Wellesley Center

With the exception of a few tolerable chains like LF and the Rugged Bear, this tony town remains largely true to the efforts of owners with local ties: Jill Goldberg's home shop Hudson, Gretchen Monahan's temple-to-chic Gretta Luxe, Georgie Hotchkiss's crafts showcase the Gifted Hand. Everything from books to $2,000 Italian handbags can be bought from a familiar face (and when dining après-spree, we especially like the one in the kitchen at nearby Blue Ginger). RUNNER-UP: Depot District, Concord