The Opera House
Since it reopened with The Lion King last year, the restored Opera House hasn't drawn the most inspiring of productions. But it does look great. The 2,600-seat theater is a jewel from the dying days of vaudeville, and it gleams with the sort of Beaux Arts gilt that ought to shame more-modern buildings: chandeliers, murals, even period-style urinals. Now if we could only get some shows to match . . . 539 Washington St., Boston, MA bostonoperahouseonline.com.
The Hampshire House
Actually, the Bull & Finch Pub in the basement. Very tasty, with a fair amount of vodka. 84 Beacon St., Boston, MA .
The Allen House
Completely private. Ferry daily from New Bedford. Sport fishing, beaches, elegant dining. And hardly a car to be seen. Cuttyhunk Island, MA
Boarding House
The patio at this island institution is prime people-watching real estate, but it's the food that keeps us coming back season after season. The brioche doughnuts coated with bourbon-caramel sauce and bacon sugar are a must, but there are lots of other treats to choose from: buttermilk-fried chicken, waffles with pecan butter and bourbon-maple syrup, bacon-infused bloody marys, and warm, hangover-easing chocolate chip cookies. 12 Federal St., Nantucket, MA boardinghousenantucket.com.
Cabot House
While the crowds at Ikea load up their minivans with pre-boxed goods, savvy homeowners hunt for their furnishings at family-owned empire Cabot House. Here's where upscale American brands like Ralph Lauren Furniture, Sealy, Baker, and Thomasville mingle in posh, roomlike settings. Can't fit it all into your Land Rover? Sorry, quality like this doesn't come flat-packed. 266 Main St., Weymouth, MA 2188, cabothouse.com.
The Coach House
Brunch-goers are often faced with a choice of sweet versus salty. At the Coach House, they don't have to pick. The restaurant's Sunday brunch buffet has everything from fluffy French toast to chef Ryan Hardy's signature cheeses. The water views are stunning and the charming staff encourages you to try it all—not that you'll need any prodding. 131 N. Water St., Edgartown, MA harbor-view.com.
Four Seas
It doesn't get sweeter than Four Seas, where flavor favorites include lemon crisp and peach, and homemade toppings range from Melba sauce to crème de menthe. Best of all: You can eat your treat knowing your tips are put toward college funds for employees, all of whom are required by the owner to maintain good grades. 360 South Main St., Centerville, MA fourseasicecream.com.
Siam House
Service in this nondescript brick eatery in Quincy Center can be a bit slow, but the seafood dishes are some of the freshest we've found this side of Phuket, and well worth the wait. So are the unusual and savory specials—the Sizzling Combo, for example, a mix of squid, plump shrimp, and juicy tenderloin. 1472 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA .
The Hampshire House
They've changed the name, but the drink remains the same—the finest in Boston, with just a hint of horseradish and garlic. 84 Beacon St., Boston, MA .
Spa NiJoli
We'll admit we're skeptical of any salon inside a full-service day spa. Can one place really excel at massages, pedis, and cuts and color? At Spa Ni'Joli, the answer is a resounding yes. The stylists strike the delicate balance between listening to your hair-care woes and delivering advice, and our tresses were all the better for a visit. For all you busy North Shore moms: Ni'Joli also offers babysitting ($5 for two hours). Now that's what we call full service. 116 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen, MA 1844, nijoli.com.
New England Mobile Book Fair
The up-and-comer in this category is the nearly four-year-old Newtonville Books, but while that otherwise admirable small shop considers its lack of organization quaint and quirky, we just think it's confusing. The system at our pick, the family-owned New England Mobile Book Fair, also doesn't seem at first to make a lot of sense (the books are shelved by publisher) but turns out to be a piece of cake. Plus the relevance for books among the customers and knowledgeable staff is palpable, new hardcovers are discounted 20 to 30 percent, and you can spend contented hours in the endless warehouse-style stacks. 82-84 Needham St., Newton, MA nebookfair.com.
The Dog Walking Hour, Commonwealth Avenue Mall
In the romantic hour when streetlights first crackle to life, lonely singles prowl the city from Commonwealth Avenue Mall to Minuteman Bike Path with naught but their trusty pooches for companionship. And for many of them, the motive is pure, unadulterated animal attraction. We're talking high long-term potential here: If someone can take care of Max's daily needs, then he or she can probably feed a human relationship. And it's easy to meet other owners; unlike some of their owners, dogs aren't afraid to stop, check each other out, and shamelessly pair off. MA
The dog-walking hour, Southwest Corridor Park
Puppies make friends. 'Nuff said.
Eyestarr
The only downside to fake lashes is that they often look, well, fake. But when Andrea Starr is the one painstakingly applying length to our lids, we believe. After an appointment with the former LuxLash manager, you'll enjoy your new fringe for four to six weeks with minimal maintenance and nary a mascara tube in sight. 170 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2116, eyestarr.com.