Evelyn and Angel's
Photo by Jesse Burke Crystal-shaped Piedmont-hazelnut bonbons. Chunky walnut-caramel clusters. Star-anise truffles. The chocolates at this new Porter Square shop, displayed like delicate china, are as pretty as they are decadent. The Wonka-like environs, meanwhile (one wall is lined with pastel-taffy-filled dispensers), make it all the more fun. 1702 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Chico's
This small shop has a great selection of southwestern-inspired cotton dresses, skirts, blouses, jackets, pants, and shorts in coordinated colors and patterns. What's more, everything's washable, most items are one-size-fits-all, and they even have accessories to match. Check out the unusual leather belts—great for casual wear. the Atrium, Route 9, Chestnut Hill, MA .
Newburyport Farmers' Market
"The milk was in the cow on Friday," one cheese vendor proudly announced on a recent Sunday visit. That's fine proof that this buzzy market in the Tannery complex offers some of the freshest goods around—from sustainably grown produce and hormone- and antibiotic-free meats to locally crafted wine 50 Water St., Newburyport, MA 1950, thenewburyportfarmersmarket.org.
Bristol Lounge
The only difference between one cold glass of gin and another is where it's served and how (assuming, of course, it's good gin to begin with). The Bristol takes the prize with its tableside pouring, the generous garnish of olives, and the comfy seating. Four Seasons Hotel, 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Dogwood Cafe
When snowy nights descend upon us again, there's only one thing to do: Revel in them. Tramp over to the Dogwood Cafe in Jamaica Plain and order up a hot, crisp, and gooey blueberry pie a la mode. Winter weight gain, be damned. 3712 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, MA .
David's
Chef Stephen Lancaster serves up imaginative food with accents from Asia, the Mediterranean, and his native Scotland. Bridget, his wife, is the talented pastry chef. The dining room is one of the city's most intimate and theatrical, and the wait staff can hustle if you must make that 8 p.m. curtain. 123 Stewart St., Boston, MA .
Kathleen Turning
Mrs. Robinson is one of the sexiest characters in Tinseltown history, hands down. But while The Graduate's opening was highly anticipated, Kathleen Turning's disrobing in the Broadway-bound play left us feeling cold and clammy. This version of seduction felt as awkward as adolescence.
Constitution Marina
Dock your boat, park your dinghy at no extra charge, fish for striped bass around the corner, and best of all, swim in Constitution Marina's new outdoor pool. One added perk that makes this the best deal in town—free parking for boat-owners. 28 Constitution Road, Charlestown, MA .
Marjorie Clapprood
Her Sunday cable talk show, Clapprood Live, featured Marjorie flirting with Jack Kevorkian. In a surreal interview, Clapprood praised Mr. Sleepy's choice in ties and promised to find him some female companionship. Maybe Der Silber was the sane one after all.
Matt Murphy’s Pub
If the sophisticated dark wood paneling didn’t already clue you in, one look at the backlit bar—showcasing a fine selection of whiskeys and excellent draft beers—reveals that this is a pub for the refined Irish drinker. Drop in on Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m. for completely free, no-strings-attached oysters. 14 Harvard St., Brookline Village , MA 02445, .
Allie Tuminelli Esthetics & Lash Extensions
Finally, a lash enthusiast who also cares about your eyes. While applying lashes one at a time, Allie Tuminelli insists on taking breaks to let your peepers rest. During the downtime, you’ll examine her work together, letting her add as needed. The result: fuller lashes, with less discomfort. 551 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, vegavitality.com.
Brookline Arts Center
Brookline Arts Center remains one of the most forward-thinking schools around. Popular offerings include comic-book classes for grade schoolers, a jewelry course for teens, and anything taught by engaging studio coordinator Léonie Little-Lex. Before and during longer classes, kids can shake their sillies on the adjacent playground. 86 Monmouth St., Brookline, MA 02446, brooklineartscenter.com.
Table & Tulip
Owner Andrea Halliday and her team create pieces ranging from fragrant, fresh strung garlands to mossy terrariums with carefully perched succulents. Simple and modern or baroque and traditional, Table & Tulip's arrangements come packaged in a range of beautiful vessels—or you can bring in one of your own for an even more personal touch. 461 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 02118, tableandtulip.com.
James Hook + Co.
Photograph by Trevor Reid There's only one decision you need to make at this waterfront institution: regular roll ($16) or large ($19)? After that, pull up a chair and tuck into the sturdy bun overflowing with fresh lobster, heavy on the tail meat and tossed with just enough mayo. 15-17 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 02210, jameshooklobster.com.
The Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists
Housed in an 1872 mansion, the NCAAA is one of the region's largest depositories of art from the African diaspora. The biggest draw is the replica burial chamber of the sixth-century B.C. Nubian King Aspelta, rescued from a Sudanese dam project. 300 Walnut Ave., Boston, MA 02119, ncaaa.org.