New Deal Fish Market
The many Japanese customers attest to the sushi-quality freshness of the fish. An excellent selection of sardines, tuna, mahi-mahi, squid, swordfish, salmon, haddock, halibut, monkfish, octopus, striped bass, snapper, jack, spade, and sole (filleted upon request). 622 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA .
Wendell Street Gallery
Since the gallery opened, 12 years ago, in Jane Shapiro's home, it has shown dramatic oil paintings, watercolors, and prints by notable black artists, among them Bryan McFarlane, Robert Freeman, Romare Bearden, and Edward McCluney. 17 Wendell St., Cambridge, MA .
Thos. Moser
Designed and built in Maine from the finest woods, Thos. Moser’s chairs, tables, and benches will probably outlast every stick of Ikea furniture ever made. Thankfully, the pieces are timelessly beautiful, too: Based on 20th-century designs reimagined through a New England filter, they hold their own in every milieu. 19 Arlington St., Boston, MA 2116, thosmoser.com.
Corinna Raznikov Photography
The love in this fine-art photographer’s wedding shots is palpable—here, a groom dips and kisses his bride on a snowy rooftop; there, a pair holds hands as they traipse through the ferns at a backyard reception. The occasion helps, of course, but it’s also Raznikov’s innate ability to capture couples’ natural beauty and spirit with ease. 638 Delano Rd., Marion, MA 2738, corinnaraznikov.com.
A. Russo & Sons
We adore the cases brimming with imported and locally made cheeses (like fiore di latte from Everett's Mozzarella House), the boxes teeming with exotic Asian vegetables, and a deli counter loaded with top-notch finds. But the best part about a trip to Russo's is that we get whole foods without dropping an entire paycheck. 560 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 2472, russos.com.
Company C
The bright and preppy furniture lines from New Hampshire-based Company C are just the right complement to the South Shore's coastal-casual homes. All of the upholstered pieces (with New England-centric names like Rockport, Camden, and Newton) are made in the U.S. and come in a wide array of custom fabrics. Derby Street Shoppes, Hingham, MA 2043, companyc.com.
Claire McArdle, Beauty Therapies
Lasers have—figuratively, of course—exploded onto the beauty scene in the last few years. That's especially true in the realm of hair removal. Alas, in the hands of neophytes, such powerful new weapons can leave clients with red marks, patches of untouched hair, and unjustifiably high bills. You'll find none of these at Beauty Therapies, where R.N. Claire McArdle relies not on big-talking promises, but on cutting-edge technologies, diligence, and skin-care expertise. One of Boston's first laser practitioners, she permanently removes hair from anywhere on the body—eyebrows to bikini lines—with a steady hand that zaps clients smooth faster than light speed. One Brookline Place, Suite 302, Brookline, MA .
Formaggio Kitchen
Last year Food and Wine magazine named Formaggio one of the five cheese shops in the nation, and Cambridge Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Louise Gluck wrote an ode to the shop, included in her latest book and printed in the New Yorker. Overkill? Au contrarire. Formaggio's selection is amazing: from Pecorino di Pienza and Fontina Valle d'Aosta from Italy to Castellano and Manchego from Spain. The shop even has a ripening cellar where more than 100 cheeses—including English cheddars and Italian pecorinos—age in perfect humidity. Don't get us started on Formaggio's noncheese delectables... 244 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA .
The Farmer's Market on Cohasset Common
Held only once a week (every Thursday afternoon), this farmstand is worth the wait. Some of the South Shore's freshest produce is found here from early June through mid-October. Local growers trot out terrific stuff, from vine-ripened tomatoes and hefty cucumbers, to more greens than you'll find in all the big chain superstores combined. In addition to local growers (who, as one farmer put it, strive to "shorten the distance from land to mouth"), there are potters, bakers, and craftspeople selling quilts, stools, soaps, and such. Cohasset Common, Cohasset, MA .
Airi Jewelry & Gallery
We all have go-to ensembles, the ones we pull from the closet at least once a week because they make us feel good. But when you need just a little something extra to make yours special enough for [insert occasion here], a pair of statement earrings goes a long way. Enter the wearable art from Boston-based Airi. Crafted from stainless steel and tarnish-resistant brass, founder Maya Alia’s geometric wired pieces — we especially love the golden arches and the floral-shaped “ear jackets” — make even the simplest outfit look chic. shopairi.com.
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Slippers on, phone off, Zen ahead: Simply arriving at Boston’s grand dame of day spas is a treat for the soul. And once you’re checked in, your massage, body scrub, or facial is just the beginning: The facility’s peaceful thermal amenities, including a warm plunge pool and quartz-crystal steam room, are more than worth carving out a little extra time for. Still craving a few more hours (ahem, days) of pampering? Settle in for one of the hotel’s new three- or five-night wellness retreats with luxuries such as butlered bath service, yoga, daily organic meals, and, of course, plenty of spa time. 776 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199, mandarinoriental.com/boston/back-bay/luxury-hotel.
Black Eyed Susan's
Fine dining meets fine diner at this tiny, locally beloved restaurant, which has turned a counter-and-table setting into one of the island's best spots for creative New American cuisine. Be prepared to wait outside for a table: reservations are accepted for 6 p.m. only. Once you're seated in the wood-paneled dining room, be prepared to be impressed—especially with the festive weekend brunch featuring a flurry of fluffy pancakes bursting with just-picked blueberries, real grits, and picante eggs with salsa fresca, beans, and homemade ranchero sauce. 10 India St., Nantucket, MA black-eyedsusans.com.
European Watch Company
The display cases at this Newbury Street shop hold luxe vintage and pre-owned watches (think Cartier, Rolex, and Jaeger-LeCoultre), as well as brand-new tickers. Visit the website to see what's in stock and make plans to buy, sell, or trade for a fair price. Employees know their stuff and service many brands on-site. 232 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, europeanwatch.com.
<em>The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon</em>
Talk about the Curse. Shortly after the book came out this spring, Gordon had his record consecutive-save streak snapped, then blew out his arm. As for King he got hit by a van on the road near his Maine home.
Ronnie Brissete, The Yoga Studio
Teaching in a beautiful home studio, this yoga expert has a loyal following—and an unbounded passion for her discipline. Individual and group classes are taught with precision, kindness, and humor. Her specialty, the Iyengar style of yoga, results in the mind-blowing sensation of a rigorous physical workout mixed with a soothing mental escape. 57 Waverly St., Brookline, MA .