Wondering what life was like back in the 1700’s? Then book a night at the Wayside Inn, known as America’s longest running inn. Just be prepared to actually have a conversation with your significant other: there are no televisions or internet access in any of the rooms. However, you may never want to leave. Wander through period rooms, walk the lovely grounds, enjoy a hearty meal, and cap it all off with a drink in the the dark, cozy tavern. Being so separated from modern times will never be so comforting.

I could point you to the North End for this one, and that’s indeed a fabulous option. But when it comes to a place that’s raw and unpretentious, you want Santarpio’s. A nothing-special seating area and a total 70’s-vibe bar make up this joint, with a staff that looks and acts straight out of the Godfather. Except they aren’t acting. And, frankly, they don’t care much about what you think of them. The juke box is hidden in the back and probably hasn’t been updated in years, but really, now – all you’ll want to hear singing in this place is Frank Sinatra while you sit and marvel at the people. Oh, and the pizza? Positively. Amazing.

There’s nothing that says “highbrow” like mentioning that you’re going to the ballet. And by spending an afternoon or evening sitting quietly, in the dark, listening to classical music while men and women prance across the stage telling a story that you’re supposed to be able to follow even though the performers aren’t speaking a word, will show the world how seriously cultured you are.

Come to F1 prepared to drive. At this indoor racing facility, you’ll mimic a professional racecar driver by putting on a suit, getting a driver briefing, taking a practice lap, and then competing against other drivers via a computerized timing system. A full restaurant and bar is trackside, so you can stumble in for some post-race fuel and watch the other wannabes take laps.

Set aside your pride and dislike of being the center of attention and book yourself a whirl around Boston via the Duck Tours. While seated in a gigantic eyesore (actually restored WWII vehicles), you’ll be given a unique and interesting tour narrated by loud and enthusiastic ConDUCKtors. On land you’ll drive by historic landmarks that you thought you already knew all about, and then dip into the Charles River for a fabulous skyline view.

If Massachusetts is Planet Liberal, then Cambridge is its capitol. Known as The People’s Republic of Cambridge, simply setting foot in this city and going left, right, or straight will get you somewhere that’ll give you a taste of being a liberal. But what better place to rub elbows with them than a) a bookstore, and b) one that has the word “Harvard” in its name? And when one of the top sellers in their store is “Bad Money: Reckless Finance, Failed Politics, and the Global Crisis of American Capitalism”, you know you’re in the right place. Get lost with fellow lefties for hours among their huge selection of new and used books. Conferences and an award-winning Author Event Series will seat you side by side with other liberal folks, allowing you the perfect opportunity to engage in passionate political discourse.

Men, embrace your feminine side with a trip to Le Pli. During a big game, preferably an important playoff game, pretend you don’t care and book yourself a “Man’s Collection II”. For a mere $250 you can indulge yourself with a manicure, pedicure, back facial, deep tissue massage, and lunch. And, once you’re all pretty, you can go home and find out who won. That is, if you still care about the game. Or sports.

Dyke Night? Yep, Thursday nights at the Midway Cafe are for the lesbians. But gay or not, this welcoming little bar will show you a great time. The music ranges from pop and disco funk to hip-hop and R&B, which (along with the good beer) packs the dance floor full of happy revelers.

Finally: you can set foot on the MIT campus and know what it’s like to be a student without actually getting INTO the school! With MIT’s Open Courseware program, you can get your grubby hands on lecture notes, exams, and other resources from more than 1,800 MIT courses, all for free via the web. So print ‘em all out, put them in your Trapper Keeper, and wander around campus with people who can make a fully functional robot out of your likeness.

Yes, this place is open for business, and yes, people do go. So if the time comes when you want to experience eating mediocre food with your hands and guzzling unlimited beer while watching cheesy acting and dirty humor onstage, Medieval Manor will be there for you. It’s a popular destination for birthday and bachelor/ette parties, and you’ll be encouraged to interact with the performers. Watch that beer consumption, though – you need to ask “The King” for permission to use the bathroom.

Forget Netflix and HBO, or the giant movie multiplexes full of people gabbing on their cell phones during the movie. Real artsy-fartsy types go to this independent movie house for screenings of classic, foreign, and art-house films. So quit it with your 87th viewing of Office Space and see what it’s like to catch a totally obscure movie on the big screen at the Brattle.

Admit it: you long to be the next American Idol. You fantasize about adoring fans hanging onto your every word. When you’re ready to move from the shower to the big stage, go to this ultimate karaoke bar. With over 5,000 songs to choose from, you’re sure to find one that you’ve perfected during all that rehearsing in the car. The crowd is fueled by alcohol and always encouraging, but even if you have stage fright you can still get your sing on in one of Limelight’s professional-grade private studios.

It won’t be hard to ditch your trusty $14.99 TJMAXX bag when you step into this super-chic boutique. Just make sure you have plenty of available credit – because you will be hypnotized by the amazing bags painstakingly selected by Rachael Ray BFF Gretchen Monahan. The hippest, tippity-top clutches, hobos, and totes will seduce you and re-entry into the non-bag snob world will probably be next to impossible.