Patch NYC
Designers Don Carney and John Ross thoughtfully fuse modern and vintage home accents and fashion accessories—which translates to Fornasetti candles, cheeky silkscreen pillows, and everything in between. 46 Waltham St., Boston, MA 02118, patchnyc.com.
Best Handyman Boston
Home-improvement vet Ryaan Tuttle runs the finest mister-fixit operation in town, tackling jobs from furniture assembly to gutter repair with nary a loose screw in sight. 68 Saint Andrew Rd., East Boston, MA besthandymanboston.com.
F.H. Perry
Woman-owned and boasting a remarkably skilled team, F.H. Perry is a national leader in home construction and remodeling, entrusted by the region's best architects for builds with unprecedented attention to detail. Hopkinton, MA fhperry.com.
Fabrizio Construction
South Shore's architects appreciate Fabrizio's ability to turn intricate drawings into homes built to last for generations. The crew is equally adept at building from the ground up and renovating existing houses. Duxbury, MA fabrizioconstruction.com.
Health Gourmet
All-natural whole-wheat pasta with pesto (basil, Parmesan cheese, and nuts), or raclette (melted cheese over potatoes, with pickles) at the Health Gourmet, 175 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 175 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA .
Davio's
Those who like their men as rich as a well-marbled rib-eye frequent this wood-paneled, martini-soaked Italian steakhouse packed with Mad Men wannabes, both of the divorced and the, ahem, forgot-my-ring-at-home variety. 75 Arlington St., Boston, MA 2116, davios.com.
Honeycomb Creamery
Former Union Square Donuts kitchen manager Kristen Rummel and her husband, Rory Hanlon, started churning up batches of ice cream for deliveries and pop-ups in 2015. Now their new Cambridge brick-and-mortar dishes out even more of those sweet, fluffy scoops, made with milk and cream from Mapleline Farm in Hadley. Seasonal flavors like Meyer lemon-ginger and cookie-laden alfajores make it tough to choose just one, which is why we usually opt for Honeycomb's ice cream flight—a four-flavor assortment sprinkled with waffle-cone chips. 1702 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, honeycombcreamery.com.
Bondir
Photograph by David Salafia Ambiance is in the eye of the beholder: One man’s intimate mood-lit heaven is another’s cramped low-lit hell. But once in a blue moon an eatery comes along that approaches capital-R Romantic in an unalienable, across-the-board way. The flames flickering in Bondir’s brick fireplace help set the mood, as do the fresh flowers and exquisite farm-to-table masterpieces emerging from the kitchen. But it’s the warm hospitality that seals the deal, conjuring up memories of a magical honeymoon meal of the past—or a premonition of those yet to come. 279A Broadway, Cambridge, MA 2139, bondircambridge.com.
Martha's Stone Soup
Fans of time travel should start peering out the car window halfway down the dirt road to this 18th-century tavern. Upon entering, keep eyes low and to the right (avoiding the buzzkill modern kitchen), and sit at one of the communal tables facing the weathered walls. Exquisitely done cassoulet and pan-roasted seafood perpetuate the historic vibe—if you can ignore the nouvelle complexity of the sauces—while riffs on Asian cuisine tempt those diners keeping it current. The emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, of course, transcends both eras. 517 Old Sandwich Rd., Plymouth, MA 2360, .
Matsu
What’s in the window? That’s the question on Charles Street these days as in-the-know fashionistas stroll by to see what ethereal outfit will swath the mannequin in Matsu’s front display window. One week it may be a white chiffon duster, ecru tutu, and silk tank, while another it could be a multi-tiered tulle dress and sterling pendant. Once inside, the offerings at this jewel box of a boutique — where pulsating music and burning incense seduce the senses — are even more tempting, from handpainted Umit Unal denim to frilly frocks from Louiza Babouryan. Be sure to check out owner Dava Muramatsu’s jewelry collection — and prepare to be enchanted. 76 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, davamuramatsu.com.
Lower Mills Tavern
This cozy joint checks all the right boxes—the cocktails are potent, the beer list long, the vibe distinctly homey. And the team seems genuinely happy to host you: With friendly servers and bartenders quick to dole out thoughtful recommendations, it’s clear that all are welcome here. 2269 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester , MA 02124, lowermillstavern.com.
Natick Mall
Designer boutiques such as Louis Vuitton and Burberry. A recently opened Wegmans grocery store right inside the mall. Even an upcoming brick-and-mortar outpost of the locally grown home-goods website Wayfair: This mall takes the traditional suburban shopping experience and kicks it up a few notches. natickmall.com.
Solera
Who says the best things in life aren’t free? Situated on a charming brick patio, Solera offers complimentary wine tastings every Saturday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. Discerning drinkers can even solicit Solera’s vino experts to host a tasting at home. 16 Birch St., Boston, MA 02131, solerashrinetowine.com.
Local Root
Aspiring home chefs should forgo the big-box stores and their cheap gadgetry for Local Root, where owner Jonathan Henke, of Didriks fame, brings his sophisticated eye to everything cookware, proffering serious tools from the world’s best brands (Berti knives, Le Creuset sauciers). 221 Concord Ave., Cambridge; and 2284 Washington St., Newton, localroot.com.
Hudson
This charming Wellesley home store is dedicated to casual-elegant living. Vintage handpainted signs seamlessly mix with mirrored cabinets; brindle cowhides share space with woven ticking-stripe rugs. All of the goods are hand-selected by owner Jill Goldberg, who also offers interior design services. 61 Central St., Wellesley, MA 2482, .