Kelly Link
Link's fiction may be teeming with the inexplicable—polite zombies, world-swallowing purses—but it's no mystery why the work of this Pulitzer-nominated Northampton author was chosen for the Boston Book Festival's "One City, One Story" campaign last year. Razor-sharp, her take on magical realism is packed with local flavor. Who else would start an urban fairy tale in the Garment District's $1-a-pound pile? kellylink.net.
Bella Sante
City spas can be pure bliss. Battling Boston drivers to get to them? Not so much. Fortunately, Lexington has an outpost of Newbury Street's much-adored Bella Santé. The hushed oasis features invigorating services such as the heavenly three-step hot spot massage, aromatherapy facials, and the anti-puff marine eye lift. Book soon, before city slickers catch on and start a reverse traffic jam. 76 Bedford St., Lexington, MA 2420, bellasante.com.
Ares Shoe Repair
There are more than 70 shoe repair joints in Greater Boston; picking the finest involves a little legwork. Why this particular shop—and for a second year in a row? Armenian-born Mike Damirshian's work is impeccable, especially at the prices he charges ($4 for a perfect shine, for instance). From the moment you walk in, you feel as if you've traveled back to a simpler time when shoes were made by hand and not machine. 84 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Marisa DeMarco, Salon Mario Russo
Finally: a hairdresser who actually listens to your requests and delivers. DeMarco stays away from a on-ecut-suits-all technique, preferring to update your look gradually without any sudden, drastic changes. Based in the Louis Boston location of Salon Mario Russo, she's equally adept at color, for those who like to keep their salon visits down to a minimum. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA mariorusso.com.
Fifteen Beacon
Paul Roiff's $21 million hotel project in Beacon Hill is the ultimate in modernity. The boutique atmosphere extends to the rooms themselves, which feature an incredible roster of amenities in addition to the usual plus bathrobes: cream-colored walls, fireplaces, oversized entertainment centers with the latest film releases, and wet bars. The hotel even supplies personalized business cards for guests to give out while they're visiting or doing business in Boston. It is certainly a costly experience, but a unique one as well: Pampering never felt so sophisticated. 15 Beacon Street, Boston, MA xvbeacon.com.
Constitution Marina
The best thing about the most protected marina in Boston Harbor isn't even the free parking; it's the location. Proximity to the locks means quick access to the harbor, but you might decide not to leave once you've seen the view of Old Ironsides and the Bunker Hill Monument. The docking fee, $2.50/foot, is based on the length of the vessel or the slip, whichever is larger. Services available include laundry, shower, cable, and a pool. 28 Constitution Rd., Charlestown, MA .
Cheryl Richards
Awarded "Photographer of the Year" by the Professional Photographers Association of Massachusetts, this talented Boston newcomer wowed the judges with her wedding album, which took top honors. Artful black and white photographs capture the day in all its candid glory and charm, from prewedding jitters to frolicking flower girls, to Daddy's last dance with his little girl. 105 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
Shreve, Crump & Low
Special occasions call for spectacular jewelry, and this Boston institution's got it covered. Popping the question? Buy a Shreve Astral Cut diamond. Celebrating an anniversary? Look to designer collections by the likes of Marco Bicego and David Yurman. Getting a divorce? Take home something deliciously sparkly for yourself. A helpful, attentive staff and a wide range of choices—from estate pins to Mikimoto cultured pearls—guarantee you'll always walk out satisfied. 330 Boylston St., Boston, MA shrevecrumpandlow.com.
Marathon Sports
After years of outfitting die-hard and amateur runners alike from its outlying locations, Marathon Sports has opened a high-profile branch right at the finish of the Boston Marathon. Has success jaded the staff or inflated the prices? Not a chance: The salespeople still kneel down to eyeball customers' gaits and find the perfect shoe for their stride; the selection is still excellent and expansive; the prices are still competitive; and now the locations are ideal. 671 Boylston St., Boston, MA marathonsports.com.
Polka Dog Bakery
We'll cop to ordering kibble in bulk and rolls of doggy bags online, but when we want to reward our most loyal friends, we load up on the chicken littles, cod skins, and duck jerky dehydrated in Polka Dog's South Boston kitchen. Beyond the treat jars, the retail shops deal in Big Shrimpy dog beds, Bella Bean collars, and sturdy Tuffy chew toys—certain to command semper fi from your pup—plus a range of purr-inducing cat provisions. 356 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA polkadog.com.
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
When it comes to outfitting our home, we want it all—high style, gorgeous fabrics, American-made pieces—at a fair price, of course. That's why we always make this Boston-area furniture chain our first stop. Whether we're placing a custom order or browsing higher-end brand knockoffs, we get the same white-glove service, without breaking the bank. 142 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 2116, mitchellgoldboston.com.
The Barking Crab
For a city with perhaps the nation's highest expectations for clam chowder, Boston offers a pitiful few truly good renditions. Most versions have degenerated into blandness, with a texture that's either too watery or suspiciously sludgy. But it is still possible to grab a creamy, flavorful bowl. Although the service ought to be, on occasion, thrown back, the chowder at the Barking Crab actually tastes like clams and has the right amount of seasoning, with the added bonus of a water view and casual clam shack ambiance right at the edge of the Financial District. 88 Sleeper St., Boston, MA barkingcrab.com.
Redbones
Sentimental favorite Redbones has been challenged over the last few years by a whole herd of new barbecue joints. But there's no beating the heaping portions of Memphis-, Texas-, Arkansas-, and St. Louis-style Fred Flintstone-sized ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and beef brisket; the appetizers, like catfingers and buffalo shrimp; the seemingly infinite draft beer selection; and the hillbilly ambiance. Okay, so the service is more Boston than Baton Rouge. But it makes up in efficiency for what lacks in warmth. 55 Chester St., Davis Square, Somerville, MA redbones.com.
Ole Mexican Grille
Hope at last for those who've tolerated the bland psuedo Tex-Mex prevalent in Boston. A warm yellow-and-orange dining room (in the Inman Square location) with Mexican tiled tales and a tin ceiling takes you away from New England. The tamales are wonderfully tender and steamy in their banana-leaf wrapping and mole sauce, and the Tacos al Carbon are fabulous. 11 Springfield St., Cambridge, MA .
Maison Robert
We liked this Boston institution even before its recent renovation, but it's great to see it at the top of its game. Redecorating its Old City Hall surroundings hasn't hurt, but the real draw is Maison Robert's innovative cuisine. Among the appetizers, its foie gras with sauteed apples and caramelized blinis is spectacular. As for the entrees, its Maine lobster, smoked over applewood, might be the lobster dish in town. French with a twist. Its wine list boasts some terrific values. 45 School St., Boston, MA .