The Envoy is located in Boston’s buzzy Seaport District. If you’re looking for a stay that’s more contemporary versus a more traditional Boston, this is a great place to rest your head. It’s about a five minute walk to The Institute of Contemporary Art, a spot you can easily lose a lot of time in.

@envoyboston

If Eloise at The Plaza was based in Boston, I think she’d stay here. Copley Plaza is an iconic Boston landmark and this luxury downtown hotel has been a symbol of the city’s rich history and elegance since its gala opening in 1912. It’s also situated next to the Boston Public Library — convenient if you need some vacation reading. If you’re there at the right time, you can also catch the Copley Square Farmers Market which happens right outside.

@fairmontcopley

Perfect for the solo traveler, Found Hotels is located downtown in a restored 1877 building. Inside its historic walls, you’ll find thoughtfully designed private rooms with modern bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, work desks, and Wi-Fi. Expect some hostel vibes and a very convenient location.

@foundhotels

Sofra is probably my favorite spot. It’s a Middle Eastern bakery, cafe, and market with items like date turmeric cinnamon rolls, warm buttered hummus, and Turkish style breakfast on the menu that’ll make you want to eat here more than once. Their Sesame Rose Milk makes my list of “the best things I’ve ever tasted,” but I haven’t seen it on the menu recently. Sofra, if you’re reading this, will you please bring it back? Sofra’s menu also features Siena Farms’ locally grown produce.

@sofrabakery

Out of all of the wonderful coffee spots in Boston, Cafe Fixe remains my go-to. The owner, Maks, runs a tight ship and is truly an expert. No seasonal specials or oat milk here — and you cannot order off the menu. If you want a cup of coffee in which you can taste all the notes or a perfect espresso — then you’re coming here.

Juliet is a European-inspired cafe that I love to come to for breakfast. They will do themed dinners as well. For example, their current prix fixe dinner for autumn is Les Pommes Sauvages (These Wild Apples) and celebrates chicken, apples, and all things wild.

@julietunionsq

Stillman’s Farm is an amazing place for fresh produce. Located in Central Massachusetts, they have a very active CSA program and many stalls at Boston Area farmers’ markets including the one of a kind, all local to New England, Boston Public Market. This week they had fresh cranberries grown right here in New England (our region’s superfood), romanesco, and so many winter squash options. Also check them out for pasture raised, grass-fed meat.

@stillmansfarm

Covet + Lou is like a breath of fresh air in a city where designers like Lauren Manoogian or Martiniano are honestly hard to find. Amidst our independent clothing designers, we also have a beautiful selection for home and of course, apothecary. We carry THE FULLEST’S Kinder Thoughts™, Strands of Sunshine™, and Warm Feelings™. I fully anticipate using the Warm Feelings™ Saffron Latte Sachets to get me through the upcoming cold Boston winter. Other apothecary lines I am excited about right now include Bodha, Bare Hands, Monastery, and Flamingo Estate.

@covetandlou

Pod is a teeny tiny and beautifully curated boutique shop located on a quiet brick street in Cambridge. Pod offers homewares, women’s apparel, and personal care items. If you are a Fog Linen fan, you will love it here. I always feel like I can find something really special here.

@shop_pod

Pastaio Via Corta is a fresh, organic homemade pasta, Italian provisions, and natural wine shop technically located in Gloucester, about an hour outside of Boston. Their homemade pasta is made from non-GMO, organic, milled to order, local stone-ground wheat. The pasture-raised organic and non-GMO-fed eggs for their pasta are from a farm in the Berkshires. The owner, Danielle, always sources the most local and seasonal ingredients as possible.

@pastaioviacorta

The collection of antiques comes from everywhere including England, France, Ireland, Scotland and all throughout Europe, really. To quote directly from their website: “(We) capture the authenticity of true European countryside shops, the ones stacked to the limit with furniture, where every time you move one piece you discover another.” And honestly, they do.

The Carpenter Center was completed in 1963 and is the only building on the North American continent designed by famous architect, Le Corbusier. Apparently there was some controversy about placing such a modern building in a traditional location (it’s a part of Harvard in Cambridge). However, Le Corbusier believed that a traditional building dedicated to the visual arts would have been a contradiction. It’s a beautiful building to spend time in, and make sure to check out the bookshop also!

@ccva_harvard

The North End is Boston’s Little Italy. It’s hard not to fall in love with its narrow streets and old buildings and you do feel transported. Personally, I love to grab espresso at Caffè Paradiso and walk along to The Prado, better known as the Paul Revere Mall. If you pay it a visit, you must go down the small alleyway to Bricco’s Panetteria where you will find freshly baked ciabatta and more.

An amazing Boston museum, inspired by a Venetian palace, that boasts an open courtyard at its center. Isabella Stewart Garnder was very hands-on with building the museum to hold her collection. Get ready to be impressed by a carefully curated collection of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture, rare books, and decorative objects. It’s a must-visit in my eyes.

@gardnermuseum

Need an escape from the city streets? This place is a museum of trees teaching the world about plants. The Arboretum is owned by Harvard and free to everyone every day. It garners a lot of attention during the lilac season, but I feel that there is something to discover across all seasons. It’s fun getting lost in there — maybe schedule an extra hour to wander off the path and lose track of time.

@arnold_arboretum