The Institute of Contemporary Art
A gleaming temple of artistic achievement, the ICA is filled with modern masterpieces. And your wedding can be one of them. Between the harbor views and the large-scale works adorning the gallery’s walls, visual splendor abounds—as do options for using the space, which includes a waterfront plaza, a light-flooded lobby, and a roomy theater. 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston, MA 02210, icaboston.org.
Bellacquer
Treating yourself to a mani/pedi at this recently opened salon is like taking a deep breath of fresh air: relaxing, satisfying, and totally necessary. The bright space strikes a balance between clinical and cushy, with skilled technicians ready to trim, shape, and polish your digits to perfection (and have fun with nail art, if you please). 1389 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446, bellacquer.com.
Boston for the Dogs
This diverse team of animal aficionados—which includes a romance novelist, a Berklee graduate, and a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady—know how to make your pooch feel comfortable, be it on a neighborhood walk, a hike, or a quick potty break. They’ll even arrange playgroups with other dogs in a fenced-in area. MA bostonforthedogs.com.
Whole Heart Provisions
Take your pick: a Viet bowl from Whole Heart or chickpea socca from Forage. / Photo by Toan Trinh Whether your bowl is brimming with coconut-curry-drenched cauliflower or eggplant topped with crispy chickpeas, one thing is clear: This is a sad-salad-free zone. Whole Heart explores the playful side of plant-based eating, turning out swoon-inducing veggie fare that’s anything but rabbit food. Multiple locations. 487 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 02134, wholeheartprovisions.com.
Vialé
With a wine list featuring nicely priced surprises (buonasera, falanghina!), and always-tasty plates of beef carpaccio and gnocchi Bolognese, this is exactly the kind of spot that makes you want to become a regular—and when you do, count on the cordial staff to remember your drink order. 502 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, vialecambridge.com.
North Square Oyster
Photo by Chloe Grinberg In a historical building steps from the Paul Revere House, Waypoint alum Pierce Boalt Juckett sates North Enders’ seafood cravings with platters of briny Eider Cove and Mookie Blues oysters, immaculate crudos, and—of course—buttery lobster rolls. 5 North Sq., Boston, MA 02113, northsquareoyster.com.
ShowPlace Icon Theatre
There’s no better way to watch the latest summer blockbuster than from the extreme comfort of a vibrating, reclining seat at this cinema, which luxes up your moviegoing experience with such extravagances as gourmet popcorn from the likes of Joanne Chang and Ken Oringer. 60 Seaport Blvd., Boston, MA 02210, showplaceicon.com.
Roslindale Farmers’ Market
Photo by Chloe Grinberg This weekly farmers’ market doesn’t just peddle organic fruits and veggies—it fosters community, thanks to live music performances and activities for the kiddos. Fuel your search for microgreens, pasture-raised meats, and freshly picked apples with java from West Roxbury coffee roaster Recreo. Adams Park, Roslindale , MA 02131, roslindale.net/rvms-farmers.
Tile Showcase
Softly lit like paintings in a museum, the tile displays at this Design Center showroom beg to be explored. Come for myriad ceramic, glass, and stone options from the likes of Pratt & Larson, Island Stone, and Walker Zanger, and leave with dozens of ideas for your next reno. Boston Design Center, One Design Center Place, Ste. 639, Boston, MA 02210, tileshowcase.com.
Jan Gleysteen Architects
Perusing Jan Gleysteen’s portfolio, one word repeatedly comes to mind: timeless. With nearly four decades of experience under his belt, the Wellesley architect knows his way around traditionalism, dreaming up classic abodes—such as a grand suburban homestead with coffered ceilings and dramatic archway—that are built to last. 888 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA 02482, jangleysteeninc.com.
Architectural Kitchens
Bill Prachnick and his design team are masters at creating and building classic New England kitchens replete with elegant custom cabinetry and fully integrated appliances. Their bedside manner is impeccable, which helps when you're renovating the most important room in the house. Wellesley Hills, MA architecturalkitchens.com.
Siemasko + Verbridge
Thad Siemasko and Jean Verbridge lead a skilled team of organized, disciplined architects whose greatest talents come from knowing what makes a house a home, as seen in such recent projects as a cozy mountain retreat built into a quiet urban hideaway. Beverly, MA svdesign.com.
Southwest Corridor Park
Photograph by Julia Hopkins Looking for a place to stretch your legs? At this 4.7-mile, 52-acre linear park, you'll find dedicated bicycling and jogging paths for the hardy, basketball and tennis courts for the sporty, and jungle gyms and skate parks for the kiddies. 38 New Heath St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, swcpc.org.
Atwood's Tavern
This locals' hang boasts one of Greater Boston's best patios in the warmer months, and a seriously rocking lineup of local and traveling bands on its intimate stage year round. A long list of craft beers is ready to accompany your new soundtrack. 877 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02141, atwoodstavern.com.
Barry's Bootcamp
True Yankees maintain a healthy skepticism of anything dreamt up in La-La Land, but this Hollywood-spawned fitness empire has won us over. Claim your spot early, then reward yourself with a smoothie from the Fuel Bar. 30 Chauncy St., Boston, MA 02111, barrysbootcamp.com.