Leslie-Jon A. Vickory
A former project manager for a design-build company, Vickory is at home with interior architectur—she creates whole kitchens (from windows to molding to lighting) rather than plunking cabinetry willy-nilly into a room. Because her work is carefully considered and integrated, she avoids major kitchen no-nos like the overdominant refrigerator and the dinky pendant light. Vickory doesn't have a set style, but classic or modern, her designs are always delicious.
Turner Fisheries
Chowder, that most traditional of New England foods, could never be invented today. Leaving aside the Manhattanite abomination, a good chowder, with its base of salt pork and heavy cream, is a test of will to modern-day dieters. Turner Fisheries serves the most testing chowder of all. The broth is aromatic and fluid, not gagged with flour. Instead, it's dense with clams that taste freshly shucked and even sport the odd peppering of sand, while the seasoning is delicate enough to let the flavor of the shellfish come through. This is soup for a New Englander's soul. 10 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA turnersboston.com.
New Leaf Flores
It takes a true artist to put flowers together with panache. New Leaf Flores co-owners Jeb Taylor and Daniel Lopez-Ospina craft stunning floral designs with a twist—be it an unexpected color, shape, or texture. The shop itself, meanwhile, is a modern, brick-walled urban oasis that keeps the spotlight exactly where it belongs: on the elegantly displayed blooms. 599 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 2130, newleafjp.com.
Sports Club/LA
The Sports Club/LA isn't a gym—it's an experience. One that features 50 personal trainers, an Olympic-size swimming pool, four squash courts, an indoor basketball court, and 16,000 square feet of weight and cardio equipment. Fitness classes range from the classic (kickboxing, step aerobics) to the modern (BalleCore, Gyrokinesis); clients range from visiting rock stars to lithe locals. Included in the steep monthly memberships ($165-$265) are a nutritionist appointment and discounts at the on-premises Blu restaurant and Splash spa. 4 Avery St., Boston, MA 2111, thesportsclubla.com.
Leon & Co.
Some women regard the perfect haircut as the answer to every ill. It melts away pounds, increases IQ, and does your taxes. In reality, it does something almost as tough: It makes you—the real you—simply look your absolute best. Enter Leon de Magistris, salon sculptor-cum-scientist, and his team of experts. Their cuts are exercises in beauty and precision, flattering and natural while also classic and modern—and unlike so many Stepford Wives-type styles, carefully varied to flatter the face. 84 Leonard St., Belmont, MA leonandco.com.
The Platinum Pebble
This eight-room inn, now in its second season, is more Design Within Reach than scalloped dust ruffle (think: hide rugs, mirrored side tables, and his-and-hers rain showers). Fortunately, that modern vibe doesn't come at the expense of those all-important B&B amenities: generous breakfasts—here a bounty of fresh pastries, breads, yogurt, and fruit, served poolside—and afternoon tea. 186 Belmont Road, West Harwich, MA 2671, platinumpebble.com.
The Williamsville Inn
Set in bucolic West Stockbridge, the Williamsville Inn boasts everything a home away from home should: superb service, snowy linens, and cut flowers. Husband-and-wife team Erhard and Kandy Wendt have transformed this once dilapidated 18th-century inn into a modern country guesthouse complete with blond hardwood floors and quaint touches. Erhard also acts as the inn's chief chef, and his German-inspired fare is some of the finest in the county. 286 Great Barrington Rd. (Rte. 41), West Stockbridge, MA williamsvilleinn.com.
Alchemy
Alchemy: A magical process of transmuting base metals into gold; the quest for the elixir of life. While falling a little short of offering immortality, this restaurant and bar does routinely deliver decadent night life—and damn good risotto fritters. The two-story modernized French bistro bustles after hours as patrons sip key lime pie martinis, cognacs, imported beer, or pinot noir from an affordable wine list. 71 Main St., Edgartown, MA 2539, .
Joan Jonas
Happy birthday to this multimedia pioneer, who turns 83 this month with plenty to celebrate. After decades of medium-defining work—not to mention a Tate Modern retrospective in London and a Kyoto Prize last year— the MIT arts professor emerita continues to leave her mark on Boston. Between her recent light-and-crystal installation Ice Drawing at the MFA and her Isabella Stewart Gardner exhibit of evocative animal drawings, Jonas just may be having her best run yet.
Cynthia Britt Custom Jewelry
If you're investing in a three-months'-income heirloom, you want to work with someone who understands your vision—and your budget. Cynthia Pischdotchian ditched an engineering career to pursue her bejeweled dreams and bring precision to a timeless art form. Today she works out of a Gothically appointed Newbury Street studio, designing one-of-a-kind jewelry both modern and art deco-inspired. She'll also repurpose existing pieces, transforming Grandmother's diamond clip-ons into your newest wardrobe staple. 45 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, cynthiabritt.com.
A Far Cry
Dreams and Prayers, A Far Cry's self-released, Grammy-nominated album with clarinetist David Krakauer, isn't just one of this year's best classical recordings, but also one of the best narratives, too. As dramatic as anything in our Netflix queue, Dreams and Prayers—recorded at Sacred Heart Church, in Fall River—is a thoroughly modern, century-spanning, globe-trotting sonic adventure. Catch the group live at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, where it's the in-house chamber orchestra. afarcry.org.
Jack’s Abby
With its growing canned line, 175-seat restaurant serving everything from wood-fired pizzas to beer-braised mussels, and charming new Framingham facility capable of producing 100,000 barrels a year, Jack’s Abby epitomizes the modern American brewery. But at the end of the day, it’s still about the beer, and Jack Hendler continues to push the boundaries of the lager style, producing dozens of exceptional smoked, soured, and sessionable varieties. 100 Clinton St., Framingham, MA 01702, jacksabby.com.
Bar 10
Enough with the stuffy, starched-napkin lounges that have for years dominated hotel cocktail scenes. The Westin Hotel's Bar 10 is dedicated to taking it easy in style. At lunch and after work, a well-heeled crowd sinks back into high-backed leather chairs and sips extra-strength cosmopolitans, picks at the lighter Mediterranean menu, and schmoozes unabashedly. Half hip, half classic, the room and its spot-on service encapsulate what a modern watering hole should be, without missing any of a hotel bar's romance. 10 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA bar10boston.com.
Newbury Tailoring Company
When the tower of too-big thrift-store finds and too-long jeans in our closet threatens to topple, we head straight to Flavio Antonio Rivas and his affable team, who nip and tuck our pants and pencil skirts to perfection, taking the time to answer our questions about fit and fabrics. Add to that the host of modern conveniences offered (They're open past 5 o'clock and on Saturday! They take credit cards!), and Newbury Tailoring Company has this category all stitched up. 116 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Porches Inn
We don't like those awkward B&B breakfast-table moments with fellow guests any more than you do. Porches' six restored Victorian row houses have 47 comfortabl—and privat—'industrial granny chic' rooms. The hotel also has a pool, spa, and free WiFi (no small thing out here in the country). Another bonus: The modern art of Mass MoCA is a short walk away. 231 River St., North Adams, MA 1247, porchesinn.com.