Pageo
When that sleek, high-tech DKNY shift dress demands some appropriately modern punctuation, look to Pageo for slender wraparound bracelets, brilliant bezel-set rubies, and lustrous diamond lariats. The low-key staff will brief you on the pedigree of any piece, help you narrow down the options, or simply sit back as you linger over the cases. 843 Beacon St., Newton Centre, MA pageo.com.
Coolidge Corner Theatre
Since 1933, this not-for-profit theater has boasted a diverse schedule of international and independent movies and documentaries. Modern indie films; broadcasts from London's National Theatre and Europe's grand operas; big-screen classics; midnight cult films and sing-alongs; and weekend variety shows for the kids—it's all here in an art deco theater with retro appeal. The Coolidge also keeps a hand in the community by hosting readings, live performances, and film festivals. 290 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2446, coolidge.org.
76 Main
This sleek downtown inn offers rooms done up in stripes and poppy colors by Boston designer Rachel Reider, as well as plenty of modern amenities (iPads, Apple TVs). Your best bet is Room 16 or 17 in the guesthouse, each of which features a patio complete with a fire table and a private entrance from the inn’s pretty courtyard. 76 Main St., Nantucket, MA 2554, 76main.com.
The Harbor View Hotel
With its sweeping vistas of the Edgartown Lighthouse and Chappaquiddick Island, the Harbor View Hotel doesn’t have to try that hard to attract guests. But instead of resting on its scenic laurels, this luxury hotel offers comfortable preppy-modern rooms, over-the-top private cottages, and a swimming pool complete with a cushy new al fresco bar and first-come, first-served fresh-baked doughnuts on Sundays. 131 N. Water St., Edgartown, MA 2539, harbor-view.com.
Flair Bridesmaid Boutique
One of the perks of having lots of friends is being in lots of weddings. The downside? Being in lots of weddings. Flair makes those obligatory bridesmaid's-dress shopping trips something close to fun. The cheerful boutique overflows with modern silhouettes in tasteful shades (really!) and quality fabrics by lines like Jenny Yoo and Coren Moore. And while you still probably won't wear the dress again, Flair's sensible prices make that okay. 129 Newbury St., Boston, MA flairbridesmaid.com.
Northern Spy
New Englanders love to brunch, so it’s a good thing that brunch at Northern Spy — the newest entry from former Loyal Nine chef Marc Sheehan — is an ode to New England, albeit with a modern twist. Come for the hearty braised-beef flatbread with bean-pot onions and smoked bluefish pâté with brown bread, stay for the cozy vibes, courtesy of a sunny brick building with views of the Paul Revere Heritage Site’s sprawling green. 4 Rolling Mill Way, Canton, MA 02021, northernspycanton.com.
LDa Architecture & Interiors
With a broad body of work consisting of residences that exude a range of modern and traditional design sensibilities, LDa understands the very essence of balance. With a high regard for both traditional New England vernacular and contemporary design, the long-established firm, which has a new headquarters in the South End and an outpost in Osterville, is as adept at designing expansive estates from scratch as it is fine-tuning small renovations and restoring historical properties. 500 Harrison Ave., Ste. 3F, Boston, MA 02118, lda-architects.com.
Dr. Mark Russo
Drawing on acupuncture and other Far Eastern practices, this vet's approach may seem unorthodox. But Kitty no longer pees on our floors—and who can argue with that? Kingston Animal Hospital, 192 Main St., Kingston, MA .
Madeleine's Daughter
For some brides, saying “yes” to the dress can be almost as challenging as meeting the ideal mate, yet when you head to Madeleine’s Daughter, finding the perfect fit is practically guaranteed. Celebrated for its impressive collection of gowns that range from the modern designs of Enzoani to timeless favorites such as Mikaella, this bridal shop offers hands-on, personal guidance from a knowledgeable team. All you have to do is book an appointment and then get ready for the big reveal. 775 Lafayette Rd, Portsmouth , NH 03801, madeleinesdaughter.com.
GemBox
The finely curated selection of pieces in Sharon Roop’s Newbury Street atelier is all about the rare and hard-to-find, including modern and estate pieces featuring radiant, precious gems in rainbow hues. The studio where Roop welcomes her clients is almost as beautiful as the jewels she sources for them: comfortably luxurious, it was designed by her husband, well-known interior designer Frank Roop, and features a gorgeous blown-glass chandelier that sparkles from the ceiling like a piece of jewelry. 38 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116, gemboxboston.com.
Room & Board
Once you start purchasing Room & Board’s modern, artisan-crafted furniture, you’ll never shop anywhere else again. The brand’s pieces stand the test of time in both style and durability: Think a sculptural coffee table that holds up to bumps and beverage stains, a plush sectional that can host years of movie nights, or a storage-equipped bed frame that you can pass on to the next generation. 375 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, roomandboard.com.
Gustazo
Break free from your pizza rut with help from this teensy Cuban jewel in Waltham, which combines the warm service of an old-world café with decidedly modern touches—namely, an efficient takeout oper- ation offering dishes that pack a flavorful punch: husky Cubanos, savory empanadas (hot or frozen for later), and plantain chips with an herbaceous cilantro sauce that tastes like summer in a thimble. Beer and wine are available to take home, too, so you can wash it all down with a crisp bottle of Muscat. 240 Moody St., Waltham, MA 02453, gustazo-cubancafe.com/waltham.
Eventide Fenway
Neither rain, nor heat, nor pandemic will keep a Bostonian from a great lobster roll. Given the zealous following for this fast-casual clam shack moderne’s distinctive iteration—served on a fluffy steamed bao—it only makes sense that it would be a centerpiece of Eventide’s takeout game, a comprehensive program that also includes unshucked oysters and the heavenly fried-fish sandwich. 1321 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02215, eventideoysterco.com.
Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel
If you stayed here, you’d never want to leave. After 12 years as a Kimpton hotel, this year the Nine Zero unveiled a top-to-bottom transformation, courtesy of local firm Korn Design, showcasing plush leather headboards, velvet drapes, and Eames chairs (think: classic Boston Brahmin meets midcentury-modern cool). Those fabulous views of the golden dome, however, remain blissfully the same. 90 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02108, ninezero.com.
Rebecca Pacheco
Rebecca Pacheco, a South End resident whose first book, Do Your Om Thing, was recently published by HarperCollins, teaches her brand of traditional yoga mixed with modern philosophy at Equinox and in private practice. (She also posts videos on runnersworld.com and on her popular blog, Om Gal.) Her classes are fun and perfect for all experience levels, with absolutely zero judgment. rebeccapacheco.com.