Taylor Davis
There's a good reason Museum School grad and MassArt prof Taylor Davis captured the ICA's Artist Prize: her minimalist plywood installations deconstruct spaces and myriad truths with beautiful simplicity.
Downtown Cafe
Set up in the lobby of an old theater, this place radiates history, stays open most nights until 4 a.m., serves homemade-tasting food, and sponsors poetry readings, jazz performances, and art exhibits. 610 Washington Street, Boston, MA .
An opening at the Institute of Contemporary Art, which hasn't succumbed yet to the need to attract suburban hordes a la the Metropolitan Center.
Rosine Green Associates
This team of masters—including a metalsmith, a furniture restorer, and a wood-carver—can restore anything antique: furniture, metals, paintings, and objets d'art. 45 Bartlett Crescent, Brookline, MA .
Nobnocket Boutique Inn
Annabelle and Simon Hunton worked hard to maintain the integrity of their 1908 Arts and Crafts manor when transforming it into the seven-room Nobnocket Boutique Inn, but that doesn't mean they've skimped on the plush amenities: Expect loaner bikes for exploring, croquet (naturally), and one of the island's finest breakfasts, best taken on the veranda. 60 Mount Aldworth Rd., Vineyard Haven, MA 2568, nobnocket.com.
La Campania
The western ’burbs have no shortage of fine Italian restaurants, none as transporting—or as lovely—as this Waltham mainstay. The artfully prepared cuisine (tagliolini with fresh lobster and shrimp, duck-confit-and-fig pizza) and warm, rustic atmosphere (fresh flowers, wooden beams, hanging pots and pans) offer a window to southern Italy by way of Main Street. 504 Main St., Waltham, MA 2452, lacampania.com.
Beyond Gorgeosity
Forget staid Knoll or uptight George Nelson. In Peter Levis's world, midcentury modern is an absolutely exuberant period full of whimsy. Offering everything from Ico Parisi consoles to FontanaArte chandeliers, the mastermind behind this wonderfully chaotic Hingham emporium has inspired a cultlike following among the area's in-the-know designers. 15 Shipyard Dr., Hingham, MA 2043, beyondgorgeosity.com.
Simon Pearce
With artfully arranged pedestals of bowls, vases, and handcrafted housewares, Simon Pearce comes off more like an MFA gallery than a gift shop. These pieces, made by master potters and glass blowers at the Quechee, Vermont, flagship store, are undeniably luxurious, yet still affordable. 103 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 2116, simonpearce.com.
Bike Tours of Cambridge
Novice bikers tend to get intimidated by drivers around here—and for good reason. But the gratis Bike Tours of Cambridge—led by the Cambridge Bicycle Committee and escorted by police—will put worried minds at ease. And where else but the People's Republic would you find themed treks covering everything from string theory to public art?
Julie Michaud, Michaud Cosmetics
The team at Michaud Cosmetics has brow shaping down to a fine art. Errant strays are whisked away, and the brow is coaxed into movie star-perfect arches. Though the artists here prefer to pluck, they will wax on request. Just make sure to allow some time. Eyebrows this good take at least a half hour. 297 Newbury St., Suite 21, Boston, MA .
Rugg Road Paper Company
For custom wedding invitations, stationery, and an excellent if overwhelming selection of fine papers from across the globe, this Beacon Hill shop is unparalleled. There are more than 600 papers to choose from and a savvy, helpful staff that gives each customer special attention. Classes are offered seasonally in the arts of bookbinding, origami, and candlemaking, to name a few. 105 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Brimfield Flea Market
Early American, Victorian, and Art Deco furnishings, oak, wicker, and rattan pieces, arcade and slot machines, antique books, dolls, china, jewelry, glassware, oriental rugs, silverware, telephones . . . Make a junket out to Brimfield September 15-16 for the last of three fairs this season. MA
Lynda Hartigan, Peabody Essex Museum
What was once a stuffy North Shore institution has become a must-visit attraction. From a comprehensive look at Joseph Cornell to the unveiling of one of the greatest private collections of 17th-century Dutch art, the shows under chief curator Lynda Hartigan's direction have solidly positioned the PEM on the world stage. East India Square, Salem, MA pem.org.
Michela's
New-wave pizzas, pan-blackened shark, goat-cheese lasagna—these dishes are a far cry from the usual linguine with red sauce or stuffed manicotti. And they'll make you feel as though you've rediscovered the art of eating. 245 First St., Cambridge, MA .
Waterworks
Waterworks boasts a gorgeous catalog of responsibly made and stylishly designed bathroom fixtures and accessories, from freestanding copper bathtubs and Carrara-marble vessel sinks to graceful accessories like art deco inspired soap trays and braided organic jute bath rugs.
Boston Design Center, One Design Center Place, Ste. 147, Boston, MA 02210, waterworks.com.