Furnature
Four generations into making furniture, the Shapiro family discovered they could not only craft a gorgeous sofa, loveseat, chair, or bed to match a customer's specific vision, but also make it totally nontoxic. The company they founded on that principle, Furnature, draws upon organic and sustainable materials for its upholstery, which is good for the environment, and formaldehyde-free wood and finishes that won't emit unhealthy chemicals into the home—which is good for your environment. 86 Coolidge Ave., Watertown, MA 2472, .
Greydon House
Islanders and visitors alike have been buzzing about the recently opened Greydon House, and for good reason. A visual stunner featuring handpainted tiles and custom Roman and Williams furnishings, the 18-room boutique inn boasts common areas infused with a flora-inspired signature scent (which you can take home as a souvenir) and an on-site bar and bistro overseen by Michelin-starred chef Marcus Gleadow-Ware. 17 Broad St., Nantucket, MA 2554, greydonhouse.com.
ReadySetFilm
Banish all thoughts of a gauzy, sappy drama: Husband-and-wife team Jeff Brouillet and Amanda Gosselin have a knack for capturing the little moments that mean a lot—a wink, a chortle, a happy puppy—in a way that's completely watchable, not belabored. Did you know your dad was checking his texts before you walked down the aisle? Or that your mom was tearing up as she zipped your dress? You will now. readysetfilm.com.
American Repertory Theater
Even by its own cutting-edge standards, the A.R.T. had yet another landmark year, one that began with a searing performance by monologist Anna Deavere Smith about the state of African Americans in school and in prison, and ended with Arrabal, a mesmerizing tango show about one woman's search for her missing father in repressive Argentina. The coming season promises more of the same with the world premiere of Warhol Capote, based on real conversations between the two famous artists. Loeb Drama Center, 64 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 02138, americanrepertorytheater.org.
Secret Physique
It’s no secret: The South Shore’s toned set heads to this cluster of studios in Hingham, Quincy, Pembroke, and Plymouth for an unusual roster that goes above and beyond simple barre. There’s Bardio (cardio plus barre), Pound (a crushing workout wherein clients can pretend to drum in a rock band), and Hollywood burlesque. The workout spaces are also welcoming to parents, with prenatal specials and pristine on-site childcare areas. 35 Pond Park Rd., Hingham; and other locations. 35 Pond Park Rd., Hingham, MA 02043, secretphysique.com.
Amanda Johnson, Mario Russo
There are two kinds of colorists: those who will do your bidding, no matter how ill advised, and those who will save you from yourself. Mario Russo’s Amanda Johnson is the latter. She’ll skillfully steer you away from, say, a ridiculous platinum-blond dye job and offer a far more flattering alternative, whether it’s perfectly even all-over color or subtle highlighting in all the right places. 9 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, mariorusso.com.
White Elephant
Leave your car on the Cape. Nantucket’s iconic harborfront resort, and its well-appointed rooms, are no more than 10 minutes from anyplace you’d want to go: Young’s for bikes, the Juice Bar for ice cream, the beach and ferry, too. And if you’re looking for the best on-island massage, you don’t even have to leave the building. 50 Easton St., Nantucket, MA 02554, whiteelephanthotel.com.
The Backroom at Moody's
You've heard the hype: Walls made of limestone reclaimed from a French abbey. A copper spit for roasting chicken and suckling pigs. A $400 glass of Screaming Eagle. But let's be honest: You're really here for the meat—every juicy, wood-fired, artery-clogging bite. And from the smoky-sweet bourbon-bathed pork belly and tender Wagyu brisket to the sliced-to-order charcuterie platters, the sophisticated new wine bar within Moody's deli is a carnivore's dream. 468 Moody St., Waltham, MA 02453, moodyswaltham.com.
Kara Hurston, Shag
Some cuts are simply about lopping off split ends, and some happen because you spotted a stranger with such incredible hair, you just had to track down her stylist. It's the latter that led us to Shag's Kara Hurston for a tousled, shoulder-length bob—dubbed "Lobs" and dutifully chronicled on Hurston's Instagram. Lest you worry about following the crowd by taming your tresses here, fret not: Though trendy, Hurston's cuts are tailored to your face shape and hair type. 840 Summer St., South Boston, MA 02127, shagboston.com.
Eyestarr
Not to be confused with those glue-on falsies of yore, lash extensions are painstakingly applied, one by one, to your own lashes. Sound extravagant? Perhaps, but skilled lash masters like Andrea Starr, of Eyestarr, have begun taking extensions from special-occasion accessory to daily must-have. Starr's work is both meticulous and natural-looking. From her bright, sunny shop on Newbury Street, a boldface clientele emerges batting a thousand. 291 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, eyestarr.com.
Julie Cahill-Hollingsworth, Simply Aesthetic Specialties
We've been hustled all over town by flashy doctors and Groupon come-ons, which is why we keep returning to Julie Cahill-Hollingsworth. Without fanfare, we hop in her chair, get the shot, pay up, and split. She charges for units used rather than per procedure—and she's not pushy. When we asked about other stuff (fillers?), she just said, "Nah" and bid us adieu for another three months. 535 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, sasskin.com.
Sarma
This loud, colorful Somerville meze bar is anything but traditional—here, the creamy hummus recalls a seven-layer dip, while juicy lamb ka¶fte gets tucked into cute sliders. These Mediterranean-Americana hybrids are the creations of chef Cassie Piuma, who spent more than a decade in Oleana's kitchen with Ana Sortun, now her partner at Sarma. Come with a group—you'll want to try everything on the small-plates menu. 249 Pearl St., Somerville, MA 02145, sarmarestaurant.com.
Rachel Sundet, State Park
One of our favorite pastimes has been a movie at the Kendall chased by a chilled espresso martini and one of Rachel Sundet's home-style desserts at Hungry Mother's bar. Sadly, the restaurant will be closing July 3, but until the team opens its new concept in the same space, you can enjoy Sundet's grasshopper panna cotta, Funfetti layer cake, and "chocolate-covered snacky goodness" at Hungry Mother's sister restaurant, State Park. 1 Kendall Sq., Cambridge, MA 02141, statepark.is.
Beer Summit
The Beer Summit's ubiquitous pretzel necklaces, old-school cover bands, and mix of beer fans young and old make us nostalgic for the days when Boston was a beer-festival pioneer. The event's focus on New England breweries and blue-collar craft brewers (no exotic rum-barrel-aged or grapefruit-zest-laden über-beers) is downright refreshing. beersummit.com.
Newbury Tailoring Co.
Finding a good tailor isn’t easy. Some will promise alteration results that can’t realistically be achieved; others will totally butcher the hem of your bridesmaid dress just weeks before a wedding. Thank goodness for Newbury Tailoring. The longtime Back Bay staple can always be relied on to be trustworthy and honest — and, most important, deliver impeccable work under even the tightest time frames. 324B Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, newburytailoring@gmail.com.