Publick House
Several craft-beer haunts opened this year, but our hops-loving hearts still belong to the Publick House. Draft selections in the triple digits and a phone-book-thick menu don't always make a great beer bar, so we especially appreciate its carefully curated draft and bottle list. The amiable staff of beer experts, excellent food, and dark, oaky ambiance seal the deal. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02445, thepublickhousebeerbar.com.
Cambridge Antique Market
EBay may be the fat boy in the collectibles canoe these days, but until they invent virtual fondling, online bidding can't substitute for actually handling the goods and dickering with the dealer. The 150-plus dealers at Cambridge Antique Market make it the most diverse emporium of old stuff around. China, toys, dolls, and books spill out on the shelves. There's jewelry, watches, and silver flatware under glass. Imagine the attics of an entire neighborhood gathered in a single building. Who knows what treasures lurk on those five floors? 201 Monsignor O'Brien Highway, Cambridge, MA marketantique.com/cambridg.htm.
Newbury Comics
The Newbury Street flagship of this legendary local chain is stocking less music (and more knickknacks and novelty books) these days, and the fact that it constantly repositions its racks can make for a genuine hunting expedition. Yet it still manages to best other record stores with a roster of indie rock, imports, world music, and 20th-century classical that's unparalleled both here and in many other cities. 332 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2115, newburycomics.com.
Gentle Giant
It is worth the hassle of moving simply for the pleasure of employing perennial winners Gentle Giant. The entire process unfolds like a dream: Book the move with a phone call and watch as the exceedingly polite, good-humored movers show up on time, load your belongings into the truck with astonishing grace and speed, and unload them—in their proper places—into your new home. Yes, they're more expensive than other movers, but they're worth it. 29 Harding Street, Somerville, MA gentlegiant.com.
Bostonian Society Museum Shop
This store sells tasteful tchotchkes with a local theme, including throws, tea sets, games, prints, calendars, and books about Boston, many by its sons and daughters. It also benefits the city's unsung (and generally unknown) statehouse. And if you don't see something you like here, you have all the rest of Faneuil Hall before you. Faneuil Hall, Boston, MA .
Newbury Tailoring Company
When the Rivas brothers relocated down the street to 91 Newbury, their patrons followed. Their tailoring team can take in or let out (not that any of your clothes ever need that) whatever you put in their deft hands, from dandy Etro suits to a pair of Sacred Blues—and they'll even keep the much coveted original hem. As the waiting area's armoire overflowing with comic book action figures suggests, when holding a needle and thread, these guys have unlimited superpowers. 91 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Do Re Mi Karaoke
They haven't upped their prices a penny since opening 13 years ago. Fees may be retro, but the song library stays current with Lady Gaga and other hit-listers, while the studio's 19 private suites, which fit up to 30 guests, feature pleather couches, flat-screen TVs, and sound-sensitive lighting. It's best to book two weeks ahead for prime times—and to go during the summer to avoid college crowds. 442 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 2134, doremikaraoke.net.
Winston Flowers & Garden
Yard work becomes a whole lot more like play time after a visit to Winston's sprawling garden center, where three greenhouses shelter rows of ferns, ficus, and other hard-to-kill plants. Seeds, fertilizers, potted flora, and walls and walls of reference books make for a retail experience sure to satisfy wizened landscaping pros, as well as novice green thumbs seeking advice on how to nurture their seedlings into window boxes that will be the envy of the neighborhood. 11 Florence St., Newton, MA winstonflowers.com.
Lambert's Cove Inn & Restaurant
If you want a real island retreat, head to the north side, take a quiet road through the woods, and book yourself into a room at the idyllic Lambert's Cove Inn. You can stay in either the main building—a converted 1790 farmhouse decked out in English-country period style—or the carriage house, where many rooms have their own private porch. 90 Manaquayak Rd., Vineyard Haven, MA lambertscoveinn.com.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Whether an intimate affair for a few dozen revelers or a soiree with a few hundred, the JFK Library and Museum’s sun-filled Pavilion is a blank slate for the most elegant of ceremonies and cocktail hours. And no wonder: Its nine stories of soaring glass walls highlighting panoramic ocean views is the work of the iconic architect I.M. Pei. After the vows, guests can head over to the reception steps away in the equally-as-impressive Smith Hall. Now that sounds like a wedding for the history books. Columbia Point, Boston, MA 02125, jfklibrary.org.
Margot Douaihy
For character invention alone, Douaihy wins this one. With her 2023 debut novel Scorched Grace, the soon-to-be assistant professor at Emerson College has blessed the world with Sister Holiday, a heavily tattooed, chain-smoking, punk-rock nun who also happens to be a capable amateur detective. In other words, Holiday is practically begging for a streaming series — and she just might get one: The book, the first from Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn’s new Zando Projects imprint, has already been optioned. margotdouaihy.com.
Kitchen, Etc.
Pressure cookers, pasta machines, potholders, plates—everything you might need in the kitchen can be found at this cook's paradise, plus lots of cooking demos and classes. 550 Providence Highway, Route 1, Dedham, MA .
Nightshade Noodle Bar
Be warned: You’ll probably want to come back again (and again) to get a taste of everything in chef Rachel Miller’s repertoire at this multi-time James Beard–nominated spot in Lynn. After tucking into up to 21 courses of expertly crafted bites — from pork-floss sticky rice to Marblehead sea-urchin brûlée and Portuguese goose barnacles — you’ll leave stuffed, awed, and actively booking your next reservation. 73 Exchange St., Lynn, MA 01901, nightshadenoodlebar.com.
Big Night Live
With multiple floors for dancing and drinking — including 26 VIP tables — this state-of-the-art venue books megawatt DJs, meme-inspired parties (see: June’s “ShrekRave”), and electronic-music pioneers. Add the fact that some big names have been known to stop by as guests, too, and you have the makings for a very Big Night. 110 Causeway St., Boston, MA 02114, bignightlive.com.
Mark Spooner Photography
In a year when many weddings were postponed or canceled, Mark Spooner stayed booked and optimistic throughout. His sunny outlook manifests in his photographs, which highlight the most tender moments: a push-back of the hair, a touch on the arm, or a joyful glance at loved ones, all captured with a soft atmospheric glow. Another positive: the bevy of helpful resources on his website, invaluable for couples and fellow wedding pros alike. markspoonerphoto.com.