Opticians 3
Whether your look is designer chic, fifties retro, or Elton John outre, this place can meet your specs. It's also one of only a few local sources for the popular Oliver Peoples line of antique-style frames. 755 Beacon Street, Newton Centre, MA .
Teuscher
Ever wonder why the church once outlawed chocolate as too sensual? Airlifted weekly from the little chocolate gnomes in Zurich, delectable with the finest cream, butter, and milk chocolate, these are the kind of chocolates you eat so slowly that they melt in your hand long before they get to your mouth. 230 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Continental Café
Garlic soup at the Continental Café (the Portuguese half), 445 Somerville St., Somerville. This pungent broth, supporting croutons and a perfectly poached egg, is strong enough to clear your sinuses but subtle enough so that it won't leave your close friends gasping. 445 Sommerville Ave., Somerville, MA .
Oro
There's no better way to start a Sunday than at Oro, just a stone's throw from the water in Scituate Harbor. Your morning coffee will go perfectly with the Nutella-stuffed French toast and brûleed bananas, but if a bloody mary is more your speed, try it with the Waldorf chicken-salad sliders and fries. 162 Front St., Scituate, MA restaurantoro.com.
Appetito
The Sunday brunch buffet at Appetito is to die for, with scrumptious eggs benedict, fluffy muffins, and perfectly seasoned homefries. Alas, eating any of it is out of the question: Everyone's checking out the tautness of your abs and the number of fat grams piled on your plate. Stick, good sirs, to the fruit. 1 Appleton St., Boston, MA .
Brad Duncan, Brad Duncan Skin Care
Brad Duncan’s laid-back demeanor puts you at ease, while his gentle holistic approach revives your tired physiognomy. He’ll give expert suggestions on how to keep your skin healthy and fresh for years to come without the uncomfortable product push you get in most spas and salons. 530 Tremont St., Boston, MA 2116, bradduncanskincare.com.
The Altered Bride
We all know it: Accessories make or break an outfit. It's as true on your wedding day as it is on a Saturday night out. Which is why the Altered Bride has a huge assortment of veils, tiaras, gloves, wraps, and shoes in styles to suit almost every taste—and to accent your dream gown with the pretty panache it deserves. 376 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Turner Fisheries
A more self-consciously trendy restaurant than Turner Fisheries might call this a deconstructed buffet: Solicitous staffers bring to your table two apps, an entrée, side, dessert, and adult libation. Your in-laws won't even miss the omelet station. 10 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2116, turnersboston.com.
Repertoire
Yes, there's terrific furniture, but Repertoire also has a spectacular selection of accessories and necessities for the table. Plates and vessels from Richard Ginori, Calvin Klein, and Jonathan Adler will make your head spin. The refined color palate and simplicity of design will easily mix with your great grandmother's sterling. 114 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Goods Lingerie
Whether your lingerie fantasies run to the Victorian bride look or something out of a French romantic novel, you're likely to find the goods in this charming shop. The selection of silk camisoles is so lovely you'll want to wear your underwear as outerwear. 207 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Tresses & the Day Spa
Still feeling stressed from nearly missing the ferry? Have a knot in your neck that needs professional untying? Get yourself to Tresses, where the firm yet gentle hands of well-trained masseurs will work out whatever ails you. Don't be surprised if it becomes the highlight of your island stay 117 Pleasant St., Nantucket, MA nantucketspa.com.
Brick Cellar at Atria
Estonian beer, caipirinhas with a citrus twist—this swanky underground bar is not your typical Vineyard watering hole. The drinks are fun, the atmosphereis cozy and intimate, and the food (including 10 different burgers) is tasty. Don't miss the photo booth on your way out. 137 Main St., Edgartown, MA atriamv.com.
The Rooftop Pool at the Colonnade Hotel
If summer finds you in the city instead of on the Vineyard, console yourself with a noon swim at the Colonnade's rooftop pool, then have lunch and work on your tan. For $20 you get use of the pool, towels, and a changing room, plus a light salad or sandwich. Bring your own sunscreen. 120 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA .
Galleria Italiana
By day it's a fast-food Italian eatery, but four nights a week Galleria Italiana is transformed into a trattoria, complete with background opera music and an Abruzzi-inspired menu. Try the risotto with spinach and four cheeses or the pasta with tiny mussels from New Zealand. 177 Tremont St., Boston, MA .
Hong Kong Boston
Photograph by Jared Kuzia After a few beers and Talking Heads covers, nothing’s quite as satisfying as scoring a $1 chicken teriyaki skewer. Dance your heart out at the club upstairs, or just huddle around a scorpion bowl with your pals while some State Street suit croons “Friends in Low Places.” 65 Chatham St., Boston, MA 02109, hongkongboston.com.