Coach Grill
Photo by Brian Samuels The original Red Coach Grill burned down in the late 1970s; the rebuilt version, on the same Wayland site, kept the beloved stone hearth. It's now the western suburbs' most reliable special-occasion spot, which turns out Wagyu beef carpaccio, cioppino (hearty tomato-based seafood stew), and hefty steaks when you're in the mood. The Wine Spectator–awarded list is as long as the menu. The kitchen evolved over the years. The fireplace didn't. Pull up a chair. 55 Boston Post Rd., Wayland, MA 01778, coachgrill.com.
Guerda Massage & Skin Care
Your back tension hates to see Guerda Paul coming. During our 80-minute deep-tissue massage, she deployed a combination of techniques—acupressure, myofascial release, and a hot-stone roller—to work out stubborn knots and achy muscles. Paul warns clients that much like an intense workout, they might feel some soreness the next day. But the lingering ache is a small price to pay—we felt lighter than ever in no time, and it certainly beat 40 minutes on the StairMaster. 47 River St., Ste. 100R, Wellesley, MA 02481, guerdamassagetherapy.com.
The Inn at Hastings Park
@WEAREWAVECOLLECTIVE/THE INN AT HASTINGS PARK This Relais & Châteaux property is taking America's 250th anniversary to new heights—specifically, via a helicopter tour of Paul Revere's Midnight Ride. But you don't need a flight plan to appreciate the history here. Built in 1888 on land tied to Lexington's first settlers, the three-building inn celebrates its roots 365 days a year. Step inside, and modern New England craftsmanship takes over: think handpainted wallcoverings, Matouk linens, artisanal turndown chocolates, and a stellar lineup of farm-to-table food and craft beer. Consider it a luxury revolution. 2027 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, innathastingspark.com.
GlenPharmer Distillery
Courtesy of GlenPharmer It doesn't get more "grain to glass" than sipping small-batch cocktails next to the 800-gallon fermenters where they were born. Housed in a striking former mill, this distillery is an experience in its own right—but the creative drinks and sprawling food menu easily steal the show. Classics such as mai tais, margaritas, and espresso martinis can be ordered alongside more-inventive concoctions (we're partial to the refreshing Pear Blossom). Just save room for a booze-infused dessert: We have our eye on the bourbon sticky toffee pudding, made with GP bourbon toffee sauce. 860 W. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038, glenpharmer.com.
Bosse
What do you get when a former pro tennis star partners with an award-winning chef? Try 100,000-plus square feet of pickleball courts, personal training areas, golf simulators, and cheesy sourdough pizza. DJ Bosse and Chris Coombs are the power duo behind this multilevel sports haven, where members and non-members alike can sweat it out on the courts or in the hammam, watch a game in the sports theater, or catch up with friends over some shuffleboard. You'll work out, eat, play—and need a reason to leave. 310 Speen St., Natick, MA 01760, bosse.net.
Wellesley
The bad news: You'll probably bump into someone you know while shopping on Central Street. The good news: It's well worth the awkward hellos to pick up some gourmet cheese from Wasik's, a modish mahjong set from Isabel Harvey, or the latest page-turners from Wellesley Books. Wellesleyans are lucky to have this stretch of charming retail and dining destinations—as are the many other MetroWest neighbors who enjoy their weekend strolls here. Wellesley, MA
Adamas Fine Jewelry
Courtesy of Adamas Fine Jewelry At Adamas Fine Jewelry, it's all in the family—and in the details. The Newton shop is run by a brother-sister duo known for custom pieces that transform heirloom stones into modern keepsakes. But the in-stock selection is just as tempting: whisper-thin diamond tennis necklaces, bezel-set gemstone studs, stackable gold bracelets, and engagement rings that strike the balance between classic and distinctive. The pieces lean refined, never fussy—proof that everyday jewelry can still feel special. 22 Lincoln St., Newton, MA 02461, adamasfinejewelry.com.
Butter Brook Golf Club
Golf is a game that can test your patience, but this club's serene setting will certainly help keep you focused. The Mark Mungeam–designed, semi-private course spans 210 acres where you'll play a game of 18 among white pine trees, idyllic ponds, and its flowing namesake Butter Brook. But don't get too comfortable—the par-72 provides its challenges via sloped greens and sandy waste areas (pro tip: If your ball lands here, you're allowed to ground your club and take a practice swing, unlike in regular bunkers). If all else fails, ditch the scorecard. 157 Carlisle Rd., Westford, MA 01886, butterbrookgc.com.
Newburyport
Photo by Dennis Tangney Jr. via Getty Images Stars Hollow has nothing on downtown NBPT. Here, residents mingle with day-trippers who come for the beachy boardwalk vibes and stay for the indie shops, outdoor concerts and festivals, and homespun farmers' market straight outta Gilmore Girls. Duck into the 50-plus-year-old Brass Lyon for a proper whale's tail doorknocker or Instagram-ify your wardrobe with a yacht-worthy sundress at family-run boutique Charleston & Coco—then refuel with oysters and crudo at Brine, if you really want to feel like a local. Newburyport, MA
Bernadette
Lucky Lips oysters with rosé and pink peppercorn mignonette and caviar at Bernadette. / Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal This haute-cuisine hideaway in Halloweentown has cast a spell on us in the best possible way. Run by a serious chef—Aaron Chambers is a protégé of Daniel Boulud and, closer to home, Craigie on Main's Tony Maws—the restaurant serves up French food that's familiar, never fussy: earthy English pea risotto in technicolor green; delicate Mediterranean sea bass with brown butter; upscale maple crullers; and an icy vodka and Lillet cocktail that's frighteningly refreshing. 65 Washington St., Salem, MA 01970, bernadettesalem.com.
Bubble Bar Boston on Main
Often overshadowed by its livelier neighbors, Amesbury finally gets its due with this high-style vintage cocktail lair featuring Waterford crystal punch bowls, curvaceous coupe glasses, and Fellini-esque emerald curtains. This is the kind of place where you'll eagerly sink into a chive-and-goat-cheese-infused Beefeater gin cocktail and lose track of time while partaking in live music, open-mike nights, and musical-theater trivia. Just remember to pace yourself, as there's only light chips and dips on the menu. 39 Main St., Amesbury, MA 01952, bubblebarbostononmain.com.
Life Time
If Canyon Ranch and Peloton had a child, it would be Life Time, which combines spa-quality amenities with high-tech fitness. The menu of workout options is vast, ranging from personal training to Pilates, but it's the perks that make this sweat sanctuary stand out: saunas, whirlpools, and a see-and-be-seen pool scene for kids and adults (food service, a DJ) that would put your favorite Seaport hotel to shame. There's also a thoughtful roster of programming for older adults (Bingo!), as well as an on-site chiropractor for anyone who may have worked out—or partied—a little too hard. 186 Middlesex Tnpk., Burlington, MA 01803, lifetime.life.
The Spa at Briar Barn Inn
Photo by Kim Crawford No tacky product upsells. No jam-packed parking lot. Just pure, sweet bliss as you enjoy a buttery facial—not to mention a heavenly head, neck, and foot massage—from a master esthetician who knows just when to stop chatting. Steps away are a barn-style inn, a pool, and a restaurant tempting you to extend the relaxation a while longer. Your lavender gimlet awaits. 101 Main St., Rowley, MA 01969, briarbarninn.com.
Royal Jewelers
The name says it all: We were treated in a princely fashion at Royal Jewelers when we needed to remount an old diamond engagement ring. In addition to the Andover institution's painstaking repair capabilities, you'll also find big-city brands like David Yurman and Wellendorff across a range of price points: Sure, it's possible to splurge on a $250,000 Michael Beaudry diamond halo ring, but you can also score a certified, pre-owned Cartier and TAG Heuer watches in the low thousands. For sheer depth and customer service, Royal more than earns its crown. 58 Main St., Andover, MA 01810, royaljewelers.com.
Blue Inn on the Beach
Panoramic coastal views, breakfast delivered to your door, and a beach steps from your bed? No, it's not a Caribbean resort. It's Blue, a Newbury hideaway that feels like an island escape—Plum Island, that is. Bikes for roaming the island, not to mention the beachfront Blue Bar for post-adventure libations, add to the mellow atmosphere. A hot tub overlooking the ocean doesn't hurt, either. You'll feel miles from I-95. 20 Fordham Way, Newburyport, MA 01951, larkhotels.com.
Granite Links
Photo by Derek Zellman You can't hit a bad tee shot when aiming for the Boston skyline just beyond the green—well, you can, but it makes the damage to your scorecard hurt slightly less. At Granite Links, the three 9-hole courses stand out not only for their stunning Blue Hills and city views, but also for their impeccable conditions, challenging John Sanford design, and amenities to match. We're partial to the Crossing Nines patio for tucking into post-round drinks and apps, whether we come in under par or not. 100 Quarry Hills Dr., Quincy, MA 02169, granitelinks.com.
Lê Madeline
Lê Madeline. / Photo by Nina Gallant The banh khot (mini Vietnamese pancakes) here are a thing of beauty: served sizzling in a cast-iron pan, topped with tender shrimp, and infused with toasty coconut and turmeric. But really, anything on Lê Madeline's New England–inspired Vietnamese menu is guaranteed to blow your taste buds away. Take the humble lobster roll, made exponentially better thanks to a dip in the deep fryer and ginger-scallion aioli. Or the garlic noodles, which get a Viet-Cajun upgrade of XO sauce, basil-buttered crawfish, and tobiko. Pair them with one of the creative cocktails (the lychee martini is a must), and it's easy to see why chef Peter Nguyen is getting national attention. 409 Hancock St., Quincy, MA 02171, lemadeline.com.
Plymouth
Plymouth's buzzy main street packs in all the necessities, both for locals and those just passing through on the way to the Cape: There's the shopping (Bamp's Toy Vault for the littles, Main Street Marketplace for antiques aficionados); the nosh (tacos at Añejo Mexican Bistro, self-pour sips at Uva Wine Bar, cocktails at Honey Baby); and the views (the town's waterfront park). On second thought, this can easily be the destination itself. Plymouth, MA
Doctor’s Island Brewing Company
Courtesy Doctor's Island Brewing Company Hull is barely south of Boston, but the moment the road narrows onto the peninsula, the city falls away and a surf town takes over. Doctor's Island Brewing sits along the coast, with a side porch overlooking the water, small-batch beers from brewers Greg Hoffmeister and Michael Fechter (order the Seagull IPA), and a sunset you'll want to stick around for. Their slogan is "No appointment necessary." Take them up on it. 19 Hull Shore Dr., Hull, MA 02045, drsislandbrewing.com.
Mirbeau Inn & Spa
Mirbeau hits all the right notes for a staycation. For rest, unwind in the pristine guest rooms outfitted with fireplaces and Frette linens. For relaxation, opt for the private poolside cabanas and romantic spa. Then restore with drinks surrounded by the French-countryside-inspired gardens, or a locally sourced meal at the on-site restaurant. It's a Gallic getaway without leaving Massachusetts. 35 Landmark Dr., Plymouth, MA 02360, plymouth.mirbeau.com.
Long’s Jewelers
Diamonds are everyone's best friend at the Braintree outpost of this locally grown mini empire, where personalized service meets quality jewelry designers. Think something glittery from David Yurman or Long's own collection for her, showstopping timepieces from Rolex for him, and jewel-bedecked estate finds for all. A good rule of thumb: You can never have too many. 150 Granite St., Braintree, MA 02184, longsjewelers.com.