Sfoglia
A low-key ambiance and an ever changing wellspring of impressively fresh Italian-influenced far—house-made gnocchi, chocolate-hazelnut-espresso semifreddo—accented with locally grown produce earn Sfoglia raves as an artful dining destination. It's also a blissfully ringtone-free one: There are no cell phones allowed here, which is just as well, as you might be tempted to call everyone you know to rave about the food, the décor, the wine list. And, oh yeah, your date. 1402 Lexington Ave., Nantucket, MA 2554, .
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.
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.
Seaport x Black Owned Bos. Market
Shopping online is fine, but isn’t it more fun to know where your favorite new sweater actually came from? After a successful launch last year, the 2021 installation of this collaboration between WS Development and the website Black Owned Bos. returns to Seaport Common one Sunday a month through October 17, letting Bostonians discover art, skin-care lines, house plants, adult and children’s clothing, and more exclusively sold by local Black entrepreneurs. Ready, set, shop! bostonseaport.xyz.
The Handel and Haydn Society
The august ensemble approaches its bicentennial season in peak shape, with an artistic director, Harry Christophers, who understands that early music should be not just "authentic" but also, you know, musical. With excellent guest conductors like Scott Metcalfe and Richard Egarr—and programming that last year ranged from Purcell’s The Indian Queen to Beethoven’s Seventh to Christmas music by four different Bachs—it’s not only the oldest continuously performing arts group in America, it’s also one of the best. handelandhaydn.org.
Franklin Cafe
No need to consult with a wardrobe stylist when prepping for a classy date night at the Franklin. Just come as you are, slide into a black leather booth, and let the low lighting, art-covered walls, and excellent wine list loosen you up. From there, the food—spicy marinated cucumbers, cornmeal-crusted catfish, and smoky spareribs—will put anyone in the mood. 278 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA franklincafe.com.
Louis Boston
The Northern Avenue store is half the size of the old Newbury digs, but it's a far better representation of Debi Greenberg's style vision. Eveningwear by Peter Pilotto, Roland Mouret, and Jason Wu doubles as art, though just as impressive are casual offerings from Jeffrey Monteiro, the Row, and Opening Ceremony. Irresistible shoes and accessories bear names of favorites both old (Marni, Balenciaga) and new (Melissa Odabash, Georgina Goodman). 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2110, louisboston.com.
Jean Therapy
Its stock of denim is unrivaled: 7 for All Mankind, Kasil, 1921, we could go on—and on—but we don't want to turn the rest of this write-up into a laundry list. Suffice it to say Jean Therapy has a fit for every man, with honest opinions about what he's lacking (in our case, a butt) and how best to deal with it. The only other place where the art of accentuating the positive is so consistently taught is the shrink's office. 524 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, jean-therapy.com.
The Frame Gallery
Step one: Buy an ideal piece of art. Step two: Find a framer you can trust. Good ones, like the professionals at the Frame Gallery, have an artist's eye, offer quality workmanship, and won't pressure you into spending more than you need to. You'll walk away with a well-priced, perfectly framed piece. 2 Summit Ave., Brookline, MA theframegallery.biz.
The Ritz-Carlton Boston
After a $60 million facelift, all 17 stories of Boston's grande dame gleam as brightly as they did in the 1920s. This Ritz has spent more than 75 years perfecting the art of impeccable service, and it shows in a sophistication and luxury unmatched in this town—right down to the jocular doorman and white-gloved bellboys. The chandelier-filled dining room has been restored to its previous grandeur, and the vast menu of amenities includes bath and fireplace butlers, afternoon tea, and etiquette classes for children. 15 Arlington St., Boston, MA tajhotels.com/boston.
Healthworks
Can you imagine actually looking forward to working out? We couldn't either, until Healthworks came along. This minichain of made-for-women gyms has a solid philosophy. The gym shave state-of-the-art equipment, plus cushy additional features like saunas, whirlpools, personalized training programs, towel service, and cutting-edge classes (they were the first places in town to offer spinning). 441 Stuart Street, Boston, MA healthworksfitness.com.
agnes b.
There is an art to dressing down, but most people usually head to the nearest Gap or Banana Republic. Throw the flair back into casual Fridays with a visit to agnes b. The place is a gold mine for fashionable yet fuss-free clothing. Signature pieces like fleece cardigans with snaps, well-cut t-shirts and simple dresses, pants and skirts fit nicely into a working girl's wardrobe and her budget. 172 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Lotus Designs
This is a florist that elevates blooms to a cultural experience. Breath-stopping bouquets mix long-stemmed red roses amid tall birds of paradise and other flowers selected fresh daily. Owner Jimmie Palakavong is a native of Thailand and his early immersion in Asian blossoms transforms a simple get-well-quick arrangement into a world-straddling work of art. The place to call if you want to send flowers that are remembered long after the last petal has dropped. 482A Columbus Ave., Boston, MA .
Radius
Heralded as one of the 50 "most exciting" restaurants in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, this is the place where power brokers meet to wheel and deal over seared Arctic char, foie gras, and truffle-scented shrimp. Chef Michael Schlow and general manager Esti Benson have mastered the art of cuisine and flawless service—key factors when you're doing lunch under pressure. Oversized tables accommodate documents, and are far enough apart to ensure the utmost discretion. 8 High St., Boston, MA radiusrestaurant.com.
Hotel Green
With two hotels, an art gallery, and an upscale shoe salon to her name, Nantucket transplant Vanessa Noel practically is the island. Her 10-room Hotel Green manages to make "environmentally correct" feel entirely first class, with eco-friendly touches like hemp shower curtains, buckwheat pillows, ayurvedic toiletries, and cardboard furniture (which, if you're wondering, looks far nicer than it sounds). Even the wall paint is organic, as are the blueberry pancakes and fresh-squeezed orange juice in Café V next door. 33 Centre St., Nantucket, MA 2554, .