User Lists

We're so committed to local love around here that we'll do anything--like show a little skin--to celebrate the cause. Wear a romper (ladies, gents, kids, anyone!) to "SomerFun: A Romp for Independents" in Somerville's Union Square on June 12, 2010, to score discounts and freebies at the following local indie businesses all day long. Event info: http://bit.ly/a6xGlV

(Photo: Christine Liu via Polyvore)

Though only about two and half hours away from the urban toil of Boston, intensely bucolic Brattleboro seems otherworldly. On this verdant planet, cows run the show, beer flows freely, local cheese is king and covered bridges are extreme. But the city can also get a little bit wild. Get licked by a ruminant by day, and hit downtown delights by night in Brattleboro, the perfect Boston weekend getaway.

(Photo: Retreat Farm by Christine Liu)

In these penny-pinching days of skipping out on cross-country flights in favor of one-tank trips, the legendary college town of Athens tends to get overlooked as a legitimate day-or-weekend excursion. But there are so many reasons to visit the town outside of Saturday home games during autumn. James Beard-worthy restaurants, cute antique shops and historic music venues make the walk-able downtown sector worth the hour or so drive.

Photo credit: Dom Nozzi

Restaurants in the North Bay may not open (and close) at the blistering pace they do in the city, but that just makes each new opening here that much more noteworthy. From a spaghetti-centric San Francisco transplant to a Venezuelan beverage bar at Oxbow to a re-done classic, check out the latest eats and drinks in Marin and Wine Country.

Keeping meaning to drop by Union Square? Go now, while it's still at the sweet spot. In recent years, this industrial-heavy home to dive bars, mom 'n' pop commerce and Brazilian joints has developed into a mecca of progressive businesses with hipster-approved street cred--all the while maintaining various shades of pre-gentrification grit and diversity. Whether you opt for draft PBR in plastic cups or an impeccably constructed Pegu cocktail, there's a rich sense of community flowing through these unabashedly untrendy streets.

(Photo: P.A.'s Lounge by Christine Liu)

Soak up the sun, then find places to stay by the water.

Our favorite restaurants on the island of Nantucket.

Head down the coast from San Francisco and enjoy the local attractions, hotels and restaurants of the charming beach towns of Monterey and Carmel.

Looking to spruce up your home? Shop for indoor and outdoor decor at these top Detroit home and garden shops.

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