Local Root
At this Cambridge cookery boutique, spatulas, whisks, and pasta makers are on display next to exquisite Alessi pots and pans and saber-sharp David Mellor knives. Completely lost in the kitchen? Brightly colored Le Creuset French ovens make the perfect gift for the gourmand in your life. 221 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA localroot.com.
Michael "Bingo" Sears, Chanel
Michael's the kind of guy who remembers what you bought last fall and will help you find a way to make it work with something new this season. He'll stand at the curb with your purchases when parking is impossible. He's discreet, honest, and his sense of humor is legendary. 5 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
Anderson & McQuaid
For most of us, it's hard to distinguish between a good two-by-four and a bad one. What distinguishes Anderson & McQuaid is its selection of exotic woods, including purple heart and lacewood, and its knowledgeable, helpful staff. Novice woodworkers are welcome. 170 Fawcett St., Cambridge, MA .
Emporio Armani
For one-stop shopping with or without your significant other, Emporio Armani can dress you from head to toe, including accessories. From jeans to beaded gowns and tuxedos, sunglasses and shoes, this store has it all. As a bonus, the cafe next door will revive you when the shopping gets tough. 210-214 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Loulou's Lost & Found
No offense, Pottery Barn and Crate & Barrel, but Loulou's is a great choice for funky place settings and accessories at a reasonable price. Some items are original, scavenged from old ships, hotels, and trains; some just reproductions; all are excellent for someone setting up house or just wanting to add to an eclectic collection. 121 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
Mirbeau Inn & Spa
Why escape to the Cape for the weekend when you can unwind right in your own backyard? A weekend at this French-style manor can include slurping local oysters in the elegant on-site restaurant; indulging in a seaweed wrap at the 16,500-square-foot marquee spa; or simply relaxing by the fireplace in one of the cozy guest rooms. 35 Landmark Dr., Plymouth, MA 02360, plymouth.mirbeau.com.
Mass Audubon's Boston Nature Center
What kid doesn’t love learning about slugs, snails, raccoons, and opossums? Start your morning in the great outdoors at Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center, which offers hundreds of weekend classes on topics like these year-round. 500 Walk Hill St., Mattapan, MA 02126, massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/boston-nature-center.
StoneFire Outdoor Living
The pandemic might be on the wane, but the demand for fire pits is still heating up thanks to this full-service company, helmed by Italian stone mason Joe Ventriglia. His team constructs the customizable pits in a workshop — which means no mess on your property — and delivers them almost complete before quickly finishing the job onsite. 206 Turnpike Rd., Westborough, MA 01581, stonefireoutdoorliving.com.
Stillwater
Chef Sarah Wade’s Okie roots shine in epic comfort foods like her signature gooey, cheddar-sharp mac ’n’ cheese. Even better is Wade’s takeout-only “Mac Bar” menu for build-your-own bowls with fixings such as smoked chicken chili and roasted tomato sauce. 120 Kingston St., Downtown, MA 02111, stillwaterboston.com.
Vialé
With a wine list featuring nicely priced surprises (buonasera, falanghina!), and always-tasty plates of beef carpaccio and gnocchi Bolognese, this is exactly the kind of spot that makes you want to become a regular—and when you do, count on the cordial staff to remember your drink order. 502 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, vialecambridge.com.
ShowPlace Icon Theatre
There’s no better way to watch the latest summer blockbuster than from the extreme comfort of a vibrating, reclining seat at this cinema, which luxes up your moviegoing experience with such extravagances as gourmet popcorn from the likes of Joanne Chang and Ken Oringer. 60 Seaport Blvd., Boston, MA 02210, showplaceicon.com.
Tile Showcase
Softly lit like paintings in a museum, the tile displays at this Design Center showroom beg to be explored. Come for myriad ceramic, glass, and stone options from the likes of Pratt & Larson, Island Stone, and Walker Zanger, and leave with dozens of ideas for your next reno. Boston Design Center, One Design Center Place, Ste. 639, Boston, MA 02210, tileshowcase.com.
Whole Heart Provisions
Whether your bowl is brimming with coconut-curry-drenched cauliflower or eggplant topped with crispy chickpeas, one thing is clear: This is a sad-salad-free zone. Whole Heart explores the playful side of plant-based eating, turning out swoon-inducing veggie fare that’s anything but rabbit food. Multiple locations. 487 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 02134, wholeheartprovisions.com.
M.Flynn
Sisters Megan and Moria Flynn have transformed old brooches into cool lockets and necklaces into eye-catching earrings. And if you’re looking for something completely bespoke, the jewelers will happily create an entirely new piece limited only by your (and their) imagination. 40 Waltham St., Boston, MA mflynnjewelry.com.
Sedurre
Skipping the flash and frills, Sedurre proffers soft camis from Eberjey, flowy sleepwear and tanks from Only Hearts, and, yes, a few choice flatteners from Yummie Tummie. The vibe is relaxed, leaving you more room to ponder your undergarment strategy. 28 Prince St., Boston, MA 02113, sedurreboston.com.