Systems Design & Integration
Ever come across a new gadget so handy, you wonder how you ever made do without it? That’s how we feel each time we dig into the work of these Needham-based pros, who specialize in all the things that make life at home just a little bit easier: smartphone-controlled lighting and heating, audio distribution systems to fill your space with music, security cameras to make sure you always feel safe, and other essentials. 33 Highland Ave., Needham, MA 02494, sdiboston.com.
Mitch Shechtman
A good trainer knows how to get people in killer shape. A great trainer is part fitness expert, part therapist, part motivational speaker, and—let's face it—part drill sergeant. Mitch Shechtman amalgamates all of the above, and adds to the mix a solid dose of humor that takes the edge off that grueling last set of squats. His understanding of just how hard to push clients physically and mentally is a sixth sense. None of which is particularly surprising when you consider that Shechtman is head trainer at BodyScapes, a fitness center dedicated solely to the notion that bodies benefit most from one-on-one time with an expert. Just as important, though, is Shechtman's other dedication: to make workouts tough but fun. One Huntington Ave., Boston, MA .
Straight Law
Generally, a top-notch cocktail bar attempts to cover all the angles in the wider spirits world. But there's something to be said for homing in on a smaller niche and perfecting it, and that's the case at Straight Law, the year-old offshoot of longstanding Spanish restaurant Taberna de Haro. Here, bar manager Sean Sullivan focuses on sherry and gin—appropriate, considering those are the sole ingredients of the refined, elegant cocktail from which Straight Law takes its name. 999 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446, tabernaboston.com.
Wine Gallery
This standout vino peddler has always put up a broad range of bottles and good advice. But the wine jukebox—a nifty contraption that doles out samples for free—at its Brookline location has officially taken the mystery out of wine selection by making the whole process as easy as taking a sip and seeing for yourself. If further guidance is required, both shops boast well-educated clerks and intelligent tasting cards. Best of all, the markups are low and the discounts high, something that's sure to please, no matter your taste. 375 Boylston St., Brookline, MA wine-gallery.com.
Leslie-Jon A. Vickory
A former project manager for a design-build company, Vickory is at home with interior architectur—she creates whole kitchens (from windows to molding to lighting) rather than plunking cabinetry willy-nilly into a room. Because her work is carefully considered and integrated, she avoids major kitchen no-nos like the overdominant refrigerator and the dinky pendant light. Vickory doesn't have a set style, but classic or modern, her designs are always delicious.
Elburne
With one location already flourishing on Cape Cod, sisters Lauren and Simone Pereira established their second home-décor shop in Hanover’s new Merchant’s Row shopping plaza late last year. It’s not easy to shut your doors so soon after opening them, but online ordering and Instagram teaser shots of Elburne’s ethically sourced furniture, rugs, and artwork kept shoppers engaged through the shutdown. The doors are open once again, but the siblings are still offering curbside pickup to make scoring the perfect pick-me-up even easier. 2053 Washington St., Hanover, MA 02339, elburne.com.
Sayle's Seafood
More of a fish market than a dining destination, this Nantucket favorite deep-fries clams to crispy perfection. The crunch of the outer coating is followed by a burst of sweet and briny bivalve—the stuff of summer dreams. Sayle's also offers lobster rolls, whole lobsters to go, and superfresh raw catch for you to cook at home (although you might struggle to match the savory flavors of Sayle's). 99 Washington St. Ext., Nantucket, MA saylesseafood.com.
Ares Shoe Repair
Stopping by this tiny garden-level shop feels like visiting your friendly but gruff grandfather's house: Cobbler Mike Damirshian won't hide his disappointment in your shoes' subpar appearance, but he will assure you that they can, in fact, be saved. And each and every time, he's true to his word—heels that have been worn to metal posts are miraculously rebuilt, holey soles are replaced, and scuffs are polished away. You'll walk out with kicks that look (almost) brand new. 84 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, .
Fenway Park
Fenway became a regular venue for musical acts 15 years ago, enlivening the Sox stomping grounds with a no-holds-barred set by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Since then, America’s most beloved park has enchanted audiences with surprisingly strong acoustics, ample seating both on and off the field, and a stellar lineup of A-list acts including Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, and (coming this summer) Billy Joel and Pearl Jam. A home run, indeed. 4 Jersey St., Boston, MA 02215, mlb.com/redsox/tickets/concerts.
Royal Jewelers
Royal Jewelers is to David Yurman addicts as Massachusetts is to Mitt Romney—a second, and maybe first, home. There's good reason for that: The family-run, gem-packed store literally holds the largest and most complete Yurman boutique outside his Madison Avenue shop. And it hardly stops there. Royal also houses case after case of delectable works by other highstyle designers, including John Hardy, Kieselstein-Cord, Luca Carati, Michael Beaudry, Doris Panos, Elise Rosenstock, and Charriol. 58 Main St., Andover, MA royaljewelers.com.
Fabric Place
Who knew cloth could be such a passion-inducing topic? The folks at Fabric Place, apparently. Even domestic neophytes are blown away by the possibilities in this store. Bolts by the thousands—in shiny floral chintzes, neo-Yankee plaids, and high-tech eggplant-colored sheers (many handbeaded and embroidered)—are enough to send up visions of everything from simple slipcovers to whole-home makeovers. If you'd rather not pay for the designing and sewing services on offer, sign up for any of the 300-plus classes, and stitch it all up yourself. 136 Howard St., Framingham, MA fabricplacebasement.com.
Koo de Kir
This gem of a store's Charles Street window is always so artfully filled with brightly colored home furnishings and accessories that passing by without stopping in is nearly impossible. If you're looking for the perfect lamp, chair, or vase, you'll find it here, along with accouterments you may not have considered—beautifully molded candles and gorgeous pillows, for example. With brands including Francesco Rota for Paola Lenti and Reidel, the home selection here is as cutting edge as it gets this side of Paris. 34 Charles St., Boston, MA koodekir.com.
Yates and Kennedy
Provincetown is a rather long way to travel for ultrahip vintage and modern accessories, but Yates and Kennedy is a true destination for the antler-hunting, owl-coveting, woodblock-pillow-desiring crowd. Bonus: After working up a shopper's sweat in the delightful store, you can skip down to the beach for an ocean dip. 368 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA 2657, .
Twelve Chairs
Miggy Mason and Roisin Giese founded their home design store with a clear objective: Whenever possible, collect items that are made locally and sustainably. In their lofty space, the duo has created an urban dreamland that's equal parts industrial, romantic, and ethical. 319 A St., Boston, MA 2210, twelvechairsboston.com.
Acquire
There's nary an item over $100 inside Nikki Dalrymple's ode to cool dcor. Choose from goodies like Trina Turk needlepoint pillows ($55 apiece), vintage cordial glassware sets (around $40), and globes printed with 18th-century maps, which at less than $30 each, prove great design doesn't require stratospheric spending. 61 Salem St., Boston, MA 2113, acquireboutique.com.