Landry & Arcari
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That's our mantra when it comes to the rug selection (pictured) at Landry & Arcari, where you'll find everything from antique Oriental numbers to long-piled Persians to hand-knotted classics. With an unparalleled collection sourced from rug makers all over the world, this mainstay has all you'll ever need to turn your floors into functional works of art. 333 Stuart St., Boston, MA 02116, landryandarcari.com.
Tres Gatos
The brunch at this record shop/tapas bar caters to savory seekers—and hangover chasers. Here the "put an egg on it" philosophy reigns supreme, evidenced by dinner-menu staples like the lamb bocadillo, which gets the morning-after huevos treatment come brunch. While you're waiting for your table (there will be a wait), browse the back bookshop for fiction, art books, vinyl, and a broad collection of food magazines that will surely whet your appetite. 470 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, tresgatosjp.com.
Rockport
Rockport’s waterfront downtown is straight out of Hollywood casting. Limited parking means limited cars to impede your Sunday stroll (catch a ride in from the outskirts on the free shuttle bus), and stroll you shall: to boutiques that go beyond the tourist schlock, art galleries run by actual artists, shops dealing in such small-town staples as homemade ice cream and candy, and solid restaurants, from swanky spots to clam shacks.
Serenella
Come gala season, socialites and fashionistas make this light, bright Newbury Street boutique their one-stop shop. That’s because owner Leslee Shupe scours fashion-week shows for distinctive dresses that you won’t see on anyone browsing the department stores: trendy crochet frocks from Giambattista Valli (easily one of her favorite designers), bold and artful sheaths from Roberto Cavalli, breezy bohemian tunics from Dodo Bar Or, and rocker-chic Mugler cocktail dresses. 134 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, serenella-boston.com.
Quadrum
Farewell, diamond studs and plain strands of pearls: At Quadrum, each piece is a one-of-a-kind work of art, sourced from the world’s most talented jewelry makers. That means you’ll find dramatic earrings encrusted with moonstones and white diamonds, rose-cut sapphire sparklers, and chunky quartz necklaces flecked with gold—future heirlooms that will stand out today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. The Shops at Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, quadrumgallery.com.
Razors Barbershop
In a time of disposable blades and unisex salons, you’d be forgiven for thinking the straight razor shave had gone the way of Brylcreem and wooden teeth. But practitioners of the lost art still remain, including master barbers Anthony and Joseph Berriola. If you haven’t experienced the pleasure of shaving oils, hot towels, and a warm lather, do plant yourself in their Somerville barber chair. It’ll be the best $25 you’ve ever spent. 308 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02144, razorsbarbershop.com.
Aeronaut
In a town saturated with the same old prepackaged bar trivia, Aeronaut has perfected the art of the artisanal quiz. Every Tuesday night at this zany brew hall, local hosts read handcrafted questions on everything from famous drummers to authors who use pen names. Bring your own snacks or enjoy delivery pizza accompanied by an ice-cold glass of "Dr. Nandu," Aeronaut's oh-so-good IPA. And be sure to show up early—trivia night here fills up fast. 14 Tyler St., Somerville, MA 02143, aeronautbrewing.com.
Dana Chasen, Brad Duncan Skin Care
Chasen likes to compare eyebrow grooming to the art of bonsai, and her disciplined approach to creating perfect shapes is why skin-care pro Brad Duncan tapped this standout makeup artist and clinical aesthetician to join his staff last fall. After deploying the gentlest of hard waxes, she draws on a decade's worth of eyebrow-refining experience to tweeze away strays and smooth contours. All this in less than half an hour. 530 Tremont St., Boston, MA 2116, bradduncanskincare.com.
Porches Inn
We don't like those awkward B&B breakfast-table moments with fellow guests any more than you do. Porches' six restored Victorian row houses have 47 comfortabl—and privat—'industrial granny chic' rooms. The hotel also has a pool, spa, and free WiFi (no small thing out here in the country). Another bonus: The modern art of Mass MoCA is a short walk away. 231 River St., North Adams, MA 1247, porchesinn.com.
Craft Beer Cellar
Beer nerds and brewmasters, unite! This suburban shop, which lines its shelves with everything from Rock Art Jasmine pale ale (Vermont) to Hofbräu Dunkel (Germany), is the place for suds aficionados. And for those just getting into the craft-beer scene, the knowledgeable staffers here offer weekly tastings that let you try before you buy. 51 Leonard St., Belmont, MA craftbeercellar.com.
The Charles Hotel
Few hotels can boast politicians, dignitaries, and celebrities among their clientele. The Charles can. The Harvard Square hotel houses jazz and martini bars, a renovated presidential suite, a multimillion-dollar art collection, and two award-winning restaurants. The J. Crew—uniformed staff is discreet and efficient, while the down comforters, lavish minibars, and Origins bath products in the rooms are simply the icing on the cake. One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA charleshotel.com.
Lisa Tung
The Peabody Essex, the Gardner, and the MFA may have all raised unprecedented funds lately, but this year tireless MassArt curator Lisa Tung proved you don't need a massive budget to turn out thought-provoking shows and a fine lecture series. Her exceptional connections around the country have enabled Tung to lure big names—and big ideas—to her modest gallery.
Jenny's Wedding Cakes
A wedding cake is more than just flour, eggs, and sugar — it's an expression of your personal style. And Amesbury baker Jenny Williamson, whose breathtaking designs are informed by 14 years of experience, can execute just about any vision. Need a gluten- and dairy-free cake with art deco flair? No problem. Want your grandmother's vintage handkerchief pattern turned into a four-tier masterpiece? Consider it done. jencakes.squarespace.com.
Alpha Omega
Getting married in today's world just isn't what it used to be—it's much better. Thank the gay community if you want, but we're also grateful for the designer bands that line the cases at Alpha Omega's flagship store. From Carelle and Art-carved to Tycoon and Simon G., the world-class selection is as epic as it is beautiful. Leave it to a jewel of a store to throw down one of the most compelling reasons to get married—right behind that whole love thing, of course. 1380 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Katrina Hess
Katrina Hess treats the face as a blank canvas and with her expert brushwork, transforms it into a work of art. Eyes become luminescent as the moon, skin shimmers like just-fallen snow, and cheeks take on a rosy hue. Best of all, Hess starts off the application with skin-smoothing massages, scrubs, and exfoliation treatments that rival those of even the best aestheticians in town. 105 Newbury St., Boston, MA katrinahess.com.