Neiman Marcus
For men and women this is the best selection in town. Belts, bags, and wallets from the likes of Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Bottega Veneta make this the one-stop upscale shop for leather goods. If money is no object, the timeless Barry Kieselstein-Cord bags and belts are works of art commanding prices well into the thousands. 5 Copley Place, Boston, MA .
Emporio Armani
For one-stop shopping with or without your significant other, Emporio Armani can dress you from head to toe, including accessories. From jeans to beaded gowns and tuxedos, sunglasses and shoes, this store has it all. As a bonus, the cafe next door will revive you when the shopping gets tough. 210-214 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Mirbeau Inn & Spa
Why escape to the Cape for the weekend when you can unwind right in your own backyard? A weekend at this French-style manor can include slurping local oysters in the elegant on-site restaurant; indulging in a seaweed wrap at the 16,500-square-foot marquee spa; or simply relaxing by the fireplace in one of the cozy guest rooms. 35 Landmark Dr., Plymouth, MA 02360, plymouth.mirbeau.com.
SoWa Winter Festival
Returning this holiday season, this event is the ideal winter one-stop shop: Get all of your gifts from local arts and craft vendors while enjoying food and cocktails, all graced by the glow of ice sculptures. 500 Harrison Ave., South End, MA 02118, sowaboston.com/sowa-winter-festival.
Josh Zakim vs. Bill Galvin
Insinuations of voter suppression. Mockery of the Boston City Council. When City Councilor Josh Zakim came for Secretary of State Bill Galvin’s job, neither pulled punches. The result? One hell of a race.
Canary Square
The pub grub here is good, but the specialty craft beers on tap and the inventive—and inventively named—cocktails ("99 Problems but My Drink Ain't One") served from the 65-foot wooden bar are reason enough to visit. 435 S. Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130, canarysquare.com.
Brick & Mortar
Don’t be alarmed by the lack of signage: Finding this hidden gem is the hardest part. Ordering is easy, whether you’re in the mood for apricot-habanero chicken wings, a fried oyster po’ boy, or one of the juiciest cheeseburgers around. 567 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, brickmortarltd.com.
Cafe Budapest
Strolling violinists, subdued lighting, and plush European décor combined with one of the better kitchens in town. It's this kind of old-world charm that made Dracula such a hit with the ladies. 90 Exeter St., Boston, MA .
Marvelous Marvin Hagler
The middleweight champ's victory over John Mugabi was hardly the great sports moment of the year. And his appearance on "Saturday Night Live" was even worse. Still, no one has worked harder for his money. Not even Larry Bird.
Omni Parker House
Invented at the Omni Parker House back in the days when men wore top hats and no one had heard of hydrogenated fats, this custard-filled, chocolate-topped sponge cake is the 19th century at its most decadent. 60 School St., Boston, MA omnihotels.com.
International Poster Gallery
Why? Because no one else can hook you up with an original art-nouveau Mucha on silk, or a first-edition movie poster from Stanley Kubrick's Lolita. Lolita, 205 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
The Designers
This Beacon Hill shop will make any article of clothing you want, using the finest leather. Whether creating a new garment or repairing an old one, their work is impeccable. 103 Charles Street, Boston, MA .
Rosie's Bakery
When a chocolate craving hits, there are few things in life more satisfying than one of Rosie's cookies. Sophisticated enough to feel adult; fudgy enough to make our inner child stop whining. 243 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA .
Tia's at Long Wharf
And they mean on the waterfront. Tia's is the place-to-be-outside. A large, open barroom sprawls out to the patio, which is usually full of young professionals trying to tie one on before dark. 200 Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA .
Rocco's
Rocco's is more than one year old, but it's still fun. And because it's next door to the blossoming Midtown Cultural District, Rocco's is the best place for dinner, dessert, or drinks after the show. 5 Charles St. South, Boston, MA .