Giorgio Armani
This is not your father's monkey suit. No longer need you dread that command: black tie. For a well-cut tux that will stand the test of time, Giorgio Armani has the ne plus ultra in evening attire. But if your pocketbook can't stand the stress, there's always Emporio Armani, where the tuxedos are a little funkier. Remember, there's safety in black—unless it's a very dark French navy. 22 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Pro Camera International
Erik Baier, owner of this quirky shop, is like every photographer's benevolent uncle. He'll answer your stupid questions, talk you through your photographic dilemmas, and impart his considerable wisdom, sending you off with just what you need. His stuff is new, used, or for rent, and if he hasn't got it, he'll get it. 840 Summer St., 3rd floor, Boston, MA .
Petco
Okay, so this massive warehouse chain has great prices on a huge selection. No surprise there. But it also offers surprisingly good service. You're greeted right after entering the store and guided to the aisle for, say, your iguana, and they'll even schlep the 40-pound bag of food to your cat. The doggie-biscuit salad bar is the canine equivalent of Bread & Circus. All locations, .
Johnson Paint Co. Inc.
When you need paint, Johnson has it, from the usual house paint to aniline wood dyes to oil and watercolor. (There's an art-supply store upstairs— is that perhaps because more artists than we suspected pay the bills by painting houses?) When it runs a sale, you'll find yourself planning the recoloration of rooms you don't even have. 355 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Vinny's at Night
Word about its low-priced, generously portioned Sicilian fare got out a while ago, but dinner at this no-longer-hidden gem in East Somerville still makes you feel you're in on a well-kept secret. It could be because the no-frills dining room is set up in the back half of a corner store, where the handmade mafalda noodles are magnificent. Once you've feasted at Vinny's, you won't be able to resist boasting to all your foodie friends about your find. 76 Broadway, Somerville, MA vinnysatnight.com.
Wet Paint Nail Spa
This eco-friendly, health-obsessed nail salon does things a little bit differently—for starters, you won't find your favorite OPI and Essie shades on offer (too many chemicals). What you do get: highly trained technicians; a bright, supremely clean atmosphere; and a fine selection of carcinogen-free polishes that can be combined to create custom hues dutifully recorded for your next visit. 143 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA wetpaintnailspa.com.
Winnetu Oceanside Resort
Staying here is like weekending at your rich best friend's seaside retreat. Except your best friend isn't rich, and she certainly doesn't have a seaside getaway. But you both do have the Winnetu on South Beach, a collection of 53 quaint suites and a private cottage. Eleven acres of lawn and sandy beach out front include the requisite pool and tennis courts, as well as funky outdoor sculptures and a life-size chess set. 31 Dunes Rd., Edgartown, MA winnetu.com.
The Hawthorne
Enjoy hosting your friends in your über-cool city apartment while mixing up painstakingly hand-swizzled drinks? Going to the Hawthorne is a lot like that, with a built-in cleanup crew and a better bartender (no offense). This place is as persnickety about its elixirs as any cocktail bar in the country, but exudes a refreshing "Come in, let us make you happy" attitude. 500 A Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, thehawthornebar.com.
New Ginza
The folks at Ginza in Chinatown and Brookline have brought high-quality Japanese food one step closer to the suburbs with a new Watertown location. The ultrafresh sushi and sashimi make us weak in the knees, but if you're still reluctant to wrap your mind around the raw fish thing, there are plenty of broiled fish, teriyaki, and noodle entrées to sink your chopsticks into. Vegetarians will be delighted, too. 63-65 Galen St., Watertown, MA newginzaboston.com.
The Farmer's Market on Cohasset Common
Every Thursday afternoon in the summer, locals from surrounding South Shore towns converge at this piece of green for one purpose: to buy super-fresh produce. The selection—brilliant green herbs, a slew of greens, bright red peppers—is outstanding, as are the breads and pastries. You can even pick up some handmade crafts, from woven wreaths to rustic pottery, on your way back to your car. Cohasset Common, Cohasset, MA cohassetfarmersmarket.com.
Verrill Farm
There are as many farm stands west of the city as there are historic battle sites. But, sadly, most are just glorified supermarkets. For a real honest-to-goodness country produce market, head to Verrill Farm in Concord, where you can actually see the veggies popping out of the ground. They even cook up and package country fare for takeout in their own kitchen. You can also pick your own berries, jump on a hay ride, and tap your foot along with the banjo band, along with other seasonal events. 11 Wheeler Rd., Concord, MA verrillfarm.com.
Cabot's Ice Cream and Restaurant
Fulfill your most outrageous ice-cream fantasies by choosing from a five-page ice-cream menu, or create your own combinations from more than two dozen hot and cold sauces (including five different hot fudges) and more than three dozen flavors of Richardson's ice cream, plus tofu ice cream and frozen yogurt. 743 Washington St., Newton, MA .
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.
Willow Tree Films
Between the dress and the flowers and the happy tears, it might feel like you’re living in a movie on your big day. And watching your cinematic Willow Tree film after the event, you might as well have been. Videographer Greg Fisher captures weddings with all the elements of a big-budget romance, from sweeping drone shots to the intimacy of stolen kisses, and weaves it all together into an epic love story. willowtreeweddings.com.
The Fish & Bone
Admit it: If your pets don’t feel — and look — good, you don’t either. So whether you’re in the market for a gold glitter collar for your cool cat, some freeze-dried pig snouts for Fido to obsess over, or fresh toys, outfits, and blankets, this shop has you covered. Having a hard time deciding? Let the knowledgeable and friendly staffers throw you a bone. thefishandbone.com.