Patch NYC
Need a one-of-a-kind present for a house-warming or dinner party? Step into designers Don Carney and John Ross’s funky shop for vibrant throw pillows, fragrant soaps, and more. 46 Waltham St., Boston, MA patchnyc.com.
Bundle of Hope
Be prepared to drop a bundle here: As soon as you spy the Zutano casualwear and fancy attire from European lines Petit Bateau and Deux Par Deux, you won't be able to resist stocking your kids' closets. 146 Front St., Scituate, MA 2066, bundleofhope.net.
The Tannery
Whether you're lacing up for work or a workout, the Tannery has your soles covered. The vast selection of footwear encompasses most makes—Clarks, Sperry, Converse—and models—wingtips, boat shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals. 711 Boylston St., Boston, MA thetannery.com.
Florabunda
Okay, so they don't have the largest selection in town, but they do have beautiful fresh flowers at half price on Saturdays, making it affordable to always have lots around the house. 280 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA .
Oleana
The theatrics alone make this starter ($9), accented with peaches and sweet peppers, a winner: A waiter pours the anise-flavored liquor over the salty cheese, then lights the dish on fire. The light show is impressive; the taste, even better. 134 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 2139, oleanarestaurant.com.
Frameworks
For a 50¢ fee and the cost of materials, Karen Swain's staff will help you select your frame, cut the materials for you, and instruct you step by step thereafter. It's as close as some of us will ever get to the creative process. 7 Upland Road, Cambridge, MA .
Fishelon Florist
If it's green and grows, you'll probably find it here: an Eden of house plants and cut flowers. If they don't have what a customer is looking for, the owners are happy to special order it. 23 Charles St., Boston, MA .
JM Curley
This half-pound-plus burger is big, fat, and perfectly spiced. Toppings of cheddar, griddled onions, pickles, and house Russian dressing—which meld together without causing a mess—only make it better. 21 Temple Place, Boston, MA jmcurleyboston.com.
Geneses Salon
What better way to cure a case of the drabs than to change your hair color? Whether you want a few streaks or a drastic color change, Geneses colorist Lisa can be trusted to get it right. 170 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Neale Eckstein and Norman Goldberg
When Eckstein's two Maltese dogs play with your kids and sit on their lap while they're in the chair, they'll forget they're at the d-e-n-t-i-s-t. Concord and Malborough, MA
Daloz the Cleaner
Unless you're up for ironing your own shirts and tablecloths, you won't get a better job anywhere in the area. And you pay for what you get: plenty. 11 Humphrey St., Dorchester, MA .
The Original Sports Saloon
"No brag, just fact," is the slogan of this 1993 Massachusetts Grande Barbecue Champion which takes the business of serving succulent ribs quite seriously. The only place these ribs will stick is in your memory. 47 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA .
Joyce Kulhawik, Channel 4
Best last year and still the one to watch. Sorely missed when the Boss opened his national tour in Worcester while she was out sick. Nice to have you back, Joyce.
A Few Good Girls
Kids have so few good role models in the entertainment industry today. A Few Good Girls, a four-woman hip-hop dance group from Boston and Newton, is dedicated to dancing—and to promoting positive image.
Guitar Center
Unmatched selection, salespeople who are available but not pushy, and a policy of matching any price in the country make this a musician's Disneyland. Find the classic ax of your dreams here, or just spend a pleasant afternoon sampling the goods in the store. 750 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .