SPRING INTO SOMETHING NEW-BUSINESSES ADDED DAILY!

After spending 9 years working as a personal trainer in the fitness industry at gyms throughout the greater Boston area, Ryan Ankner had a clear vision for his gym, Ank Fit in Newtonville. And then, in 2022, he built it. Ank Fit is a personal fitness studio where everyone, regardless of age, sex, or where they are on their fitness journey, feels welcome and at home. It’s where better fitness begins with a one-to-one client-trainer relationship, and trainers are respected and given the support they need to flourish. The gym is fully furnished with top-of-the-line strength training equipment, and, because Ryan happens to be a self-professed neat freak, is spotless. Sounds perfect, huh? It’s no wonder that Ank Fit’s client list keeps growing and he’s always on the look-out for talented personal trainers.

Anna’s Taqueria isn’t your typical fast-casual Mexican restaurant—not by a long shot. This fixture in Newton Highlands, known for its flavorful and value-priced food, makes nearly every menu item from scratch, from its Al Pastor to its Pico de Gallo and spicy Habanero sauce. Even their Horchata, Jamaica, and Lemonade are made fresh each day. And Anna’s just added another scratch item to their menu—chocolate chip cookies, the restaurant’s first foray into desserts (yay!) Loyal Anna’s Taqueria customers know to download their app and join their Rewards Program, accumulating points for future discounts and specials reserved for Rewards Members. For example, on National Burrito Day Anna’s had a buy-one-get-one-free burrito offer—but only for Rewards Members. Sign up to take advantage of future offers like this! In addition to its new chocolate chip cookies, Anna’s customers will notice something else new on the menu—nachos! Yep, it’s hard to believe, but this nearly 30 year old restaurant is finally adding nachos. Open daily, 10AM-10:30 PM. 27 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands

We bet most serious chocolate lovers in Newton are already pretty familiar with Beth Kirsch of Beth’s Chocolate. Beth, a Master Chocolatier who trained in France, handcrafts gourmet chocolates from the world’s finest Valhrona chocolate, adding surprising ingredients inspired by her travels. Each chocolate is a labor of love, resulting from creative recipes that Beth refines until she’s satisfied they’re perfect. Bonbons with Yuzu, a milk chocolate Irish Coffee bonbon made with Writers’ Tears Whiskey, chocolates made with Tonka Beans, and ones with Matcha and other unique teas. It’s no surprise that Beth’s Chocolate has won more than a dozen gold, silver and bronze awards in international chocolate competitions. And she’s right here in Newton Highlands. For Easter, Beth has adorable milk and dark chocolate Bunny Bonbons, and a box of Bunnies & Easter Eggs, perfect for topping off baskets or for hostess gifts. And if you don’t want to arrive to a Seder empty-handed, Beth has boxes filled with assorted bonbons in a variety of sizes. Order online with easy pick-up in Newton Highlands. Place orders soon for the best selection.

Located in the Upper Falls historic district, there’s nothing cookie-cutter about Bettina's Bakery. Run by two professional pastry chefs (Bettina is from Germany and Naun is from Honduras), this one-of-a-kind eatery seamlessly blends together multicultural flavors with American tastes. Here you’ll find diners sitting down for breakfast and lunch enjoying conchas, cubanos, horchata, streuselkuchen, and schnitzel along with their turkey sandwiches and salads. Featured on Chronicle and in the Globe, Bettina’s also turns out some of the best seasonal pies, muffins, scones, and custom cakes in the city, and offers catering for corporate events or parties at home. For the April holidays Bettina has flourless chocolate cakes, not too sweet coconut macaroons, carrot cakes, lemon pound cakes, and mixed berry pies. Contact Bettina's to place order for bakery pick up--email, fill out ordering form on website or call (617) 206-2001. Hours: 7:30-3 Monday-Friday and 8-3 on Saturday. Closed Sundays.

From a Kentucky Derby party, to their patio opening, and a new brunch menu, there’s lots new this spring at Bianca, the airy restaurant at The Street in Chestnut Hill. Bianca is owned by local restaurateurs Tim (a James Beard award-winning chef) and Nancy Cushman, a creative duo that seamlessly weaves together great food with memorable experiences. The Roses and Races Derby Day Party on May 3rd from 4-7 PM features a live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby, and tickets that include two specialty Derby-related cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, Kentucky Derby-inspired menu items, and a chance to compete in the Best Hat Contest for fun and prizes. Bianca's patio, easily one of the most gorgeous restaurant patios in Newton, is now open! Sitting under an oversized umbrella, surrounded by lush tropical plants, a cocktail in hand, and ordering from their brunch menu is like being on a mini vacation. Reservations are always recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. There are limited tickets for Roses and Races, so those should definitely be reserved soon. Open every day for lunch and dinner with brunch served on Saturdays and Sundays.

By any measure, Boston Body in West Newton is a Pilates powerhouse. In business for 20+ years, Owner and instructor Allison Giue also has a studio in Natick, and between the two locations she employs a whopping 17 instructors, specializing in different areas. As a result, Boston Body is able to offer an expansive menu of diverse classes—including Reformer, Chair, Mat, and Tower Pilates, as well as Barre classes. Classes are held seven days a week, from early morning into the evening, for all levels and abilities. There are also options for one-on-one training. Despite its numerous members, this busy studio has a community vibe, with supportive teachers and students coming together over their shared values of wellness and exercise. Spring into a class and take advantage of its new client specials: First Group Class: $35; Introductory Private Session: $125; 3 Private Sessions + 3 Classes: $375

A new jewelry store celebrating nature’s beauty is blossoming in Newton Centre. CARLA SHAW Sustainable Fashion specializes in botanical jewelry made from real plants preserved in 18-karat gold or rhodium—a silvery rare metal in the platinum family. Here we can discover leafy and petaled earrings, necklaces, cuff bracelets, and brooches that seamlessly unite the beauty of plants and flowers with a timeless style. Owner Carla Wahnon brings together her love of nature, a keen eye for fashion, and her support of the environment as each piece of jewelry is sustainably sourced and produced with minimal environmental impact. Open Tues-Thu 11-6, Fri 11-8, Sat 11-7 and Sun & Mon by chance.

Looking for a new type of workout for the spring? Want a $25 gift card to a great local restaurant? Auburndale’s Cardio High has a new spring promotion designed to get us into their exercise studio and then to Ward 4 Restaurant with a FREE $25 gift card. The best part? You don’t have to sign up for anything—just take one of their FREE classes, and right after Cardio High owner and Waban resident Mark Goodman will hand you a $25 gift card, no strings attached. Yep, Mark’s pretty sure we’ll be so happy with the trial class that we’ll be back. Cardio High takes a different approach to exercise, offering challenging classes that strengthen bodies without wearing them down. Low impact classes integrate strength training, balance, core work, functional movement, and short bursts of cardio, delivering a healthy, whole body workout in just under an hour. Classes are small, supportive, and for all fitness levels. Sign up for one of the free classes today—the Ward 4 promotion only runs through April.

Some small businesses have such an impact on the city’s retail landscape that it’s hard to remember what we did without them. The Cork & Board in Newton Centre is one of them. Since opening nearly three years ago, The Cork & Board has become a destination for sampling specialty local foods, wines from around the world, and craft beer before buying them. Their busy Friday and Saturday tastings are testimonials that their approach works. Owner Ryan Gott keeps on the lookout for small New England businesses with exceptional products, bringing the best of the best into his shop, including locally made gifts. This spring there’s a whole new batch of his latest local faves, along with a huge selection of wines at a range of price points— including new rosés for the warmer weather. Tues-Thurs: 10 AM-8 PM; Fri & Sat: 10 AM-9 PM; Sun: 12-6 PM. Closed Monday.

Step into Derby Farm Flowers and it feels like spring is already in full bloom. Tucked away in Piccadilly Square, this stunning shop has two parts: it’s a full service florist, creating European-style arrangements so special they’ve graced the pages of Vogue. And, it’s a retail shop, stocked with merchandise designed to fill homes and outdoor living spaces with fresh accents and furnishings inspired by nature, including tableware, kitchen items, planters, objets d’art, outdoor lighting, houseplants, seeds, gardening tools, gifts, and even French Fermob outdoor furniture. And while we can always place flower orders by phone, we love stepping inside, browsing, and shopping at this one-of-a-kind store in Newton Centre. Open Tuesday-Saturday: 10AM-5 PM.

There’s no other shop in Newton like Elizabeth Home Decor and Design—not even close. Located at the top of Heartbreak Hill on Comm Ave, Elizabeth’s is full of surprises. Owned by one of the area’s top interior designers, Elizabeth Benedict, this Best of Boston thoughtfully curated shop brings together key elements for creating comfortable, livable, and stunning homes. From furnishings to home accents and fine art, Elizabeth’s is a trove of unusual finds, many purchased by the owner on her world travels. A few times a year Elizabeth Home Decor and Design remakes itself with fresh, new seasonal merchandise, it has debuted its new look for spring, featuring artist Marguerite Alpert. Marguerite creates pressed botanical art from locally grown flowers and plants, capturing and preserving their natural beauty. Other surprises at Elizabeth’s? A fresh flower bar with artfully arranged bouquets at modest prices, and a full-service Italian coffee bar—yes, coffee bar— to either take out or enjoy while shopping. Open 9-5 Monday-Friday, closed Saturday & Sunday.

If your family photos need updating, Auburndale’s Famili Photography, owned by professional photographer and Newton mom Christine Demura, can help. This spring, she’s offering a $100 credit towards a photo album with every photo session. Gather your family (Christine can advise on what to wear), and then she works her magic—whether in the studio or outdoors (even your own backyard). Her ability to put clients at ease, guide them through a photo session, and help select the final shots, has made Christine one of Newton’s top portrait photographers—whether for family photos, business headshots, or passports. She also turns work around quickly—helping clients pick out photos immediately following the session with the help of a large TV screen for detailed viewing. Contact Christine to schedule your family photo session—before another year slips by!

Like us, you may drive right by Frost and Float Spa on Washington Street in West Newton without even knowing it’s there. Just down the road from Trader Joe’s, this wellness center caters to both recovering athletes and those seeking holistic therapies for improving overall wellness—like cryotherapy for addressing chronic pain, float therapy for quelling insomnia, and infrared sauna sessions for stress relief. New owner Katie Concannon is completing renovations to Frost and Float and adding new services—like facials, iv infusions, and Ayurvedic 1:1 consults and bodywork—making it a one-stop spot for alternative healing and overall health. New to these types of services? Frost and Float Newbies get special first time pricing. All treatments are moderately priced, ranging from $30 for a first time infrared sweat, $39 for a freeze, and $69 for a float. It’s a small price to pay for feeling well and achieving balance in our minds and bodies. OH, and marathon runners get 20% off services through April. Open Monday- Saturday, and while walk-ins before 6 PM are welcome, appointments are advised.

As we search for ways to keep a check on our grocery bills during the current economic storm, we’re purchasing more and more from Fulfilled Goods in Newtonville. If you haven’t tried shopping there yet, you may want to start. Fulfilled Goods is Newton’s only refillery. That means you bring in your own containers, fill them up with top quality products, and pay just for the product—not the packaging and all of the marketing expense behind it. The savings can be astounding. And if we forget our containers, the shop has some donated, sanitized ones we can use or new ones to purchase. There’s a huge variety of refillables like pantry goods and baking items (like pasta, flours, honey, maple syrup, ground-while-you-wait peanutbutter, nuts, tea, coffee, dried fruits, chocolates, spices, grains, beans, oils, and vinegars); personal care products (shampoo, conditioner, soap) and household products (laundry detergent, dish soap). Not everything in the store is a “refillable.” There are plenty of sustainable kitchen items (like reusable “paper” towels to cut down on that expense) and everyday essentials (lip balms, toilet paper, and safety razors). As a bonus, Fulfilled Goods is also gorgeous, with the feel of a country store. Located at 612 Washington Street in Newtonville (across from Whole Foods.) Hours: 12-6 Wednesday & Thursday; 11-5 Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

It’s hard to describe just how fun it is to visit Henry Bear’s Park, no matter what age you are. While we can always purchase toys and games online, there’s something special about picking them out in-person, stumbling across surprising ones that we didn’t know existed, and getting insights about products from Henry Bear’s knowledgeable staff versus online reviews. This Newtonville shop is stocked floor to ceiling with pretty much every toy imaginable—balls, slinkies, stuffed animals (including uber-popular Jelly Cats), art projects, STEM kits, puzzles, Legos, games—you name it, they probably have it. There’s even a section for adults who are still young at heart. And Henry Bear’s Park does something else online retailers can’t—it holds events designed to bring the community together and just have fun, like Trading Card Days, Board Game events, and adult-only shopping nights (with wine and snacks). Every day there could be a surprise for shoppers—an indoor archery range, new unboxed games to try, or puzzles to decipher. It’s everything we want in a toy store. Subscribe to their newsletter to stay on top of store events. Open Monday-Saturday: 10 AM-7 PM and Sunday: 10 AM-5 PM.

With a dual focus on clean (read: healthy) and streamlined beauty, Hustlestop brings a new kind of salon experience to Newton. Shunning products with harsh chemicals, their experienced pros create beautiful results using cleaner products, designed for healthier nails and hair. That includes non-toxic, quick drying, and long lasting Dazzle Dry for manis and pedis, and Arete hair color that’s without ammonia, PPDs, and resorcinol. With only a few chairs, Hustlestop feels intimate but not tight. It caters to clients with busy schedules who appreciate all of its stress-free touches like device chargers at every station, speedy online booking, contactless payments, free and easy parking, and even a pantry of free healthy snacks if we haven’t had a chance to grab a meal. Owner Martha Mensoian really seems to know us and has thought of everything. Open Friday to Sunday. 400 Homer Street—across from city hall, and down the street from the Newton Free Library with plenty of free parking.

Everyone in Newton knows Johnny’s Luncheonette, right? Well, we thought we did—after all, we used to head there all the time when our kids were younger. But, over the years, owner Kay Masterson has made some significant changes, making us do a double take and rediscover the iconic restaurant we thought we knew. For example, did you know that when possible, Johnny’s sources food from local growers, like seasonal produce from Tangerini’s Farm, seafood from Red’s Best, and natural beef from Pineland Farms? These short trips from farm to plate mean food is fresh, and small local businesses are supported. And while we can’t help but think of Johnny’s as an all-day breakfast and lunch spot, from Thursday-Saturday it’s open until 8 PM for dinner with some of the best burgers in the city and an adult beverage menu of beer and wine, with Mimosas and Bloody Marys perfect for weekend brunch. But, our favorite thing about Johnny’s? It’s a gathering spot for everyone in our community—whether it’s to sip one of their new $3 mini milkshakes or dig into a char-grilled burger for $14.50, Johnny’s Luncheonette offers quality food at reasonable prices, making dining out festive and affordable.

For local crafty types, Knot and Purl is a haven, stocked with all of the supplies for creating craft masterpieces. The studio has quickly made a name for itself with its new open crafting concept—visitors pay a single fee to create projects of their choice using the studio’s exhaustive supply of art materials. Fun for kids of all ages, families, and adults, Knot and Purl just announced a new addition to its offerings—the XTOOL laser cutter and engraver. The sky’s the limit with XTOOL—it can turn out thousands of projects, like wooden trucks with movable parts, lanterns that light up, working wooden clocks, treasure boxes, and the list goes on and on. Crafters select the projects they’d like to make, and owner Tracy Herman uses the XTOOL to cut out and engrave the project’s pieces. Crafters then set to work assembling, painting, and decorating their custom creations. Projects vary in difficulty, with ones for all ages, abilities, and interests. There’s even an option to customize projects for special occasions with names, dates, and sentiments. Open Mon, Wed-Fri: 11:00 AM-8:00 PM; Sat & Sun: 9:30 AM-8 PM. Special, longer hours during April Vacation week.

We’ve found a unique, hands-on experience that takes handcrafting to the next level. Join a Designer Handbag Workshop at lara b designs and create your own leather handbag with the guidance of handbag designer Lara Van Slyke! Step into Lara’s working studio in The Mall at Echo Bridge in Newton Upper Falls, where her handcrafted designer bags—featured on NBC Boston The Hub—come to life. Now, you can create your own! What to Expect: ~ A 3-hour workshop in an intimate setting - just 2 people per session. ~ No sewing experience needed—perfect for beginners! ~ A one-of-a-kind handbag, handcrafted by you ~ A fun and creative experience—solo or with a friend, family member or as a gift! This workshop is open to ages 13+ and is an unforgettable way to tap into your creativity. Book your spot online and design a bag as unique as you are!

There’s a new take-out restaurant opening in West Newton on Saturday, May 3, and there’s no other spot like it in the city. For the past year, NaisLee Catering has run its operation out of L’Aroma’s former location, behind the West Newton Cinema. Owned and operated by two professional pastry chefs, Naisbel Azarak and Haylee Kulig have exploded on the high-end catering scene, landing some of the most prestigious clients in the greater Boston area. Now, the duo is bringing their creative menu to Newton, in a new venture, the Lavender Cafe, opening in the same location. Heavily influenced by Azarak’s Venzuelan and Syrian roots, Lavender Cafe’s scratch-made menu is full of creative, multi-cultural offerings. There are stuffed Cachitos and Tequeños for breakfast along with hardy breakfast sandwiches serves on their signature croissants. Lunch features “build your own” Latin rice bowls, a Mediterranean plate, arepas, and salads. And of course, there are desserts like tres leches cake. After its soft opening this Saturday at 9 am, Lavender Cafe’s hours are 8-4 Thursday & Friday and 9-2 on Saturday and Sunday.

Lynne’s Vintique’s over-the-top, grapefruit-sized, dipped-in-chocolate, decorated, fortune cookies have become a Holiday staple in Newton. The individually wrapped, tied-with-a-bow, gourmet cookies are made from a French butter cookie recipe and are ready for gift-giving. To reserve yours text or email Lynne: 617-831-3781; lynnes.wrvi@gmail.com The cookies are $12 each. Lynne has other Easter gifts, too, which are A+ hostess gifts: jars of our fave local honey from a Needham farm, locally roasted Dean’s Beans organic coffee, and a huge selection of organic teas. Located in the Echo Bridge Mall.

Known for its top notch Barre classes and welcoming community, Newton Highlands’ Motion Study continues to add new classes to its line up, including the only Bounce classes we know of in Newton. Their new spring promotion—26.2% off 20 class packages, brings their already modestly priced classes down to just $17.75/class. The promotion runs through April 21 and can be used for any of their Barre, Cardio, and Bounce classes. Owners Julie Chrzan and Denise Crowe believe that exercise should be empowering, energizing, transformative, and accessible. Whether you work out regularly and looking for new options, or ready to start a new exercise regimen, Motion Study has classes that help us achieve our individual fitness goals. The studio holds classes Monday—Sunday, and has livestream and on-demand class options, too.

There are plenty of realtors in Newton. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in the city, how do you identify the right realtor for you? We caught up with Jen & Tom McGinn, who recently worked with Nancy McAuliffe of COMPASS Real Estate to sell their home. Nancy obtained four offers on the McGinn’s house, and it went under agreement in 5 days at $136,000 over the asking price. Click HERE to learn about the McGinn’s experience. With 30+ years of experience as a Newton realtor, Nancy has a deep understanding of the local market, and an extensive contact network. Her ability to effectively position homes to maximize value, guide clients through the marketing and sales process, and take care of every detail related to marketing, selling, and closing a home, makes Nancy one of the most highly regarded realtors in Newton. A Newton native, Nancy lives in Auburndale where she raised her family.

Noel Samu, owner of Natural Life in Newtonville, believes his shop’s natural wellness products are helping many manage life’s current stresses without turning to pharmaceuticals or OTC drugs. His Newtonville shop is seeing new customers with complaints related to stress, anxiety, sleeplessness, pain, depression, and lack of energy, all exploring alternative, natural therapies. From immunity-boosting mushroom teas, gummies, and tinctures, to CBD, kava, and other plant-based products, Natural Life is a new alternative wellness resource in the city. Interested 21+ shoppers are encouraged to stop in and consult with a Natural Life expert about possible remedies for nagging ailments and wellness enhancement. Open Monday-Sunday from 12-7 PM.

We’re on-trend (kinda) and didn’t even know it. Apparently, over-the-top facial fillers and lips are out, and natural is in! But, there’s a catch: as part of the “new” natural look, healthy, dewy skin is a must. And that’s where Christine Russo, a master medical esthetician at Newton Medical Aesthetics, excels. Christine works mini miracles with 30 minute fractional erbium laser treatments. With little to no downtime, these “lunchtime laser” sessions treat fine wrinkles, age spots, uneven skin color or texture, and sun-damaged skin. Christine recommends a series of three treatments, spaced 3-4 weeks apart so by the summer we’re dazzling. (We noticed a huge improvement after just one treatment and looking forward to the next.) The series of three treatments is typically $1650, but if you let them know you heard about it from All Over Newton, for the month of April they’re reducing the price $400 to $1250. 233 Needham Street, Suite 406, Newton Upper Falls

While many restaurants are, necessarily, inching up their prices due to rising costs, West Newton’s Ninebark is taking a slightly different tack. Realizing that many of us are tightening our belts, owners Antonio and Nicolas have revamped several of their dishes and brought prices down by a couple of dollars. And when you’re heading out to dinner with a family, that adds up. Caesar Salad, Grilled Cheese, Mac and Cheese, and now a vegan Jamabalaya are some of the dishes that have been tweaked and offered at lower prices. There are other exciting changes at Ninebark, too. Two young chefs—Sergio and Rafael—are now sharing head chef responsibilities, adding their creative spin to the menu. And, in just a matter of weeks, Ninebark is debuting its outdoor patio, finally bringing al fresco dining to that stretch of Route 16. If you haven’t visited Ninebark lately, spring is a great time to head over.

Don’t mistake brand new Nonantum Press Room for just another sandwich shop. This is owner and Chef Jim Donovan’s 6th restaurant, and he has poured his heart and culinary talents into this new takeout spot on Adams Street, with results worthy of a special trip. Here, Chef Donovan makes everything from scratch, from roasting sirloin for “Don Sirlione” paninis, to making roasted garlic aioli for the “Fiery Melanzane” (Eggplant) panini, and crafting all of the flavorful dressings, pickles, peppers and condiments that top paninis, cold sandwiches, and oversized ready-to-go salads. Chef Donovan’s attention to detail and use of top quality, fresh ingredients, including locally made bread, take his menu to the next level, making the Press Room a must-visit destination for take-out gourmet sandwiches and more for lunch and dinner. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 11AM-7PM.

Move over foil-wrapped eggs, marshmallow bunnies, and peeps, Nothing Bundt Cakes has a surprise for Easter baskets and egg hunts: bundtlets in see-through plastic boxes! These personal-sized bundt cakes are available in a variety of flavors, all drizzled with Nothing Bundt Cakes’ signature, not-too-sweet cream cheese frosting, making them a fun addition to the holiday. Carrot, Lemon, White Chocolate Raspberry, and a limited edition Lemon Blueberry, are just a few of the bakery’s festive flavors. And for those feeding a crowd, Nothing Bundt Cakes’ full-sized 8” and 10” cakes with festive toppers make a statement on the dessert table, and are value-priced. Hours are Monday-Thursday: 9AM-6PM; Friday & Saturday: 9AM-7PM and Sunday from 9-3. 170 Needham Street in Newton Upper Falls, with lots of easy parking.

There’s a Newton-based Ride Service which is a reliable and reasonable alternative to taxis, Uber and Lyft, owned by Newton resident David Kagan. It’s called “Rides with David.” If you or anyone in your family needs an assist getting to events or appointments, David can help. Instead of reserving a cab and wondering if it’ll show up, worrying about the driver’s skill or the vehicle’s safety, hire David. He or one of his personable, vetted drivers can take us to the airport, a dr’s appointment, or serve as designated driver for a night out—whether it’s into Boston, out to Foxborough, to the beach, or down to Foxwoods. Rides with David is also a convenient local resource for busy families, shuttling kids to and from after school activities or camp,—on-time and at a reasonable price. Call, text, or email David to learn more: (508) 333-4153 or rideswithdavid@gmail.com.

Newton Centre’s new Rêve Salon has been turning lots of heads since opening. Specializing exclusively in hair care, owners Kristina and Janna, both master stylists and colorists, use advanced techniques to create flawless, customized looks. With only three chairs, and four stylists, Rêve ensures a truly personalized experience for every client. Kristina and Janna’s objective is to exceed expectations with every visit. They achieve this by combining cutting-edge methods like dry cutting and “airtouch” coloring with traditional services, resulting in styles that are more precise and longer-lasting. If you haven’t been yet, new clients get a 10% discount on their first visit. Rêve is open Monday-Sunday.

Independent women’s boutique Sharon Samuels has been a Newton Highlands’ fixture for over 15 years, but for some reason is still unknown to many in Newton. With clothing for the 25+-ish crowd its sweet spot, we find it difficult to walk out of this stocked boutique without something fresh, new and fun in our bag. A bright blouse made in Italy, a funky pieced denim midi skirt, trendy J. Society tops and sweaters, and that’s just for starters. Buyers Shari and Sharon select styles for the shop that are on-trend and wearable, with comfort and value always a top priority. Racks are stocked with casual jeans, pants, tops, and sweaters, along with dressier blouses, slacks, skirts and dresses, including special occasion pieces. Some of Sharon Samuels’ most popular brands are Elliot Lauren, Joseph Ribkoff, Lilla P, Suzy D, and Femme Fatale. The shop carries accessories like jewelry, belts, and shoes, and fashion scarves that change with the seasons. Open 10:30-5 Monday-Saturday.

Imagine a stress-free dog grooming experience—easy, online appointments, dropping off your pet in a calm, quiet environment where he’s one of only two dogs, the grooming area is spotless, and the pet is in and out within 2.5 to 3 hours. That’s St. Dog Pet Salon, a new groomer now open in Nonantum, and it’s changing the dog grooming experience for us and our furry friends. St. Dog Pet Salon is a certified “Fear Free Practice,” with staff trained on how to calm anxious dogs and employing techniques to minimize any pet stress related to grooming. A former large animal veterinarian from Brazil, owner Camila Bertola decided years ago that she prefers grooming dogs and cats to the clinical aspects of veterinary medicine. With her animal expertise and a long resume in pet grooming, Camila is St. Dog’s groomer, and along with Joaquim Maris, who takes care of bathing, drying and brushing, this team gives each pet their full attention, making necessary accomodations for anxious pets—like using low noise, gentle blowdryers when required. With tons of 5-star online reviews, St. Dog has quickly become an “it spot” for pet grooming. Open 9-5 Monday-Friday and 9-3 on Saturday.

Having your own chocolate factory definitely has its perks, like trying out new ideas and experimenting with creative flavors until you get it just right. And that’s exactly what Sweet Dream in Newton Centre does. With a family-owned chocolate Factory in North Billerica, store manager Anton, whose family owns Sweet Dream, and his girlfriend Annabella, have their fingers on the pulse of chocolate trends. In February they introduced their own version of the viral Dubai Chocolate Bar. Their latest creation? A New England-inspired Fluffer Nutter Bar with marshmallow, peanut butter, and graham crackers (for crunch), covered in milk chocolate. Sweet Dream is stocked up with treats for April holidays: chocolate-covered matzoh for Passover and lots of chocolate bunnies and eggs for filling Easter baskets. Sunday-Wednesday: 10 AM - 6PM; Thursday: 10 AM - 7 PM; Friday & Saturday: 10 AM - 8 PM.

On Thursday May 29th, Newton Cultural Alliance hosts it’s annual Strawberry Festival bash, which is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. Monies raised from the Festival help fund the organization so it can continue to be a vital resource for supporting the arts in Newton. The Festival kicks off at 6:30 PM at the Allen Center in West Newton and includes a menu of activities for party-goers. There are light-bites and adult beverages; live performances by renowned steel drum musician Justin Petty and members of the Highland Glee Club; a silent auction with items donated by West Newton businesses; the unveiling of the Allen Center’s new visual arts exhibit; a visual art auction; and a “Raise the Paddle” event to support local arts. The historic Allen Center is the heart of Newton’s arts community, hosting concerts, exhibits, workshops, markets, and more, and is available for private rentals. 35 Webster Street

The largest shoe store in Massachusetts is right here in Newton—The Barn Family Shoe Store—and for those who prefer trying on shoes before purchasing, and getting expert fitting help, it’s the region’s #1 footwear destination. The Barn has a vast inventory—athletic shoes, uber popular athleisure footwear, sandals, boots, platforms, wedges, dress shoes, water shoes, slippers—you name it, they probably have it. We love that The Barn carries top brands including trendy European styles, and the inventory is always fresh. At the end of a season, footwear that hasn’t moved is discounted, and then whatever doesn’t sell is pulled off the shelves, making room for the next season’s newest styles. For those who typically shop for shoes online, making in-store purchases has huge benefits. Never mind that we’re supporting a local business, we can also walk out of The Barn wearing shoes that fit after trying on different options, and we don’t deal with returns and waiting. In-person shopping definitely has its perks. The Barn is open Monday-Wednesday: 9:30 AM-6 PM; Thursday & Friday: 9:30 AM-8 PM; Saturday: 9:30 AM- 6 PM and Sunday: 12-5 PM.

What do you look for when hiring a housecleaner? On the top of our list: thorough, efficient, and trustworthy. The Maids, based in Auburndale, are all that and more. They arrive in a four-person crew, with their hepa filtration Bissel vacuum and environmentally-conscious cleaning solutions, and then spread out in the house to work their cleaning magic. The Maids are so good they’ve won Best of Boston’s Housecleaner award eleven times and in 2024 were ranked #1 by both Newsweek and USA Today. Yes, The Maids is a franchise, with each local office individually owned by a cleaning entrepreneur. Since 2021 they also became employee owned, so housecleaners have a personal stake in the company’s success. The Maids offers one time deep cleans as well as weekly, bi-weekly and monthly service. Contact the Newton office with deets on your house and they’ll provide a quote over the phone and set up your first service. Oh, and they also back up their housecleaning with a satisfaction guarantee, just to make sure clients are delighted with their freshly cleaned homes.

If you haven’t yet made your way to Newton Centre’s Thistle & Leek, it’s the perfect spot to kick off the spring dining season in Newton. Fresh spring produce is now on the menu, and the patio opening is slated for the second week in April, weather permitting. Owned and operated by husband-wife cooking duo Trevor and Kate Smith, Thistle & Leek’s menu is a nod to London’s modern gastropubs, and features creative small plates inspired by European travels. Thistle & Leek is tucked away on Union Street, and is one of those rare destinations that does everything right—offering a casual, welcoming environment where unwinding is easy, a standout menu with in-season fare, and top notch service. It’s no wonder that it has been named one of the top Boston area restaurants by both Boston Magazine and EaterBoston. Open for dinner (reservations recommended): Tuesday-Thursday from 5-9PM; Friday & Saturday from 5-10PM and Sunday from 5-9PM. Open for lunch (walk-in only) Tuesday-Friday from 12-2 PM. 105 Union Street, Newton Centre.

Thursday, April 10th & Well, isn’t that great news! ThreadED, the local destination for thrifty fashionistas, is reopening with hundreds of just-added pieces of designer spring wear for a sale this Thursday, April 10th (4-7PM) & Friday, April 11th (10AM-1PM). Racks are loaded with tees, tops, dresses, skirts, jackets, pants, and light summer wraps. Not familiar with this one-of-a-kind women’s clothing store? It sells high-end gently worn designer clothing, shoes, and accessories at a fraction (10-20%) of retail. Even better? All proceeds help fund local under-served students achieve their dreams of attending college, so every purchase makes a difference. While ThreadED has a booming presence online, it only holds in-person sales a few times a year. Our advice? Get their early for deeply discounted designer clothing from designers like Alan Bilzerian, BCBG and Eileen Fisher.