Beauport Hotel Gloucester
Courtesy North Shore beaches are relaxing—the parking, not so much. Enter the oceanfront Beauport Hotel, where you can extend your usual day trip through the weekend thanks to a glam rooftop pool; the fantastic 1606 Restaurant & Bar; and Gloucester Harbor cruises aboard the hotel's sister ship. As for the rooms? Think coastal cottage, with glorious balconies overlooking the water. When you're ready to venture off-property, grab one of the hotel's bicycles for an old-fashioned ride through town, or hop in a complimentary shuttle to Good Harbor Beach (our local fave) or anyplace else within a 3-mile radius. 55 Commercial St., Gloucester, MA 01930, beauporthotel.com.
The Energy Barre
This North Shore micro chain has a motto: You belong here. And with a vast menu of classes beyond barre for exercisers of all stripes—from “abs and ass" to “mom + baby barre"—they deliver on that message. Each class offers a precise but non-intimidating goal (enhance cardio function, restore balance), demystifying the workout process for first-timers. Even more accessible? A large library of on-demand virtual courses for members who prefer to work out at a place (and time) of their choosing. Multiple locations, MA theenergybarre.com.
Briar Barn Inn
Photo by Kim Crawford You can smell the salt air from the winding driveway at this micro inn, spa, and event space, which feels like a miniature version of Maine's Hidden Pond resort. The spa—its own annex, dimly lit and scented with sandalwood—offers muscle-melting massages from skilled staffers who clearly know how to listen: One visit and our problem areas were soothed. A pool available to spa guests and Grove, a farm-fresh restaurant where you can order up post-pampering rosé flights, make this spa day feel like a mini vacation. 101 Main St., Rowley, MA 01969, briarbarninn.com.
Qué Mas
Courtesy Alex Pineda grew up in mom Lydia Shire's restaurants. Now he's a star in his own right: Having apprenticed under Wolfgang Puck and Heston Blumenthal, he recently unveiled a breezy new Latin-American hot spot that's enlivening downtown Beverly with a bubbly bar scene (including a killer spicy margarita); light and bright shareables (ceviche; sweet corn arepas); and surprising but not entirely unexpected twists (his mom's sherry-laced lobster stew). 114 Rantoul St., Beverly, MA 01915, quemasrestaurant.com.
The Topsfield Fair
Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images For more than two centuries, the Topsfield Fair has been an exemplar of simple family fun: The fall carnival offers infinite homespun charm, with an apple pie contest, a goat show, and even a Junior King and Queen Pageant where tots are crowned based on their conduct and personality. Oh, and what kid doesn't like thrilling (yet sturdy and well-monitored) rides and deep-fried Oreos, Twinkies, and PB&Js? 207 Boston St., Topsfield, MA 01983, topsfieldfair.org.
Honey Baby
Courtesy The cocktails are the star of the show at this no-reservations Plymouth bar. Whether you're looking for predinner drinks or a nightcap, Honey Baby's menu delivers, from half a dozen different Old Fashioneds (of both the coffee and mezcal varieties) to martinis and refreshing sippers like the “Pretty in Pink," with rosé gin, basil, raspberry, and grapefruit soda. The bar has plenty of wine, beer, and mocktails, too—plus upscale, upbeat vibes that make us want to stay all night. 47 Court St., Plymouth, MA 02360, honeybabyplymouth.com.
Long’s Jewelers
Courtesy When the occasion calls for something extra-sparkly, there's nothing like Long's—particularly the glittering new Braintree location, which opened in 2023 to much fanfare. Step inside the bona fide gem palace to find new, custom, and vintage jewelry, as well as a wide selection of watches. Bonus points for top-tier service—because an investment like this deserves the utmost attention. 150 Granite St., Braintree, MA 02184, longsjewelers.com.
Lê Madeline
Courtesy When executive chef Peter Nguyen promised “modern Vietnamese" cuisine at this 2024 revamp of the beloved Quincy noodle shop Pho Linh, he delivered. The flavor-packed menu blends Nguyen's second-generation Vietnamese upbringing with southern-inspired twists—think Viet-Cajun crawfish noodles, caramelized pork belly in fish-sauce caramel, and shrimp with creamy grits. Of course you'll come for the food, but expect to stick around for the creative cocktails and dessert (we recommend the cinnamon-chocolate lava cake). If you have room, that is. 409 Hancock St., Quincy, MA 02171, lemadeline.com.
Mirbeau Inn & Spa
No, it's not the French countryside—it's Mirbeau, where lush Monet-inspired gardens and architecture inspired by a Gallic manor house come together to create the perfect getaway. All rooms here come equipped with a fireplace, a soaking tub, and a memory-foam mattress, but the real amenities are outside the rooms—think complimentary fitness classes, a French-inspired bistro and wine bar, and outdoor poolside cabanas by the 16,500-square-foot spa. Bien joué! 35 Landmark Dr., Plymouth, MA 02360, plymouth.mirbeau.com.
Glow Beauty Boutique
No skin issue is too big or small for the beauty team at Glow, who will cleanse, hydrate, extract, wax, and tan you into the most primped and pampered version of yourself. Take the “Deluxe Glow" facial, which combines a peel with a deep, deep clean (cleansing, extractions, highfrequency disinfection with a glass wand) and a hydro-jelly mask that left us positively glistening in the sun on the way home. 351A Washington St., Braintree, MA 02184, glowbeautyb.com.
XOXO Sushi
Photo by Joe St. Pierre Who says you need to trek downtown for a proper celebration dinner? XOXO Sushi Bar brings the big-city energy straight to Chestnut Hill, where executive chef Kegan Stritchko (Uni, Fat Baby) serves up a serious omakase experience alongside playful creations like spicy bluefin hand rolls with aji amarillo, charred pineapple, and jicama that'll make you forget you're right outside a mall. The 16-seat stunning bar turns dinner into dinner theater, complete with sake and lychee martinis. The suburbs win again. 1154 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, xoxosushi.com.
Gretta Luxe
Girls' night out? Big meeting at work? Beachy vacation? Gretta's got a look for that. Fresh off a move to a new Wellesley space last spring, the store, owned by stylist to the stars Gretta Monahan, is fully stocked for every occasion you could imagine: think statement Isabel Marant vests, tailored Marni dresses, and breezy resort wear from Lemlem filling the racks. The accessories (designer shoes, custom charm bracelets) top it all off in supreme style. 97 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02482, gretta.co.
Bosse
Courtesy What can make a day of pickleball even better? Well, let's see: How about pickleball and wood-fired pizza? Pickleball and personal training? Pickleball and party games? The buzz was palpable when this “pickledom" opened in the Natick Mall's former Neiman Marcus space this past November, and so far, it's lived up to the hype. While the ever-popular racket sport is the star of the show across 21 courts, this is more than just a sports club; it's a destination for anyone who enjoys good food (in this case, from top chef Chris Coombs) and fun. 310 Speen St., Natick, MA 01760, bosse.net.
Inn at Hastings Park
After a big spring celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, this Relais & Châteaux inn is now back to its regularly scheduled programming: hosting ultra-luxe stays with a dash of history. Guest rooms, spread out over three 19th-century buildings, come with high-thread-count Matouk linens, Molton Brown amenities, and thoughtful design touches (opt for the “Sam the Minuteman" package to secure an in-room fort for the littlest adventurers). But our favorite part of the inn has to be the dining program: Led by L'Espalier and American Seasons alum Alissa Tsukakoshi, Town Meeting Bistro and the gorgeous, green Culinary Garden are ideal places to sit back, relax, and soak up the past and the present 2027 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, innathastingspark.com.
Date & Time
Photo by Michael Blanchard When you're investing in a new heirloom watch or a diamond necklace, you deserve more than a miniature bottle of water. That's why this fine-jewelry mecca has its own bar, lounge, and café where customers can kick back and relax after perusing the likes of Rolex and Tudor watches and sparkling Pomellato statement pieces you'd be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. We also love the fun events the store occasionally puts on, such as May's “Cars & Coffee" with SR Auto Group—the perfect excuse for connoisseurs of the good life to connect and celebrate. 5 Concord Rd., Sudbury, MA 01776, dateandtimema.com.
Roller Kingdom
Imagine the roller rinks of yore—neon lights, thumping pop music, and the vague scent of snack-stand hot dogs wafting through the air. That place still exists in Hudson, and we can't get enough: Open since 1979 and still going strong, Roller Kingdom is an old-school skating destination for modern kids, with extras like laser tag and an arcade extending the fun. We particularly appreciate the $1 admission fees on Wednesday nights ($3 skate rentals) for the throwback prices, too. 5 Highland Park Ave., Hudson, MA 01749, rollerkingdom.com.
Guerda Massage
Shhh…we'll let you in on a little secret. The best massage in MetroWest can be found in a tiny gray building on River Street in Wellesley. An alum of pampering palaces such as Grettacole Beauty and Bella Santé, massage therapist Guerda Paul excels at tried-and-true styles such as deep-tissue and Swedish, but we also appreciate her more-specialized offerings, from fibromyalgia and cancer-relief to pregnancy- and sport-focused massages. Add on a facial to give yourself the ultimate glow-up. 47 River St., Wellesley, MA 02481, guerdamassagetherapy.com.
GlenPharmer Distillery
The drinks arrive in a glass cloche. As the server removes the top, the billowing smoke wafts around your table mysteriously. This is the part of GlenPharmer's cocktail menu dubbed “The Smoking Section," and it's fabulous. Of course, that's not the only reason to visit this Franklin “grain to glass" distillery. Mai tais, margaritas, and espresso martinis are all blended with GlenPharmer's signature spirits, as are more-creative libations such as a recent sweet-spicy “Yuzu Bonfire," made with the award-winning ghost-pepper vodka, yuzu, agave, and grapefruit soda—best enjoyed on the repurposed covered bridge for extra ambiance. 860 W. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038, glenpharmer.com.