Framers' Workshop
The friendly folks at Framers' Workshop give you a choice. You can simply drop off your MFA poster/diploma/illuminated manuscript, and pick it up behind glass two weeks later. Or you can master the craft of framing it yourself—an economical, labor-intensive, yet strangely meditative process, on par with making your own bread. Choose the matte and molding of your choice (they cut it for you), then plant yourself at one of 10 workstations in the back, equipped with a vise, nails, glue, and all the other supplies you need. The background music is good, too. 64 Harvard St., Brookline Village, MA .
Warren Asnes, Peace of Mind
A couple of years ago, Warren Asnes was a bureaucrat in the state's Office of Human Services. But last year, he decided to become a full-time housewatcher—a move inspired by his musing whether he or the other occupant of a two-family home was responsible for filling the house's boiler. Today he'll tend to the care and feeding of your home while you're away by walking your dog, watering your plants, forwarding your mail, even stocking your refrigerator for your return—all for seven bucks a trip. He comes with references, is fully insured, and is not put off by large numbers of pets: he once baby-sat 34 cats. Newton, MA
Weston Nurseries
This 80-year-old Hopkinton nursery fills the horticultural needs of everyone from weekend enthusiasts to professional landscapers. The garden center stocks a vast selection of healthy, robust annuals and perennials—a scene that would be overwhelming were it not for the fact that plants are grouped according to what looks good together, taking much of the guesswork out of gardening. Shrub seekers can hop into one of the company's Land Rovers to scour the 650 acres of growing fields for the perfect specimen. There's plenty to choose from, since 80 percent of Weston's merchandise is grown on the premises. Don't have a green thumb? Take advantage of the nursery's landscaping services. 93 East Main St. (Route 135), Hopkinton, MA westonnurseries.com.
Shine
Need just the right work-from-home outfit, hostess gift, or last-minute accessory? Glow up with help from Shine, where you’ll find sustainable brands in super-cozy brick surroundings. Browse woven clutches crafted by Balinese artisans from Poppy + Sage and small-batch sundresses from New Hampshire–based Emerson Fry made from low-impact dyes, perfectly paired with sneaks from Cariuma (which plants a tree in the Brazilian rainforest with every sale). Perky owner Erin Postl also stocks candles, perfume oils, and quirky pillows that promise to bring Earth-friendly accents to your home, too. 28 State St., Newburyport, MA 1950, shinenewburyport.com.
Oak + Moss
Pat Piasecki Calling all plant lovers: This sweet Salem boutique has everything you need to transform your home into a garden oasis you’ll (really!) never want to leave. The best part? You can order its birds-of-paradise, philodendrons, and ferns online—as well as gorgeous planters to keep your new additions happy—then safely pick up curbside. And if you’re not sure your thumb is green enough, the shop also stocks home goods such as cheeky throw pillows and hand-poured candles to liven up your space. 143 Washington St., Salem, MA 01970, oakandmoss.com.
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Think horticulture and high-energy kids don’t mix? You haven’t been to this Boylston sanctuary, which continued its growth this year by unveiling a 1.5-acre children’s garden — dubbed the Ramble designed for the littlest plant lovers. The pre-K set will especially appreciate the space’s new Nature Play Days, offering story time, crafts, dress-up, and more. Parents, meanwhile, will relish the thousands of gorgeous flowers in bloom — not to mention an on-site café overlooking Mount Wachusett (with mac ’n’ cheese for the kiddos, of course). 11 French Dr., Boylston, MA 1505, nebg.org.
Brown and Coconut
Your life may change when you discover that kale is good for more than just eating. It’s also a powerhouse skin-clarifying agent, with a magic mix of vitamins and antioxidants. That’s exactly what you’ll find in Boston-based skin-care line Brown and Coconut’s Clarifying Kale Mask, which promises to both moisturize and reduce fine lines. The formula is just one example of the ethos of sister-owners Zeena Brown and Letisha Izuchi, whose lineup of plant based cleansers, oils, and soaps offers yet another way to nourish your body (and soul). brownandcoconut.com.
Philip Schwartz, Morning Paws
Hands down, Schwartz is the most distinguished walker of dogs in the city. Gray-haired and bespectacled, Philip stalks the streets of the South End, Back Bay, and Beacon Hill with his small leashed brood (including his own gentle doberman, Tara). A former retail executive, Schwartz never had a dog as a child and is making up for lost time, caring for up to 40 a day. He also does some sleepover home-stays—attending to pets, mail, and plants—and gives advice about Parisian travel and cooking. The cost: $10 per walk, $40-$50 per night for home stays.
Wilson's Farms
If it's good enough for Julia Child, it's good enough for us. Sure, it's bigger than your average farmstand, and the weekend traffic on quiet Pleasant Street can be a drag. But the Wilson family has been growing fresh produce since 1884 and selling it to the public for the past 50 years—long before yuppies discovered mesclun, and before the pan-Asian trend gave bok choy its buzz. More than 30 acres in Lexington and 250 in New Hampshire fuel the retail shop, where every conceivable fruit and vegetable is available, not to mention flowers and plants and a full menu of prepared foods, cheeses, condiments and baked goods. 10 Pleasant St., Lexington, MA .
Bos. Shop South End
Since it replaced the beloved Olives & Grace last summer, this sweet boutique, which showcases goods from Black-owned businesses, has taken over the mantle of Boston’s most thoughtful — and beautifully merchandised — gift shop. Drop in for a bag of loose-leaf herbal tea, a box of locally made chocolates, or a cute little “plant baby” for your dinner-party host (even better, spring for the curated gift box). No matter what you choose, you can be confident you’ll always get the same thing from the person receiving it: another invite. 623 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, blackownedbos.com/bos-shop.
The Old Inn on the Green
This renovated B-and-B began as an 18th-century stagecoach stop, and to this day there are no electric lights in the dining rooms—only a sea of candles and an open hearth. The food, however, is indisputably modern. Chef Peter Platt's credentials have nearly surpassed those of his early mentors, Lydia Shire and Jasper White, and his decadent handiwork—foie gras flan, squid-ink risotto, braised short ribs with truffled mashed potatoes—is history-making itself. 134 Hartsville/New Marlborough Rd., New Marlborough, MA oldinn.com.
Drink
The previous generation (Eastern Standard, the sadly defunct B-Side Lounge) may have planted the seeds for a cocktail revival, but Fort Point newcomer Drink—with its house-made liqueurs and garnishes, mid-bar herb garden, and bespoke ice cubes—presents the modern imbiber's paradise in full flower. The brilliantly designed winding bar hides the bottles and puts the bartenders front and center as they work off of their imagination, rather than preconceived menus. Everything from the custom drinks to the linen-and-mini-water-glass setup at each seat is meant to focus the patron's attention on the matter at hand: the serious art of cocktail making. 348 Congress St., Boston, MA 2210, drinkfortpoint.com.
Cocoon
This family-run store may seem small, but it's packed with objects to render your home as cozy, chic, and vaguely exotic as its name. There are intricately beaded silk table runners, art deco picture frames, mammoth plants, exquisite scented candles, artsy salt and pepper shakers, gorgeous Asian antiques, and a flat-out stunning selection of French tulips, Chinese bamboo, and other exotic flowers available by the stem or bouquet. Make sure to allow ample browsing time, then circle back again; you're sure to stumble upon another unique piece you missed on the first pass. 170 Tremont St., Boston, MA cocoonhome.com.
World's End
Before Hingham's 251-acre World's End peninsula became a stunning spot for picnickers, it was the proposed location for both the United Nations headquarters and a nuclear power plant. Luckily, those ideas failed. Today, the reservation property boasts wide fields, native fauna, 4-plus miles of tree-lined walking paths, and panoramic views of the city skyline and Hingham Harbor. Just add paper plates and homemade sandwiches for a dining experience to rival that of any swanky sidewalk café. ($4.50, 8 a.m.-sunset year round.) 250 Martin's Lane, Hingham, MA 2043, thetrustees.org.
Jeannie Rogers, Il Capriccio
Jeannie Rogers is a soft-spoken woman, but when it comes to wine she sure knows her stuff. After 20 years of building the incredible cellar in Waltham at Il Capriccio, Rogers knows her customers and works hard to give them what they want. Sometimes, that means a little education: No wonder Rogers is on the founding advisory board of the Boston University Elizabeth Bishop Wine Resource center. Through her feet are deeply planted in the Boston area, Rogers' head and palate look toward the vineyard-dotted, rolling hills of Italy. Her interest in Italian varietals is duly noted on her hand-picked wine list (90 percent of selections are Italian), but not at the expense of some great varietals from Austria, Germany, France, and even Santa Barbara. Don't miss the grappa selection on the dessert wine list. 888 Main Street, Waltham, MA ilcapricciowaltham.com.