Dbar
By far the least pretentious of the Hub's gay hot spots, this nightclub-restaurant hybrid presents a compelling case for venturing beyond the Back Bay/South End circuit. The price is right (no cover, and no cocktails over $9), the crowd is attractive and always changing, and the dance-floor fun kicked up a notch this spring with the debut of Show Tune Tuesdays and you-be-the-DJ iPod Thursdays. 1236 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA 2125, dbarboston.com.
Brendan Behan Pub
For drinkers, there's no finer place to pass an afternoon than the Behan. The dark wood décor lends a warm, worn-in feel, heightened by the live Irish trad played regularly (which in turn is enhanced by several rounds from the well-selected beer menu). And though many other bars compete to see who can cram the most TVs on their walls, the Behan goes without, forcing customers to devote their attention to actual conversation, the volume of which invariably climbs as the daylight begins to wane. That alone makes this spot quintessentially Irish. 378 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 2130, brendanbehanpub.com.
The Druid
Unshackled from Stump! Trivia, the plodding generic format that dominates Hub bars, the Druid's game starts every Wednesday at 8 p.m. and moves at a brisk clip. The host is engaging, the beer plentiful, and the food both Irish and good. Everyone present is dialed into the Q&A action, as well they should be—to the winner goes cold, hard cash. Even better, the last-place team (yeah, that was us) is treated to free shots at the end. The pub is on the small side, though, so get there early for a prime seat. 1357 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 2139, druidpub.com.
Club Cafe
One of the few gay bars you can go to where your friends— male and female, gay and straight— can all have a good time. Whether in a group or with a friend this is the best bet for a good time. The weekend can turn into a meat market, but the atmosphere is friendly enough that you feel comfortable approaching that cute someone in the baseball hat. 209 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA .
Patrice Williamson
As far as pedigrees go, Williamson has no worries. she's handled her fledgling gigs gracefully and will give her diploma recital at the New England Conservatory this fall. She can scat her way skillfully through a standard and charm the audience with ease. Expect to see her back at the R-bar and breaking out of Boston in the coming year.
Cambridge Kayak Company
Robert Gaston of Cambridge Kayak Company is putting together a sea-kayak trail stretching from northern to southern Massachusetts. Kayaker-friendly bed and breakfasts and waterfront restaurants will welcome weary travelers along the way; the tourist dollars, Gaston hopes, will encourage environmental awareness. That's the long-term plan. The short-term plan is to put together an ace team of kayak instructors and tour leaders for the summer, a venture in which Gaston is joined by Tony Simpson, an energetic British Canoe Union instructor. Cambridge, MA
Frank Roop
If, like us, you've made the rounds of showrooms and emerged empty-handed, stop next at Frank Roop. The interior designer creates pieces with your tastes and dimensions in mind. His French-inspired lounges, beds, and side tables have a vintage feel and are all 100 percent unique. Ideal for those who despair our country's Crate & Barrel-ization. 224 Clarendon St., Suite 31, Boston, MA 2116, frankroop.com.
Tom Kershaw
Kershaw, again: He told the New York Times that his restaurants and bars should be eligible for federal relief in the wake of the September terrorist attacks because "It's my money. I can tell you about years when I gave the government a hell of a lot of money in taxes, and I'd like it back now, thank you very much."
Red Lulu
On any given Saturday night at this new venture from the team behind Back Bay hot spot Lolita, well-dressed revelers have their pick of 180 supremely sippable tequilas and a bevy of whimsical cocktails and margaritas. Fortunately, the inspired Mexican fare (lobster enchiladas, blackened mahi mahi tacos) from chef Brian Roche provides excellent ballast. 94 Lafayette St., Salem, MA 1970, lolitatequilabars.com.
Water Street
Why choose among made-to-order omelets, eggs Benedict, and malted Belgian waffles when you can have it all? The superlative Sunday brunch at Water Street, the Harbor View Hotel's on-site restaurant, features a veritable smorgasbord of everyone's favorites: savory carving-station roasts, a raw bar stocked with oysters and fresh seafood salads, and a dessert table showcasing profiteroles that proliferate beyond your wildest fantasies. 131 North Water St., Edgartown, MA 2539, harbor-view.com.
Mr. Sid
When it comes to clothes, most men could use a little help. Thankfully, the enormous Mr. Sid carries all the hottest fashions—casual Zegna-Sport, formal Brioni, and classic Bruno Magli—and employs a small army of personal consultants to provide just the right amount of respectful coddling. Expert on-site tailors, a hospitality bar, and a billiards table round out what could even be called an enjoyable experience. 1211 Centre St., Newton Centre, MA mrsid.com.
Cohasset Jewelers
Looking for a bright bauble or some elegant antique jewelry? Check out this family-owned shop for Charles Garnier diamond loop earrings, icy Simon G wedding bands, Nomination charm bracelets, and contemporary Michael Good necklaces. The impressive estate collection includes Edwardian peridot brooches, Cartier engagement rings, and Victorian-era earrings. 790A Chief Justice Cushing Hwy. (Rte. 3A), Cohasset, MA cohassetjewelers.com.
The Hingham Greenery
The ability to arrange—to conjure and orchestrate—is what makes a flawless florist. That's who you'll find hard at work at the Hingham Greenery. They'll form your bouquet from the shop's pristine white roses, yellow forsythia, or giant lilies. The colossal collection of vases, from hand-painted Asian jugs to crackle-glazed pots and toile planters, is sure to contain a perfect container for your beautiful buds. 39 South St., Hingham, MA hinghamgreenery.com.
Bison County
With the cowboy music in the background and the beady-eyed bison head over the bar, you'll swear you wandered right onto the streets of Laredo when you walk through these doors. Great ribs (both Carolina and Texas style), bison steaks, barbecued brisket, beans and slaw, and big beautiful buffalo burgers. Just steer clear of the apple pie, a dessert in which the menu writer's skill clearly surpassed the pastry chef's. 275 Moody Street, Waltham, MA .
Clio
Clio, Ken Oringer's flagship restaurant, didn't really need an overhaul (with, ahem, the exception of that faded cheetah carpet). It was already drawing a consistent crowd with its palate-pleasing fare. But the restaurant's recent décor upgrade—refreshed textiles and an expanded bar to showcase an impressive cocktail list—has made it clearer than ever that Clio is among the city's finest eateries. 370 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, cliorestaurant.com.