Tenzin Samdo, ArtScience
Industry vet Tenzin Samdo has taken over the bar-director role at ArtScience with grace and ease, sticking to the tech-forward restaurant’s tradition of high-flying, science-forward cocktail craft while putting his own spin on things. Over the past year, he’s brought thoughtful, sustainably minded touches to the program, including pledging to forgo the use of plastic straws. And just as noteworthy, Samdo never fails to serve his cocktails with a wide smile and a side of old-fashioned hospitality. 650 E. Kendall St., Cambridge, MA 02142, cafeartscience.com.
Paper Source
E-mail, e-vites, e-cards—you've been there, e-done that. Lend your correspondence some off-line heft with a pilgrimage to this epistolary shrine, with its formidable collection of paper, cards, and craft supplies. Initially you may feel overwhelmed, so take advantage of the design-savvy staffers (many of them art school students), the nifty DIY invitation and letter-writing kits, and personal stationery consults—all of which can help give your every missive a signature style. 1361 Beacon St., Brookline, Boston, Cambridge, Wellesley, MA 2446, paper-source.com.
The Liberty Hotel
Scenesters flocked to the soaring lobby of this former prison seven years ago when it was transformed into a sleek hotel. While most assumed the jail-themed venue wouldn’t have staying power after the novelty wore off, strategic event programming—art, music, fashion, and so on—has continued to lure a coterie of on-the-pulse twenty- and thirtysomethings looking to eat, drink, and mingle, securing the Liberty’s status as the go-to gathering place for young professionals. 215 Charles St., Boston, MA 2114, libertyhotel.com.
David Carlson
The longtime head instructor at the Boston Sailing Center, Carlson—a sailor since age 6—knows the Charles and the harbor inside and out, and has novices jibing and tacking like old hands after just two weekends of instruction. Free advice: "One of the biggest mistakes people make is to overtrim the sails—the boat tends to heel over or stall out. It's more efficient to keep the boat flat, and let the foils on the rudder do their work." Boston Sailing Center, 54 Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA 2110, .
Boston Sailing Center
Learn to sail in the chaos of Boston Harbor, and you'll be able to sail almost anywhere in the world. Boston Sailing Center has been teaching novices the sport for more than 20 years with instruction from some of the saltiest dogs on the Atlantic seaboard. That includes Scott Ackerman, who teaches beginner and advanced courses at the center and has the keen ability to turn lumpy landlubbers into proficient sailors by the end of the five-week course. The Riverboat at Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA .
Dolores Sanborn, Austen's
Our nails were ugly. So when we got the tip to see Dolores at Austen's, we were only too happy to test her out. Could our yucky stubs be transformed into beautiful digits? Miraculously, yes. In fact, we can't decide what we liked best: the cheerful yellow walls and big open windows of the cozy salon, the goodies to eat while you wait (orange juice and croissants, cookies, even brie), or the manicure itself, which made our nails look sophisticated, not scary. And Dolores is a sweetheart: If her pleasant demeanor and easy laugh don't win you over, her mean hand massage will. 115 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
Bella Santé
The staff at this low-key, blissfully relaxing spa makes having your nails buffed and polished a special occasion. Manicurists delicately file nails and trim cuticles, throwing in a tension-melting hand massage to boot. And if you're unsure about length, shape, or color (the spa stocks an extensive range of Essie and OPI polishes), they'll offer an expert opinion or just get down to the task at hand while you concentrate on the serious business of unwinding. 38 Newbury St., Boston, MA bellasante.com.
Bellacquer
You know you’ve enjoyed your trip to the nail salon when you leave feeling more beautiful — and relaxed — than when you first strolled in. And Bellacquer, a neighborhood standout since it first opened its doors in 2017, delivers that satisfaction every time. Performed by diligent technicians with serious trimming, shaping, and polishing skills, the nail services here are consistently excellent whether you stick to the basics, splurge on a paraffin pedicure, or go for a trendy dipping-powder mani. 1389 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02446, bellacquer.com.
MiniLuxe
Germaphobes, this is your safe haven. From the single-use buffers and nail files to the individually packed, disinfected trimming tools, MiniLuxe feels cleaner than most hospital rooms. But just because the place it practically sterile doesn't mean it lacks artistry: The nail techs scrub and polish till your ragged fingertips gleam like jewels. 296 Newbury St, Boston, MA 2116, miniluxe.com.
Grettacole
Beauty may be only skin deep, but the relaxing effect of a day at Grettacole goes so much deeper. A true spa-goer's spa, Grettacole is staffed by an army of masseuses, aestheticians, and nail technicians—every last one a perfectionist—who can fix a nail as perfectly as they can clean your pores or buff your skin to a high shine. The spa offers not only top-of-the-line services, but also excellent salon and spa products from Kérastase, Bumble & bumble, and Trish McEvoy. 95 Central St., Wellesley, MA grettacole.com.
Breve Spa at Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
Sick of the assembly-line nail-salon experience? Swap your clothes for a robe and slippers, sit back in one of Breve’s five full-massage chairs, and prepare for the spa mani-pedi of your dreams. Many of the nail techs here came over from the recently shuttered Bliss Spa at the W, so they know how to turn a buff-and-polish sesh into a memorable day (see: the red-algae-infused, anti-aging “cocoon wrap”). Also upping the Zen quotient is access to the co-ed relaxation room, where you can savor a cold beverage or a light snack and forget about the hustle and bustle of the outside world. 450 Summer St., Boston, MA 02210, omnihotels.com.
Ritual Arts
You don't have to be a high priestess to shop here. With an intriguing array of crystals, incense, jewelry, and d̩cor, Ritual Arts is welcoming to anyone who appreciates a good Nag Champa. For extra good vibes, end your visit with head scratches for LoveBomb the cat. 153 Harvard Ave., Boston, MA 02134, .
The Art Store
Muses nonwithstanding, the Art Store sells everything your magnum opus needs, and at prices that won't leave the artist in you starving. Forget rummaging through piles of 200 pre-stretched canvases to find the size you want; it's all neatly ordered against the wall. Every shade of paint—oil, acrylic, watercolor, you name it—is represented, and the paper selection runs from handmade, violet-embedded sheets to plain foam core. Like to sit while you sketch? There's furniture here too, plus easels and mesh file boxes. Come to think of it, the large, open, and neatly arranged space may just inspire you after all—to organize your studio. 401 Park Dr., Boston, MA .
Kitchen Arts
Stepping into this small Newbury Street shop is more inspiring than a cooking show could ever be. The shelves are crammed with bakeware, pots, pans, appliances, and an envy-inducing selection of knives from makers including Henckels, plus such tempting doodads as neon-colored silicone pot holders. It's easy to imagine whipping up perfect little pastries in those scalloped tartlet pans or hearty, crowd-pleasing casseroles in the brightly colored Le Creuset French ovens. Can't cook? Kitchen Arts has you covered there, too, with a supply of crime-scene tape for use when kitchen exploits go awry. 161 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Ritual Arts
This small metaphysical supply store brims with incense, Buddha statuettes, and jewelry. But don't let the ritual bent scare you off—it's browser-friendly and filled with positive vibes. Maybe it's all those energy crystals. 153 Harvard Ave., Boston, MA 02134, .