The Inn at Hastings Park
The charming Inn at Hastings Park, in Lexington. / Photo provided by the Inn at Hastings Park Spanning three lovingly restored 19th-century buildings, this Relais & Châteaux property is so New England it hurts, right down to the prime location next to Lexington’s Battle Green. That means you’ll find a proper front porch for sipping afternoon tea, fireplaced rooms with throw blankets loomed in Maine, and a red, white, and blue color scheme complete with quilted American flags on the walls. Thanks to Top Chef alum Stacy Cogswell, though, the menu at house restaurant Artistry on the Green is thoroughly modern (see: lamb loin with pistachio pesto and mussels with spring-garlic-and-almond broth). 2027 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, innathastingspark.com.
Drinkwater’s
Chinos have their charm, but when the occasion calls for something dignified, Dapper Dans make a beeline to Drinkwater’s. Owner Gary Drinkwater, formerly of Louis Boston and Stonestreet’s, presides over a small but expertly curated collection of modern classics: made-to-measure suits from Samuelsohn, custom button-downs from Individualized Shirts, and footwear from legendary French cordonnier Paraboot. Correction, June 28, 2016, 4:30 p.m.: This post has been updated to reflect that Drinkwater's carries custom button-downs from Individualized Shirts, not custom shirts from Engineered Garments. We regret the error. 2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140, drinkwaterscambridge.com.
Bliss Home
If happiness is platinum-rimmed white porcelain from northern Italy, then joy is a set of four ultrasuede coasters in seven different color combinations. Together, they represent the half-modern, half-classic nature of Bliss, a home-goods emporium that incorporates everything from chaise longues (made in Milan) to stainless steel—lined doggy bowls. Bliss earns the nod for best bridal registry not only because of the unusual and international flavor of its stock, but also for its accommodating employees, who are more than happy to educate the bride (and clueless grooms) about the difference between Waterford and Wedgwood. 121 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Bambini Design
Just because you're bringing home a bambino doesn't mean you have to turn the place into a romper room. This modern furniture store offers colorful French and Italian items that can make a nursery seem as hip as a South End loft. The goods aren't cheap, but they're long-lasting, and many pieces are designed to grow along with your kids. The DucDuc Dylan set, for example, begins as a crib and changing table, transforms into a toddler bed and dresser, and ends up a coffee table and bar your little nipper can take off to college. 82 Boylston St., Brookline, MA .
Drink
The previous generation (Eastern Standard, the sadly defunct B-Side Lounge) may have planted the seeds for a cocktail revival, but Fort Point newcomer Drink—with its house-made liqueurs and garnishes, mid-bar herb garden, and bespoke ice cubes—presents the modern imbiber's paradise in full flower. The brilliantly designed winding bar hides the bottles and puts the bartenders front and center as they work off of their imagination, rather than preconceived menus. Everything from the custom drinks to the linen-and-mini-water-glass setup at each seat is meant to focus the patron's attention on the matter at hand: the serious art of cocktail making. 348 Congress St., Boston, MA 2210, drinkfortpoint.com.
Martha's Stone Soup
Fans of time travel should start peering out the car window halfway down the dirt road to this 18th-century tavern. Upon entering, keep eyes low and to the right (avoiding the buzzkill modern kitchen), and sit at one of the communal tables facing the weathered walls. Exquisitely done cassoulet and pan-roasted seafood perpetuate the historic vibe—if you can ignore the nouvelle complexity of the sauces—while riffs on Asian cuisine tempt those diners keeping it current. The emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, of course, transcends both eras. 517 Old Sandwich Rd., Plymouth, MA 2360, .
Olivia Rose Children's Boutique
Scientists theorize that cute babies have had an evolutional leg up, as our Stone Age ancestors were less likely to abandon them. Modern-day parents are obviously far more civilized—but all the same, one could argue that Olivia Rose owner Gloria Peotrowski does give her tiny customers an edge. Her racks of darling yet functional clothing and accessories—including tees from California brand Le Top, colorful leggings by Mulberribush, and jumpers by Sweet Potatoes (tagged with product names like 'You're My Pumpkin Pie')—make their wearers so adorable, they'll be able to get away with anything. 1945 Ocean St., Marshfield, MA 2050, oliviarosechildrensboutique.com.
L. J. Peretti Co.
This shockingly well-stocked tobacconist is less smoke shop than historic landmark. Family operated since 1870, it's been at its Park Square location since 1938, when customers including Bing Crosby and Prime Minister Ramsey McDonald bought their tobacco here. The store hasn't changed much since then, and, with its Old World clutter, it's a treasure haven from both modernity and draconian new smoking bans. In addition to a voluminous arsenal of cigars, the Peretti family sells humidors, house-blended pipe tobacco, and hand-carved pipes. 2 1/2 Park Square, Boston, MA ljperetti.com.
The Grolier Poetry Book Shop
Founded in 1927, the Grolier is the only establishment of its kind in the nation—and probably the world: a bookstore devoted to poetry, and nothing but poetry. Its cramped interior is stacked floor to ceiling with dusty tomes by English and American poets, Celtic poets, Carribean, African, and Latin American poets, Cowboy poets, ancient Greek and Roman poets, modern European poets in translation, Nobel Laureates, and virtual unknowns. Any poetry that exists on the page also has its place on the Grolier's hallowed shelves. For the past 40 years, Louisa Solano, proprietor and matron saint, has heroically and singlehandedly kept this phenomenon alive, for which poetry everywhere (the few, the proud) salute her. 6 Plympton St., Cambridge, MA .
Le Soir
Sophisticated city dining has hit Newton—hard—in the form of this beautiful bistro. Chef-owner and Ritz-Carlton Dining Room alumnus Mark Allen has nailed everything modern French eating ought to be; his menu is refined (minus any stuffiness) and delicious (minus any heaviness). Diners are pampered from the time they walk in the door, as the friendly staff takes coats and hands over drinks almost simultaneously. All that, and we haven't even mentioned the enchanting, sumptuous dishes: scallops seared and paired with cucumber-potato purée, lobster and fennel profiteroles, and pan-roasted monkfish so rich it could pass for dessert. 51 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA .
9Tailors
Even the most fashion-unconscious of men understand that an ill-fitting suit is a no-no on your big day. Thankfully, this custom-suiting company has the guys covered. The 9Tailors team takes a modern approach to the customization process without scrimping on Old World craftsmanship: The first consultation, for example, takes place over cocktails at the studio’s in-house bar, where you can choose from endless fabric and style options. And for brides who wish to forgo a traditional gown, the team also designs beautiful bespoke suits for the female form. 132 Lincoln St., Ste. 1L, Boston, MA 02111, 9tailors.com.
Museum of Fine Arts
Photograph by Alex Lau We love underdogs, but lately the MFA has reminded us why it’s the establishment. It has earned its bona fides with shows of trippy hippie fashion, action-packed samurai armor, John Singer Sargent watercolors, and a thematic exploration of the color pink. Its of-the-moment survey of photographs taken by women from Iran and the rest of the Arab world was proof that the august institution does new well, too. After eye-popping 19th-century quilts and a sampler of that sensitive Baroque scoundrel Caravaggio this spring, the Magna Carta, which paved the way for modern democracy, arrived on July 2. The underdogs might wanna get a move on. 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2115, mfa.org.
First Aid Beauty
Newton-based Lilli Gordon has serious experience in the beauty biz: She worked for brands like Fresh and Cross before launching First Aid Beauty, her own line of fragrance and paraben-free products for sensitive, aging, and problem skin. FAB debuted late last year and quickly made it onto Sephora's bestseller list. The concept is simple but appealing: The line updates drugstore classics like Cetaphil and Aquaphor with more-modern offerings, not to mention prettier packaging. Eucalyptus oil, colloidal oatmeal, and shea butter, for example, power FAB's Ultra Repair Cream, a must-have among formerly flaky product junkies. firstaidbeauty.com.
Circle Furniture
Despite the relentless country-cute styling of the showroom floor, for every table, bed, and chair on display there are at least 20 customizable options, making this strip mall-friendly mini chain a surprise winner almost by dint of choice alone. Because most pieces are made to order (in small workshops right here in New England), it's a breeze to swap out cherry for walnut, trade traditionally styled molding for up-to-the-minute details, and get that classic chair upholstered in a brashly modern fabric. And while the prices are right, the quality is even better, with rock-solid bookcases and ottomans begging for years of use. 199 Alewife Brook Pkwy, Cambridge, MA 2138, circlefurniture.com.
Audubon Circle
Done up in modern-looking wood panels and slate surfaces, this Kenmore Square favorite exudes a cool, relaxed air—even on a recent game-night visit (and despite its general proximity to BU hordes). Created by the pros who went on to open pizza specialist Cambridge 1 and cheeky pub Tory Row, it's an ideal meet-up for friends seeking a weeknight fix of cold microbrews and juicy Kobe hot dogs, or stellar grilled hanger steak and a reasonably priced bottle of vino on a quiet, early Saturday evening. 838 Beacon St., Boston, MA 2115, audubocircle.com.