The move of MIT's highly regarded Hayden Gallery into its exquisitely expanded quarters in the new I. M. Pei—designed Albert and Vera List Visual Arts Center, in Cambridge.
Olio
Yes, the industrial-chic look is still in—and no one nails the aesthetic better than Olio, an early-20th-century theater turned 6,000-square-foot event space. 43 Main St., Peabody, MA 01960, oliopeabody.com.
Danuta Rak, Bella Santé
Call her the nail whisperer: Having notched 20 years on Newbury, Rak can tame even the scraggliest, most ill-behaved digits into a groomed and gleaming set. 38 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Bully Boy Tasting Room
Many bars chase that elusive speakeasy vibe. Here, Bully Boy has nailed it effortlessly: An unmarked door reveals a cozy space that doubles as a front-row seat to watch the distillery in action while sipping a luscious Teddie's Peanut Butter Dream. 44 Cedric St., Roxbury, MA 02119, bullyboydistillers.com.
Quadrum
"Funky elegance" may seem like an oxymoron, but the keen-eyed buyers at Quadrum nail it. Witness the brilliant pairings: hammered-metal cuffs scattered with diamonds next to Darcy Miro bangles that look like some beautiful thing that crawled straight out of the sea. 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 2467, quadrumgallery.com.
A Pet's Peeve (formerly For Your Paws Only)
This grooming service is no-nonsense and no-frills, but we like it that way. And so do our dogs, who don't balk at returning when we pull into the parking lot. The cheap $7 nail-clipping service can't be beat. 310 Lincoln St. (Route 3A), Hingham, MA .
Adam Berke
Vogue named him one of the "most sought after trainers in America": he has a client list peppered with Boston's beautiful people, and his state-of-the-art gym is more Philippe Starke than YMCA grunge. But don't let appearances deceive you: Berke's a task master who realizes people do not want to be sweating their buns off, doing the same old grunts seven days a week. Gym rats addicted to StairMasters, aerobics, and other such standard pursuits be warned: Berke will have you jumping rope, spinning, and taking part in high-intensity weight training. He will also create an individually tailored diet regime, which can include two glasses of red wine a night. $75/hour. Adam Berke Gym, 1260 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
The Artists Foundation
Director Dan Corrigan does a great job. 110 Broad St., Boston, MA .
The two statues of former mayor James Michael Curley in Dock Square, near Quincy Market. Brilliant touch.
Paul Tucker, professor, University of Massachusetts, Boston
The Jerry McGuire of the local arts scene, Tucker has been showing us the Monet for the last decade, organizing three spectacular exhibitions for the Museum of Fine Arts—and radically enhancing our appreciation of Boston's favorite French Impressionist. Tucker is also an inspiring teacher.
Anything by Blue Potato Installations, a window-display company owned and operated by Kristin Lauer
Lauer picks through junkyards to create the thought-provoking , often humorous window displays at Jasmine and Sola, in Harvard Square, and at North Beach Leather in Copley Place (among other stores). She gets an E for effort and an A for adventurousness.
The Kendall Band chimes
You make the music, and it makes waiting for the train a harmonious experience. Kendall Square T Station, Cambridge, MA .
Art Cliff Diner
It’s the compelling twists on familiar staples that keep the crowds coming to this Vineyard Haven diner on steroids: Biscuits are made with sweet potato, crêpes come loaded with Parmesan, prosciutto, and kale, and crunchy potato pancakes are piled high with Irish bacon and griddled eggs. 39 Beach Rd., Vineyard Haven, MA 2568, .
Brookline Arts Center
Brookline Arts Center remains one of the most forward-thinking schools around. Popular offerings include comic-book classes for grade schoolers, a jewelry course for teens, and anything taught by engaging studio coordinator Léonie Little-Lex. Before and during longer classes, kids can shake their sillies on the adjacent playground. 86 Monmouth St., Brookline, MA 02446, brooklineartscenter.com.