Eye & Eye Optics
It’s not just your vision that’ll be sharp after shopping for specs here. The gem of a store carries a wide variety of frames — including brands like Versace and Tom Ford — to suit whatever look you’re going for, and at almost any price point, from $60 to $1,000. The father-and-son team behind the counter, meanwhile, are so easy to work with, you might just be happy you need glasses. 2271 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA 02124, eyeandeyeoptics.com.
Pho Hoa
Photo by Brian Samuels That its nook in Dot was recently designated the state’s “Little Saigon” by the Massachusetts Cultural Council is a testament to the rich roots of Pho Hoa. The path to becoming Boston’s best neighborhood for Vietnamese dining was paved by the ’92-opened potager, whose superb noodle soups and other specialties were recently joined by menu items from its former neighbor, Ánh Hóng, to ensure the latter spot’s seven-course beef and fish feast never fades. 1370 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02122, phohoarestaurant.com.
Mirbeau Inn & Spa
Hotels should be more than just a place to rest your head. That was the mindset, at least, of Mirbeau founders Linda and Gary Dower, who opened this luxury retreat by the water in Plymouth nearly a decade ago. Whether you’re looking for a weekend away or a weeklong vacation from reality, you’ll find plenty to do here. Relaxing with a candlelight yoga class? Check. Unwinding in a mineral bath? Sign us up. Sipping on a glass of the new hotel-branded vino at the wine bar? Every single night. 35 Landmark Dr., Plymouth, MA 02360, plymouth.mirbeau.com.
Native
Looking for unique pieces you won’t find elsewhere on the South Shore (or the rest of the country, for that matter)? Marie Flaherty travels the world to find them, so you don’t have to, working directly with co-ops, fair-trade organizations, and individual artists to source one-of-a-kind Indigenous, tribal, and folk art. Enter her store and be wowed by the color and design of everything from a South African basket woven with rainbow-colored wires to maximalist earrings and necklaces from Ecuador. 51 Front St., Scituate, MA 02066, shopnativeonline.com.
Community Bike Shop
Whether you’re looking for a commuter bike or a rugged ride for your next off-road adventure, this family-owned neighborhood favorite has the goods (including top-notch Specialized and Fuji bikes and a unique assortment of used bikes). And with a full-service workshop that excels at tune-ups, overhauls, and brake services — not to mention a remarkable range of accessories — you’ll never have to pedal elsewhere. 496 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02116, communitybicycle.com.
Haven Beauty
It’s not just our hair that has grown great lengths since Haven won Best Salon west of Boston last year: The team has since added a stylist, massage therapist, and two aestheticians — with plans to keep expanding. Needless to say, your options for a day of pampering are plentiful at this holistic salon, but we’ll be back for the refreshing cut and meticulously painted balayage that left our locks looking like a work of art. 14 Church St., Hopkinton, MA 01748, havenbeautyma.com.
Cumar
A native of Verona, Italy, Cumar owner Angelo “Ivo” Cubi knows a thing or two about beautiful marble and stone. His family has been in the business for generations, and when he moved to the U.S. and founded Cumar in the 1990s, he brought his expertise with him. Today, homeowners looking for gorgeous granite, marble, and quartzite (often sourced by Cubi himself) find the highest-quality stone here, plus the know-how of the company’s designers and installers. 69 Norman St., Ste. 4, Everett, MA 02149, cumar.com.
Chuck Bass, Patrice Vinci Salon
Why do we love Chuck Bass? Let us count the reasons. For one, he comes in as early as 6 a.m. to accommodate busy schedules. Two, he works quickly and quietly. Most important, his talent for creating gorgeous textural haircuts — including on curly hair — is unmatched, having honed his craft throughout Boston and New York City. Whether you’re looking for a big makeover or a subtle upgrade to your signature style, you’ll always leave his chair happy. 91 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, chuckbass.com.
Faces by Robin
If there’s ever a time to put your best face forward, it’s your wedding day. With more than 15 years of beauty-industry experience, Robin Liebowitz specializes in creating flawless looks for brides and their bridesmaids that reflect each person’s individual personality and style. Whether you opt to go au naturel or glam, Liebowitz will ensure you’re picture-perfect in every shot throughout the event, day or night (and day into night). N/A, facesbyrobin.com.
Matt Damon in the Back Bay
Greater Boston’s favorite sons, Matt Damon and Casey Affleck, made quite a scene in late March while in town shooting their upcoming Apple TV+ heist flick, The Instigators. Filming took over North End landmark Bova’s Bakery and the firehouse on Hanover Street, with crowds of oglers waiting to catch a glimpse of Massachusetts royalty. It was outside the Public Garden, though, that two Boston staffers randomly happened upon Damon — clad in a Boston Fire Department hat, naturally — and snagged a requisite selfie.
Bloomingdale's
When it comes to finding the perfect bathing suit, the only solution is to head to a store with the most shapes, styles, and sizes known to humankind. All hail Bloomingdale’s, which devotes a healthy chunk of its Chestnut Hill real estate to bikinis, tankinis, and one-pieces. For Bond girls, there’s Agua Bendita and Ramy Brook. For the modest among us,there are classy options from Polo Ralph Lauren and La Blanca. Come on in; the water’s fine! 225 Boylston St. , Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, .
Chris Donovan
Courtesy photo of shoe What’s the definition of power? A pair of killer heels, that’s what. Chris Donovan knows this. It’s why the former telephone repairman used to spend his off-hours sketching superhero footwear, and why he ultimately became a shoe designer. Now Donovan enlists talented artisans from Morocco to France to make his designs by hand. We’re particularly fond of the “Alpha” ankle boots, with heels sculpted like Batman’s Bata-rang, and bright orange “Endeavor” sandals. chrisdonovanfootwear.com.
William Browne & Sons
Another 50th anniversary worth celebrating this year? That of this family-owned tailoring business, which the late William Browne first opened in Mattapan in 1974. Now his oldest son, Paul, is carrying on his legacy, deftly altering suit jackets and pants, dresses, and anything else that needs a little nip and tuck — with very little turnaround time to boot. 862 Morton St., Mattapan, MA 02126, facebook.com/usewhatisaround.
Sand Bar
After the sun sets over West Dennis Beach, trot over to the Sand Bar, a weathered-gray shack situated on the edge of the marsh, to cool off with a signature frozen Painkiller or a pint of locally brewed Devil’s Purse beer on the low-key patio. Looking for a little more action? Come back Wednesday through Sunday night to dance it out with a rotating roster of bands. sandbarwestdennisbeach.com.
Ripped by Jules
Jules Feldman Batchelor draws legions of followers—notably fellow moms yearning to regain their physiques—to her West Acton studio with high-intensity boot camps, Tread Tabata, nutritional counseling, and a motto: Stronger than Yesterday. Despite her otherworldly stamina and Olympian’s physique, Batchelor is relatable, too: Having overcome bulimia, she brings empathy and perspective to her classes and training videos. rippedbyjules.com.