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 .
New Ginza
The folks at Ginza in Chinatown and Brookline have brought high-quality Japanese food one step closer to the suburbs with a new Watertown location. The ultrafresh sushi and sashimi make us weak in the knees, but if you're still reluctant to wrap your mind around the raw fish thing, there are plenty of broiled fish, teriyaki, and noodle entrées to sink your chopsticks into. Vegetarians will be delighted, too. 63-65 Galen St., Watertown, MA newginzaboston.com.
The Farmer's Market on Cohasset Common
Every Thursday afternoon in the summer, locals from surrounding South Shore towns converge at this piece of green for one purpose: to buy super-fresh produce. The selection—brilliant green herbs, a slew of greens, bright red peppers—is outstanding, as are the breads and pastries. You can even pick up some handmade crafts, from woven wreaths to rustic pottery, on your way back to your car. Cohasset Common, Cohasset, MA cohassetfarmersmarket.com.
Lester Harry's
This colorful shop has everything a baby needs to live in style from birth forward. From Kate Spade diaper bags and tiny Petit Bateau hooded sweaters to underwear basics and footies, it's all here. With tons of toys and simply adorable accessories (soft-as-your-baby's-bottom blankets by Barefoot Dreams, for instance), plus furniture such as Shabby Chic cribs and embroidered pillows, Lester Harry's has your baby covered. The newly added shoe salon all but guarantees head-to-toe panache. 140 Washington St., Marblehead, MA lesterharrys.com.
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.
Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland
Your quest for the Holy Grail of chocolate can end right here. Topnotch and velvety white, dark, and milk chocolates are flown in from Switzerland every week to literally and happily melt in your mouth. The shop's crème de la crème? White chocolate-covered apricot and orange slices, cocoa-filled truffles, and the signature champagne truffles (at a hefty $27 for a box of 16). Admittedly, the staff can be icy, but, then, so can Switzerland. No matter. The exemplary chocolate stash will leave you without a hint of bitterness. 230 Newbury St., Boston, MA teuscher.com.
Toscanini's
Toscanini's understands that life can be as simple as vanilla and chocolate or as complicated as burnt caramel or gingersnap molasses. Whatever your philosophical fancy, this heavenly ice cream parlor will whet your palate with its downright dazzling roster of original flavors. Where else can you find such sophisticated permutations as saffron ice cream or cucumber sorbet? 899 Main St., Cambridge, MA tosci.com.
The Langham, Boston
Courtesy P&Co. Ltd. Let’s be honest: Staying at a hotel is a fun experience for kids no matter the amenities. But if you’re looking to wow your little one with the experience of his or her lifetime, there’s no place better than the Langham, which is offering a “Playtime with Paddington” staycation with all kinds of special surprises now through December. The package includes a Paddington-themed room with a kids’ tent, a plush bear, a cookie-decorating kit, and even a child-size Paddington bathrobe and slippers — which your little explorer can wear down to the indoor pool, complete with water toys. 250 Franklin St., Boston, MA 02110, langhamhotels.com.
Cake Monstah
Photo by Kristin Griffin Photography While some monsters conjure screams, Cake Monstah promises to make your mouth water. Since turning her lifelong passion for baking into a business in 2010, founder Michelle Scurio has picked up numerous awards and even appeared on the Food Network. For couples craving a bespoke, custom-made treat for their big event, Scurio can sculpt and paint to your specifications (checkout Instagram for some great examples, including gorgeous handpressed edible flowers). She’ll also manage delivery and setup on the big day to ensure the display is photo-ready. cakemonstah.com.
Fête Collection
Photo by Julie Pike The wedding invitation is the first thing your guests see — so you want to make sure it sets the right tone. That’s where Julie Pike and Eileen Sherman come in. After an initial meeting at their sparkling new studio on Newbury Street, the duo can masterfully transform a couple’s inspiration — be it a special location, memory, or motif — into a bespoke stationery suite that’s truly unique. Prefer to select your stationery the old-fashioned way? Fête also has a library of wedding designs — replete with letterpress, foil stamping, and engraving — that can be customized with special touches. 222 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, shopfete.com.
Brown and Coconut
Your life may change when you discover that kale is good for more than just eating. It’s also a powerhouse skin-clarifying agent, with a magic mix of vitamins and antioxidants. That’s exactly what you’ll find in Boston-based skin-care line Brown and Coconut’s Clarifying Kale Mask, which promises to both moisturize and reduce fine lines. The formula is just one example of the ethos of sister-owners Zeena Brown and Letisha Izuchi, whose lineup of plant based cleansers, oils, and soaps offers yet another way to nourish your body (and soul). brownandcoconut.com.
9Tailors
Man in suit photo by Nicole Loeb No need to hop over the big pond for a bespoke Savile Row suit when you have this Boston-based gem. Founded by fashion industry veteran Jeff Lahens, 9Tailors specializes in custom suiting in all manner of styles, from slim fit to classic. Hankering for a pair of lime-green high-waisted pants? Got that. Wide legged trousers? Count on it. You can also create your own cashmere kimono-style sweater, paisley-lined blazer, or meticulously fitted cobalt dress shirt. The world is your oyster, mate. 132 Lincoln St., Boston , MA 02111, 9tailors.com.
Rare Lounge
Looking to celebrate your newfound winnings but not quite in the mood for the full-on steakhouse experience at Encore’s Rare? Then the similarly named lounge right next door is a sure-fire bet. After all, the onion dip is topped with caviar, the asparagus is “jumbo,” and the cocktails have names like Lucky Streak and You Only Live Twice. Oh, and if you’re looking for a $225 bourbon (23-year-old Pappy Van Winkle) or a $800 dram of rye (WhistlePig Boss Hog II), consider this your new home away from home. 1 Broadway, First Floor, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com.
The Fairmont Copley Plaza
Always dreamed of fairy-tale vows? Arriving in a flower-draped, horse-drawn carriage for your nuptials in the Fairmont’s Grand Ballroom — a historical space complete with ornate 30-foot ceilings, twinkling chandeliers, and gilded details — should do the trick. The Oval Room, with its frescoed ceiling mural and handcarved moldings, is also a top spot for large guest lists; for more-intimate events, there’s the St. James room, which boasts warm and inviting mahogany details. No matter which space you choose, one thing’s for sure: You and your guests are guaranteed to feel like royalty. 138 St. James Ave., Boston, MA 02116, fairmont.com/copley-plaza-boston.