MA grettacole.com.
Top Dog of Rockport
Forget any preconceived notions of what a hot dog is: Top Dog outdoes them all with all-meat dogs in natural casings that lend a juicy chewiness, whether you order yours grilled or steamed. This little shack on the point of Bearskin Neck is immaculate—though once the friendly folks who work here pile your plate high with baked beans, grilled peppers, sauerkraut, or Vidadlia onion relish, you may not be. They also serve great lobster rolls and fries. 2 Doyles Cove Rd., Rockport, MA topdogrockport.com.
Euro Design Jewelry
Does anyone care about workmanship anymore? The congenial Russian husband and wife who own Euro Design do, and it shows in the intricate, graceful jewelry they create. They preside over a cadre of cases gleaming with ethereal diamond bracelets and ruby necklaces so delicate they seem to float on the neck. Much of the jewelry—designed and crafted on the premises—is custom-made for clients, so if that one perfect, lustrous pearl brooch wrapped in sapphire streams is still looming in your imagination, your search ends here. 1298F Worcester Rd., Natick, MA eurodesignjewelry.net.
Elegant Entrances
"Cluttered" may not be your adjective of choice when it comes to home décor, but a trip to Elegant Entrances might be enough to make wrought-iron candelabra and Mission lamps on iridescent spring-green tablecloths staples of your permanent decorating style. Crowded with items as varied as Victorian basins and wall-mounted cowbells, this Norwell shop has the feel of a Harvard Square boutique, but without the prices. So leave the Platinum AmEx at home—and bring a car with a big trunk. 430 Washington St., Norwell, MA .
South Street Diner
We're not talking about strip joints—get your mind out of the gutter. Table dancing of the G-rated sort is a rare and special event within city limits, taking place at only a handful of late-night dining spots after city clubs close. Your shot at catching some spontaneous hip shaking is at the South Street Diner, where die-hard dancers are known to jump onto tables and countertops, continuing where they left off when the lights came up at Joy and M-80. 178 Kneeland St., Boston, MA .
Kenny Young
If you're checking into the Ritz, you're probably used to kid gloves anyway. But here's a guy who not only watches your car, gets your luggage taken care of, and ushers you into the lobby—he just makes you smile. He's friendly and jovial in an era when good service has somehow gotten a bad rap. Ritz-Carlon Hotel, 15 Arlington St., Boston, MA .