The Five Seasons Restaurant
Meat-and-potato Brahmin cravings may explain the dearth of veggie restaurants in Boston, but The Five Seasons will convince even the most die-hard carnivore to lighten up. With beautiful, delicious dishes— including the tofu nori-roll appetizer, shrimp and vegetable tempura, and seafood kettle— this spot draws herbies for whole foods without artificial additives and preservatives. The menu includes fresh fish, free-range chicken, and locally grown organic produce. 669A Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA .
Uber
We don't fancy ourselves the "needs a private driver" type—but Uber swept us off our feet (in a luxurious Lincoln Town Car, no less). Launched in Boston last fall, the car-service smartphone app allows you to get a limo ride from anywhere, to anywhere with the press of a button. Apps available for iPhone and Android. Boston, MA uber.com.
Christopher Ricks
Boston University. Maybe it's because he worships Bob Dylan. Maybe it's because it appears that he's committed to memory every word T. S. Eliot ever wrote. Maybe it's because he can recite practically any other line of prose or verse imaginable. Or maybe it's just his students' insistence that he's simply the most dedicated, challenging, energetic, and inspiring teacher in the post-Socratic era.
Surroundings
There was a time when anyone on the South Shore interested in fine furnishings had to make the trek up to Boston. But there's no need now. At this lovely one-stop decor shop, you'll find outstanding American lines like Oly and Hickory Chair, French furnishings made by Grange, and accessories by the Vermont-based Simon Pearce. Overwhelmed? Seek out the in-house designer, Bill Barr, who offers complete interiors service. 81 1/2 Fairhaven Rd., Mattapoisett, MA surroundingshome.com.
Museum of Science
Unlike the Boston Children's Museum over in Fort Point, the Museum of Science offers parking—a not-insignificant bonus to the many family-friendly charms of this 230,000-square-foot institution. For preschoolers, there's the Discovery Center, full of stuffed animals, things to crawl on and fidget with, knobs to turn, and levers to tug. For older kids, there are exhibits about dinosaurs, lasers, and other gee-whiz subjects. And for parents? The profound joy of nobody whining about being bored. 1 1 Science Park, Boston, MA 2114, mos.org.
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.
Esperia Grill
Its name nods to twilight, but may the sun never set on Esperia Grill. The Greek-family-run spot is pure old-school Boston, an inconspicuous place where the cash register constantly ka-chings! with sales of sweet, honeyed baklava, and where anyone seeking real-deal Hellenic home-cookery can hunch over tender lamb kebabs and baked shanks — or generous bowls of bright and creamy avgolemono — while the city outside fades into soft focus. Let it wait. 344 Washington St., Brighton, MA 02135, esperiagrill.net.