Linens on the Hill
The essentials for a good night’s sleep don’t change with the trends. Since 1987, this Beacon Hill store has been catering to our restful needs with high-thread-count bedding from established brands like Yves Delorme and Sferra, plush robes from Laurence Tavernier, and silk pajamas from PJ Harlow. And to make your waking hours a little dreamier, it also stocks a selection of scented soaps and soft Egyptian-cotton towels. 52 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, linensonthehill.com.
Four Seasons
If your idea of the ultimate staycation involves in-room make-your-own martini bars or "glamping" tents for the kids, book a room at the Four Seasons. Fresh off a recent full renovation but with the same VIP service—including a program that allows you to text your needs directly to the staff—there’s nothing this luxe hotel won’t do to make you feel comfortable. 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, fourseasons.com.
Area Four
The Hub’s abundance of prize-worthy pies continues to grow, but this year’s cornicione crown goes to a repeat winner. We credit the Area Four team’s obsessive attention to detail, starting with the tang, chew, and char of that crust, enough to make a dough aficionado’s knees wobble. And the toppings? Just your run-of-the-mill larder staples like hand-stretched mozzarella, Wellfleet clams, and a satiny mushroom sauce that is surely the reduction of some luxe French bisque. 264 East Berkeley St., South End, Boston, 857-317-4805; 500 Technology Sq., Kendall Square, Cambridge, 617-758-4444, areafour.com
The Publick House
The selection of coveted craft brews has long been the main attraction here. But it’s a good thing that dry, fruity Belgian-style ales—the backbone of owner David Ciccolo’s beer list—also pair so well with food: New chef Joe Cooke has upped the ante on the Publick House’s culinary program big time, sourcing whole pigs and sustainable seafood for menu upgrades such as house-cured bacon and frequently changing crudo. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA publickhousebrookline.com.
The Fish House
Islanders know that the best fish on the Vineyard isn’t by the harbor, it’s by the airport. (No, they’re not flying anything in.) The Fish House, a new seafood market/takeout spot from a young island couple, is slinging catch so fresh they’ll even tell you who reeled it in. Their com- mitment shows in to-go classics such as fried clam bellies and boiled lobster din- ners, as well as more modern favorites like tuna poke bowls. Tucked off Edgartown-West Tisbury Road right next to the package store, it’s an islanders’ secret—or at least it was. 17 Airport Rd., Edgartown, MA 02539, thefishhousemv.com.
The Publick House
This monastic pub is ;the place to earn an advanced degree in artisanal ales (or just keep pace with the craft-beer aficionados in your life). The bartenders and servers know their hops and malts in exquisite detail, and will happily enlighten you (sans condescension) as to the difference between a ;dubbel and a ;tripel. And every draft, from a local standby to the rarest Belgian brew, is served in its proper glassware, revealing an unparalleled adoration for man's oldest liquid creation. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2445, publickhouse.com.
House of Slam
In the beginning, there was House of Siam's Chicken with Basil, and it was the best. Subsequent visits introduced us to their pad thai, which gives Jae's a run for its money, and interesting seafood dishes such as Diamond Mine, consisting of sea scallops, bamboo shoots, and baby corn in a hot chili sauce. The food is consistently excellent: everything is very fresh and cooked to order, with most dishes leaning toward spicy but easily modified with a request. 542 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA .
The Coach House
Brunch-goers are often faced with a choice of sweet versus salty. At the Coach House, they don't have to pick. The restaurant's Sunday brunch buffet has everything from fluffy French toast to chef Ryan Hardy's signature cheeses. The water views are stunning and the charming staff encourages you to try it all—not that you'll need any prodding. 131 N. Water St., Edgartown, MA harbor-view.com.
Sparrow House
The 17th and 21st centuries merge seamlessly in this part-museum, part-gallery that sits inside a Colonial-era landmark. Three times each season, Sparrow House holds free shows featuring American artists such as oil painter Marlee Brewster Brockmann and pastel artist Anne Heywood; available year-round are unique handicrafts—ceramic bowls, silver jewelry, polished wooden utensils—by contemporary American craftsmen. 42 Summer St., Plymouth, MA 2360, sparrowhouse.com.
The Publick House
Think of the Publick House less as a bar, and more as a library stocked with craft Belgians. You’ll even get an education, thanks to beer-nerd staffers. 1648 Beacon St., Washington Square, MA 2445, thepublickhousebeerbar.com.
In Your Ear
Thirty years is a long time in the music business, particularly when you're still vending vinyl in the age of iTunes. But with hundreds of thousands of records, CDs, and eight-tracks stacked in a subterranean space, In Your Ear's Boston location has flourished since 1982. You can search the inventory online—albums are graded by condition—but trust us: It's more fun to dig through the crates. 957 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, iye.com.
House of Design
No more settling for a dress you only "sort of" like. With the help of the computer at House of Design, the fabric, sleeves, bodice, buttons, and details of your dress are all your decisions. One Design Center Place, Suite 634, Boston, MA .
The Publick House
No need to fix what’s not broken: In the increasingly bustling Washington Square section of Brookline, the Publick House celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, and it continues to be one of the most successful gastropubs around. Whether you’re looking for a funky Allagash Coolship from our northern friends in Maine or a smoky Rauchbier from Germany, there’s always something exciting to explore on the draft and bottle lists. Add in a beer-infused pot of moules frites or some mac ’n’ cheese topped with beer bratwurst, and you have the ideal night out. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02445, publickhousebrookline.com.
The 'Quin House
Boston’s swankiest, sexiest new hangout has plenty of James Bond–style secrets: The first-floor speakeasy, Scottie’s, features “champagne buttons” to summon bubbly, while a hidden room a few floors up is revealed by pulling on a bronze bust. But really, the best reason to finagle an invitation to lunch at Sandy and Paul Edgerley’s fresh take on the members-only club is the who’s who of power players known to walk through the doors every day. Who, you ask? That’s the biggest secret of all. 217 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02116, thequinhouse.com.
Seasons Four
From wicker to wrought iron, teak to traditional wood, this Lexington showroom lives up to its name with a selection of year-round outdoor goodies that go far beyond furniture (think: bird feeders, hammocks, and wind chimes, among other finds). Best of all, its décor switches with the season. In winter, warm your outdoor hearth with wreathes and candles, and don’t miss the tiki torches and lemonade dispensers come summertime. 1265 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA 02420, seasonsfour.com.