Herb Richman's
When the Data General vice president and cofounder dissolved his merger with his third wife, Nanette, he bailed out with the couple's $4-million Dover farm, their Boston townhouse, his Waterville Valley real estate, his millions in DG stock and assorted assets. All Nanette got was a flat $1 million, two mink coats, and numerous four-legged creatures and four-wheeled vehicles.
Rangoli
The prized entree at this southern Indian restaurant is called dosa—a huge crunchy crepe stuffed with rice, lentils, and your choice of meat. But that doesn't mean you should neglect the dahi bhala (lentil balls and yogurt) or the tomato-coconut shorba (soup). The chef works with a cunning palette of tart and sweet flavors guaranteed to tickled your buds. 129 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA .
Sun Sun Company
Stop at Sun Sun to pick up all those items on your grocery list you just can't seem to find at Super Stop 'n Shop: dried oysters, fish heads (some of which seem to be moving), and live crabs, as well as a great selection of produce, meats, and fish. Worth a trip simply to stock your spice cabinet with authentic Oriental sauces and seasonings. Plus, rice in bulk and many herbal and green teas. 18 Oxford Street, Boston, MA .
Cabot's Ice Cream and Restaurant
Fulfill your most outrageous ice-cream fantasies by choosing from a five-page ice-cream menu, or create your own combinations from more than two dozen hot and cold sauces (including five different hot fudges) and more than three dozen flavors of Richardson's ice cream, plus tofu ice cream and frozen yogurt. 743 Washington St., Newton, MA .
Singing Beach
This half-mile stretch cuts a sandy swath into the rocky terrain of Cape Ann's coastline, giving picnickers plenty of sheltered space to spread out and dig in. Nearby, the Kitchen Witch makes packing the basket effortless with gourmet sandwiches, pints of pasta salad, and homemade cookies. Work off your lunch with a romp in the invigorating tide pools, or let your repast settle as you lie back and wallow in the view. Beach Street; the Kitchen Witch, 4C Summer St., Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA 1944, .
Pyara
Even if you have only 30 minutes to spend at Pyara, you'll reap the relaxing benefits: Nosh on dark chocolate and sip a calming tea while your therapist prepares a combination of oils and lotions with fragrances suited to your needs for a quickie Elemental Nature massage. The spa partners with Aveda, but also offers a variety of different hair, beauty, and skin-care products. 101 Middlesex Tpke., Burlington, MA pyaraaveda.com.
Makeovers Salon + Spa
With 26 styling stations, Makeovers is one of the largest salon/spas in the state—which means you just may be able to snag a last-minute Saturday appointment (amazing!). Co-owner Edward Blum uses his magic scissorhands to cut your hair based on the architecture of your face, and his team of talented stylists all follow suit. There's also a fully stocked snack bar and a separate wing devoted to inviting spa treatments. 574 Washington St., South Easton, MA makeoverssalon.com.
The Hingham Greenery
The ability to arrange—to conjure and orchestrate—is what makes a flawless florist. That's who you'll find hard at work at the Hingham Greenery. They'll form your bouquet from the shop's pristine white roses, yellow forsythia, or giant lilies. The colossal collection of vases, from hand-painted Asian jugs to crackle-glazed pots and toile planters, is sure to contain a perfect container for your beautiful buds. 39 South St., Hingham, MA hinghamgreenery.com.
The Sweet Life Café
Once you and your sweetheart have strolled the beach and sailed at sunset, your next romantic rendezvous should be dinner at the Sweet Life Café. This upscale eatery serves fresh fare such as chévre ravioli in curry sauce and roasted halibut with eggplant purée. Don't miss dessert—the blueberry— brown butter tart is divine—in the candlelit garden. 63 Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA sweetlifemv.com.
Bellezza Day Spa
Chances are you'll enjoy your every minute at the newly relocated and expanded Falmouth Bellezza spa. A complimentary cup of tea or relaxing glass of wine precedes a supersoothing head massage and chic, contemporary cut. Whether you're looking for a simple style or a totally new color, these hair designers pay close attention to your desires before making them a reality. 221 Main St., Falmouth, MA spabellezza.com.
Bakers' Best
Although it has expanded its dining area, we love Bakers' Best most for its sophisticated takeout options. Everything comes with detailed reheating directions that will fool your guests into thinking you cooked it yourself. But don't worry: The employees here won't give away your secret. They'll even come over to cater for you. 27 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA .
Grettacole
Beauty may be only skin deep, but the relaxing effect of a day at Grettacole goes so much deeper. A true spa-goer's spa, Grettacole is staffed by an army of masseuses, aestheticians, and nail technicians—every last one a perfectionist—who can fix a nail as perfectly as they can clean your pores or buff your skin to a high shine. The spa offers not only top-of-the-line services, but also excellent salon and spa products from Kérastase, Bumble & bumble, and Trish McEvoy. 95 Central St., Wellesley, MA grettacole.com.
Top Dog of Rockport
Forget any preconceived notions of what a hot dog is: Top Dog outdoes them all with all-meat dogs in natural casings that lend a juicy chewiness, whether you order yours grilled or steamed. This little shack on the point of Bearskin Neck is immaculate—though once the friendly folks who work here pile your plate high with baked beans, grilled peppers, sauerkraut, or Vidadlia onion relish, you may not be. They also serve great lobster rolls and fries. 2 Doyles Cove Rd., Rockport, MA topdogrockport.com.
Euro Design Jewelry
Does anyone care about workmanship anymore? The congenial Russian husband and wife who own Euro Design do, and it shows in the intricate, graceful jewelry they create. They preside over a cadre of cases gleaming with ethereal diamond bracelets and ruby necklaces so delicate they seem to float on the neck. Much of the jewelry—designed and crafted on the premises—is custom-made for clients, so if that one perfect, lustrous pearl brooch wrapped in sapphire streams is still looming in your imagination, your search ends here. 1298F Worcester Rd., Natick, MA eurodesignjewelry.net.
Elegant Entrances
"Cluttered" may not be your adjective of choice when it comes to home décor, but a trip to Elegant Entrances might be enough to make wrought-iron candelabra and Mission lamps on iridescent spring-green tablecloths staples of your permanent decorating style. Crowded with items as varied as Victorian basins and wall-mounted cowbells, this Norwell shop has the feel of a Harvard Square boutique, but without the prices. So leave the Platinum AmEx at home—and bring a car with a big trunk. 430 Washington St., Norwell, MA .