Monroe Home & Style
Housed in an old antique shop that’s been stylishly revived on Main Street in Charlestown, this charming boutique stocks glassware, design books, rugs, candles, tabletop items, and so much more. Products are always chic and often artisanal, all carefully curated by owner Donna Garlough, a former style director for Joss & Main who designed the shop to evoke the interior of a house so customers can get a sense of how items will look in their own abodes. 207 Main St., Charlestown, MA 02129, monroeboston.com.
McLaughlin Custom Upholstered Furniture
Since its inception in 1889, this Everett mainstay has remained true to Old World techniques, fashioning new heirloom-quality pieces and reinvigorating antique ones with an appreciation for the craftsmanship of yore. McLaughlin’s master upholsterers hone their practice with every thoughtful cut and well-placed stitch, drawing from an extensive library of fabrics and leathers to give life to bespoke headboards, plump ottomans, high-backed wing chairs, and so much more. 1813 Revere Beach Parkway, Everett, MA mclaughlinupholstering.com.
Frank Webb Home
With working displays, experienced showroom consultants, and a selection sourced from the largest plumbing distributor in the Northeast, Frank Webb can be trusted to guide you through everything from going green to finally upgrading your showerhead. 307 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127, frankwebb.com.
Whole Heart Provisions
If you don’t think vegetarian cuisine can be decadent, then you’ve never tried Whole Heart’s falafel dog: two golden-fried chickpea-and-parsley patties “dragged through the garden” with tahini, tomato, and Grillo’s pickles. Resounding proof that meat-free dining doesn’t have to be an exercise in self-flagellation, chef Rebecca Arnold and Roxy’s Grilled Cheese owner James DiSabatino go next-level with their salads and street-food-inspired small bites: One forkful of the Sichuan-dukkah-laced Mission bowl should charm even the most ardent carnivore. 487 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02135, wholeheartprovisions.com.
Kevin McHale
Since Larry's in the Hall of fame. No one can stop him under the basket, and this year he was voted one of the top defensive players in the NBA, even though he had one of his weaker years defensively.
Whole Food Market
When it's world-class cheese you crave, head straight to the River Street branch of this ubiquitous natural-foods chain for the most consistently ripe, reasonably priced fromage around. The store stocks several hundred different kinds of cheese—from imported and esoteric cave-aged Brillat-Savarin and aged asiago to the common but elegant cheddar. What's more, the staff is happy to special-order anything, dole out samples and serving advice, or wax poetic about the unsung glories of raw (versus heated) milk cheeses. 340 River St., Cambridge, MA wholefoodsmarket.com.
Lavender Home & Table
Why shop at a chain store? At Lavender, linens, candles, and other tabletop wares are culled from independent European vendors. And while a French country vibe pervades the shop, it's not all rustic; sleek and modern looks abound as well. If you can't outfit your abode with accents from your own adventures, this exotic home store is the next best thing. 173 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Tiger Home Inspection
Tiger was putting its inspectors through a comprehensive training course even before it was required by state law (legislation the company's cofounders helped craft, by the way). The 60-odd inspectors—overseen by president Carl Pucci—are renowned as the region's most thorough, whether they're probing floor joists for termites or expounding on repointing a chimney. 969 Washington St., Braintree, MA 2184, .
Lavender Home & Table
We're pretty sure there's not an insomniac Lavender Home couldn't cure. At the Newbury store, the treatments for sleeplessness take the form of genuine linen by Libeco, organic cotton from SDH's Purists line, and bold modern designs by Matteo and Due by Matteo, embellished with duvet covers, shams, antique linen pillows, baby-soft throws, and other finishing touches. You also can custom-order colors and fabrics, or avail yourself of the shop's own rich inventory. 173 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
K. C. Jones
Yeah, he should have played Brad Lohaus and Reggie Lewis, but for five years K. C. has been a stylish presence in town. And the Celtics did win a few with him on the bench. We'll miss him.
Mighty Mighty BossTones
Ska may come and ska may go, but the BossTones are forever. Going on 20 years, the band is forcing listeners to again Pay Attention with a best selling new studio release. Notwithstanding some catchy hooks, the album features a more melodic side of the plaid-bedecked eight-some, or, as frontman Dicky Barrett says, songs that are "thought out, not just half-assed." Get your tix for the Throwdown now! bosstones.com.
Sophie Hughes, Ore Jewelry
Sophie Hughes’s boutique is a trove of trendy mixed-metal bracelets, stackable rings, and delicate earrings, all done in the artisan’s minimalist style. By using high- quality recycled gold, silver, and gemstones, Hughes ensures her jewelry is not just beautiful but also ethically and environmentally sound. 80 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 02116, sophiehughes.com.
CCL HomeScapes
With more than 20 display kitchens in a 12,500-square-foot showroom, plus several in-house designers, CCL HomeScapes offers plenty of culinary inspiration and expertise for homeowners. Abington, MA capecodlumber.com/homescapes.
Webster Home Engineering
Owner Alden Webster is a structural engineer by day, but at night and on weekends he provides the best emergency service around, as well as an impressive in-depth analysis of your home's system. 113 North St., Lexington, MA .
The takeout window at the Home Port
If it's true that any activity is more fun on the beach and that all food tastes better fried, then the Home Port scores big. The restaurant's hidden gem is a tiny takeout window that serves its famous fried shrimp, along with corn on the cob, baked potatoes, and pints of slaw. Bring a bottle of wine, order out, and watch the sun set over the ocean as you picnic on the adjacent beach. 512 North Rd., Menemsha, MA homeportmv.com.