Maria Rodriguez, Salon Mario Russo
A manicure by Maria Rodriguez is, hands down, a tour de force. Her perfectionist's eye to detail (from clipping and buffing to lengthy hand massages) is impeccable, her conversation keeps the process interesting, and her easygoing demeanor makes the often-impossible task of choosing the perfect color a cinch. She takes the extra time to make sure nails are dry, offers pointers on how to sustain manicures, and sees to it that every singer, by the time leaves her table, feels positively regal. 9 Newbury St., Boston, MA mariorusso.com.
Pawsh Dog Boutique
It's no wonder Gisele Bundchen stops at Pawsh with her handsome Yorkie: The couture collection of doggie apparel and upscale grooming services makes the daily walk look more like a runway strut. There are necessities like nail clipping and tooth cleaning, but there's also an assortment of healthy organic treats, and two-legged customers are rewarded with dog food delivery and a return program for chewed-through toys. 31 Gloucester St., Boston, MA 2115, pawshboston.com.
Museum of Fine Arts
With its late-night programming, new contemporary exhibits (the recent blockbuster Takashi Murakami show), and a thriving social media presence, the MFA has been making a big play to attract the next generation of art aficionados this year. And so far? It’s been a roaring success. The museum recently received national attention, too, thanks to its newest hire: a bug-sniffing Weimaraner named Riley. He protects the MFA’s precious works from pests and moths—and is also excellent at mugging for the camera. 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, mfa.org.
Fort Point Arts Community
Pricey condos and global corporations may now dominate the Fort Point landscape, but this nonprofit’s commitment to the neighborhood’s long-standing arts scene remains just as strong as the day it was founded in 1980. With some 250 virtuosos producing the paintings, photography, and sculpture shown in its various galleries, the space (pictured) is a cornucopia of the city’s finest art. And in a time of social distancing, FPAC has stayed active with an art-lending program and public pieces, including floating installations in Fort Point Channel itself. Fort Point, fortpointarts.org. 300 Summer St., Boston, MA 02210, fortpointarts.org.
Museum of Fine Arts
On the strength of its individual exhibits alone—notably the vast Goya retrospective and Shinique Smith's exuberant showcase—the Museum of Fine Arts is a formidable contender for best museum. But when you consider the institution's past year as a whole, it's a hands-down winner. Diverse offerings revealed a commitment to pushing boundaries. Performance art was regularly integrated into the museum's hallowed gallery spaces; it maintained a consistently edgy and eclectic film program; and then, as a capper, it launched its first-ever mobile app as artwork. 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, mfa.org.
The Institute of Contemporary Art
Where else can you spend date night dancing to live DJs, eating oysters on the harbor, and checking out a Shepard Fairey original? With some of the best waterfront views in town, the museum itself is a sleek architectural masterpiece—a place to see world-class contemporary art and be seen at the institute’s rocking First Fridays events, which feature live outdoor performances. Armed with 20 recently donated works from philanthropist Barbara Lee, the 80-year-old museum is getting fresher every day. 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston, MA 02210, icaboston.org.
Bella D'Arte
Owner Robin Reiser serenades her customers on the piano and offers them complimentary wine and cheese in the cozy atmosphere of her North End salon. The haircuts and color are good, too. 298 North Street, Boston, MA .
The Museum of Fine Arts
Perhaps the only gift shop that truly has something for everyone. Quality and taste at prices that won't leave you gasping. Become a museum member and get 10 percent off. 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA .
Lanoue Fine Art
Local masterpiece-mongers tend to deal in one of two extremes: jejune still-lifes geared to designers who spruce up Back Bay sunrooms, or sprawling esoterica that cause poseurs to start lusting for home-display space. Hewing a noble path between pear paintings and "environments," Lanoue focuses on established artists who tackle traditional genres—portraits, landscapes, even floral studies—with modern flair. Though varied in style, the monthly exhibitions all balance craftsmanship with conceptual edge, requiring neither advanced degree nor audio tour to blow you away. 125 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, lanouefineart.com.
New Art Center
In Newton's New Art Center classes, weekend collectors can ponder the age-old question—What Is Art?—then study the intriguing works showcased in the late-1800s Universalist church. Should you find something lacking in any of the canvases, prints, or sculptures, you can improve the view by organizing your own exhibitions: The guest curatorial program lets interested parties help decide what goes on display. 61 Washington Park, Newtonville, MA 2460, newartcenter.org.
Museum of Fine Arts
With its museum-quality decor, sophisticated food, and parking that's a cinch, what more could anyone want? The MFA is unbeatable. 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA .
Fine Arts Express
Reliable and careful, it handles both painting and sculpture. 251 Heath St., Jamaica Plain, MA .
The Museum of Fine Arts
They had the sense to book the Gund show. 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA .
The Institute of Contemporary Art
The ICA’s been around for nearly 80 years, but its exhibits and classes are still cutting-edge. 100 Northern Ave., Fort Point/Waterfront, MA 2210, icaboston.org.