Green Home Solutions
Increasingly popular in commercial projects, green renovations are still relatively rare for private homes, which is odd, considering they cut utility costs, boost resale value, and, oh yeah, help keep the planet from dying. With more than 25 years' experience under his belt, Paul Marquis is doing his part to change that, as he takes homeowners through the entire project—from recommending eco-conscious architects and contractors to finding landfill alternatives for construction materials—with a thoroughness that any home consultant, green or otherwise, should aspire to. P.O. Box 164, Arlington, MA .
Sundog
Weekend visitors still dressed in their power suits and spiffy slacks should hasten to Sundog, where comfort always reigns supreme. The store's dark interior houses Turrau shirts, Izod pants, and affordable Tommy Bahama swim shorts. After a short and successful hunt, men reemerge into the sunlight looking island appropriate. 41 Lower Main St., Edgartown, MA .
Ski Market
Mountain climbers, snowshoers, and downhill racers alike will find weather-appropriate gear at Ski Market. The reasonably priced lined mittens, sleek ski pants, and featherweight down jackets are high quality; the equipment is top of the line; and the knowledgeable staff couldn't be cooler or more helpful. 860 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Taqueria el Amigo
For a truly top-notch taco, you’ll have to head west—all the way to Waltham, that is, where this tiny taqueria stuffs its pliant corn tortillas with rich carnitas, tender braised lengua, and fruity al pastor—style pork, then serves them with a side of fiery, arbol chili—laced salsa. Request a pristine slice of avocado on top of each taco—you made the trip, you deserve it. 196 Willow St., Waltham, MA 2453, .
Riva
Italian food means many things to many people. At Riva it means a lusty love of fresh flavors, simple preparations, and family-friendly but still serious—and seriously good—dishes. Gather by the fireplaces over grilled oyster ;spiedini, or dig into gemelli with spicy sausage and broccoli rabe outside on the patio for a taste of Italy that doesn't require a transatlantic plane ride. 116 Front St., Scituate Harbor, MA 2066, rivarestaurant.net.
Gift at the Gardner
Unveiled as part of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum's new wing in January, this shop's jewelry, housewares, books, and children's items are crafted by artists from all over the world. Plans are also in the works to sell prints of artworks. 280 Fenway, Boston, MA 2115, gardnermuseum.org.
Constitution Marina Charters
Gorgeous boats, gracious hosts. They'll do the planning or let you do it yourself—catering, liquor, whatever. Variety of boat sizes, but we especially liked the 42-foot Bristol. 28 Constitution Rd., Charlestown, MA .
Bump
This tucked-away kaleidoscope of a boutique takes mommy chic seriously. Owner Patricia Marks-Martinovich sells richly patterned Diane von Furstenberg dresses and trim Chaiken pants, and seeks out new and hard to find lines such as La Robe Bleue and HommeMummy. No wonder the bulging belly is the new black. 45 River St., Boston, MA 2124, bumpshoppe.com.
Barbara Lynch, Barbara Lynch Gruppo
Not content merely to launch the city's best new restaurant and upscale bar while keeping No. 9 Park, B&G Oysters, and the Butcher Shop running on all cylinders, Lynch is now planning a fine-dining concept in Fort Point. Her ambition, like her excellence, knows no bounds. barbaralynch.com.
Crossing Main
This small boutique proves that bigger isn't always better. Its meticulously culled collection of women's wear is a perfect mix of contemporary and traditional. Even the classics have a modern twist. There's also a good selection of toile pants, exquisite seasonal jackets, silver jewelry, Prada wallets, and Anya Hindmarch leather handbags. 5 Main St., Hingham, MA crossingmain.com.
Vox Populi
In this den of preppy testosterone, the open floor plan encourages circulating (the better to scope prospects), the pop soundtrack doesn't drown out conversation (the better to initiate small talk), and the martini menu is 20 varieties long (the better to loosen your inhibitions). 755 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2116, voxboston.com.
Shubie's
Planning a gourmet summer picnic? Head to Shubie's and shop for crème fraîche, mountain Gorgonzola, and handcrafted baguettes, as well as salmon steaks and rosemary lamb chops. Its wine store has bottles from around the globe (and free Friday tastings). Pack up the cooler and enjoy. 16 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, MA shubies.com.
Blue Dry Goods
The menswear shop of your yacht-club dreams exists in Concord Center (naturally), where you’ll find all the gear necessary for a Nantucket weekend or a day on the links—from little boys’ blazers to cuff links to a massive selection of Vineyard Vines pants and coats. 16 Walden St., Concord, MA 01742, bluedrygoods.com.
Sekali
Whenever Sekali announces preorders on Instagram, the food sells out faster than plane tickets for post-vaccine vacations. Why? Because Borneo-born chef Derrick Teh’s transportive, modern Malaysian-inspired recipes are world-class — from the jars of sweet and creamy coconut-milk jam he home-delivered during the pandemic to the plates of richly spiced short-rib rendang available for pickup during his restaurant pop-ups. He doesn’t have his own brick-and-mortar (yet!), but with talent like this, he’ll go far no matter what the future holds. instagram.com/sekaliboston.
The Rooftop Pool at the Colonnade Hotel
Preen under the sunlit umbrellas, lounge with an icy, rum-laced banana mama, and watch the Portofino-meets-Prudential scene unfold. The Colonnade's rooftop pool itself may not be much bigger than your average backyard version, but its entertainment factor is larger than life. Besides, where else can city dwellers count Speedos, nosh on croque monsieur, and watch as a gigantic steel plank is hoisted to the top of an abutting building site—all while floating on their backs? Be warned: Sybaritic city escapes don't come cheap. Nonmembers pay a $22 entrance fee ($27 on Fridays). 120 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA colonnadehotel.com/roof_top_pool.