Rockport
Is there anything better than summertime in the seaside town of Rockport? / Photograph by Jared Kuzia Rockport’s waterfront downtown is straight out of Hollywood casting. Limited parking means limited cars to impede your Sunday stroll (catch a ride in from the outskirts on the free shuttle bus), and stroll you shall: to boutiques that go beyond the tourist schlock, art galleries run by actual artists, shops dealing in such small-town staples as homemade ice cream and candy, and solid restaurants, from swanky spots to clam shacks.
Serenella
Photograph by Bob O'Connor Come gala season, socialites and fashionistas make this light, bright Newbury Street boutique their one-stop shop. That’s because owner Leslee Shupe scours fashion-week shows for distinctive dresses that you won’t see on anyone browsing the department stores: trendy crochet frocks from Giambattista Valli (easily one of her favorite designers), bold and artful sheaths from Roberto Cavalli, breezy bohemian tunics from Dodo Bar Or, and rocker-chic Mugler cocktail dresses. 134 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, serenella-boston.com.
Quadrum
Photo Provided Farewell, diamond studs and plain strands of pearls: At Quadrum, each piece is a one-of-a-kind work of art, sourced from the world’s most talented jewelry makers. That means you’ll find dramatic earrings encrusted with moonstones and white diamonds, rose-cut sapphire sparklers, and chunky quartz necklaces flecked with gold—future heirlooms that will stand out today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. The Shops at Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, quadrumgallery.com.
Shag
Photograph by Jason Grow, hair by Sandy Poirier, Model: Louis/Maggie Inc. When it comes to haircuts, men tend to be creatures of routine. Nobody knows this better than Shag’s stylists. As such, they’ve mastered the art of negotiation and will subtly downplay the standard “#3 on the sides, fade in the back” in favor of a contemporary style that looks sharp and is easy to manage. Just remember: This isn’t the corner barbershop—call ahead for an appointment. 840 Summer St., Boston, MA 02127, shagboston.com.
Himalayan Bistro
West Roxbury isn't known as a culinary haven, but Himalayan Bistro transports diners from the suburban western edge of Boston to the eastern reaches of India and Nepal. Enveloped in the warm scents of coriander, turmeric, and curry wafting from the kitchen, they tuck into smoky tandoori chicken, creamy tikka masala, and regional dishes like craªpes stuffed with potatoes and lamb against the backdrop of colorful Hindu art. 1735 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA 02132, himalayanbistro.net.
Tres Gatos
The brunch at this record shop/tapas bar caters to savory seekers—and hangover chasers. Here the "put an egg on it" philosophy reigns supreme, evidenced by dinner-menu staples like the lamb bocadillo, which gets the morning-after huevos treatment come brunch. While you're waiting for your table (there will be a wait), browse the back bookshop for fiction, art books, vinyl, and a broad collection of food magazines that will surely whet your appetite. 470 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, tresgatosjp.com.
Deep Thoughts JP
This shop is welcoming enough to embrace all varieties of weirdo, informed enough to impress every type of nerd, and just strange enough to ward off the squares. With a huge stock that spans the musical universe, from way-out folk to cassette-punk and art-rap—not to mention every hyper-hyphenated subgenre in between—Deep Thoughts is an essential day trip for the city's music obsessives. 138B South St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, deepthoughtsjp.com.
Urbanity Dance
In seven years, founder and director (and former Boston Ballet teacher) Betsi Graves has grown Urbanity Dance into a thrilling, whimsical, acrobatic beast. Last year, the company collaborated twice with local chamber orchestra A Far Cry, leaping and weaving with the violinists in Jordan Hall. At the Institute of Contemporary Art in February, they performed "Bend," an orgy of strobe lights and corporeal geometry. Whether twisting into one another to form a human skirt or wrestling with their shadows, Urbanity's dancers fulfill their mission to "elevate physical intelligence." 1180 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118, urbanitydance.org.
Razors Barbershop
Photograph by Jason Grow, hair by Sandy Poirier, Model: Louis/Maggie Inc. In a time of disposable blades and unisex salons, you’d be forgiven for thinking the straight razor shave had gone the way of Brylcreem and wooden teeth. But practitioners of the lost art still remain, including master barbers Anthony and Joseph Berriola. If you haven’t experienced the pleasure of shaving oils, hot towels, and a warm lather, do plant yourself in their Somerville barber chair. It’ll be the best $25 you’ve ever spent. 308 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02144, razorsbarbershop.com.
M. F. Dulock
Walk into this shop on a Saturday and you’re likely to run into dining-scene bigwigs like Shepard co-owner René Becker probing for tips on aging steaks or working with off cuts. That’s because owner Michael Dulock and his staff are experts in the art of butchery, specializing in pasture-raised animals reared on farms less than 250 miles away. 201A Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143, mfdulock.com.
Moody’s Delicatessen
At Moody’s, even the bologna sandwiches are on another level. That’s because owner Joshua Smith crafts everything in house—salumi and sausages, sure, but also the pickled peppers, pimiento cheese, and swipe of herb mayo on your Pullman loaf. And this year, the tireless chef is expanding his meaty empire with a state-of-the-art curing facility down the road, meaning his New England Charcuterie cold cuts will not only be more readily available in Boston—they’ll also be hitting the national stage. 468 Moody St., Waltham, MA 02453, moodyswaltham.com.
Joséphine
At Joséphine, executive chef Alex Falconer crafts Gallic works of art: seared scallops with crispy pork belly and a tuft of enoki mushrooms; duck confit nestled over a blood-orange gastrique and tuiles of lotus root; and tuna tartare crowned with a plume of foam. Owner Samuel Gosselin’s doting service adds to the opulence. Correction, July 1, 9 a.m.: An earlier version of this post referred to chef Stefano Quaresima. He is no longer the chef at Joséphine, the chef is Alex Falconer. We regret the error. 468 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215, josephineboston.com.
Shōjō
Shōjō’s “Shadowless” fries combine handcut Russets double-fried in duck fat, mapo tofu tinged with spicy chili, and nacho-cheese sauce built from a gochujang-kimchi base. The clincher? A splash of sriracha aioli. Chef Mark O’Leary says the moniker for this poutine-by-way-of-Chinatown masterpiece comes from a martial-arts term for “peerless.” We won’t disagree. 9A Tyler St., Boston, MA 02111, shojoboston.com.
Jill Rosenwald, Jill Rosenwald Studio
Photograph by Webb Chappell Jill Rosenwald's groovy patterned pottery and accessories are pure bold technicolor, and so is her personality: Chatty and effusive, Rosenwald considers her clients and colleagues old friends. When you call her studio, it's actually her on the other end, always game to kibitz about your latest design needs. She's a big supporter of our arts scene, too, as a cofounder of the Design Salon, a networking organization for creative women to swap ideas and advice. 369 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210, jillrosenwald.com.
Landry & Arcari
Photograph courtesy of Landry & Arcari If it ain't broke, don't fix it. That's our mantra when it comes to the rug selection (pictured) at Landry & Arcari, where you'll find everything from antique Oriental numbers to long-piled Persians to hand-knotted classics. With an unparalleled collection sourced from rug makers all over the world, this mainstay has all you'll ever need to turn your floors into functional works of art. 333 Stuart St., Boston, MA 02116, landryandarcari.com.