Cremaldi's
This Italian specialty shop routinely stocks the finest and freshest selection of fresh pasta. Four or five daily flavors can be cut to order, and the freezer cases hold homemade tortellini filled with chicken, pesto, pumpkin, or roasted garlic, as well as a variety of sauces and oven-ready hors d'oeuvres. Also look for for the barrels of dry pasta in every shape and form, and don't miss the huge deli selection. 31 Putnam Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Jimmy's Pasta
Do not order your own entrée here—the portions are enormous. Not in the mood to share? Well, don't say we didn't warn you. Heavy on garlic and olive oil and served still in the pan, Jimmy's pastas—linguine ;puttanesca, frutti del mare—are so good you might just eat the whole thing yourself. And that might hurt. Owner Jimmy Cippola doesn't take reservations, so expect to wait in line (even if you're Bill Clinton). 32 Kennebec Ave, Oak Bluffs, MA 2557, .
Middlesex Lounge
Rolling furniture, textured wood-grain walls, Kobe burgers: Few spots in bookish Cambridge offer West Coast atmosphere like the Middlesex. What burst onto the scene with a flurry of red-roped parties last fall has slipped into the role of a comfortably hip nightspot frequented by artsy, playful types willing to form their own semicircles of gray faux-suede seats. 315 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA middlesexlounge.us.
Restorations & Originals
This shop's forte is an outstanding mix of antiques, from imported European country pieces to pine reproductions, plus offbeat accessories and lamps—in short, everything you need to decorate an upscale eclectic home. The 18,000-square-foot warehouse at 1580 Commercial Street stocks whatever doesn't fit in the store, but it's open only weekends. 21 Park Ave., Weymouth, MA .
Sparrow House
The 17th and 21st centuries merge seamlessly in this part-museum, part-gallery that sits inside a Colonial-era landmark. Three times each season, Sparrow House holds free shows featuring American artists such as oil painter Marlee Brewster Brockmann and pastel artist Anne Heywood; available year-round are unique handicrafts—ceramic bowls, silver jewelry, polished wooden utensils—by contemporary American craftsmen. 42 Summer St., Plymouth, MA 2360, sparrowhouse.com.
WMBR (88.1 FM) and WZBC (90.3 FM)
They aren't just a whole lot cooler than 'FNX, 'BCN, and all the other top-40 alterna-drivel, these college stations aren't even allowed to broadcast commercials. From M.I.T. and Boston College respectively, these kids pump out a wild array of shows, often with scary bands like Neutral Milk Hotel and Slits.
Lucky Hank's
You'll feel like guests at a neighbor's summer home here. The dining room is a screened-in back porch with pillow-covered bench seats and mismatched silverware, and homey dishes such as meatloaf and lobster potpie grace the dinner menu—as do three veggie sides (we loved the balsamic Brussels sprouts) sourced from what's available on the island's farms that day. 218 Upper Main St., Edgartown, MA luckyhanksmv.com.
Hingham Farmer's Market
Start your Saturday with a snack from the Great Cape Baking Company—we suggest the apple-cider doughnut or a hunk of rosemary bread. Load up on local seafood from C&C Lobster & Fish (based in nearby Hull) and fresh produce from Mary Bukujian's Hanson farm. Enjoy the view of Bathing Beach. Drive home happy. Hingham, MA 2043, hinghamfarmersmarket.org.
Oishii
Faithful followers suggest that perennial Best of Boston winner Oishii serves the best sushi in New England. Rare (and delectably dangerous) options such as blowfish hold court with traditional rolls and sashimi creations. Don't miss the toro tata, Kumamoto oyster sushi, and hamachi torched maki topped with caviar. Note to claustrophobes: The Chestnut Hill location is tiny. 612 Hammond St., Chestnut Hill, MA oishiiboston.com.
"Cryin'"
The appellation given to city counsillor Brian McLaughlin, who had a tough year. First he's given cash by developer Harold Brown. Then he keeps it in his bedroom for months, taking the envelope out every now and then to look at it. Then he's given more cash. Then he speaks with the FBI. Then he's reelected. Then the FBI goes public with his role. The n Brown is indicted. Then McLaughlin's brother is arrested in an Irish Republican Army gunrunning scheme. No wonder Brian McLaughlin feels like weeping.
Cheryl Richards
There's a reason Cheryl Richards is our go-to wedding photographer (and frequent Best of Boston winner): She manages to be both unobtrusive and friendly as she preserves your memories in her signature photojournalistic style. You'll treasure her snapshots because, after all those long months of planning, the only things that last (other than the marriage, we hope) are the photographs. 224 Clarendon St., Boston, MA cherylrichards.com.
Flour Bakery + Cafe
You can't call yourself a Bostonian until you've whiled away a Sunday morning nibbling a sticky bun at Flour. Regulars know to arrive early, before the hopeful hordes of sugar babies queue up for owner Joanne Chang's homemade Oreo cookies and berry bread pudding. Daily specials keep the counter lineup feeling fresh and for those after-dinner cravings, the South End location sells sweets until 9 p.m. 12 Farnsworth Street, Boston, MA 2210, flourbakery.com.
Lester Harry's
Everybody knows accessories make the outfit, something that holds true whether you're three months old or 30. What good is a playtime pinafore without a Barefoot Dreams stuffed animal and attached blanket? Or a dressy cashmere sweater sans handstitched suede hunter's cap from France? This beyond-cute Newbury Street destination has these and plenty more socks, shoes, scarves, tights, and blankies to help put the "aww" in any ensemble. 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA 1945, .
Louis Boston
Louis's unparalleled offering of women's designs by fashion darlings including Marni, Tuleh, and Zac Posen—not to mention a formidable men's collection with everything from Brioni to Trovata—makes it a legendary local house of style. The revitalized first floor now includes more bath products, linens, and vintage home goods than ever, and the salespeople remain polite, not pushy. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA louisboston.com.
Mint Julep
We feel pretty—and fizzy and funny and fine—every time we enter Brooke Garber and Stephanie Nist's boutiques. They stock the fete-ready dresses we've come to expect, plus pieces from favorite brands like Yumi Kim, Myne, and Milly that inject style into our workaday and weekend wardrobes, too. The fact that we can build whole outfits here, from foundations (neon Hanky Panky thongs) to finishing touches (flirty JoJo earrings), makes Mint Julep worth toasting. 1302 Beacon St., Brookline, MA shopmintjulep.com.