Pearl Art & Craft Supplies
Bins of brushes, passels of paints, plus everything from buttons and beads to hand-printed papers and zinc plates for etching fill the two floors of this huge art-supply supermarket. And all art books are at least 20 percent off. 579 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Brimfield Flea Market
Early American, Victorian, and Art Deco furnishings, oak, wicker, and rattan pieces, arcade and slot machines, antique books, dolls, china, jewelry, glassware, oriental rugs, silverware, telephones . . . Make a junket out to Brimfield September 15-16 for the last of three fairs this season. MA
K-9 Corner
Is your dog more accustomed to play dates than crates? Then this is the overnight care for him, with three yards for larger dogs, and three areas indoors for smaller pooches and puppies. Boarding is $25 per night, day care is $20. Call well in advance of holidays and school vacations, which book up fast. 204 Bridge St., Weymouth, MA .
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
You'll want to be among the first couples to experience this striking I.M. Pei-designed venue, which just this year announced it would begin booking weddings in its signature soaring glass pavilion and equally picturesque harborside ballroom. Columbia Point, Boston, MA 02125, jfklibrary.org.
Madeleine's Daughter
For some brides, saying “yes” to the dress can be almost as challenging as meeting the ideal mate, yet when you head to Madeleine’s Daughter, finding the perfect fit is practically guaranteed. Celebrated for its impressive collection of gowns that range from the modern designs of Enzoani to timeless favorites such as Mikaella, this bridal shop offers hands-on, personal guidance from a knowledgeable team. All you have to do is book an appointment and then get ready for the big reveal. 775 Lafayette Rd, Portsmouth , NH 03801, madeleinesdaughter.com.
Boston Harbor Hotel
If you’re the type who doesn’t think it’s a getaway unless you’re gazing at the water, book a room at this luxe Rowes Wharf hotel. When you’re not soaking up the glorious harbor views from your room or suite, you can head down to the newly reimagined health club, scheduled to open mid-summer. 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, bostonharborhotel.com.
Brookline Booksmith
In an era when you can access millions of titles on a single screen, the Booksmith still draws throngs of hungry readers. They come for the lovingly selected staff picks. The A-list author events. The Used Book Cellar, with more than 25,000 titles to choose from. In other words, they come for the things the Internet can’t give us: a sense of IRL community (the handmade journals aren’t too shabby, either). 279 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 02446, brooklinebooksmith.com.
Urban Grape
Hadley and TJ Douglas, Urban Grape’s married co-owners, developed an innovative method of organizing wine—and then wrote the (literal) book on it. Dubbed the “Progressive Scale,” their novice-accessible, demystifying approach organizes the shop’s myriad bottles by body (light to heavy) rather than region or variety, making it easy to find a favorite robust, biodynamic rosé; or rich, regal red. 303 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA theurbangrape.com.
WaterSpot
By the time you're ready to pick a vanity, medicine cabinet, and towel warmer for your new washroom, it can feel like you're drowning in options. This expansive Natick outpost, however, makes choosing easy, thanks to knowledgeable consultants who take the time—up to two hours a day, if needed—to discuss all of the options that fit your budget and aesthetic. (Call in advance to book an appointment.) (Multiple locations.) 575 Worcester St., Natick, MA 01760, water-spot.com.
Rebecca Pacheco
Photograph by Jonathan Pozniak Rebecca Pacheco, a South End resident whose first book, Do Your Om Thing, was recently published by HarperCollins, teaches her brand of traditional yoga mixed with modern philosophy at Equinox and in private practice. (She also posts videos on runnersworld.com and on her popular blog, Om Gal.) Her classes are fun and perfect for all experience levels, with absolutely zero judgment. rebeccapacheco.com.
George Motta, Pino Bros Ink
You may recognize George Motta from an episode of Wahlburgers, during which he bestowed on Mark Wahlberg's friend Nacho a permanent portrait of Marky Mark himself. Even if you're after some decidedly subtler ink (and we hope you are), Motta's up for the task. Just be sure to book early, as the artist's reputation for crafting beautiful, incredibly realistic images has earned him a long waiting list for appointments. 1100 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02139, pinobrosink.com.
Long Haul Films
Don't leave your wedding video up to Uncle Dave and his shaky hands. Book Long Haul Films to produce a Hollywood-worthy trailer (three to five minutes) and a longer cut that you'll actually want to watch year after year. In total, Tom and Melissa Dowler and their shooters will unobtrusively capture eight to 10 hours of footage per wedding, documenting every fleeting tear, toast, and dance move. 107 South St., Boston, MA longhaulfilms.com.
Hi-Rise Bread Company
Baked right on the premises with organic whole wheat, rye, and corn flours, Hi-Rise bread does a body good. In addition to more than a dozen breads offered on the menu, different specialty breads take turns haring the spotlight as bread of the day, seven days a week. The cell-phone-free environment, which is strictly enforced, ensures a wondrous, relaxing visit. Ingredients necessary: a good book, a cup of java, and a slice of some cinnamon-raising bread. 208 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA hi-risebread.com.
Michael Albor, The Loft
When you're clearly a brunette—by coloring, heritage, and attitude—why do so many Boston stylists pressure you to go blond? The one man who gets brown in this town is Michael Albor. Wielding all the luscious shades (burnt umber, auburn, bronze), he creates a vibrant palette without a hint of brass. Unfortunately, the secret is out, so if you're fighting the clock to cover grays, book way (way) in advance. 253 Newbury St., Boston, MA theloftsalonanddayspa.com.
Trefler's
It's unfair to call the artists at Trefler's mere restorers. In fact, they are museum-level art conservators who perform miracles on ancient porcelain, paintings, antique furnishings, gilded frames, and books. These artisans will rescue your First Period blanket chest from the ravages of time, or save you much heartacheif a careless elbow sends your Ming dynasty vase tumbling. 29 Tower Rd., Newton, MA trefler.com.