Back Bay Framery
Even the prettiest picture becomes an eyesore when confined to an ugly frame. A cure for such unsightliness can be found at this Back Bay fixture, where owner Kerrie Thomas frames preschoolers' doodlings, World War II medals, and everything in between. Choose from thousands of moldings in such hard-to-find materials as 24-karat gold, sterling silver leaf, and Peruvian leather. Also available are a range of albums to store those photos tagged for-your-eyes-only. Like the ones from that night at Whiskey Park. 303 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, backbayframery.com.
Salem Diner
Escape the school groups screaming outside the Witch Museum and hit the Salem Diner, a former classic one-ended streamliner train car. With its quintessential counters and stools, The Salem starts the day at 5 a.m. with artery-clogging greasy spoon staples. It also serves stellar stick-to-your-ribs daily lunch specials such as baked fresh scallops and homemade stuffed cabbage. 326 Canal Street, Salem, MA .
Santarpio's Pizza
Eastie's answer to pizza heaven is definitely a grass-roots experience. There is no ambiance at Santarpio's, to be sure, but there is fabulous dough. All pies are made in the restaurant's own wood-fired oven, and toppings including grilled sausage and lamb are made on-premises. No, they probably don't deliver to your street. Yes, the pizza is good enough to warrant the schlep. The regulars are welcoming too. 113 Chelsea Street, East Boston, MA santarpiospizza.com.
Grotto
A stone's throw from the gold-domed capitol, Grotto is a quietly luxurious refuge for well-to-do Beacon Hill residents looking to escape touristy Charles Street for a light lunch or dinner (a prix fixe is offered daily). And when they want something heartier, there are dishes like house-made ;tagliatelle or beef tenderloin over creamy risotto. But the three words that keep Beacon Hillers—and a lucky few hoi polloi—returning time and time again: banana bread pudding. 37 Bowdoin St., Boston, MA 2114, grottorestaurant.com.
Menton
Barbara Lynch's haute-cuisine mecca was an instant sensation when it opened in 2010. The parade of tiny, striking dishes! The feather-light glassware! The prices! And the place has only improved over time, from the stunning prix-fixe menus to the staffers who anticipate your every need. We're not alone in noticing. In February the restaurant became Boston's first Relais & Châteaux property, a distinction reserved for the likes of Eleven Madison Park and the French Laundry. 354 Congress St., Boston, MA 2210, mentonboston.com.
Saus
A truly great fry is only as good as the stuff you dip it in. And while we love Heinz as much as the next guy, It's hard to top this ;frites shop's cheddar Duvel sauce, garlicky "Vampire Slayer' aioli, and truffle ketchup—merely a few of the condiments available. Order your cone of hand-cut, cooked-to-order spuds with a deep-fried egg on top, and write us a thank-you note later. 33 Union St., Boston, MA 2108, eatfrites.com.
Cognac Bistro
Who knew a gas station could be so appealingly reborn as a restaurant? And yet, all of Brookline seems to be angling for a seat at this new bistro. Its classic French dishes teem with fresh, local seafood and sustainably raised ingredients (the mussels escargot and house-made gnocchi are particular coups). Bonus points for the occasional $1 oyster specials and first-rate desserts. 455 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2446, cognacbistro.com.
Robert Bilello
Need help finding the perfect private school for junior? Bilello worked for nine years as director of secondary school placement at Fessenden, where he developed extensive contacts at secondary schools throughout the country. His honesty will help you sort through the realistic options for your precious offspring, and involve them in the process as well. Great at keeping kids motivated through the highly competitive application process. 91 Wymn Street, Waban, MA .
Michael O'Shea, Newton Cabinet and Furniture
O'Shea is among the last of a breed that's giving way to discount building-supply houses and plastic furniture: a craftsman who'll make home visits. "I really enjoy cabinetmaking," says O'Shea, who's been in the business for six years, "and I do a good job." His favorite material is cherry ("Soft woods dent too easily"), and will do most any "variation on a rectangle" that is related to furniture or cabinetry. Cambridge, MA
Chillingsworth
If you (or your waistline) can't afford Chillingsworth's seven-course dinner, make straight for its Sunday brunch. The 300-year-old estate serves scrumptious French and American cuisine amid fresh flowers and antique furniture. Chef Nitzi Rabin takes brunch fare to the next level, whipping up Chesapeake crab—cake Benedict, omelets with lobster meat, and scrambled eggs with black truffles. 2449 Main St. (Rte. 6A), Brewster, MA chillingsworth.com.
Andrew Zona Studio and Day Spa
Past the bustling ground-level salon is one of the area's most soothing (and healing) oases. Andrew Zona's second floor is a temple of quiet body treatments, cleansing facials, and massages so relaxing they're practically coma-inducing. And if you just can't stand to bypass the boutique, browse its selection of international products and pick a tube of Kérastase shine serum or Sundãri moisturizer that will keep your skin in shape until the next visit. 65 South St., Hingham, MA .
Arthur & Pat's
It simply isn't summer in Brant Rock without the smell of crab cakes and eggs—and the epic brunch lines it attracts—pouring from Arthur & Pat's. And it isn't Arthur & Pat's without Aerosmith blaring through the salty air, waitresses in tie-dyed shirs slamming groaning plates onto the granite tables, or ridiculous cartoons illustrating the killer daily specials: shrimp florentine omelettes, gloriously crispy fried clams, and the aptly named "Artie's Orgasmic Lobster Roll." 239 Ocean St., Marshfield, MA .
Tresses & The Day Spa
The very idea of being stressed out on Nantucket may seem absurd. But when it happens, rush to the relaxing world of Tresses, where anxieties evaporate into the salty air. Tresses provides superb treatments for hair, body, skin, and nails in an environment that's fresh, sunny, and—most of all—soothing. From hot stone massages to seaweed wraps, Tresses tames and beautifies even the most frazzled travelers. It's like a vacation from your vacation. 117 Pleasant St., Nantucket, MA nantucketspa.com.
Arnold's Lobster & Clam Bar
The long lines don't lie: Arnold's serves fried clams at their messy best alongside the fluffiest, tastiest onion rings we've ever eaten. The location doesn't hurt either: It's right on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, with picnic tables in the shade of tall pines where you can pitch your kickstand and enjoy surprisingly reasonably priced seafood on a cafeteria-style tray. As a gesture to gourmets, there's even a raw bar. But stick to the specialties: fried clams, steamers, lobster, and corn on the cob. Rte. 6, Eastham, MA arnoldsrestaurant.com.
Andrew Zona Studio
It's not just that stylists here can take your hair from bed head to pin-straight in a friendly flash—though that would certainly be enough. Nor is it only that you'll find an international dream team of products, from Kérastase to Bumble and Bumble to Kiehl's. It isn't even that the helpful, affable counter staff goes out of its way to avoid the fabled Hingham hauteur. It's the intersection of all of the above—which is precisely where you'll find Andrew Zona Studio. 65 South St., Hingham, MA .