Provincetown Theater
Considered influential by everyone from Tennessee Williams and Eugene O'Neill to Richard Gere, and known as nothing less than the birthplace of American drama, Provincetown has given its heady thespian spirit a high-voltage jolt with this new, year-round playhouse. The classic black box setup has flexible seating, state-of-the-art lighting, and a killer sound system so it can accommodate its two resident companies (the Provincetown Repertory Theatre and Provincetown Theatre Company) as easily as its high-profile productions by writers such as Eve Ensler, Douglas Carter Beane, and Terrence McNally. 238 Bradford St., Provincetown, MA provincetowntheater.org.
Flat Top Johnny's
There are some places where you feel cooler just by walking in. Such is the case with this funky pool hall, which sets the right mood with red-felt tables, an alternative-music soundtrack and Roy Lichtenstein-esque mural on one wall. The crowd seems to consist of Cambridge's hipper denizens who have taken time off from the art studio or recording hall to rack a few. It's a fresh change from the meat-market pool halls downtown. The only downside: Pool tables here are a bit close for comfort—though depending on who's at the next table, that's not necessarily a bad thing. One Kendall Square, Building 200, Cambridge, MA flattopjohnnys.com.
Airi Jewelry & Gallery
We all have go-to ensembles, the ones we pull from the closet at least once a week because they make us feel good. But when you need just a little something extra to make yours special enough for [insert occasion here], a pair of statement earrings goes a long way. Enter the wearable art from Boston-based Airi. Crafted from stainless steel and tarnish-resistant brass, founder Maya Alia’s geometric wired pieces — we especially love the golden arches and the floral-shaped “ear jackets” — make even the simplest outfit look chic. shopairi.com.
The Catered Affair
This culinary juggernaut is the in-house caterer for a slew of the city’s high-end venues, including the Boston Public Library, Harvard Art Museums, and the Boston Athenaeum (where it also runs a brand-new café open to the public). Which begs the question: If they trust the Catered Affair to handle their cuisine, shouldn’t you? The answer: Yes, you absolutely should. With the goal of creating unforgettable dining experiences, the team here can curate a personalized menu for your big day — think king-crab tostadas and broiled oysters with sea urchin and black lime — that looks as good as it tastes. thecateredaffair.com.
Bonde Fine Wine Shop
This wine shop in Harvard Square sells more than world-class bottles. It sells art: from handcrafted contemporary glassware to silver corkscrew cufflinks and other “sommelier jewelry.” It sells education: Grape expert Bertil Jean-Chronberg regularly leads ticketed tastings and private experiences around Bonde’s gathering table. It proffers a sense of community, too: The shelves include eco-conscious bottles from Jean-Chronberg’s Black Donkey Project — dry whites and fruity reds produced in collaboration with top wine- makers to support nonprofits like No Kid Hungry. We’ll drink to that. 54 Church St., Cambridge, MA 02138, bondewines.com.
Black Market Nubian
For husband-and-wife team Chris and Kai Grant, founding this Roxbury-based market in 2017 wasn’t just about giving local Black- owned businesses a much-needed platform; it was about revitalizing the neighborhood. It’s no surprise, then, that Black Market has since evolved to include a public-art initiative, designed to support area artists in the creation of community-centric murals throughout Nubian Square. And as for the pop-ups? They’re still going strong, with events featuring vendors hawking bath products, handmade jewelry, sweet treats, and more. 2136 Washington St., Boston, MA 02119, blackmarketnubian.com.
Jenny’s Wedding Cakes
You won’t find any rainbow-hued cakes in Jenny Williamson’s portfolio—and that’s on purpose. The Amesbury baker takes a more refined approach, lending her pared-down aesthetic to bespoke confections almost too pretty to eat. Her penchant for art shines through in meticulously crafted florals and ruffles, while her 20-plus years of baking translates to perfected flavors. Whether you choose a cake filled with strawberry-champagne buttercream or layered with chocolate ganache, these extra-special desserts hit the (sweet) spot. MA jencakes.com.
Company One Theatre
Let's get one thing straight: Fringe isn't synonymous with small. In fact, the fringe companies in town are all about big ideas, big risks, and big heart, none more so than Company One Theatre, a long-standing resident of the Boston Center for the Arts. Dedicated to performances you aren't likely to forget (did you see the perfectly perturbed Shockheaded Peter ?), Company One should be celebrated not only for its adventurous theatrical achievements, but also for its efforts to carve out a more diverse, informed, and open-minded city. 539 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02116, companyone.org.
Michael Schlow
Being a great chef isn't just about respecting good ingredients or cooking with passion. It's also about being a good manager and building relationships with the guests you serve. Michael Schlow is all of the above, and more. With three restaurants in his expanding stable (Radius, Via Matta, and Great Bay), Schlow may not be the man who personally prepares you dinner, but he juggles each of his top-notch kitchens with aplomb. Schlow understands the culinary parameters of his ventures better than anyone—he knows, for example, that at Radius, less is more; that at Via Matta, cooking pasta is an art; and that at Great Bay, it's all about the bounty of our local waters. Radius, 8 High St.; Great Bay, 500 Commonwealth Ave.; Via Matta, 79 Park Plaza, Boston, MA michaelschlow.com.
Dogspa
Care to try some terrier-misu? Or perhaps the matching pet-owner jewelry is more up your alley. Regardless, the two-legged and four-legged alike are barking up a storm about DogSpa, Beverly's grooming, retail, and nutritional haven. For the languorous pooch, there's an aromatherapeutic quiet room; for the vivacious pup, "Smelly Dog" deodorizations; for all of man's best friends, a chrome state-of-the-art grooming zone with anti-fatigue padded mats, HydroSurge spa baths, and expert stylists. All dogs may go to heaven, but really, what can heaven have on DogSpa? 45 Enon St., Unit 5, Beverly, MA beverlydogspa.com.
Winston Flowers
Yes, it's a chain. But our search for comparable quality and variety in the area always leads us back here. Visit the artfully arranged shop in person and you'll come face to face with bushels of oversized dahlias, silky long-stemmed roses, and of course, dozens of the store's signature, precisely designed arrangements. The space feels like a Tuscan villa, with topiary trees and buckets of seasonal blooms. As for out-of-state delivery, the staff's well-deserved reputation for attention to detail means you'll never have to worry about red carnations getting in the mix. 31 Central St., Wellesley, MA winstonflowers.com.
Stellabella
Only enlightened children need apply. Stellabella, you see, is a completely gun-free shop that specializes in educational toys. But before you start criticizing what political correctness has done to childhood fun, check out the selection: nature projects, musical instruments, colorful science puzzles, and bulk art supplies. Better still, look at what the kids are doing. They're singing songs, painting, listening to stories, riding on oversized stuffed animals: just plain playing. Prices are reasonable, and the staff is beyond helpful. It's like one big PBS special come to life. 1360 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA stellabellatoys.com.
Matsu
What's the use of having disposable income if you go and blow it on disposable style? For accoutrements with staying power—and that won't show up on Bluefly three weeks later—look to Matsu, where owner Dava Muramatsu has been growing and refining her accessories collection for years. In a season of understated dressing, her look-at-me handbags, jewelry, and hats make everything around them pop. Leather and embellished totes by Jamin Puech and M0851 are works of art, while mixed-metal jewelry by Heather Moore, Chan Luu, and Ten Thousand Things are far sounder investments than a statement necklace with an expiration date. 264 Newbury St, Boston, MA 2116, matsuboston.com.
Tom Mosser's <em>Celebrating Spencer</em>
Man’s best Boston Marathon friend, Spencer the golden retriever — who for years stood fast along the race route supporting runners — may be in doggie heaven after losing his battle with cancer in February, but his likeness lives on forever thanks to a Tom Mosser portrait commissioned by Spencer’s human Richard Powers. Exhibited this year just minutes from the race’s starting line, at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, Celebrating Spencer shows the official marathon dog holding a Boston Strong banner — a dutiful inspiration to future generations of very good boys.
Yafa Bakery & Café
Every baked good or sweet treat is a work of art at Yafa, whose menu showcases flavors of the Middle East, from pistachio to orange blossom. A parade of dates — with various nut and citrus fillings and chocolate and gold-leaf wraps — take center stage, surrounded by delicately shaped pastries in a variety of styles. Savory breads, too, are a must-try, especially whichever one just came out of the oven. Linger over a sweet lemonada, and you might find yourself tasting an extra treat or two, courtesy of the incredibly hospitable staff. 594 Somerville Ave., Somerville, MA 02143, yafabakerycafe.com.