Mike's Gym II
The true test of a great gym is the leg equipment, and Mike's has it all—plus amenities including sauna, Jacuzzi, and tanning beds. From 5 to 8 on weeknights, Adonises jostle for pole position on the endless rows of benches. Otherwise, it's a laid-back place, with a mixed but mostly gay clientele. 88 Union Park, Boston, MA .
Stephanie's on Newbury Street
This take on the classic chicken salad is blessedly light on the mayo and heavy on the chicken. Capers and fresh herbs add flavor to the oversize chunks of breast meat—no thighs darken this recipe. The servings are generous enough to sustain you through a whole afternoon of shopping. 190 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Pasta Del Palato
The pasta is terrific, made with pure ingredients like whole eggs and extra fancy durum flour, rolled (not extruded), then cut into angel hair, linguine, fettuccine, or tagliatelle. We like the adventurous flavors: chipotle pepper, lemon, roasted garlic. Top it with the excellent pesto made with bunches of french basil. 579 Washington Street, Brighton, MA .
Savenor's
Long known for its exotic meats (this is the place to go for lion and bear), it's also the best place for pork. Try the home-smoked bacon and ham, and while you're there, pick up some bread from Iggy's, a cake or pie from Creative Gourmet, or some fresh pasta. 160 Charles Street, Boston, MA .
New Deal Fish Market
The many Japanese customers attest to the sushi-quality freshness of the fish. An excellent selection of sardines, tuna, mahi-mahi, squid, swordfish, salmon, haddock, halibut, monkfish, octopus, striped bass, snapper, jack, spade, and sole (filleted upon request). 622 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA .
Wendell Street Gallery
Since the gallery opened, 12 years ago, in Jane Shapiro's home, it has shown dramatic oil paintings, watercolors, and prints by notable black artists, among them Bryan McFarlane, Robert Freeman, Romare Bearden, and Edward McCluney. 17 Wendell St., Cambridge, MA .
Thos. Moser
Designed and built in Maine from the finest woods, Thos. Moser’s chairs, tables, and benches will probably outlast every stick of Ikea furniture ever made. Thankfully, the pieces are timelessly beautiful, too: Based on 20th-century designs reimagined through a New England filter, they hold their own in every milieu. 19 Arlington St., Boston, MA 2116, thosmoser.com.
Corinna Raznikov Photography
The love in this fine-art photographer’s wedding shots is palpable—here, a groom dips and kisses his bride on a snowy rooftop; there, a pair holds hands as they traipse through the ferns at a backyard reception. The occasion helps, of course, but it’s also Raznikov’s innate ability to capture couples’ natural beauty and spirit with ease. 638 Delano Rd., Marion, MA 2738, corinnaraznikov.com.
A. Russo & Sons
We adore the cases brimming with imported and locally made cheeses (like fiore di latte from Everett's Mozzarella House), the boxes teeming with exotic Asian vegetables, and a deli counter loaded with top-notch finds. But the best part about a trip to Russo's is that we get whole foods without dropping an entire paycheck. 560 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 2472, russos.com.
Company C
The bright and preppy furniture lines from New Hampshire-based Company C are just the right complement to the South Shore's coastal-casual homes. All of the upholstered pieces (with New England-centric names like Rockport, Camden, and Newton) are made in the U.S. and come in a wide array of custom fabrics. Derby Street Shoppes, Hingham, MA 2043, companyc.com.
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Slippers on, phone off, Zen ahead: Simply arriving at Boston’s grand dame of day spas is a treat for the soul. And once you’re checked in, your massage, body scrub, or facial is just the beginning: The facility’s peaceful thermal amenities, including a warm plunge pool and quartz-crystal steam room, are more than worth carving out a little extra time for. Still craving a few more hours (ahem, days) of pampering? Settle in for one of the hotel’s new three- or five-night wellness retreats with luxuries such as butlered bath service, yoga, daily organic meals, and, of course, plenty of spa time. 776 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199, mandarinoriental.com/boston/back-bay/luxury-hotel.
Black Eyed Susan's
Fine dining meets fine diner at this tiny, locally beloved restaurant, which has turned a counter-and-table setting into one of the island's best spots for creative New American cuisine. Be prepared to wait outside for a table: reservations are accepted for 6 p.m. only. Once you're seated in the wood-paneled dining room, be prepared to be impressed—especially with the festive weekend brunch featuring a flurry of fluffy pancakes bursting with just-picked blueberries, real grits, and picante eggs with salsa fresca, beans, and homemade ranchero sauce. 10 India St., Nantucket, MA black-eyedsusans.com.
European Watch Company
The display cases at this Newbury Street shop hold luxe vintage and pre-owned watches (think Cartier, Rolex, and Jaeger-LeCoultre), as well as brand-new tickers. Visit the website to see what's in stock and make plans to buy, sell, or trade for a fair price. Employees know their stuff and service many brands on-site. 232 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, europeanwatch.com.
<em>The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon</em>
Talk about the Curse. Shortly after the book came out this spring, Gordon had his record consecutive-save streak snapped, then blew out his arm. As for King he got hit by a van on the road near his Maine home.
Ronnie Brissete, The Yoga Studio
Teaching in a beautiful home studio, this yoga expert has a loyal following—and an unbounded passion for her discipline. Individual and group classes are taught with precision, kindness, and humor. Her specialty, the Iyengar style of yoga, results in the mind-blowing sensation of a rigorous physical workout mixed with a soothing mental escape. 57 Waverly St., Brookline, MA .