Sinesia Karol
It’s been more than 10 years since Sinesia Karol got the idea to bring the eye-catching swimwear designs of her native Brazil to New England, and we’ve been grateful for it ever since. Available online and in her Newport, Rhode Island, storefront, Karol’s bikinis and one-pieces are guaranteed to stand out on the sand, thanks to electric color schemes, playful patterns, and interesting details (oh hello, ruffled bell sleeves). 135 Spring St., Newport, RI 02840, sinesiakarol.us.
The Rose Kennedy Greenway Fountains
Anyone with kids knows the word “more.” So why visit just one splash pad when you can visit any of the seven fountains along the Rose Kennedy Greenway? Our suggested itinerary moves from south to north: Enjoy the waterfall and rock features of the Chinatown Stream, the cool mist of the Harbor Fog Sculpture, and end up at the Rings Fountain when night falls to take in the colorful light show accompanying the spouting jets of water. What more could they ask for on a hot day? Boston, MA rosekennedygreenway.org.
Strega by Nick Varano
"Mamma's Famous Meatball" at Strega by Nick Varano. / Photo by Joe St. Pierre, styling by Joy Howard Known for hanging with A-list celebs, North End restaurateur Nick Varano is one of the most beloved and colossal characters around — but that’s nothing compared to the size of his Mamma’s Famous Meatball. Made from a tried-and-tested recipe of veal, mushroom, and Parmigiano, slathered in marinara and served next to a bed of ricotta, this oversize, pillow-soft beauty will make any Italophile say, “mangia!” 379 Hanover St., North End, MA 02113, stregabynickvarano.com.
Peach Farm
Peach Farm's lobster with ginger and scallions. / Photo by Brian Samuels At a moment when Chinatown’s borders are shrinking due to high-end development, this stalwart still thrives by serving neighbors, restaurant industry pros, and lovers of traditional Chinese fare from all over. The unadorned underground space hits the neighborhood restaurant trifecta: It’s superb at one thing (in this case, Hong Kong–style live-tank seafood); great at many things (a long list of Cantonese classics); and value-priced at all of them. 4 Tyler St., Chinatown, MA 02111, peachfarmseafood.com.
Plymouth G Pub
Hoops and hard cider make a great pairing. That’s the thinking, at least, behind this newly opened spot in West Plymouth Square, which serves up local brews and fanciful cocktails alongside a variety of nostalgic arcade games (pinball, anyone?) that’ll make you feel like a kid again. Elevated pub fare, meanwhile — short-rib poutine, tuna poke bowls — make it a one-stop spot for kicking back when your own kids are with the babysitter. 101 Carver Rd., Plymouth, MA 02360, gpubrestaurants.com/plymouth.
Ini Spahiu, Salon Mario Russo
Spending time in Ini Spahiu’s chair feels just like catching up with an old friend — albeit one who knows her way around a set of foils. After a quick consultation to suss out our transformation goals, the longtime colorist got to work, whipping up and applying just the right formula while we chatted. And the results? Let’s just say our sun-starved locks, which Spahiu thoughtfully brightened with perfectly placed balayage highlights, have never looked better. 9 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, mariorusso.com.
Revelry
Looking for a party? Follow chef Brian Ledet’s food truck — covered in harle- quin diamonds in the Mardi Gras colors of purple, gold, and green — when it pops up at Boston-area breweries or city parks. One taste of the New Orleans transplant’s spicy jambalaya, red beans and rice with fried chicken, andouille sausage gumbo, or barbecue-shrimp po’ boys, and you’ll swear you can suddenly hear Bourbon Street jazz bands all the way from the Greenway. Boston, MA revelryboston.com.
Beach Road
Photo by Elizabeth Cecil President Obama and his family have been known to dine at this hot spot within whistling distance of the Vineyard Haven ferry. One taste of the seafood-forward menu (the blue-swimmer crab app is a favorite), and you’ll see why. Chef Frank Williams honors the handiwork of island fishermen, farmers, and food artisans by transforming it into something sublime; the dining room, meanwhile, oozes nautical charm — a nod to the shipyards and boatbuilders surrounding it — and overlooks Lagoon Pond, the ideal spot to watch the setting sun or rising moon. 79 Beach Rd., Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, beachroadmv.com.
Reside
The magic of modernist furniture design is on full display at this Cambridge staple, which buys, sells, and consigns the types of hard-to-find period pieces that make even the most reserved vintage lovers gasp with delight. The shop’s wide-ranging collection of midcentury wares is especially compelling; after all, where else can you snag always-cool Eames loungers, sleek Hans Wegner daybeds, and brass-hinged Børge Mogensen sideboards in one fell swoop? 266 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, resideinc.com.
Q Restaurant
Photo courtesy of Q Restaurant Chinatown is a cross-roads of cultures, and Q clearly understands the assignment: In one place, it offers people-pleasing Chinese classics like kung pao shrimp and scallops, a great Japanese sushi bar, and Mongolian-style hot-pot cooking. When we’re not around tables bubbling our own veggies, meats, and noodles in the peanut-y Malaysian satay broth, though, you’ll find us grabbing a lychee or ginger “Q-tini” at the bar, the perfect perch for a pre-theater cocktail. 660 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111, thequsa.com.
MoveStudios
Photo by Peter Barquet Ever want to catch a class at the gym, but don’t feel like schlepping all the way there? Good thing MoveStudios can come to a neighborhood near you. Launched in February 2021, the roving fitness studio now takes its climate-controlled truck all over the city and beyond, offering everything from small-group training to public classes at places like A Street Park and the Hingham Shipyard. And with a full range of equipment, it has everything you need to get fit under one (portable) roof. movestudios.net.
Bella Wang Photography
We adore the unflappable Bella Wang because her photos radiate authenticity — no awkward staged family shots here. She’ll tease out your kid’s personality and capture unrushed, candid moments as effortlessly as the requisite everyone-smile ones. Bonus: Wang is flexible in terms of favorite locations, keeps close tabs on the weather (and communicates kindly and responsively), and even includes a slideshow packed with oodles of photos and set to music. Say “forever keepsake"! bellawangphotography.com.
SH Videography
With more than three decades of experience behind the lens, you can rest assured that the team at SH Videography know their craft. Founded by married couple Steve and Kathy Horemiotis, and now in its second generation of ownership, the talented team creates timeless wedding films with cinematic flair to ensure that you can relive your wedding whenever, and wherever, you want for many years to come. (No silver-screen required--unless you want one.) shvideography.com.
Fleur Events
Photo by Gabby Riggieri One of the most compelling aspects of Molly Anne McGill’s work is that her floral arrangements often include an unexpected element. Sometimes, it’s a rare branch; other times, it could be a paper accent. Whatever the flourish, it always feels like perfection — the missing something you didn’t know you needed. As for the flowers themselves? With a background in the fine arts, McGill is known for transforming gorgeous blooms into bouquets and centerpieces that have personal meaning to couples. fleurevents.com.
Clove & Creek
You’re on your way to your friend’s beachfront pad in P-town, and you forgot to pick up a host gift. Think fast — where do you go? That’d be this apothecary-style shop, which arrived on the Cape by way of the Hudson Valley last year, bringing with it a curated lineup of unique goods (think: woodblock-print greeting cards, hot-spring-inspired bath salts, and zucchini relish). This is one New York import that we’ll gladly welcome to our salty state. 353 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA 02657, cloveandcreek.com.