Louis Boston
Maybe we've heard where Louis will relocate when its lease is up next year; maybe we haven't. What we can confirm, though, is that while everyone has been buzzing over the Boston style bastion's next address, Louis's focus on ahead-of-the-curve finds for women, men, and home has continued undistracted. In addition to long-stocked designers like Marni and Proenza Schouler, the arrival of knit whiz Kimberly Ovitz and stealth favorite the Row appeals to the current value-obsessed mindset. Meanwhile, the revitalizing powers of the skin-care department, recently boosted by 3 Lab Series and Rodin Olio Lusso, puts chain department stores to shame. Big move or no, here's betting Louis stays in one place: on top. 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2110, louisboston.com.
Brookline Liquor Mart
From the outside, this sprawling liquor store looks like any other rundown rendezvous for drunken booze-hounds. Inside, however, you'll find one of the finest selections of vintage wine in New England. It's for the latter that we just can't seem to get enough of this store. Laid out in neatly labeled rows are bottles of liquid gold that may cost you more than a month's rent. But no matter: Even if you're not a millionaire collector, the knowledgeable staff will help you find a reasonable red to go with the venison stew that's bubbling at home. Especially strong: Rhone, Burgundy, and Bordeaux selections. Expand your vino repertoire at the Mart's regular tastings or by clicking through their encyclopedic Web site. And don't miss the bargain basement (which is exactly what it sounds like); it can be a treasure trove if you hit it at the right moment. 1354 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA blmwine.com.
Armadillo Cafe
Danny Wisel has found a new home and is once again cooking to his heart's content, which makes us very happy. 1314 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA .
The Charles Hotel
Perhaps the best answer to what defines the Cambridge experience, The Charles Hotel is the epitome of understated elegance. Sure, The Charles has all the amenities one would expect from a first-class hotel (health club, plush towels, in-room computer portals), but it also has a combination of "extras" that take it over the top in our book: the Regattabar (the best place to hear live jazz in town); incredibly private rooms (you'll have no idea you even have neighbors, the walls are so thick); and even a library form which patrons can check out anything from Iris Murdoch novels to cookbooks. For a real splurge, the presidential suite, which has been enjoyed by the likes of Barbra Streisand and Jane Fonda, is the way to go: With its own kitchen, baby grand piano, two bathrooms, and entertainment center, you'll never want to go home again. 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA charleshotel.com.
Shag
After a quick tête-à-tête, Brianna Coons shaped our unruly hair into something slick, taking into account our capacity for at-home styling (none). The best part? The chop grew out so evenly, it still looked fresh months later. 840 Summer St., South Boston, MA 2127, shagboston.com.
Kara Hurston, Love and Mercy
Hurston has been honing her talents for nearly two decades, and can achieve everything from long layers to dramatic chops. As such,we experienced zero panic when she cut our hair 5 inches shorter in a bouncy, fun lob. 403 D St., Boston, MA, 02210, loveandmercysalon.com.
Comedy Studio
A dim attic in a Chinese restaurant may not shout "big laughs inside," but the Comedy Studio consistently delivers them. The room's long communal tables—and an audience lubricated with potent scorpion bowls—provide a perfect setting for seasoned pros to test new material, and for up-and-comers to hone their timing. 1238 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, thecomedystudio.com.
TreeTop Adventures
COURTESY PHOTO Who needs another trip to the beach when you can spend a sunny afternoon tackling rolling logs, ladders, and ziplines? The high ropes courses and trails at TreeTop Adventures are built for both experts and beginners, making it a great place for the whole family to get out of their comfort zone together. treetopcanton.com.
Bin Ends
This emporium's selection depends solely on the weekly deals they score from their suppliers, so buy what you love now, because it may soon be gone forever. And attention bargain hunters: Bin Ends' "six-pack' special (buy six bottles and get as much as 50 percent off) is a steal. 236 Wood Road, Braintree, MA 2184, binendswine.com.
Tony Maws, Craigie Street Bistrot
If ever there was a feel-good pill for these challenging times, chef Tony Maws's cooking at Craigie Street Bistrot is it. Troubles fall away as soon as you set foot in this subterranean restaurant and its cozy dining room, a warmly decorated space that oozes with "aw shucks, c'mon in" charm. (Maws's mother even works the door, making everyone feel instantly at home.) Former sous-chef to Ken Oringer at Clio, Maws has made Craigie Street a stage for showcasing his training in Boston and a previous stint in France. The menu, which features five appetizers, five entrées, and five desserts nightly, seduces diners with casual French country flavors: roasted breast of Muscovy duck, herb-crusted monkfish, marinated skirt steak, and classic crème caramel. Each dish perfectly captures the ingredients, all market fresh and seasonal. If you must choose only one reason to love Tony Maws and his little bistro, it's the price: The three-course prix fixe is only $29.99, a cost anyone can swallow. 5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge, MA craigieonmain.com.
224 Boston Street
Nothing says charming like this adorable restaurant, situated in a cottage complete with a garden of tulips. Once inside, you'll be sated by apps like delicate ahi tuna tartare with wonton crisps, and homey entrées like cod cakes with zucchini fries. The whole experience proves that sometimes, a book can be judged by its cover. 224 Boston St., Dorchester, MA 2125, 224bostonstreet.com.
Tonino
Photograph by Joe St. Pierre. Styling by Madison Trapkin. After honing his culinary dexterity at local hot spots such as Sarma and Giulia, Luke Fetbroth is reimagining the Italian-American comfort food of his childhood at Tonino, where he is both chef and co-owner. That translates to light-as-air tomato-pie slabs, Taleggio-and-balsamic-stuffed cappelletti, and ethereal tiramisu served by the massive bowlful. 669A Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, toninojp.com.
Christina's Homemade Icecream
Cones from this cute Inman Square shop lick sweeter, silkier, and stronger than the rest, and for less moolah. Ice cream here has it all: mastery of the oft-muddled sugar/ salt balance, startling hints of exotica (like kulfi flavor, with cardamom and pistachio), and decadent-sounding varieties that don't hold back (try Nietzche's Chocolate Ascension). 1255 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA .
Benny Ho
This tailor honed his craft at Louis Boston, and it shows, especially when it comes to pants. Benny Ho is the master of finding that extra inch, making sure the break falls in the right place, and giving a suit an almost made-to-measure look. And for that jacket that's a little tight across the chest, Ho can open up some breathing room. 1405 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA .
Maureen Fleming
In her stark solo show, "After Eros," Maureen Fleming conjures images ranging from spiraling water to bone fragments to a butterfly breaking out of its cocoon. Using her own elegant brand of Japanese Butoh to communicate the process of regeneration, Fleming sifts through shapes with an excruciating slowness, nearly holding time still in a breath.