Sfoglia
A low-key ambiance and an ever changing wellspring of impressively fresh Italian-influenced far—house-made gnocchi, chocolate-hazelnut-espresso semifreddo—accented with locally grown produce earn Sfoglia raves as an artful dining destination. It's also a blissfully ringtone-free one: There are no cell phones allowed here, which is just as well, as you might be tempted to call everyone you know to rave about the food, the décor, the wine list. And, oh yeah, your date. 1402 Lexington Ave., Nantucket, MA 2554, .
Dave's Fresh Pasta
Can a person live on pasta alone? At this Somerville specialty shop, you could certainly try—and last for months without ever repeating your order, thanks to a massive roster of take-home, house-made pastas that includes ravioli (with fillings ranging from shrimp and fennel to pumpkin and smoked mozzarella), ribbons of handcut strands infused with everything from squid ink to saffron, and a slew of sauces to pair with them all. Laying off the carbs? Peruse the expert selection of gourmet cheeses, charcuterie, and vino instead. 81 Holland St., Somerville, MA 2144, davesfreshpasta.com.
Formaggio Kitchen
Photograph by Toan Trinh Peek inside the musty underground caves where Formaggio’s young fromage is ripened (they’ll give you a tour if you ask nicely), and you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the Comtés and clothbound sharp cheddars you pair with your pinot noir and artisanal crackers. Once you’re back above ground, ask one of the store’s expert cheesemongers to recommend a wedge from their impressive selection, and grab a bottle of vino and a few gourmet accoutrements on the way out. 244 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, formaggiokitchen.com.
Puritan & Company
Photograph by The ideal brunch requires the trifecta of good food, good drinks, and good company. Puritan covers the first two in spades, with house-baked pastries (strawberry-almond muffins, cashew sticky buns); not-your-average brunch entrées (sourdough griddle cakes, a gloriously crunchy pork-shoulder hash); and creative hair-of-the-dog libations (the "Church," with gin, Aperol, and lemon). As for the third? That’s up to you. 1166 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 2141, puritancambridge.com.
Goodwin’s High End
If you think music sounds best through ear buds and films are meant to be watched on laptops, skip Goodwin’s. The guys here take high-end audio seriously: Before talking components, they’ll review your home’s blueprints or even make a house call to ensure that the speakers, amps, and digital equalizers they recommend will achieve mind-blowing sound. 899 Main St., Waltham, MA 2451, goodwinshighend.com.
Stellabella Toys
Photograph by Toan Trinh So often, toy shopping is an experience in extremes: You’re either wading in aisle-to-aisle plastic packaging or browsing precious baubles curated to please parents’ aesthetics, not kids’. Stellabella, however, has found the sweet spot at its four Boston-area stores. Its stacking cups are environmentally friendly but also fun for your growing infant, and the baby dolls are soft, cuddly, and ethnically diverse. Also find German-made tricycles, sturdy play kitchens and firehouses, and Legos galore. 1360 Cambridge St., Cambridge; and other locations, stellabellatoys.com.
Bringing Up Baby
Whether your brood’s in tow out of necessity or to ensure accurate sizing, Bringing Up Baby makes the experience both convenient (the nursing and changing room) and fun (a toys area, crafts events). With its four organic layette lines and haute-tot labels like Québec-based Deux par Deux, discerning parents and those splurging for special occasions will be more than satisfied. 663 E. Broadway, Boston, MA 2127, .
Offshore Ale Company
Oak Bluffs is the antithesis of the Jersey Shore, so why do most of its bar options seem so well suited for "gym, tan, laundry"? Escape to the Offshore Ale Company for its rotating selection of unique house-made brews, like the Flying Monkey, a Belgian-style ale aged in chardonnay barrels. The kind of bar that allows—nay, encourages—patrons to toss peanut shells onto the floor, it's sure to become your favorite stomping ground. 30 Kennebec Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA 2557, offshoreale.com.
Frette
If you're spending too much time counting sheep, drag your weary bones to Frette, where the bedding experts will help you unravel the mysteries of linens—for example, thread count (the higher the number, the heavier the sheet). The store carries sheets, quilts, bedspreads, and accessories by top designers, in addition to the in-house line, which comes in both classic shades and colorful prints. 776B Boylston St., Boston, MA frette.com.
Bessie Blue
There's no shortage of painfully chic, designer-heavy boutiques in the western 'burbs. But this four-year-old spot manages to be both artfully fashionable and charmingly approachable—no sizing up or talking down to customers here. The place is stocked with glamorous yet fun apparel and accessories, and the stylish staffers, including owner Lee Gaston, are happy to help you translate the trends to complement your personal taste. 21 Leonard St., Belmont, MA 2478, bessieblue.com.
Crane & Co.
In addition to products from Kate Spade and Vera Bradley, Crane & Co. carries an in-house line (we love the hand-engraved Queen Bee notes for thank-yous). Whether you're looking for invitations or your first set of monogrammed stationery as husband and wife, staffers will fall all over themselves to make sure you're pleased. 156 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, crane.com.
Linda's Critter Corral
Linda Katz and crew have been pampering four-legged friends on the North Shore for more than 20 years. And when we say pampering, we mean it: In addition to standard grooming services, Linda's offers aromatherapy treatments and a Bathing Beauty power wash that gives your pet a massage while it cleans. Fido has never looked (or felt) so good. 73 Bessom St., Lynn, MA 1902, lindascrittercorral.com.
Furnature
Four generations into making furniture, the Shapiro family discovered they could not only craft a gorgeous sofa, loveseat, chair, or bed to match a customer's specific vision, but also make it totally nontoxic. The company they founded on that principle, Furnature, draws upon organic and sustainable materials for its upholstery, which is good for the environment, and formaldehyde-free wood and finishes that won't emit unhealthy chemicals into the home—which is good for your environment. 86 Coolidge Ave., Watertown, MA 2472, .
Flat Top Johnny's
Unlike its dank and dreary cousins, this billiards palace is clean and well-lit, with premium liquors poured at the full bar and food that would please even a discerning palate. True, some of the rowdy patrons seem more interested in slamming shots than shooting pool, but crowded around the hall's 12 tables you'll find plenty of serious players. Want to test your hustling skills? Cue up for the weekly 9-ball tournament Mondays at 6 p.m. 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 2139, flattopjohnnys.com.
Winnetu Oceanside Resort on Martha's Vineyard
Photograph by Gregg Shupe/Shupe Studios You may not have a Vineyard abode to call home, but a stay at this family-oriented hotel will make you feel like you own the place. Situated just steps from South Beach, Winnetu offers both kitchenette-equipped suites and weekly house rentals, including four new cottages outfitted with all the comforts of home. For those in the mood to eat out, the hotel's restaurant, Lure Grill, offers excellent seafood with a side of ocean views. And for the kids, there are basketball and tennis courts, day camps, and evening clambakes. 31 Dunes Road, Edgartown, MA 2539, winnetu.com.