MFA Friday evenings, 5:30p.m.-9:30p.m.
This event has understandably garnered plenty of press—it's the perfect combination of art, music, wine, and singles ranging in age from 20 to 50. While some patrons can't tell the difference between a deKooning and a Degas, the crowd is friendly and warm. Favorite line heard here: "Normally, I only approach women who look approachable and are smiling. You fit neither criteria, but I just had to talk to you." 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA mfa.org.
Yale Electric
For those who prefer to spend most of their days in the kitchen, Yale is nothing less than the source of all life on earth. For the rest of us, it's simply a fabulous resource where state-of-the-art electric walls flank Sub-Zero wine fridges. From contemporary to American rustic to stainless steel, it's all functional, cutting edge, and stylish enough to make just about anyone stay in the kitchen. 296 Freeport St., Dorchester, MA yaleappliance.com.
Mission of Burma
Art-punk heroes and alterna-rock granddaddies Mission of Burma, whose original 1979-83 run influenced R.E.M. and the Pixies, roared back with a handful of high-decibel concerts that proved their jittery, angular poetry had not been dimmed by 19 years in hibernation. Bassist Clint Conley called the reunion "a full-blown midlife crisis," but these fortysomethings played with the same verve as when they were pups.
Milky Way Lounge & Lanes
Homer Simpson's bowling alley it's not. First, the food is actually good: pizza from Bella Luna, not greasy hot dogs that spin around and around under a heat lamp all day long. Second, there's funky art on display. And this Jamaica Plain hot spot also has a lounge, where you can shoot pool, jam to live bands, or dance a little salsa on Saturdays. Oh, and the lanes. They're dimly lit, lined with Christmas lights, and as cool as disco. 403 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA milkywayjp.com.
Gardner Gala
When arts patron Isabella Stewart Gardner unveiled her meticulously curated Venetian palazzo Fenway Court in 1903, she did it with a New Year’s Day soiree featuring doughnuts, champagne, and Mozart. More than 120 years later, her namesake museum still hosts an exquisite black-tie dinner, illuminated by candlelight and attended strictly by A-listers. It’s possibly the most elegant evening anywhere in town, as guests gather for cocktails in the courtyard and then dine in the galleries with Old Masters hovering over their shoulders. gardnermuseum.org.
Date & Time
A visit to this showroom is nothing short of an experience, with swanky lounge areas, a grand piano, and a bar where you can relax with a drink. But let’s get to what you’re really here for — the jewelry and watches. Whether it’s a bold turquoise-and-diamond sparkler from Messika or a Rolex stunner that catches your eye, the store’s museum-like cases make it easy to find your next wearable piece of art. 5 Concord Rd., Sudbury, MA 01776, dateandtimema.com.
Tiffany Von
No one encapsulates the “fine art” photography style of atmospheric, painterly perfection better than Tiffany Von Noronha. Although she’s been cultivating national clientele with weddings in far-off destinations and appearances in Martha Stewart Weddings, the Boston-based virtuoso is still right at home in the Hub’s finest indoor and outdoor venues — effortlessly capturing moments and details in romantic, unposed shots you’ll want to hang on your wall forever. tiffanyvon.com.
Of Note Stationers
In an effort to revive the lost art of everyday note-writing, Kate Kellman and Isabel Bonenfant founded Of Note Stationers, a small paper-goods company that prints simple, minimalist cards and stationery. The duo insists no occasion is too small for purposeful writing, and with simple messages like "Glad you’re here" and "I think of you often, and I want you to know" their cards prove that taking pen to paper isn’t just for birthdays. MA ofnotestationers.com.
Dayna Gamba, Love and Mercy
Dayna Gamba brandishes a pair of clippers like a sculptor’s tool, deftly shaping locks of hair into works of art. Trained as a barber and a stylist, she’s the rare double threat who can give clients a graceful fade or a fierce bob. An unsolved mystery is how she’s able to be both so precise with her cuts and so charming with her conversation. But there is no question that adventurous style mavens, buttoned-up CEOs, and everyone in between will leave her chair absolutely in love with Dayna—and their hair. 403 D St., Boston, MA 02210, loveandmercysalon.com.
B/spoke
If you don’t like to sweat, B/spoke’s cycling classes are not for you. Those who relish getting drenched in the name of a good, clean workout, however, will appreciate this studio’s state-of-the-art bikes, pump-you-up tracks, and peppy instructors, who use hand weights and core work to target more than just the legs in heart-pounding sessions. Amp up your experience with B/spoke’s "hot" ride, a hilly adventure in sizzling temps, and feel the burn. 101 Federal St., Boston, MA 02110, bspokestudios.com.
C.R.K. Beauty
To newbies, the fine art of lash enhancement can seem downright confusing. Extensions, lifts, tints—where to begin? Thankfully, Cori Kurker is here to break it down for you in her cozy Beacon Hill studio, then deliver the goods, whether you decide on a classic full set with come-hither appeal, an on-trend curl, or simply a darker lash hue to accent those twinkling eyes. 135 Charles St., Boston, MA crkbeauty.com.
The Hatch Shell
It’s not summer if you’re not sitting in the grass by the Charles, taking in some tunes at the Hatch Shell. The art deco venue best known for the Pops’ annual Fourth of July extravaganza more than makes good on its mission of bringing classical music to the people, with a free concert series that runs all summer long and a top-notch sound system. All you have to bring is a blanket and a picnic. 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston, MA hatchshell.com.
Joan Jonas
Happy birthday to this multimedia pioneer, who turns 83 this month with plenty to celebrate. After decades of medium-defining work—not to mention a Tate Modern retrospective in London and a Kyoto Prize last year— the MIT arts professor emerita continues to leave her mark on Boston. Between her recent light-and-crystal installation Ice Drawing at the MFA and her Isabella Stewart Gardner exhibit of evocative animal drawings, Jonas just may be having her best run yet.
Hourglass
Project Runway winner Erin Robertson and designer Nicole Fichera’s pretty pink boutique filled with feminist art from local creatives, colorful dresses, and handmade jewelry was so popular that it popped up in two different Fenway locations over the past year alone. Where will it sprout next? Until we know, you’ll find us shopping the collection online. N/A, hourglass.boston.
Boston Hairnista
Healthy hair is owner and lead stylist Andrea Sealey’s main goal—and it shows in every masterful style she creates inside her chic Dot. Ave. salon. Sealey’s recently expanded list of services makes the space a one-stop shop for everything from kinky twists and micro-link extensions to always-silky silk presses. Her braids, meanwhile, are true works of art—no surprise given the Roxbury native has been at it since she was 10 years old. 1690 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA 02122, bostonhairnista.com.