Howard Johnson's
Howard Johnson's invented it, and, perhaps because they've had so much practice, they continue to do it best. The Ho-Jo frappe is thick and creamy and available on every street corner this side of Guam. Boston, MA
Fenton Hollander of Water Music
For booking such top-notch talents as Rebecca Parris, the New Black Eagle Jazz Band, and Tom Rush into acoustically first-rate listening rooms such as the Regattabar and the Copley Plaza Hotel ballroom.
The Jazz Boat
A cruise, a concert. Every Wednesday evening through September 9, with two sailings a night. And if you don't like jazz, there are reggae, dance-band, and classical cruises other nights of the week. Commonwealth Pier, .
Jasmine-Sola
A big pair of sunglasses, a sporty red convertible, and a kicky, silky scar from Jasmine-Sola tied just so. Grace Kelly never had it so good. 329 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Ray Bourque
Dependable, often dominant. When he went down, the Nordiques had a lock.
Santarpio's
Year after year, even without Mike Eruzione's father behind the bar. 111 Chelsea St., East Boston, MA .
The Capital Grille
Great steak, fancy bar, swank trappings—everything a steak house should be. 359 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
The Colony
The Puritans never ate like this, but then, they never had any fun. 384 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Ten Tables J.P.
With a bar on one side and an intimate dining room on the other, Ten Tables J.P. has the neighborhood restaurant thing down pat. 597 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 2130, tentables.net.
The Victorian Bedroom
Visit this cozy jewelry of a shop featuring luxe accoutrements for bed and bath, and be reassured that rumors to the contrary, the good life has not gone out of style. 244 Needham St., Newton, MA .
Miracle of Science
The cool little bar near MIT is arguably at its best in the a.m.: more quiet contemplation, fewer yelling matches over particle physics. 321 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2115, miracleofscience.com.
Birch Street Bistro
Save yourself the T fare: The stylish gathering spot, a magnet for young commuters, can hold its own against big-city bars. 14 Birch St., Roslindale, MA 2131, .
Issi Rozen
An Israeli native, this master guitar player combines the sounds of his homeland with blues and Latin influences. His band is young, but they swing hard and play tight.
Matt Siegel, WXKS-FM
We particularly liked his Cabbage Patch doll promotion. That was the one, you may recall, that had no dolls. Just cabbages. With adoption papers.
Pegasus at the Premier
Every other Saturday night, the blue-lighted restaurant turns dance bar and serves up New York-style music to a funky crowd. 1130 Washington St., Boston, MA .