The Porches Inn
Fleeing the city seems an idyllic notion, until you find yourself bunking down among doily-strewn antiques and overpowering potpourri at a B&B advertising bucolic "charm." A rare exception is the Porches Inn, set in a row of renovated multi-colored Victorians in North Adams. Its 50-odd rooms are done up in modern décor and feature high-speed Internet and smart service. Out back are a pool and sauna; out front, the stylish Mass MoCA complex. Those still craving a little countrification can kick back in one of the dozens of rocking chairs that sit on the inn's verandas. 231 River St., North Adams, MA 2147, porches.com.
Mepal Spa
If you're the type who balks at micromanaged vacations, you'll find nirvana at this secluded country sanctuary, where there's nary an itinerary in sight. With its fitness studio, beauty salon, and soundproof treatment rooms, Mepal's modern 6,000-square-foot spa stands in splendid contrast to the main turreted manor, which was built in 1907. A private Pilates class followed by a hot stone massage, manicure, and soak in the peaceful outdoor Jacuzzi will leave you so relaxed, you won't even be able to think about sightseeing. 100 Stone Manor Dr., New Marlborough, MA 1230, mepalspa.com.
Frank Xavier, L'Elegance Art et Coiffure
He had it all—his own salon on Newbury Street, even his own line of hair-care products (which are still on offer here)—and gave it up so he could spend more time doing what he loves best: cutting hair. And cut hair Xavier does, with an infallible eye, a practiced wrist, and an obvious love for his craft. He's an expert at deciphering the confused notions men sometimes offer up when asked what they want and transforming them into the most modern of styles without being condescending. Even better, while he snips, he entertains with tales gleaned from 30 years on Newbury. 105 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Lanoue Fine Art
Local masterpiece-mongers tend to deal in one of two extremes: jejune still-lifes geared to designers who spruce up Back Bay sunrooms, or sprawling esoterica that cause poseurs to start lusting for home-display space. Hewing a noble path between pear paintings and "environments," Lanoue focuses on established artists who tackle traditional genres—portraits, landscapes, even floral studies—with modern flair. Though varied in style, the monthly exhibitions all balance craftsmanship with conceptual edge, requiring neither advanced degree nor audio tour to blow you away. 125 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, lanouefineart.com.
Ceia Kitchen and Bar
If the rustic-meets-modern, exposed-brick décor doesn't get you, there's always the savory Gorgonzola-stuffed olives. If those don't do the trick, a bite of chef Billy Brandolini's citrus-poached halibut with squash blossoms just might. Still not feeling amorous? Trade a few spoonfuls of the sweet, crackly banana brûlée. And if even that doesn't cut it, the superb wine list will finish the job, leaving you head over heels for the team that opened this chic new Newburyport boîte (if not for the person sitting across the table). 38 State St., Newburyport, MA 1950, ceiakitchenbar.com.
L. J. Peretti Company
The war against smokers has been waged with shock (by kicking them out of bars) and awe (by taxing tobacco to the moon). Beleaguered refugees take cover in Peretti's, a family business for more than 130 years and a proud throwback to a more tolerant age. Scorning the eager hygiene of modern smoke shops, Peretti's is a glorious scramble, less a store than a history lesson. The shelves groan under the weight of thousands of handmade pipes, cigars from Avo to Zino, and more handblended tobacco mixes than Bing Crosby could have puffed in a lifetime. (He was a patron.) If it exists, it's probably here, and the gentlemanly staff will offer you a clip and a light. 2 1/2 Park Sq., Boston, MA ljperetti.com.
Waterworks
Your bathroom never had it so good. Every inch of Waterworks is dedicated to the senses, and every item—each perfectly placed and folded—is luxury incarnate. The sweet aroma of French soaps welcomes you first. Then come bath towels so soft, you'll think you're back in the womb. Next up: gleaming shower fixtures, faucets, tiles, and tubs—in as many classic styles as newfangled modern designs. The staff is informed and charming, and if you absolutely must have those frosted glass tiles by the weekend, many of the items are available for delivery within eight days of the date of purchase. 103 Newbury St., Boston, MA waterworks.com.
Museum of Fine Arts
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.
Stella
Three years after its feverishly hyped opening, the South End's Stella draws a dinner crowd that's more Newton-Wellesley than bright-young-thing. After those diners have retreated is when the insider action at this stylish modern Italian restaurant gets under way. Until 1:30 a.m., Boston's movers and shakers perch on the tall bar chairs and inhale mushroom and white truffle oil thin-crust pizza and fantastic (and only available late-night) burgers—welcome tidbits for those who would otherwise be scarfing greasy New York-style slices on their stumbles home. 1525 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, bostonstella.com.
Nicholas Penna Jr., Salon Capri
Nicholas Penna's cuts are like Zac Posen's best dresses: sharp but with great movement, clasically shaped, flattering, and tinged with modern touches. And like Posen, Penna is full of promise. The 30-year-old has already won the Guillaume Award in Berlin for his styling (putting him in the company of such names as Vidal Sassoon and Anna Sui), and he snips, razors, clevates, and layers like a rock star. Even so, Penna is one of the most laid-back personalities in the Boston style world, so you can count on a refreshing lack of attitude, and a heartening plenitude of talent. 31 Lincoln St., Newton, MA saloncapri.com.
Mida Newton
If you don’t want your pizza crust charred at Mida’s Newtonville outpost, you’ll have to request it. And that’s just the way it should be at this Italian-inspired hot spot, which churns out New Haven–style pies that are well done in more ways than one. Also well done? Chef Douglass Williams’s homemade pastas (think: mushroom pappardelle and tagliatelle with clams) and the light-and-lovely cocktail list, which plays well with a fresh, modern ambiance perfect for everything from weekend brunch with friends to date nights close to home. 261 Walnut St., Newton, MA 02460, midarestaurant.com.
Designed by Delsie
Requiring serious organization skills, fine-tuned attention to detail, and unbridled creativity when it comes to design, modern-day wedding planning is not for the faint of heart. Yet somehow, Pearl “Delsie” Farquharson — the mastermind behind Boston- and Rhode Island–based Designed by Delsie — makes the whole thing look easy. Past collaborators rave about the expert’s poise under pressure, on-point vendor suggestions, and proactivity, while her smoothly executed (and highly personalized) events at posh venues including the Boston Harbor Hotel speak to her unwavering commitment to her clients’ visions. Consider us impressed. designedbydelsie.com.