Veiled in Motion
Who better to capture your wedding day than a couple of lovebirds themselves? The husband-and-wife team behind Veiled in Motion, Mark and Valery DerHovanessian, incorporate candid glimpses, toast highlights, and breathtaking drone footage to create a film that transports you back to the precious sights and sounds of your big day. Whether you choose New England nuptials or, when it’s safe to travel again, a destination elopement, the Boston-based pros will have you reliving those first married moments with the press of “play.” veiledinmotion.com.
Bloomingdale's
A tough call, but a survey of well-dressed local career women said they liked the range of prices—from moderate to Armani—the stylish merchandise, the well-stocked petite department, the frequent and substantial sales (love that 40 percent off!), the easy parking, and the evening hours. The Mall at Chestnut Hill, 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA .
Gia Ventola
In a dressed-down economy, it's tempting for shop owners to forgo fancy frocks. Gia Ventola, however, is an outlier, stocking a sophisticated assortment of pieces in all ranges of affordability, from $150 dresses by Wink to moderately priced Rolando Santana styles to the Peabody store's own couture looks. giaventola.com.
Men's Den at Dr. Renee Moran Medical Aestheticse
Why should the ladies have all the fun? That’s the thinking, at least, behind this medspa’s new lower-level man cave, which offers relaxing and effective facials, expert body waxing, Brotox (ahem, Botox), and more tailored to the gents. And with unlimited cold brew and sparkling energy drinks on tap in the lounge area, it’s a place you might find yourself lingering long after your treatment is over. 97M Union St., Newton Centre, MA 02459, drmoranmedspa.com.
Harvard Book Store
Miss seeing your favorite writers in living color? The good news is the beloved author talks at this bibliophile’s paradise are still happening as many as five times a week online, now with an added perk—celebrity moderators. Recent pairings include longtime Globe book critic Gail Caldwell discussing her deeply personal memoir with Gloria Steinem, and former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy chatting about his latest book on health with former First Daughter Barbara Bush. 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, harvard.com/index.php?.
Flair Brides Maids
Christine Walber Colon knows bridesmaids play no minor role in pulling off a wedding, so she outfits them accordingly. Her third-floor suite carries the bright hues, comfortable fabrics, and flattering cuts of designers such as Charsa, Lynn Lugo, and Jenny Yoo. There are no wear-it-once sateen selections here—just gracious service and moderate prices. Finally, someone who gives the supporting cast its due. 10 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, flairbridesmaid.com.
The Cottage Chestnut Hill
Hand-stirred swizzles and strong Sazeracs may rule the city, but the western 'burbs are still frothing with pomegranate margaritas. Is that a bad thing? Not if those drinks are served in style, as they are at the new Cottage in Chestnut Hill, a second location of the popular California-inspired Wellesley bistro. While the food keeps the dining room moderately busy, "flirtinis" and fruity infusions lure serious crowds to the bar, giving tennis moms a reason to occasionally strap on the Jimmy Choos. 47 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 2467, cottagechestnuthill.com.
Cantab Lounge
For over 15 years, this Central Square hangout has been giving aspiring musicians their shot at fame (or, at least, a moderate degree of name recognition). Monday is the big night, with high-quality sound and sets that range from blues to folk to a cappella. Presiding over all is host Geoff Bartley, a benevolent presence who keeps the tempo from dragging. 738 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2139, cantab-lounge.com.
The Innovation Trail
Only in Cambridge can you take a scenic 10-minute stroll from the birthplace of a COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna’s headquarters) to a candy factory that supplies the world with Junior Mints. The area’s combined legacy as innovation hub and pedestrian paradise inspired Boston Globe columnist Scott Kirsner and Framingham State professor Robert Krim to connect such points of interest and create the Innovation Trail. Launched in 2022 and spanning from Downtown Crossing to Kendall Square, the walking tour visits more than 20 sites where seismic breakthroughs in science and technology took place. Follow along independently, or book a seasonal guide and prepare to be awed. theinnovationtrail.org.
DKNY
The Queen of Seventh Avenue has expanded her empire to Newbury Street. The diffusion line from Donna Karan finally has a home of its own. The clothing for men and women is a little edgy without being too extreme, has definite street credibility, and is moderately priced. The store carries the entire range of DKNY products, including shoes and accessories. 37 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Pine Cobble Trail
If Williamstown is the pro-totype for a picture-perfect country hamlet, its Pine Cobble Trail is the picture-perfect country hike. The wooded 4-mile ramble tops out at 2,100 feet and offers uninterrupted views of Williamstown, North Adams, and the taller and more touristy Mount Greylock. The moderate climb, steep at times, can be completed in two hours, but why rush? Come in September, and the surrounding hills will be ablaze with orange and gold foliage. Pine Cobble Road, Williamstown. Pine Cobble Road, Williamstown, MA 2167, .
The Beacon Room
Vacationers can play it two ways as they settle into this welcoming, wood-filled space for a midday meal: fuel up for an afternoon of high-impact romping in the sand, or just plain fill up for several hours of indolence under the sun. For the former, there's leaner fare such as grilled chicken on Portuguese muffins and a salad with gorgonzola, walnut, and sun-dried cranberries. For the latter, choose from plus-size portions of clam chowder, crab cakes, fish and chips, and other Cape Cod classics—and enjoy the wistful glances from those sticking to moderation (poor things). 23 West Road, Orleans, MA 2653, beaconroom.com.
Village Veterinary Clinic
Dogs get to sleep in a dormitory-style setting—provided they get along with their peers. And Dr. Jay Jakubowski, "Dr. J." to his devoted fans, is never far away. The only catch: demand for space is high, and veterinary patients have priority for boarding. 223 Boylston St., Brookline Village, MA .
Bauer Wine & Spirits
Here in the Hub, oenophiles generally have two types of stores from which to choose. There's the overly curated boutique, where every bottle warrants its own spotlight and price hike. Then there's the warehouse, where half the inventory seems the result of bargain-driven haggling ('We got an extra pallet of this merlot to get rid of!'), not some connoisseur's strategic sipping. Bauer lands right in the middle, with a store full of attractively organized bottles that are fairly priced yet well chosen. Everything in moderation, people—even when it's a gnarly 2003 Chateau du Tertre Margaux (a recent store promotion) that opens up into a berry-enriched study in liquid gossamer. 330 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2115, bauerwines.com.
The Independent
To those living in eternally up-and-coming Somerville: You may not have solved the public transportation quandary that is Union Square but, boy, are you lucky from a pub-hub perspective. Outfitted in the classy dark-wood stylings of a more upscale joint, the Independent is smartly cleaved into one room for drinkers, one for diners—and manages to do right by both groups. Expect well-executed, moderately priced cuisine, like the béchamel, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan macaroni and cheese, as well as innovative drink offerings (such as the Sub Rosa: campari, lillet rouge, grapefruit-tarragon vodka, and soda water) that tickle more-alcohol-focused palates. 75 Union Sq., Somerville, MA 2143, theindo.com.