Castle Island
Tour the historical Fort Independence, take a stroll around picturesque Pleasure Bay, or just grab a bench and watch the planes overhead—the options are endless. bostonharborwalk.com.
House Speaker George Keverian
For giving the lie to Attorney General James Shannon's charge that members of Keverian's staff had tried to thwart the two-year investigation into alleged corruption in the Speaker's office.
Safest area: East Boston and Charlestown. Most unsafe: Back Bay-South End, Downtown, North End, Beacon Hill and Chinatown.
Nick's
Double cheeseburgers for under $3, cool, dark bar, and grill-type atmosphere. And a classic Harvard Square mix of blue-collar and baby Brahmin. 1690 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Sex on the Beach
Sweet and smooth, with a memorable kick. Everyone makes it differently, but most local bars pour vodka, Peachtree schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice.
Colony
The stunning presentations of lobster stew, salmon chowder, and other regional specialties coupled with the beautifully restored space make this a welcome addition to the Back Bay. 384 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Edibles by Evers
Gourmands and weekend chefs emerge from this specialty food purveyor with bulging bags of rare olive oils, kitchen gizmos, and other foodie staples. 211 Main St., Charlestown, MA 2129, .
Ann at Ecocentrix
Ann is an artist when it comes to color, creating natural multitoned shades that Mother Nature might have devised, had she not been otherwise occupied. 30 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Boston Sailing Center
We had one complaint from a year ago about the Sailing Center. But after checking it out, we found it didn't hold any water. 54 Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA .
The Icing
All the trendy baubles, bangles, and beads you could dream of are sold for peanuts. Just don't try to interrupt the salesclerks' gossip. the Mall at Chestnut Hill, Newton, MA .
The Sunset Grill & Tap
We recently described this restaurant/bar as a "Valhalla of brewski." Now boasting 113 taps and more than 450 bottles. Case closed. 130 Brighton Ave., Allston, MA .
Red Fez
The area is sadly in need of some revitalization, but the Red Fez—the oldest Lebanese restaurant in the city—is just fine the way it is. Big, big portions. 1222 Washington St., Boston, MA .
Gyuhama of Japan
This subterranean oasis is the only place in Boston that satisfies our craving for great sushi as well as our need for a real Tokyo sushi bar. 827 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Bull & Finch Pub
Yeah, we know it's the "Cheers" bar, and it's full of tourists, but the burgers are satisfying, traditional, and done as ordered. Tell the tourists to take their cameras elsewhere. 84 Beacon St., Boston, MA .
Trinity Church
As the Hancock grew taller, Trinity grew shorter, and not only by comparison—it is slowly sinking into the Back Bay. Trinity is now suing over its unforeseen decline. Copley Square, Boston, MA .