Inn at Hastings Park
Lexington will go down in history for two reasons: starting a revolution and being home to this Relais & Châteaux inn. The four-star Forbes Travel Guide property lures travelers with tony accommodations that don’t skimp on luxury (think: in-room fireplaces, marble bathrooms, and handprinted wallpaper). But it’s worth checking in even just for Sunday brunch: Back for the season, the Culinary Garden outdoor space — with wooden farm tables and garden boxes of basil, lemongrass, and other fresh herbs found on the menu — is as idyllic as a night tucked into the Matouk linens. 2027 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, innathastingspark.com.
Ananda Massage Collective
By appointment only. A 1 1/2-hour pounding which will leave you as limp as spaghetti marinated in Adolph's. 1151 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Beacon Hill Skate
For five bucks an hour, let the good times roll. Free knee pads and tips on staying upright. 135 Charles Street South, Boston, MA .
Rosie's Bar & Grille
Open, welcoming, and serving until the wee hours, it has twice the ambience and none of the stage lights or lines. 1667 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA .
Beaucage
A soothing hour of cleansing in a salon with a lovely ambience. 71 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
Fleet Financial Group's attempted takeover of attack dog/housing activitist Bruce Marks and his Union Neighborhood Assistance Corporation.
Never has so little money—about $1.4 million—been spent for so much silence.
<em>Phoenix</em> political writer Al Giordano's portrayal of House Speaker Charlie Flaherty as a statesman.
If Giordano had taken his blinders off for a couple of minutes, he might have realized that Flaherty isn't part of the solution, he's part of the problem.
A three-way tie. House Speaker George Keverian, Boston mayor Ray Flynn, and Senate president Billy Bulger.
Keverian for getting the Duke's wormy 1988 budget and the universal-health-care package through the legislature in time for the Democratic convention. Flynn for the wisdom he showed in announcing he was not running for governor—even if he had to announce it twice and even though he'll probably change his mind. And Bulger "for getting away with it yet again," said one admiring panelist.
Phillips
Phillips on Beacon Hill for 24-hour service and prescriptions. For price and sample sizes, the Big L. Beacon Hill, MA
Phillips Drug Company
Really, truly open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The most convenient thing about going to Mass General. 155 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Firefly
Offering both titanium and carbon-titanium hybrid builds, this boutique shop spends hours refining each bike’s design before producing a ride made just for you. 117 Boston St., Dorchester, MA fireflybicycles.com.
Pantry
Help at last for those of us who are grocery-challenged: Here you’ll find an arsenal of rotating recipes that you can prep and cook in under an hour, complete with all of the ingredients you’ll need to make them. 1622 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446, pantrystores.com.
Bonwit Teller's
Would you believe Bonwit Teller's, 234 Berkeley St.? Neither did we, but it's so. Spend an hour in their lingerie department, and you'll never go back to the Combat Zone. 234 Berkley St., Boston, MA .
Cafe Paradiso
This is the real thing: granita e gelato genuino Italiano, and available from early morning until the wee hours. It's smooth and flavorful—we like Amaretto, espresso, and pistachio. Savor it with a cup of perfect cappuccino. 253 Hanover Street, Boston, MA .
Alan Rouleau Courtuerier
Alan Rouleau's alterations are impeccable, and his evening hours are ideal for working folks. 91 Newbury St., Boston, MA .