Anderson & McQuaid
For most of us, it's hard to distinguish between a good two-by-four and a bad one. What distinguishes Anderson & McQuaid is its selection of exotic woods, including purple heart and lacewood, and its knowledgeable, helpful staff. Novice woodworkers are welcome. 170 Fawcett St., Cambridge, MA .
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.
Roxbury International Film Festival
Eleven days and more than 50 films, including vital hits such as a Toni Morrison biopic? Spoiler: Don’t miss this one next year. roxburyinternationalfilmfestival.com.
Drew Bledsoe
Not merely for performance but for vast promise as well. One day he will be the first Patriot to become legendary without blowing dope, the Super Bowl, or $100 million.
The Bleachers at Fenway Park
The bleachers at Fenway Park are ideal. No one will notice you, or, if they notice—care, and the sights, the sounds and the smells will give your supercharged senses plenty to play with. Boston, MA
Mor Reale Sewing Machine Center
There's a long wait for service, but these people really care about your machine—enough to give one-year warranties on repair work. Waltham, Framingham, Woburn, MA
Alan Bilzerian
Yes, it's too dark to see anything. Yes, it will take you an hour to tie yourself up in these clothes. But no one will say you're not au courant. 12 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Georgette
Another Newbury Street winner. Lace from France, and different colored slips to allow more than one wearing of the bridal gown. 131 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Ben's Café, Maison Robert
One of the city's earliest rehab projects (Maison Robert used to be Boston's City Hall), its location is elegant, its food French. 45 School St., Boston, MA .
Bentonwood Bakery/Cafe
Great sandwich bread (their own), great sandwich fixings—what more could you want? How about one in your neighborhood? 47 Langley Road, Newton Centre, MA .
Community Boating
One hundred, and count 'em, fourteen sailboats; fifteen to twenty-four footers. Anyone between sixteen and seventy-five can join. 21 Embankment Rd., Boston, MA .
Kevin Fennessy
From Grapes of Wrath to Emil and the Detectives with nary a bump, Fennessy is quietly making his mark as one of the finest stage masters in town.
Michael Albor, the Loft
In the words of one $350-a-cut stylist (who thought the handiwork was his own), our Albor-made chestnut brown "has never been better." 207 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, theloftsalonanddayspa.com.