Bernard Toale Gallery
The burgeoning SOWA (South of Washington) district is now a must-see destination, thanks in no small part to Bernie Toale. Toale's gallery has been a showcase for everything from the sculpture of Roxy Paine to the intricate, layered drawings of ICA Artist Prize-winner Ambreen Butt to the portraits of photographer David Hilliard. The gallery's Boston Drawing Project also provides a much-needed home for other local artists and for worthy smaller projects that might otherwise be overlooked. 450 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA .
Mark Morris and Yo-Yo Ma
Morris' yearly appearances in Boston have become an eagerly awaited tradition, but this year Yo-Yo Ma and his cello joined the dancers on stage at the Wang Center for a dazzling series of duets. The great Baryshnikov also danced, briefly but memorably, still showing more sheer expressiveness in a single gesture than most dancers do in their entire career.
Come
After losing half the band last year, longtime critical darling Come is down to two members—Thalia Zedek and Chris Brokaw. But Come will live on—after all, Zedek and Brokaw have been on the scene in Boston and New York for a decade now, and Come has just released its third CD, titled Near Life Experience
Granite Links Golf Club
The views of the Boston skyline make this Quincy course stand out, but Granite Links is much more than a pretty picture. The private course offers an astounding 27 holes of golf for members and the public, and includes a large, lighted practice range that stays open late. After a grueling round with your buddies, the on-site restaurant is a welcome respite, with a fun-loving crowd and a range of food and drink options. 100 Quarry Lane, Quincy, MA 2186, granitelinksgolfclub.com.
Robert Klein Gallery
Few Boston galleries can claim to have an international following, but this small fourth-floor boutique on Newbury Street is a big-league player. When Robert Klein founded his gallery more than 30 years ago, he was one of the first to exhibit works by Diane Arbus, Annie Leibovitz, and Sally Mann. Throughout the years, his unerring eye for photography's best has resulted in a collection that rivals any in the world. 38 Newbury St. #402, Boston, MA 2116, robertkleingallery.com.
76 Main
This sleek downtown inn offers rooms done up in stripes and poppy colors by Boston designer Rachel Reider, as well as plenty of modern amenities (iPads, Apple TVs). Your best bet is Room 16 or 17 in the guesthouse, each of which features a patio complete with a fire table and a private entrance from the inn’s pretty courtyard. 76 Main St., Nantucket, MA 2554, 76main.com.
The Hob Knob
This boutique spot tends to draw a VIP crowd: Last summer, the cast of Saturday Night Live checked in for funnyman Seth Meyers’s Vineyard wedding. Comedy aside, there’s a serious, quiet luxury to the Edgartown hideaway, from the handpicked antiques in each well-appointed room to the scrumptious breakfast scones and afternoon tea. Hotel guests can even charter a private Boston Whaler for fishing or Nantucket day trips. It’s no wonder the stars stay here. 128 Main St., Edgartown, MA 2539, hobknob.com.
Café Sushi
Time was, getting sushi in Boston was a black-and-white proposition: You either went for the simple and efficient or the luxurious and, ahem, pricey. Chef Seizi Imura’s unassuming Cambridge spot, however, threads the needle with both respectable rolls—such as the pressed oshi-zushi, draped with transparent kombu—and flavor revelations, in the form of wasabi-laced raw octopus (a highlight from the oft-changing omakase tasting) and torched avocado nigiri with truffle salt. 1105 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, cafesushicambridge.com.
Toscanini's
We can confidently say that we’ve sampled just about every cone in Greater Boston—and scoop by scoop, Gus Rancatore’s Central Square ice cream shop remains unchallenged. The endless array of creative flavors—bourbon black pepper, mango-ginger, green tea—keeps things interesting, but it’s the thick, custardy texture that makes this ultra-rich ice cream the undisputed heavyweight champion of the slow-churned world. 899 Main St., Cambridge, MA 2139, tosci.com.
PKL
That “thunk” you’re hearing in every corner of Boston right now? That’s the sound of a movement. As the buzziest sport around gains steam, the team behind PKL has emerged as the city’s hippest pickleball entrepreneurs, first with a hit pop-up in Assembly, and next with a tricked-out indoor space in Southie, where you’ll find five pristine courts, lounge seating, an impressive cocktail list, and a staff of evangelists eager to get you hooked on the newly trendy pastime. 64 C St., Boston, MA 02127, playpkl.com.
DTR Modern
Lost among the sea of galleries that line Newbury Street? Find yourself (and that very special piece you’ve been searching for) at DTR Modern, the longtime purveyor of stunning contemporary artwork in Boston and beyond. With the biggest names in modern art — Takashi Murakami and Jeff Koons — displayed alongside newer faves like Clara Hallencreutz and Nelson de la Nuez, this is the perfect spot for hard-core collectors and dabblers alike. 167 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, dtrmodern.com.
Lily P's
Boston has plenty of places to find down-home platters of southern-style fried chicken, but lately, we can’t get enough of the chef-driven polish acclaimed toque Chris Parsons — previously known for upscale seafood — brings to the poultry at his newish, fit-for-franchising Cambridge outfit. Pressure-cooked to juicy perfection, the tender, buttermilk-brined meat has just the right crunch whether you devour it by the full bird or in a crispy sandwich topped with everything from black-pepper honey to spicy kimchi. 50 Binney St., Cambridge, MA 02142, lilypschicken.com.
Thom Solo
Why should Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera be the only ones to sport Boston shoe designer Thom Solo’s rock-star creations? Go ahead and snag a pair of his blush lambskin wedge boots or sculptural reptilian stilettos. Not only will you tower over most mere mortals, but you’ll be wearing heels that consistently turn heads. thomsolo.com.
The Homeport Restaurant & Oyster Bar
The long-defunct island institution was resurrected last year by Boston restaurateur Seth Woods, who vastly improved on everyone’s favorite spot to watch the sun set while eating dinner. In addition to all of the New England classics, this phoenix from the ashes now has the best tuna niçoise this side of Nice, newly spiffed-up décor, including better sun coverage on the patio, and the Back Door, where you can order everything from a double-patty burger to a full clambake for takeout. 512 N. Rd., Menemsha, MA 02535, thehomeportmv.com.
The Superette
Where else can you buy yoga pants, high-end custom fragrances, tacos, and, oh yeah, an electric car all in one place — and top it all off with a round of indoor mini golf? That’d be the Seaport’s newest shopping destination. It may have been designed to look like a “charming European square,” but the sprawling 125,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space is New Boston through and through — and we’re loving every bit of it. Boston, MA 02210, bostonseaport.xyz/superette.