- YANKEE INSIDER'S GUIDE TO BOSTON

BEST BOOKSTORE: Brookline Booksmith, Brookline

As the story goes, Brookline Booksmith—originally founded in 1961 as Paperback Booksmith—was one of the first stores to display books by category and organize them alphabetically by author. And this beloved indie retailer, which saw a major expansion in 2020, continues to be on the leading edge with starry author appearances (Emily St. John Mandel, Russell Banks), a book club focusing on titles by small independent publishers, and a killer used-book selection. brooklinebooksmith.com

BEST ECO-FRIENDLY LODGING: Lenox Hotel, Boston

Recycling bins and HEPA air purifiers in every guest room, low-flow toilets and showerheads in every bathroom, Boston’s first privately owned curbside EV charging station … it’s clear why Condé Nast designated the Lenox as one of the America’s “greenest” luxury hotels. The Earth-friendly ethos even extends to the rooftop, where beehives supply honey for the on-site City Table and City Bar (you can even buy some from the lobby mercantile to take home). lenoxhotel.com

BEST ICE CREAM: Gracie's, Somerville

Boston has so many great ice cream shops, from Toscanini’s to Christina’s to Forge to Morano Gelato. But we tip our cap to Gracie’s for its ultra-creamy texture and, most important, its sui generis flavor combinations. Perennial favorites like chocolate, salty whiskey, and mint chip are always on offer, but the wild-card flavors are the kicker: fluffer nutter butter, black sesame and honey, rummy gingersnap, and—wait for it—pickle. icecreamgracies.com

BEST ART-HOUSE THEATER: The Brattle Theatre, Cambridge

The tagline says it all: “Boston’s unofficial film school since 1953.” Indeed, this Harvard Square stalwart is ground zero for esoteric and indie cinema and a specialist in repertory programming, i.e., movies from a particular director, genre, or subject presented as a series. A highlight from the summer of 2021: “Movie Movies,” featuring, of course, stories about filmmaking and filmgoing, from Hollywood Shuffle to Singin’ in the Rain. brattlefilm.org

PET-FRIENDLY LODGING: Kimpton Onyx, Boston

Breadless double cheeseburger or chicken breast with kibble? Those are just two of the entrées on the “Pampered Pooches” room service menu, ostensibly curated by an Australian Labradoodle named Rocco, aka Kimpton Onyx’s director of pet relations. There are also Boston-inspired, fleece-topped dog beds in the rooms and locally made treats, but the best part? There’s no extra charge—or weight limit—for furry friends. (“If your pet fits through the door, we’ll welcome them in.”) onyxhotel.com

BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL: The Kendall Hotel, Cambridge

At this stately brick hotel housed in a former fire station, you don’t have to choose between Cambridge and Boston: walk east via the landmark Longfellow Bridge and you’ll be oohing and aahing at Beacon Hill brownstones, or stroll west to rub elbow patches with academics in Harvard Yard. But the Kendall Hotel also gives you some solid reasons to stay put, including plush beds dressed in Frette luxury linens and on-point comfort food at the Black Sheep restaurant and bar. kendallhotel.com