Mahoney's Rocky Ledge
We know there are locations throughout the region, but this one rules: peat moss, planters, pails, privet hedges, potting soil, pruning shears, peas (seeds), peonies, and porch furniture. For every gardening item you could possibly need, look no farther. 242 Cambridge St., Winchester, MA .
The Vineyard
You'll find hundreds of reds and whites at this small shop on Route 114, not to mention a great selection of rosé and dessert wines, all at a variety of price points. Then there are the seasonal grand tasting events, which draw huge crowds (seriously—the store hands out priority tickets to e-mail subscribers). 554 Turnpike St., North Andover, MA 1845, thevineyard.com.
Barbara Krakow Gallery
Krakow's consistency, quality, and business savvy make her the hands-down winner. 10 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Basement Gallery
Challenging work in the best of the alternative spaces. 35 Kingston St., Boston, MA .
Thomas Segal Gallery
For its risky decision to open a new space in Jamaica Plain for large installations. 73 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Artist & Craftsman Supply
Just down the psychedelic stairs at this subterranean Central Square art-supply mecca you'll find artfully arranged rows of paints, brushes, paper, and tools for every possible occasion. The unpretentious, approachable staff sprouts encyclopedic knowledge of everything from paint viscosity to the finer points of epoxy. 580 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA artistcraftsman.com.
Clark Gallery
Since taking over in 2008, photographer Dana Salvo and artist Dawn Southworth have continued this gallery's effort to present contemporary works through intriguingly themed shows such as "Head On," an eclectic collection of portraits. Tapping an extensive network of living artists, they've introduced a host of new names to the collections of local art hounds. 145 Lincoln Rd., Lincoln, MA 1773, clarkgallery.com.
Blick
Whether you're seeking clay for your next sculpture or an easel for an al fresco painting adventure, this well-equipped emporium (who knew a whole aisle could be dedicated to canvases?) will furnish the right tool. And because many of the staffers are artists themselves, they're certain to steer you toward the appropriate horsehair brush for that imminent masterpiece. 401 Park Dr., Boston, MA dickblick.com.
Trefler & Sons
The 20-plus artists employed by this low-profile, 83-year-old, family-owned company repair some 20,000 cracked, shattered, faded, worn, or burned objets d'art per year for clients from around the world. The talented group can fix or restore just about anything, from furniture and paintings, frames and glass, to ivory, jade, metals, and marble. No job is too challenging, no repair too trivial. And when your favorite piece is ready, it will shine as brilliantly as when it was created. 29 Tower Rd., Newton, MA .
Gallery Kayafas
Unsettling, luscious, provocative—fine-art photography should be all of these things. Gallery Kayafas, a loftlike space in SoWa, showcases work of precisely this sort, with a majority of artists having local ties. All credit goes to the owner, Arlette Kayafas, who has the connections and the courage to mine the incomparable talents among us. 450 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA gallerykayafas.com.
Barbara Cole Lee + Company
Lee—a collector herself—is something of a matchmaker, pairing great pieces with the right clients. She's on first-name terms with top local galleries and artists, but will happily hit the road in search of the perfect painting or sculpture. Like all good yentas, she's as much an educator as a connection-maker, giving her customers the confidence to buy what they like while developing their art savvy. 35 Fisher Ave., Brookline, MA 2445, barbaracolelee.com.
Bernard Toale Gallery
The gallery moved last year from its swank Newbury Street location to a more intimate South End setting. Toale's edginess is more than topographical however: He represents many of the city's most promising younger artists, such as Ambreen Butt, David Hilliard, and Lucy White. His is also the gallery of choice for many shows of national significance, such as last year's posthumous exhibit of photographer Francesca Woodman. Between exhibitions, Toale sponsors readings, video installations, and the occasional fashion show. And once again this year, he'll use his gallery's clout for a good cause—as chairperson for ARTcetera 2000, the biennial fine arts auction that benefits the AIDS Action Committee. 450 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA .
Laura Preshong
Looking through this South End designer’s compendium of engagement rings and wedding bands, two words spring to mind: heirloom quality. Gleaming and guiltless thanks to the brand’s exclusive use of conflict-free and lab-grown diamonds, the wide array of locally made bling runs the gamut from art deco-inspired sparklers boasting emerald-cut center stones to simple solitaires paired with knife-edge bands in rose gold. Opt for a “prix-fixe” style, choose your setting and stones separately via the à la carte service, or custom-design something entirely new. 558 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, laurapreshong.com.
Mida
Linguine, paccheri, bucatini—chef-owner Douglass Williams has mastered the fine art of pasta-making, churning out noodles with just the right amount of bite and just the right amount of sauce (that is to say, enough to sop up a little extra with bread). The best part for carb lovers? It’s all you can eat every “Mangia Pasta Monday.” 782 Tremont St., Boston, MA midaboston.com.