I'm thrilled to share another Local Gems post today (be sure to check out the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Lexington, Medford, and Watertown features)! Today's Arlington Center recommendations (East Arlington + Arlington Heights are forthcoming separately) come from reader Justine Uhlenbrock, a birth doula, minimalist mom of two girls, and writer who shares about motherhood, building a family legacy, and the intersection of food and family. Thanks for sharing these 11 local gems, Justine!

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Arlington is a delightfully walkable, bike-friendly town, home to lovely parks and thriving shops. Its central location, bordering no less than six towns, means you're always a quick ride to anywhere (on the roads or via the Minuteman Bike Path)! Here are my favorites in Arlington Center:

1. Blue Ribbon BBQ. As a southern girl, I can attest to the authentic taste of Blue Ribbon's delicious barbecue. Their trio platter is huge, enough for two adults to share. Our favorite meats are the pulled pork, beef brisket, and jerk chicken. All the sides are good, but I'd go for the collard greens to get the genuine Dixie experience. The restaurant also caters, and they encourage you to take free homemade pickles on your way out, y’all. Don’t mind if I do!

2. Toraya. What Toraya lacks in ambience, it makes up for with simple, well-crafted, top-notch sushi; it's some of the best north of the river.

3. Kickstand Cafe. This café spot has changed hands several times over the years and the new ownership has made great improvements to this coffee shop on the bike path. They offer a few lunch items, and I love that they use quality local ingredients when available. Their Aztec hot chocolate knocks my socks off; I mix it with coffee to tone it down and pair my concoction with a ginger-lemon or chocolate-coconut scone.

4. Derby Farm Flower & Garden. This eclectic shop creates beautiful flower arrangements and also offers a gorgeously curated collection of gifts and gardening accoutrements. When the winter doldrums strike, I pop in to imagine what could be in the spring.

5. Arlington Centered. AC is little sister to D2 in neighboring Somerville. I could wander lazily around this funky Etsy-like boutique all day, provided my kids aren't with me. It’s full of perfect, well-priced gifts for anyone on my list from babies to men.

6. Pink Dolly. This resale boutique offers clothes for kids and adults (including maternity!). They make excellent use of their limited space.

7. Wild Child. Offering an impressive and adorable range of gears, gifts, and clothing in a relatively small footprint, I love that Wild Child carries one of my much-loved brands, Tea Collection.

8. The Book Rack. Reviewed earlier on this site, The Book Rack is simply the best used bookstore around. New titles also are available, and the friendly, knowledgeable staff always can put a finger on what you’re looking for.

9. Playtime. Need craft supplies for a school project or a last minute birthday present for your kid’s friend? In operation for an astounding 70+ years, Playtime is stuffed to the gills with craft and art supplies, toys, and more.

10. Helena’s. Flummoxed about what to wear? Helena's prides itself on offering versatile separates and accessories that make it easy (and fun) to get dressed. Cheers to that!

11. Robbins Library. A brilliant historical gem, Robbins Library is the country's oldest free children's library. The reading room is also a great place to catch up on your favorite magazines!

Do you have other Arlington Center gems you love? Feel free to share in the comments below! And if you want to pen a Local Gems guest post, contact Christine at editor@bostonmamas.com to check on availability.

Image credits: all images via linked websites or associated Facebook pages

I'm thrilled to share another Local Gems post today (be sure to check out the Back Bay, Medford, Beacon Hill, and Lexington features)! Today's Watertown recommendations come from my friend Sharon, mom of two adorable boys (one who knows how to rock a runway) and writer of the parenting/food blog umommy + co-founder of KidNosh, an online restaurant review site for parents. Thanks for sharing these gems, Sharon!

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There's a lot more to Watertown besides the giant Target and the scene of the Boston Marathon bombing manhunt. In the town’s mere 4.17 square miles you will find a diverse population, beautiful riverside paths, and lots of hidden gems. Here are eight of my favorites:

1. A. Russo & Sons. Tucked away on an industrial road, you’ll find Russo’s, the family-owned produce and gourmet market beloved by foodies and chefs alike. Stroll the cramped aisles and you’ll find every imaginable produce, fresh baked bread and pastries, imported deli meats and cheeses, plus prepared foods and flowers. Plus, their prices can’t be beat. Russo’s has grown in popularity, so avoid the crowds and go during the week!

2. Fastachi. Walk into this small and bright store and the aromas from the hand-roasted gourmet nuts will confirm you’ve come to a special place. From gorgeous gift baskets to handmade chocolates, it's easy to see why Fastachi is one of the country’s top purveyors of roasted nuts.

3. Watertown’s Little Armenia & Sevan Bakery. Watertown’s large Armenian community gives way to a bustling concentration of Armenian shops and markets. You’ll feel as if you entered an Old World European market filled with spices, olives, oils, and prepared foods. Once you try the stuffed grape leaves, baklava, and beautiful mezze in any of the markets including Sevan, you will be coming back for more.

4. Central Rock Gym. In a nondescript industrial building you will find one of the largest and most advanced climbing gyms in New England. From youth climbing camps, introductory belay class, to spinning, yoga, and Pilates classes, Central Rock Gym will get you fit and scaling boulders before you know it.

5. Strip Ts. This lunch spot turned hotspot put Watertown on the map for foodies. Tim Maslow, former chef de cuisine of Momofuku Ssam Bar in NYC, took the helm of his dad’s sandwich shop and hasn’t looked back. Warning: you’ll be dreaming about the Eggplant Banh Mi once you try it.

6. Watertown Children's Theatre. Does your kid give nightly performances of scenes from Frozen in front of the mirror at home? Channel your budding performer to the range of award-winning classes and workshops at the Watertown Children’s Theatre. WCT, now in its 30th year, is guaranteed to give kids of all ages an appreciation of the performing arts.

7. Arsenal Center for the Arts. The Arsenal Center for the Arts is a community arts center that houses two theatres (including the New Rep Theatre and Watertown Children’s Theater), art classes, artists’ studios, galleries, and workshop spaces. School vacation and summer programs are especially popular with kids and parents.

8. Deluxe Town Diner. Looking for a true diner experience, minus the greasy spoon fare? Built in 1947 and listed in The National Registry of Historic Places, Deluxe Town Diner's retro vibe is as irresistible as its menu. This kid-friendly dining destination is especially popular on the weekends.

Do you have other Watertown gems you love? Feel free to share in the comments below! And if you want to pen a Local Gems guest post, contact Christine at editor@bostonmamas.com to check on availability.

Image credits: all images sourced from linked business websites and Facebook pages.

I'm thrilled to share another Local Gems post today (be sure to check out the Medford, Beacon Hill, and Lexington features)! Today's Back Bay recommendations come from my friend Laura Tomasetti of 360PR. Laura's is one of the first agencies I interfaced with when I started blogging and she is both a delightful person socially and a true visionary in her field. (I also completely credit Laura for getting me onto Twitter!) Laura has a delightful daughter and is a longtime Back Bay dweller; thanks for sharing these recs, Laura!

Following the fun features on Medford and Beacon Hill, today’s Local Gems spotlight is on Lexington, a pretty town 11 miles northwest of Boston. I’m grateful to my brilliant friend and colleague Morra Aarons-Mele (mom of two adorable sons and a digital tour de force via Women Online and The Mission List), who shares her Lexington faves today. Thanks, Morra! - See more at: http://www.bostonmamas.com/blog/2014/3/5/local-gems-lexington.html#sthash.rSyhL4US.dpuf

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I love city living, even more so as a mom. Boston makes it easy, with so many fun places to stroll into, with or without the kids. Here’s a list of some of my favorites in Back Bay -- some true independents, some small New England chains worthy of your support.

1. L.A. Burdick. If the kids are in tow, or you’re just trying to satisfy a craving for chocolate, the hot chocolate at L.A. Burdick – offered in white, milk and dark varieties – is divine. Since my favorite Back Bay coffee spot recently closed (L’Aroma, still open in West Newton), I’ve been enjoying the café latte and tea options at L.A. Burdick, too.

2. Esplanade Play Space. City playgrounds have gotten a whole lot better than when we were kids. The Esplanade Play Space is really quite extraordinary, offering climbing, ziplining, and other activities for all ages. My 9-year-old hasn’t outgrown it yet! 

3. Clarendon Street Playground. For younger kids, Clarendon Street Playground is “just right” and a nice, shady respite perfect for summer days.

4. Kitchenwares. Kitchenwares packs more onto its shelves than I ever could – and I’m glad, because I always find what I’m looking for there. My latest purchase was a folding griddle to make pancakes and…bacon! Blackstones of Beacon Hill proprietor Jennifer Hill opened Kitchenwares with her culinary-talented husband and the duo really know their kitchen wares!

5. Small Pleasures. Small Pleasures is a boutique jeweler where you’ll want to spend some serious browsing time, especially if you have a big birthday or anniversary coming up! Though the space is small, they pack a lot in and I love their taste (which leans art deco and antique) and their personal service.

 6. Lauren’s Nails. Ready for your spring manicure? Lauren's Nails on Newbury Street is your best bet, hands down. For $40 (cash, there’s a slight up-charge if you use a credit card but it’s still well worth it), you’ll get a mani, pedi, and 10-minute massage. And the technicians are all highly skilled. If you want Lauren herself, take the reasonable walk from Back Bay over to Beacon Hill and you’ll find the original Lauren’s Nails about mid-way down Charles Street.

7. Copley Farmer’s Market. Grab fresh produce, cheeses, breads and seafood to go at the Copley Farmer's Market, on Tuesday’s and Friday’s right in front of Trinity Church.

8. b. good. We love New England family-friendly burger joint b. good, which uses locally sourced beef, poultry, and produce, and serves a mighty-tasty shake and fries to go with that juicy burger (vegetarian option available).

9. Casa Romero. For a grown-up night out on the romantic side, make a reservation at Casa Romero for the most authentic Mexican food in the city served in charming stucco and tiled rooms, with a patio for the nice weather. The sangria is tops!

10. Bistro du Midi. For authentic French bistro fare, overlooking the Public Garden to boot, Bistro du Midi is a real treat. They have a lighter fare menu available downstairs, where the talented bartenders will muddle-up a cocktail with fresh basil for you. C’est magnifique!

11. Finale. For dessert, there’s no place like Finale. With the overhead mirror, you can watch the pastry chefs burnish the crème brulee just before you dive in. They have more than a dozen decadent desserts to choose from, coffee drinks, port, and a light dinner menu that’s just enough to leave room for dessert.

12. Sweet Cupcakes. For your cupcake fix, head to Sweet Cupcakes. Everyone raves about Georgetown Cupcakes on Newbury (and they’re pretty amazing), but Sweet is just as amazing -- and maybe more so, since it’s a Boston original!

Do you have other Back Bay gems you love? Feel free to share in the comments below! And if you want to pen a Local Gems guest post, contact Christine at editor@bostonmamas.com to check on availability.

Image credits: all images sourced from linked business websites and Facebook pages. Thumbnail image also by Sweet Cupcakes.

Following the fun features on Medford and Beacon Hill, today’s Local Gems spotlight is on Lexington, a pretty town 11 miles northwest of Boston. I’m grateful to my brilliant friend and colleague Morra Aarons-Mele (mom of two adorable sons and a digital tour de force via Women Online and The Mission List), who shares her Lexington faves today. Thanks, Morra!

1. Wilson Farm. It's expensive and the traffic can be maddening but Wilson Farm is a magical place in my book. My boys love to go visit Belle the llama in her barn and see the fish in the garden shop. The fresh produce and plants are fantastic (as are the fresh made cider donuts, shown above), and I always buy a fresh turkey at Wilson's for Thanksgiving. My #1 favorite thing, though, is to take my sons on the spooky hayride around Halloween time!

2. Willard’s Woods. This is the most beautiful place to walk your dog. It's leash free on weekdays, which is fantastic. Park in the main parking lot and explore! Also great for kids' walks and mini hikes.

3. Arlington's Great Meadow. Despite the name, Arlington's Great Meadow is in Lexington! I sneak in behind the Waldorf School and onto the bike path. The Meadows are vast and beautiful -- you feel very far away even though you're about 15 feet from civilization. It’s great for little "hikes" for kids.

4. Revolve. Revolve offers incredible women's clothing consignment! Great designers, fair prices, and a good selection. I try to stop in once a week to see what's new. Belmont also has a Revolve but I prefer the Lexington shop for selection.

5. Ride Studio Cafe. OK, you may feel you've stepped into an episode of Portlandia, but the coffee is worth it, I promise. If you're a cycling enthusiast, this place is your hub.

6. Sweet Thyme Bakery. This little café near the Lexington Common is replete with fresh baked bread, scones, and other treats -- all beautifully presented and wrapped. They also offer a small sandwich menu.

7. Rancatore's Ice Cream. Originally established in neighboring Belmont, Rancatore's (aka Ranc's) occupies a prime spot in the heart of Lexington Center. The flavor roster changes daily and includes sweet picks such as cinnamon nutmeg, gingersnap molasses, and callebaut (Belgian) milk chocolate. Also, try the homemade hot fudge!

8. FORTHCOMING GEM ALERT: Il Casale. Nourish was originally on my local gems list, but sadly, they have since closed. The good news? Belmont's Il Casale is opening a sister bistro in Nourish's space this spring. Assuming the Lexington spot mirrors the tastiness of the Belmont location, this will be a fantastic addition to the Center!

Do you have other Lexington gems you love? Feel free to share in the comments below!

Image credits: all images via linked websites, with the exception of Willard's Woods, sourced via Lexington Patch

Happy Sunday everyone! It was a gorgeous morning for the 5-miler I ran in Cambridge (so fun to run the whole way with friends, btw!) and now I'm cozied up at home while Violet naps and Laurel is off at a playdate. If you're looking to catch up on some web reading, there was so much great content on the site last month. Enjoy this compilation of the best of January 2014:

At Home

- 30 things to do when school is cancelled

- 7 ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year with kids

Books & Entertainment

- Civil rights movement books for kids

- 14 awesome puzzles for babies, kids, and grownups

Critter Love

- For the love of penguins

- Groundhog Day trivia and celebration

Fashion

- The ridiculously awesome pants everyone keeps asking me about

Food & Fitness

- Meals made easy: warm winter salad

- Jeannie's apple crumble pie

- 16 sources of totally doable fitness and nutrition inspiration

Local

- A great spot for budding thespians

- Local Gems: Beacon Hill, Boston

- Local Gems: Medford

Personal/Professional

- Inspiration to help you be even more awesome in 2014

Hey Internet, Keep Being Awesome

- Volume 1

- Volume 2

Image credit: blood orange loaf cake via Pinterest

Friends, from the response to the Medford feature, you're clearly digging the new Local Gems series! I'm so thrilled! This week I'm featuring the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston. These 15 gems come courtesy of my lovely and finance-savvy friend Sandra Gilpatrick. Sandra has lived on Beacon Hill for over a decade, has an adorable son, and, as a certified financial planner, is professionally passionate about helping women find their financial confidence (AWESOME). Thanks for sharing these gems, Sandra!

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It goes without saying that Beacon Hill is amazing for its immediate access to Boston Common and the Public Garden. Here are 15 gems I hope you'll love as much as I do!

1. Tip Tap Room. Always a happening place, even in snow storms. The tap selections are impressive. Chef Brian Poe treats locals like royalty. If you are tired of the same old meat selections, this is the place to go for more adventure. Care for antelope meatloaf?

 

2. Kate & Theo Home. New kid on the block. However, they know what they are doing. They understand clever furniture for small Boston apartments. And yes, they can do a beautiful upholstery job for that antique chair you've had on your "to do" list.

 

3. Townhouse Beauty Bar. My six-year-old was having one of those bad behavior days you dread as a mother during his haircut. The staff went out of their way to be kind to him and miraculously, he managed to walk away with even bangs. The owner is a mother of young ones, so she gets it and makes you feel welcome. You can even take care of yourself there should you have a minute to breathe.

 

4. K M Hudson Bra. Do you want the best fitting bra ever? Tucked away on a second floor entrance on Charles street, this store is a hidden gem. Even having a young child to go home to, devoted owner Katherine Hudson stayed open an extra hour just for me to make sure I was hooked up with the best bra I've owned yet.

 

5. Good. Yes, it is. I nearly tripped walking by on the bricks while gazing at the precious child's outfit in the window last week. Worth a look inside at the varied and interesting goods.

 

6. Café Vanille. The only café outdoor space on Charles Street, and your kids will delight in the colorful treats. Pain au chocolate? Mais bien sur!

 

7. LaLaRoh. Who knew? Good Persian food that is family friendly. They even have crayons on hand. My son doesn't leave without the saffron ice cream. There's a tiny three-person bar should you make it out on date night.

 

8. Leather Clothiers Designers. Don't let the name throw you. With cute hats and unique accessories, you're bound to find something that catches your eye. Little known fact: they do purse repair.

 

9. Paramount. A neighborhood staple for many years. Casual eats that are predictably delicious. Expect a line for brunch, but there is a reason why.

 

10. Holiday. Stylish, timeless, and feminine. I have never walked out without uttering,"oooh, I like that dress" at least once.

 

11. Blackstone's of Beacon Hill. If I ever need a gift on the run, this is the place I've gone to for years. The owners are regularly in the store and welcome you like family.

 

12. 20th Century Ltd. Don't forget to look down at this ever changing pretty bejeweled window. If you are looking for costume jewelry, this is THE place to go.

 

13. Beacon Hill Chocolates. Fancy locally made boxes with splendid scenes of Boston make this chocolatier special. You'll want to keep the box after the delicious chocolate quickly vanishes.

 

14. Top Shelf. Need a bottle of wine, some plants for your window box, and groceries on the go? The owner is a peach and we thank him for this super convenient store.

 

15. 75 Chestnut. I do miss the old bar renovated years ago, but 75 Chestnut still is a place locals come to gather. Benevolent owner Thomas Kershaw is so generous to the community.

 

Do you want to share local gems for your town? Contact Christine for editorial openings!

Image credit: all images via featured websites or associated Facebook pages

Do you want to share local gems for your town? Contact me for editorial openings!

Image credit: thumbnail via Tenoch; compilation graphic by Christine Koh, including images via featured websites

- See more at: http://www.bostonmamas.com/blog/2014/1/22/local-gems-medford.html#sthash.llNMbeKA.dpuf

Do you want to share local gems for your town? Contact me for editorial openings! - See more at: http://www.bostonmamas.com/blog/2014/1/22/local-gems-medford.html#sthash.llNMbeKA.dpuf

I'm so excited to kick off the Local Gems series this morning and am doing so with ten local gems in Medford. This town is fast on the rise given its strong community, lightning fast access to Boston, and various amenities (including commuter rail access and visions of Green Line expansion). If you have other favorite Medford gems, feel free to share in the comments below!

1. Bestsellers Café. This bookstore/café is a true indie gem. While it looks deceptively small from the storefront, the property opens up into a larger space in the back, including lovely café seating that overlooks the Mystic River.

2. Art in 2 Shades. I signed Laurel up for mini art camps for the first time last summer and she adores this place! The women who run this studio are quirky and friendly and Laurel created some wonderful work through the program.

3. Emiliano’Z. This Mexican restaurant is run by the sweetest family. I pretty much eat here every week. If ordering out, I usually get the primavera or Emiliano'Z favorite burrito. If dining in, the tilapia dinner plate. Also, the sangria.

4. Tenoch. In Medford Center proper, there's another great Mexican offering. If you go to Tenoch, get the chicken sandwich (torta). O.M.G. They're clearly doing well, with a North End location in the works.

5. Mystic Coffee Roaster. Fresh roasted coffee right in town. Doesn’t get better than that.

6. Chung Ki Wa. This is where my mom wants to go when I take her out to lunch (good sign, given that we're Korean!). Order the okdol bi bim bap. Also, the pajon (Korean pancakes) are delicious.

7. Bistro 5. Bistro 5 is a surprisingly fancy find right near the commuter rail stop in West Medford. Their gnocchi is insanely good or it’s a nice stop for a drink at the small bar. They recently installed windows along the front of the restaurant, making this spot even more appealing.

8. Blue Fuji. It's not hard for us to rack up a bill at this organic Asian restaurant. The sushi is great, as are basics such as the lo mein noodles and tofu with vegetables (one of my favorites!). Blue Fuji also has a gluten-free menu.

9. Danish Pastry House. Fine coffee. Killer kringle (and countless other treats). A sunny and bright corner location. You can't go wrong at DPH.

*10. Finally, Medford is remarkable not only for its quick access to the city, but also to nature. Pretty (and sometimes wooded) paths run along the Mystic River, and The Fells is a remarkable 3,400 acre reservation offering a welcome nature escape. Your kids will love exploring Panther's Cave.

*Updated and added 1/22/14

Do you want to share local gems for your town? Contact me for editorial openings!

Image credit: thumbnail via Tenoch; compilation graphic by Christine Koh, including images via featured websites

I have several editorial series that I've been planning on launching for oh, say, the last year (seriously!) and other things just keep getting in the way. But today I'm finally kicking off Local Gems, through which I'll feature awesome and sometimes lesser known gems in different communities in and around Boston. Putting a spotlight on local businesses feels even more important to me right now given the recent closing of Isis Parenting.

I have several of other towns and neighborhoods zipped up already, but feel free to contact me if you are interested in submitting picks for your town and I'll let you know if there's space. Otherwise, you can always share additional recommendations in the comments of a given post.

Now, let's do this thing! First stop: MEDFORD.

Image credit: FreeDigitalPhotos.net