Mahoney's Garden Centers
Photograph by Michael Piazza Year after year, we appreciate Mahoney's straightforward approach to gardening: Give us what we want (fertilizer, soil, a variety of hardy plants), and when summer sneaks up on us, we're ready to dig in. We also can't help but be grateful for the invaluable advice staffers consistently dish out, to say nothing of the design, planting, and delivery services. 449 Western Ave., Brighton, MA 2135, .
Niche
Does your windowsill already resemble a jungle, but you still need one more hedgehog aloe? Is your sun porch incomplete without twin philodendrons flanking the entrance? Then you just might be the kind of urban gardener Niche caters to. Its two retail locations are all-in-one stops for plants, pots, soil, fertilizer, tools, and, yes, more plants, letting you indulge your green thumb without sacrificing your prime city real estate. 619 Tremont St., Boston, MA nicheplantshop.com.
Chuck Bass Jean Pierre Salon
A scissoring from Bass doesn't come cheap (expect to drop a C-note on a session), but you'll finally get what you need in a haircut, as opposed to those one-size-fits-all quickies available elsewhere. Bass first scrupulously studies your hair, then delivers a cut that complements your face and frame, and your head's idiosyncratic contours. In short, he makes sure it's all working seamlessly and, dare we say, suavely. 116 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, chuckbass.com.
Dirk Diegel, Vidal Sassoon
It takes time for a hairstylist to earn your trust—time that is measured in inch-long increments. Dirk Diegel instantly inspires confidence with his careful, studied, and razor-sharp cutting skills. Trained at Vidal Sassoon in Germany (which explains the accent and stoicism), he's a master at improving the texture, consistency, and shape of your strands. Short, long, curly, or straight locks—Diegel takes on the most challenging head cases and comes out a cut above. 14 Newbury St., Boston, MA sassoon.com.
New Art Center
In Newton's New Art Center classes, weekend collectors can ponder the age-old question—What Is Art?—then study the intriguing works showcased in the late-1800s Universalist church. Should you find something lacking in any of the canvases, prints, or sculptures, you can improve the view by organizing your own exhibitions: The guest curatorial program lets interested parties help decide what goes on display. 61 Washington Park, Newtonville, MA 2460, newartcenter.org.
WordsWorth Books
Much more than best-sellers and self-help, this complex two-store shrine to the written word stocks and discounts almost everything from Aristotle to Zagat's. Books are displayed in a way that makes bibliophiles quiver— it's kind of a cocktail party for readers, with quirky reads scattered throughout the stacks. Bonus: Great people-watching, especially if you're studying, say, the sociology of the attempted literary pickup scene. 30 Brattle St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA .
Dakzen
Save your airline miles: This new Davis Square destination offers all the pleasures of Thai street food, minus the daylong flight. The killer khao soi (“cut rice”) is a study in richness and fiery depth, sharpened with fixings such as pork belly and pickled mustard. Classic pad thai, meanwhile, is mercifully more savory than sweet. And the rice porridge and satiny egg custards at the weekend-only breakfast pop-up (dubbed Egg E Egg Egg) consistently dazzle. 195 Elm St., Somerville, MA dakzen.com.
Eye and Eye Optics
It’s not easy finding a pair of frames that harmonize with your face just so. But if anyone can do it, it’s father-and-son opticians Bobin and Tariq Nicholson, both of whom studied music in college and now bring their artistic vision to this one-stop shop for glasses, contacts, and eye exams. Whether you prefer your specs colorful and funky or sleek and understated, you’ll find them in the cases here—along with warm, personable service that turns a chore into an outing to look forward to. 2271 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA 02124, eyeandeyeoptics.com.
The Urban Grape
Husband-and-wife team TJ and Hadley Douglas wrote the book (literally) on Progressive Shelving, their innovative, palate-broadening system that organizes wines by body rather than region or grape. The shop’s whole culture, really, is forward-thinking—see: its Clink Progressively education series, which hosted a virtual Juneteenth panel about issues facing Black winemakers, or its new Wine Studies Award for Students of Color, which will send ambitious oenophiles through wine school and connect them to paid internships. 303 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 02116, theurbangrape.com.
Area Four
Michael Leviton's Cambridge venture is many things to many people: a morning latte-and-breakfast-sandwich stop for local tech gurus; a de facto study hall for MIT students; a casual spot for friends to catch up over a crispy potato-and-pancetta pizza and a couple of glasses of wine. Despite the crowds, though, Area Four maintains a warm, neighborhoody vibe. 500 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 2139, areafour.com.
Rani Indian Bistro
Rani is a study in contrasts. The spicy pinch of lamb vindaloo meets the sugary melt of mango chutney, and the taste of sour curry is followed by the sweet nectar of a rose lassi. No taste bud is ignored at Coolidge Corner's hottest new bistro. The atmosphere is airy and pleasant, with authentic décor to match the authentic Hyderabadi cuisine. And the service is as steady as the stream of locals coming through the door. 1353 Beacon St., Brookline, MA ranibistro.com.
Dani Wagener, Shu Uemura
Too many makeup artists labor under the tragic misconception that "bridal" means caked-on foundation, tarlike mascara, and Dynasty-esque cheek contouring. Not Wagener, who studies the bride-to-be's everyday look, then simply ratchets it up for the nuptials. After a session in her cozy workspace—well worth her $125 hourly fee—we walked away feeling glamorous as hell, but looking like ourselves. 130 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 2116, shuuemura-usa.com.
Gin Soon Chu
Boston's best-kept secret works on Tremont Street in Chinatown. His name is Gin Soon Chu, but he is known in the area only as sifu (teacher). Sifu is one of two living disciples of the Yang Tai Chi line. Martial artists from all over the world come here to study with the grand master, who is said to be wiser than an owl and stronger than a bear. 324 Tremont St., Boston, MA .
The Bristol Lounge
The Four Seasons' lounge caters to both sorts of solo patrons: those who find themselves alone, and those who wish to be left alone. The skilled barkeeps are the city's quickest studies of stag drinkers, able to gauge whether you're up for a chat, a snack, or a stiff drink and silence. And the Bristol's cozy appointments make it perfectly suited to parties of one. 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2116, .
American Seasons
American Seasons co-owner Orla Murphy LaScola greets patrons with a charming Irish brogue as she seats them on the cool, inviting porch or in the warm, rustic dining room. Wherever they sit, they're in for a treat: Chef-owner Michael LaScola's creations—which include such delights as fried oyster and rare beef salad with mustard greens and orange, and blackberry-anise bomb—are seasonally inspired and beautifully executed. Dine here during a weekend getaway, and you'll soon find yourself studying ferry schedules just to plot your next feast. 80 Centre St., Nantucket Island, MA 2554, americanseasons.com.