Brookline Liquor Mart
With its oaky scent, worn wooden shelves, and thousands of bottles, Brookline Liquor Mart is simply an oenophile's delight. This superstore has been doling out educated, accessible wine advice for more than 40 years and boasts an enormous selection from the world's best wine-producing regions. There are varietal tastings every Saturday, an intriguing rare wine room, and monthly sales and specials. For large orders, take advantage of the delivery service or place orders online for future case shipments. Or just come in and browse; everyone from first-time tasters to experienced collectors can find a gem. 1354 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, MA blmwine.com.
Zona
Charles David may have the dazzling hair-color bar and AZ Studio the highly shoppable product boutique, but Zona's got the talent, times two. Andrew Zona recently closed his top-notch Hingham Square salon to join brother Frank's equally favored setup in Queen Anne Plaza, uniting the third generation of a hairdressing family that traces its roots back to 1800s Italy. Despite that long history, nothing feels dated about either the space, which got a swank facelift last year, or the services, which could hold their own on Newbury. 10 Washington Street, Norwell, MA 2061, .
Indra
There's something of an X-Men feel to the staff photo on Indra's website, and it's justified: The black-clad stylists lined up like superchic superheroes do, in fact, have serious hair powers. Their not-so-secret lair is a hip, Aveda-branded salon known to the likes of Paula Cole and Olympian Jenna Johnson; there, pros including co-owner Jose Batistine (brings dying color back to life!) and senior stylist Jen Traverso (rescues curls in distress!) perform their follicular feats. And at Indra's fast-growing 'talent academy,' the next generation of wonder-cutters delivers new 'dos at wallet-saving prices. 8 Main St., Andover, MA 1810, indrasalon.com.
Sage
Tucked into a storefront on Prince Street, year-old Sage is the kind of restaurant we love to honor. Why? Because it shines on the short list of quality restaurants in the North End. Because it only has 28 seats, guaranteeing individual attention to every diner. Because the handmade gnocchi could float on a feather. Because the waitstaff is amiable and efficient. Because the wine list is small, reasonably priced, and ideally suited to the cuisine. Because chef Anthony Susi went out, saw the world, came back to his home (he's a North End native), and brought the restaurant that he cut his teeth on. Get the picture? 69 Prince Street, Boston, MA .
Trade
We knew that Jody Adams had it in her to open another outstanding restaurant. And now that we've enjoyed the bold, world-inspired cuisine at Trade, the companion to her Harvard Square flagship, Rialto, we only wish it hadn't taken her so darned long. Then again, if time is what Adams needed to craft her spicy lamb-sausage flatbreads, cool yet crisp squid salad with borlotti beans, and tender, flaky whole-roasted fish with flattened cumin-dusted potatoes—all within the confines of an industrial-chic space—well, we're happy she didn't rush. 540 Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA 2210, trade-boston.com.
Lynwood Cafe
Most anyone who's lived on the South Shore has broken bread (or crust) at Lynwood—and given this little pizza joint's out-of-the-way location and nearly microscopic sign, that's saying something. As for the décor, think 1950s Tennessee: Formica tables with stainless-steel napkin dispensers, employees sitting on the back porch smoking Winstons. But the dough is the pizza equivalent of al dente, the sauce is tangy, and the cheese literally slides off the crust. It might be enough to turn you into a true devotee; folks have been known to fly back home from California just for a taste. 320 Center St., Randolph, MA .
The Stonehedge Inn
Male wine collector and female wine collector meet and fall in love. The result? A marriage of private wine cellars that would send any oenophile to the nearest singles bar. The Stonehedge Inn is the lucky home to such a cellar, cultivated by Dawn and Levent Bozkurt. The wine list is an insane document—clearly the work of people who live and breathe the world of wine. There are 15 years of Chateau Latour, including a 1945 bottle for about three thousand dollars. You probably won't find bargains here; what you will find is that wonderful, rare wine you never thought you'd drink in your life. 1160 Pawtucket Blvd., Tygnsboro, MA .
The Port Hunter
On an island, it’s not surprising that bars cater to either locals or tourists, rarely both. The beauty of this lively spot is that those distinctions don’t apply — everyone’s welcome. There’s indoor and outdoor seating. The craft cocktail program is inventive without being pretentious. And the food, like Vineyard flounder tacos and hickory-grilled whole fish, is far superior to most pub grub. But what will really draw you in is the sound of laughter and live music bouncing off the exposed red-brick walls and out onto Main Street. 55 Main St., Edgartown, MA 02539, theporthunter.com.
Legit Activewear
Yeah, we know it’s been three years since lockdown, but we’re not looking to get out of our athleisure any time soon. And thanks to Legit’s stylish selection, we don’t have to: From floral statement sweatshirts by Essentiel Antwerp to edgy, wear-with-everything tanks by Cotton Citizen, we trust owner Jen Schneiderman’s taste for what’s on-trend. Plus, we’re digging her new lifestyle collection with equally spunky accessories for the home (see: Pretti.Cool’s “Garbage Collection” milk jug vase). 33 Boylston St., Ste. 3350, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, legitactivewear.com.
Hot Mess
Booking music for your wedding may feel like the next biggest decision after the dress. Do you want a funk band? R & B? Pop? Hot Mess offers the best of every genre (and the killer vocalists to match), so you don’t have to stress about committing to a single sound for the whole night. The high-energy, bring the-house-down band’s repertoire ranges from the Beatles and Bell Biv DeVoe to Lady Gaga and Flo Rida, but they can also learn new material on request. hotmessrocks.com..
Barra
The blue-corn tortillas are things of beauty at this Somerville hideaway, lovingly hand-pressed and shrouding morita mayonnaise-slathered fried fish and pork al pastor with grilled pineapple. But that’s not the only thing we adore: Deep-fried empanadas and enchiladas doused with rich house-made mole sauce join drinks that celebrate less-seen spirits such as sotol and nixta (a silky liqueur made of corn) on a menu quite different from any other Mexican restaurant in town. Whatever you order, do try the house margarita with the rim of chapulines, or ground fried grasshoppers — another tasty way to enjoy the Mexico City vibe. 23a Bow St., Somerville, MA 02143, barraunionsquare.com.
Designed by Delsie
Requiring serious organization skills, fine-tuned attention to detail, and unbridled creativity when it comes to design, modern-day wedding planning is not for the faint of heart. Yet somehow, Pearl “Delsie” Farquharson — the mastermind behind Boston- and Rhode Island–based Designed by Delsie — makes the whole thing look easy. Past collaborators rave about the expert’s poise under pressure, on-point vendor suggestions, and proactivity, while her smoothly executed (and highly personalized) events at posh venues including the Boston Harbor Hotel speak to her unwavering commitment to her clients’ visions. Consider us impressed. designedbydelsie.com.
Crescent Ridge Dairy
There’s no better place to enjoy Crescent Ridge’s thick, luscious scoops (made from locally sourced milk) than its pastoral “dairy bar” and market in Sharon. Admire the pastures of the working farm behind the scoop shack while you dive into oh-so-luscious scoops of butter crunch, maple walnut, and vanilla-and-fudge-swirled Cow Prints. But not a bit of freshness fades on its way to the family-owned farm’s city location inside Boston Public Market — or in the packaged quarts you can take home for a nightly treat. Multiple Locations, crescentridge,com.
Sun Tan Van
Look like you’ve been to the tropics without leaving your living room: That’s the goal of Abby Reid’s mobile spray-tan unit. Step into her van (or a portable tent in your home) and let the glow master work her magic from head to toe with a hand-sprayed solution made of sugar, food coloring, and no preservatives. Having worked in the beauty industry for years, Reid will put you at ease while applying a wish-you-were-here tan that’s anything but orange. MA suntanvan.me.
Chatham Gables Inn
When you’re ready to escape to the Cape sans beach toys and boogie boards, book a stay at this 170-year-old former sea captain’s home. Overflowing with New England charm, the retreat is open only to guests 16 and over, and that’s just the way we like it. Tuck into a gratis breakfast, made fresh every morning with veggies grown right on the property, in the breezy sunroom; savor a meditative moment on the tree swing in the perennial garden; or just snuggle into the crisp Matouk sheets. If the goal is to break away from the daily grind, there’s no place better to do so. 364 Old Harbor Rd., Chatham, MA 02633, chathamgablesinn.com.