Machine Age
Even if mod furniture wasn't stunningly trendy, we would gush about Machine Age. For nine years, owner Normand Mainville has indulged his passion for such things as classic Herman Miller chairs and Saarinen tulip tables. The oversized showroom's selection is so good that furniture dealers from around the country visit for inspiration. If this style is up your alley, you should too. 354 Congress Street, Boston, MA machine-age.com.
Coach
Ever wish for an elegant overnight bag, one that can hold all your clothes and accessories but doesn't resemble something from a military maneuver? Coach has the answer. With its new store open at Copley Place, the luxe leather manufacturer continues to expand and redefine its products, recently adding luggage to the line-up. From men's dop kits to large duffles, Coach's Hamptons Travel Collection is perfect for quick overnight trips, and also includes pieces for the long haul. Copley Place, Boston, MA coach.com.
The Cambridge Artists' Cooperative
A mix of traditional crafts, whimsy, and fine arts endows the Cambridge Artists' Cooperative with unusual charms. On a magical mystery tour of its three floors, you'll find everything from blown-glass hummingbird feeders to pine-needle baskets to wearable art, with prices from $7 to $2,000. And you'll understand why craftspeople themselves voted the store one of the Top Ten Retailers of American Craft. 59A Church St., Cambridge, MA .
Kitchen Arts
A good sharp knife makes the difference between sawing through cooking chores and slicing through them. Don't get sucked into the manufacturer's preselected set of top quality knives. Kitchen Arts discounts all the top brands (up to 30 percent off three or more knives). Best prices around for Wusthof, the BMW of cutlery. Knowledgeable salespeople help you assemble your at-home arsenal. 161 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Bob Smith Sporting Goods
Just because it's not the biggest doesn't mean it's not the best. Anyone who shells out $1,000 for skis, boots, poles, and the attendant paraphernalia might want to come back for adjustments or advice—and at Bob Smith you can. The helpful salespeople won't give you the hard sell, but will listen attentively when you describe your skiing needs and what type of skier you are. 9 Spring Lane, Boston, MA .
Marathon Sports
Thinking about next year's marathon? Here's the place to start your podiatric strategy. One fan writes: "The service I received from the hyper-knowledgeable staff verified everything I had heard about the store—the selection was truly vast, and they were able to explain to me which shoes were best suited to my needs." They're also great with, er, irregular shapes and sizes. 1654 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Coppa
Things might get a little flashier at Jamie Bissonnette and Ken Oringer’s other spots, but at this South End favorite, spotless technique and deep culinary knowledge quietly underlie the cozy enoteca menu of house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and other Italian treats. Some all-stars haven’t left the menu since day one — we’re looking at you, cavatelli with tomato-broccoli sugo — and that’s just how we like it. 253 Shawmut Ave., South End, MA 02118, coppaboston.com.
George Wright Golf Course
Designed by Donald Ross, this charming municipal course is famed for its immaculate greens and intricate layout, featuring undulating hills and intriguing dog legs that offer a welcome challenge to players of all levels. Post-match, relax in the historical clubhouse, sinking into leather chairs to watch the latest golf tournaments on TV or sating your appetite at the on-site café. 420 West St., Hyde Park, MA 02136, cityofbostongolf.com.
Tawakal Halal Café
This East Boston favorite continues to impress with its heartwarming takes on Somali food and a broader look at East African and Middle Eastern cuisines. Sip a refreshing iced shaah and dig into falafel-stuffed chapati wraps, fragrant plates of chicken biryani, and crispy beef sambusa. And be sure to top it with the fiery and fruity house hot sauce, a mango-based stunner that takes any dish up a notch. 389 Maverick St., East Boston, MA 02128, tawakalhalal.com.
L'Etoile
Located in a former whaling captain’s house, this bistro’s bar earns top honors for versatility. Begin with the aptly named “startini” (citrus vodka, Cointreau, lime juice, pomegranate, and prosecco) or another creative cocktail. The singlemalt scotch and bourbon selections are impressive, while wines by the glass cover a lot of terroir in price, varietal, and geography. Then there’s the atmosphere, always lively without being obnoxious: Guests can choose between a seat at the bar, a banquette, or the porch, although the Adirondack chairs on the lawn beckon on balmy nights. 22 North Water St., Edgartown, MA 02539, letoile.net.
Dalí Restaurant & Tapas Bar
Opened long before Toro became the niño bonito of Boston, this tapas den is a full-on party that’s still raging, and just as sexy and fun as you remember. Here, small plates like spicy chicken skewers with lemon sour cream, and lamb meatballs in tomato-mint sauce are shared over sangria at tile-covered tables or the boho-chic bar festooned with hanging bunches of garlic and greenery. The vibe? In typical Dalí form, it’s surreal. 415 Washington St., Somerville, MA 02143, dalirestaurant.com.
Young Love & The Thrills
Think a wedding can’t feel like a concert? It can when this beloved eight-person band takes the stage. With high-energy vocals, creative mashups and medleys, and songs that span the tastes of everyone from Grandma (Frank Sinatra) to your teenage cousins (Lizzo), they keep even the most timid of dancers up and moving all night long. youngloveandthethrills.com.
Soma Optical
The future of Soma Optical is so bright, you better, well, wear shades. Home to exclusive sunglasses from around the world — some of them handmade and some you won’t find elsewhere in the area — the sleek South End shop is the passion project of married couple Alissa and Christos Karabelas, who are so knowledgeable about their inventory that just trying sunnies on with them is a treat. But wearing a pair home just might make your summer. 8 Union Park St., Boston, MA 02118, soma-optical.shop.
Newbury Tailoring Company
For two decades, Boston’s style mavens have trusted this family-owned business with their most valuable wearables, and for good reason. Whether you need your entire wardrobe taken in or a few nips and tucks on an extra-special evening gown, you can trust tailor Flavio Antonio Rivas to get the job done masterfully — and efficiently. 324 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115, newburytailors.com.
The Boston Sail Loft
It’s kind of a tease that the Sail Loft’s clam chowder comes in a handled mug, because — unless you want your beard or blouse to smell of seafood — it’s probably not advisable to just go ahead and drink it down. If etiquette didn’t exist, though, we’d absolutely toss out the spoon to chug this Über-creamy broth studded with potatoes, sweet dill, and, of course, plenty of briny clams. 80 Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA 02110, thebostonsailloft.com.