The Boston Company's plunge
The thriving Brahmin bank fell from grace after the suicide of one executive and the resignation of another lifted the curtain on a $30-million accounting error. The firm jettisoned CEO James von Germeten in January, the public relations wound bled for weeks, and the bright star in the Shearson Lehman Hutton empire lost its luster.
Winston Flowers
There are plenty of ready-made arrangements at this luxe chain's Wellesley location, but if you desire something one-of-a-kind, the talented in-store designers will whip up a stunner to fit any occasion. There's also an impressive assortment of versatile vessels and generous selection of perennials, flowering trees, and pothos plants. 31 Central St., Wellesley, MA 2481, winstonflowers.com.
Sultan's Kitchen
Why single out what is already probably Boston's only Turkish restaurant? Because there are some who work downtown and still haven't had one of their kebab sandwiches for lunch. Give 'em a shot: only your breath will suffer. 72 Broad St., Boston, MA .
The Premier Restaurant
The Premier Restaurant, 1130 Washington St., Roxbury, remains this city's premier Jewish deli. One taste of its cabbage soup, kasha varnishkes or corned beef sandwiches (with Russian dressing and coleslaw) and Yassar Arafat would enlist in the JDL. 1130 Washington St., Roxbury, MA .
Cambridge Center Rooftop Garden
One of the city's most breathtaking green spaces is located atop a weary hunk of concrete in Kendall Square. Walk into a nondescript parking garage, ride the elevator to the top floor, and you'll discover the Cambridge Center Rooftop Garden, an oasis of landscaped flora. Cambridge, MA 2142,
The park (and garage) at Post Office Square
Two signs of relief. One: Post Office Square no longer resembles an overturned canister of Tinker Toys, as it did during the long construction period. Two: The New park, which tops seven layers of subterannean garage space, feels as if it's been there forever.
Hilton's Tent City
This equipment emporium, which moved from the West End to Central this year, stocks all the camping gear, boots, backpacks, and tents you need for your next rugged hike in the White Mountains. Including one remnant of the original location: a wall of trail maps and postcards. 565 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02114, hiltonstentcity.com.
Ramler Park
There’s more than one park in Fenway. Tucked away at the end of Peterborough Street is this diligently manicured slice of urban paradise, where lush vines coil around the pergola and rose bushes put on a colorful show in spring and early summer. 130 Peterborough St., Boston, MA 02215, friendsoframlerpark.org.
Jan Gleysteen Architects
Perusing Jan Gleysteen’s portfolio, one word repeatedly comes to mind: timeless. With nearly four decades of experience under his belt, the Wellesley architect knows his way around traditionalism, dreaming up classic abodes—such as a grand suburban homestead with coffered ceilings and dramatic archway—that are built to last. 888 Worcester St., Wellesley, MA 02482, jangleysteeninc.com.
Tartt’s
Drop the guilt along with your little one at Tartt’s. The fourth-generation owners have perfected a curriculum that balances cognitive development (sign language, Spanish) with serious fun (like Urbanity Dance–taught “baby groove” lessons). 477 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, tartts.com.
Crane Estate
Your very own castle overlooking the sea. It's a reality at Ipswich's Crane Estate, a 2,100-acre tribute to natural beauty and manmade opulence that showcases water panoramas and one very regal Stuart-style manor. While several party spots are available, the showstopper is the Great House's rolling lawn leading to the Atlantic. 290 Argilla Rd., Ipswich, MA 01938, thetrustees.org/crane-estate.
Joanna Howell-Giraud
While it might seem like a contradiction in terms, colored hair that doesn't look colored is precisely the effect of a coloring session with Joanna. She does not subscribe to the one-color look but prefers to mix a number of warm and cold highlights to create, even with the finest hair, a sense of vibrancy and vitality. Solus, 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
The Red Wagon
The majority of this store's lines are stylish and durable, designed for kids who like to stand out from the crowd without standing still. The sales staff is always willing to search for a size or offer helpful suggestions and—of all—is sweet and patient with little ones of all temperaments. 69 Charles St., Boston, MA theredwagon.com.
The Children's Book Shop
Books are alive and well at this charming Brookline shop, where owner Terri Schmitz helps kids of all ages find the perfect rainy-day escape, sans batteries. Catch her when the little ones are fully engaged and reminisce about all the authors you loved as a child. 237 Washington St., Brookline, MA 2445, thechildrensbookshop.net.
Isis Parenting
No one demystifies the buying process like Isis, where the "Stroller School" guarantees you'll choose the perfect wheels. Unsure about the Bugaboo Donkey's double-seat configurations or the difference between the Boppy breastfeeding pillow and My Brest Friend? Staffers here will steer you in the right direction. 800 Boylston st., Boston, MA 2116, isisparenting.com.