Bar 25
Sarah Walsh From the fruity rum-and-matcha colada to the Dragon’s Blood with mezcal, blood orange, and hibiscus, each drink at this Prohibition-inspired bar is inventive and totally Instagram-worthy. For the perfect date night, enjoy your craft cocktails with a side of mezze on one of the bar’s three floors. Hanging with a larger group? Go all out with a 12-glass champagne tower. 38 State St., Newburyport, MA 01950, bar-25.com.
Nightshade Noodle Bar
Be warned: You’ll probably want to come back again (and again) to get a taste of everything in chef Rachel Miller’s repertoire at this multi-time James Beard–nominated spot in Lynn. After tucking into up to 21 courses of expertly crafted bites — from pork-floss sticky rice to Marblehead sea-urchin brûlée and Portuguese goose barnacles — you’ll leave stuffed, awed, and actively booking your next reservation. 73 Exchange St., Lynn, MA 01901, nightshadenoodlebar.com.
Royal Jewelers
Courtesy of Royal Jewelers There’s a reason this business has been around for more than 75 years — and it’s not just the superb quality of its sparkling offerings. Whether you’re on a mission for a Tudor timepiece or intend to peruse the glittering displays until you find something just right (say, a Royal-exclusive pair of multirow pavé-diamond earrings from Palmiero), owner Steven Leed and his team will provide service so personalized you’ll feel just as special as what’s in the cases. 58 Main St., Andover, MA 01810, royaljewelers.com.
Smolak Farms
You and your little ones can spend a whole day enjoying this family-run farm, whether it’s feeding deer and admiring peacocks in the animal pens, picking your own fruit, or joining in on story and craft times. Mark your calendars for the Fall Festival in mid-October — it’s jam-packed with hayrides, live music, baked treats, and pumpkins. What’s that we hear? Ah, the sound of no complaining. 315 South Bradford St., North Andover, MA 01845, smolakfarms.com.
Caus
If stepping into this Essex boutique feels like walking into someone’s home, it’s because you are. Owner Ashley Brooks not only lives in the building but treats every customer who enters the minimalist space like family. She opened Caus in 2016 with a “slow fashion” ethos focused on sustainable pieces from small labels (including local brand Misha & Puff), and every item in the store is both beautiful and ethical. 165 Main St., Essex, MA 01929, caus-studio.co.
Earth + Water
This small-but-mighty spa is a hidden oasis in downtown Wakefield offering all manner of facial and body treatments from co-owners Tegan Phillion and Leanne Caliri (both of whom are dual-certified aestheticians and massage therapists) and their team. We opted for the “Crystal Visions” facial with crystal-tipped microdermabrasion, exfoliation, and a hydrating mask, plus a head and neck massage and foot paraffin treatment, and left feeling rejuvenated, relaxed, and glowing from the inside out. 29 Albion St., Ste. 3, Wakefield, MA 01880, earthwaterspa.com.
Lê Madeline
Ken Rivard Once a traditional noodle shop, this stunning late-2023 reimagining of the decade-old Pho Linh is now a dinner destination — complete with creative, Vietnamese-inspired cocktails — paying homage to owner Tam Le and chef Peter Nguyen’s second-generation Vietnamese-American backgrounds. Feast with your family on an herby whole-roasted branzino, heaping bowls of garlicky Việt Cajun noodles with crawfish, and a superb fried-lobster roll with tamarind sauce, and leave full and happy. 409 Hancock St., Quincy, MA 02171, lemadeline.com.
Oasis Day Spa
Looking for a city-quality spa experience without the (very unrelaxing) city drive? Give Oasis Day Spa a call. From massages and facials to waxing and makeup application, this tranquil Weymouth retreat does it all, even offering a “Zen for Men” menu that includes mani-pedis and microdermabrasion. And if you’re having trouble deciding what to book, you can create your own two hours of pure bliss with a combination of services: The “Renew” package, for example, includes an express seaweed facial, 30-minute massage, and classic pedicure — no stress-inducing car ride required. 108 Pleasant St., Weymouth, MA 02190, relaxatoasis.com.
Long’s Jewelers
Courtesy of Long's Jewelers Long’s is a bit like that family heirloom you wear on special occasions — cherished and around for generations. But it’s not just resting on its laurels: The 145-plus-year-old gem now has a new 11,000-square-foot South Shore location where the glass towers and cascading chandeliers welcoming you from the outside mirror the elegant vintage pieces, luxury watches, and gorgeous custom-designed jewels you’ll find inside. 150 Granite St., Braintree, MA 02184, longsjewelers.com.
Trident Galley & Raw Bar
A rustic marina enclave featuring tin ceiling tiles, driftwood façades, and one colossal raw bar, Trident manages to be upscale, elevated, and relaxed at the same time. It’s the sort of place where visiting in-laws mix seamlessly with flip-flopped day boaters, and where no one looks twice if you pair a dozen glistening oysters with a glass of Sancerre or a can of High Noon. And trust us: The mimosas are among the South Shore’s finest. 23 Shipyard Dr., Hingham, MA 02043, tridentrawbar.com.
Strand, the Boutique
Our idea of the perfect beach body? One dressed in covetable handmade pieces from Strand. The coastal-chic boutique is brimming with unique clothing and accessories — vibrant Marea dresses, chic Sunshine Tienda hats, rattan totes from Poppy + Sage — so no matter what you pick out, you’re sure to stand out from a sea of boring basics on your next vacay. 35 Depot St., Duxbury, MA 02332, stranddux.com.
Da LaPosta
Dan Calin/Da LaPosta Do the western ’burbs really need another Italian restaurant, you ask? The answer: If the name is Da LaPosta, 100 percent yes. Chef Mario LaPosta, an alum of Babbo in Boston, opened this Newton spot in 2021 with the goal of serving up sophisticated southern-Italian cuisine with a comfortable neighborhood feel. And he’s certainly succeeded; here, couples toast milestones over bottles of Super Tuscan and refined small plates like charred octopus with grilled ramps and lemon aioli; families come in for naturally leavened wood-fired pizza and handrolled pasta; and locals stroll in to pick up takeout chicken Parm. 825 Washington St., Newtonville, MA 02640, dalaposta.com.
Inn at Hastings Park
You may come to Lexington for a lesson on the Revolutionary War, but you’ll leave schooled in hospitality after a stay at the Inn at Hastings Park. The Relais & Châteaux property is celebrating 10 years of hosting serene New England retreats this year, and it’s clear why. The 22 uniquely decorated guest rooms across the inn’s three buildings make each stay feel slightly different, yet the amenities remain comfortingly familiar (see: statement wallcoverings, in-room fireside seating, and marble bathrooms). 2027 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, innathastingspark.com.
Date & Time
Date & Time's expansive new David Yurman boutique. / Photo by Michael Blanchard Deciding on a new diamond necklace or luxury timepiece takes time; as such, the folks at the always-expanding Date & Time encourage you to kick back and relax as you browse the gorgeous collection of baubles, including in the recently opened David Yurman boutique within-a-boutique and the new Breitling watch area. The Sudbury store not only serves up cocktails in its own bar and lounge space but now has a library with a fireplace where you can get some work done in between purchases. 5 Concord Rd., Sudbury, MA 01776, dateandtimema.com.
The Green Lady Dispensary
Patrick A Rogers Photography It’s all in the family at this local dispensary — quite literally. The Campbells (Mom, Dad, and their two daughters) first opened the Green Lady in Nantucket and last year set down roots in a former Newton Centre car-repair shop with light, bright, homey vibes. The family has high standards for their selection, including products from their own line, as well as pre-rolls, vaporizers, and edibles (check out the Betty’s Eddies “Smashin’ Passion” passion-fruit fruit chews). 740 Beacon St., Newton, MA 02549, thegreenladydispensary.com/newton-adult-recreational.
Gretta Luxe
Dresses, skirts, and tops in a rainbow of colors beckon from racks around the store's perimeter. / Photo by Leonard Greco The next time you need a wardrobe upgrade, head to celeb fashion stylist Gretta Monahan’s eponymous boutique. This spring, the shop relocated to an airy new space across the street from its original location, expanding its already-fab selection from sophisticated clothing brands such as High Sport, Marni, Proenza Schouler, and Zimmermann. The shop’s trove of bags is equally impressive, as is its collection of artisanal fine jewelry — and there’s no way you won’t find your next favorite pair of jeans in the heavily stocked denim bar. 97 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02482, gretta.co.
GlenPharmer Distillery
From vodka and whiskey to tequila and spiced rum, this “grain-to-glass ” distillery in Franklin whips up nine different spirits to sip in its tasting room and restaurant. Sample them straight in a flight or in any of the custom cocktails — including a whole menu of smoked options. We settled on the Cranberry Smash, featuring GlenPharmer vodka infused with locally grown cranberries, orange honey, and blood orange sparkling soda. The food menu, meanwhile, goes far beyond bar bites, with standouts including the miso-glazed tuna with sesame soba noodles. The best part? You can grab a bottle to go for a nightcap at home. 860 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038, glenpharmer.com.
Bella Santé
There’s a lot going on inside Bella Santé’s largest location, including a hair salon, a makeup bar, mani-pedi stations, and 15 rooms for day- and medspa services (including the 30-minute HydraFacial that left our skin exfoliated and moisturized). But somehow you’ll feel free from distractions and totally at ease after donning a robe and entering the dimly lit lounge. Pro tip: Come early to use the steam room in the locker area. 190 Linden St., 2nd Fl., Wellesley, MA 02482, bellasante.com/pages/bella-sante-wellesley-day-spa.
Discovery Museum
Taking the little ones to a kids’ museum is typically a rainy-day activity. This fun spot, however, is the perfect destination for families when the sun is shining, too, thanks to an awesome outdoor play area with a treehouse, wiggly bridge, nest swing, and nature trails. Inside, there’s just as much to explore — kids can learn about air, water, light, and sound in a variety of science-themed exhibits, play conductor on a train replica, and cook up some delicious pretend meals in the diner-style “restaurant.” Expect a good nap on the way home. 177 Main St., Acton, MA 01720, discoveryacton.org.