Artemis Design Co.
There are "it" bags, and then there are timeless investment pieces that pack an aesthetic punch. South End designer Milicent Armstrong, an intrepid wanderer, specializes in the latter. She launched her business with loafers made from vintage Turkish rugs, but it's her richly hued leather and kilim duffels and weekenders that are attracting the attention of local style mavens. artemisdesignco.com.
West Bridge
The egg in a jar is one of Boston's most-talked-about dishes, and for good reason. But don't let that overshadow West Bridge's many other offerings—rather, grab a spot at the bar, befriend the knowledgable bartenders, and let them guide you through a small-plate odyssey. 1 Kendall Sq., Cambridge, MA 02139, westbridgerestaurant.com.
Barry's Bootcamp
True Yankees maintain a healthy skepticism of anything dreamt up in La-La Land, but this Hollywood-spawned fitness empire has won us over. Claim your spot early, then reward yourself with a smoothie from the Fuel Bar. 30 Chauncy St., Boston, MA 02111, barrysbootcamp.com.
Giblees Tuxedos
When it comes to outfitting men for a wedding, easy and no-nonsense are the watchwords. That means laid-back, knowledgeable service coupled with a smart selection of formalwear. Giblees offers both (via labels such as Joseph Abboud and Calvin Klein), plus a pool table and coffee bar for the groom and his guys. 85 Massachusetts 114, Danvers, MA 1923, gibleestux.com.
The Finer Consigner
Amy Hahn Heller's shop is a mecca for bargain hunters, stocking gently worn versions of only the best: Hermès scarves, Chanel jackets, Prada skirts, and designer bags. And with all the cash you save on everything else, coming home with an extra pair of YSL pumps is entirely forgivable. 53 Langley Rd., Newton, MA 2459, thefinerconsignershop.com.
Kane's Donuts
Fluffy, not too sweet, never greasy—these were the criteria by which old-school favorite Kane's earned its nod. Stars include the fluffy honey-dipped and the insanely moist buttercrunch cake, dubbed by one taster as 'the best I've ever had.' 120 Lincoln Avenue, Saugus, MA 1906, .
C.O. Bigelow
We've no patience for user-unfriendly lip gloss. C.O. Bigelow's gloss bar includes tubes, balms, and stains from high-tint, low-stick brands like Propoline, L'Occitane, and the store's own minty-fresh line. Copley Place, Boston, MA 2116, .
Saks Fifth Avenue
There isn't a woman on the planet who doesn't feel sexy and chic in the right little black dress. On a recent visit, choices included a flippy frock from Nicole Miller, a gorgeous beaded creation from Carmen Marc Valvo, and a deceptively demure (until you see the back) charmer from Shelli Segal. Prudential Center, Boston, MA .
"Boston Romance Package" at The Bostonian Hotel
Canopy beds, Jacuzzis for two, fireplaces in many of the rooms, lush bathrobes, a continental breakfast, champagne, and a horse-drawn-carriage ride through the city make a weekend here a perfect way to celebrate a new relationship—or toast an old one. North and Blackstone streets, Boston, MA .
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovosky & Popeo
The Boston law firm had the brass to file suit against the city on behalf of the noxious Cablevision of Boston, even though the firm is earning an excess of $100,000 a year as the city's bond counsel, not to mention its fees for representing the city in a suit against Boston Gas.
Bombay Club
There are other Indian restaurants in town, but none present top-quality food as consistently as the Bombay Club. Check out the Chicken Tikka Masala, and try the garlic and onion naan as an accompaniment to your meal. The lunch buffet is easy on the taste buds and the wallet, and the restaurant's top-floor view of Harvard Square doesn't hurt, either. Harvard Square Galeria, 57 JFK St., Cambridge, MA .
Tops for Top 40, Daisy Buchanan's
Tops for Top 40 is Daisy Buchanan's (two selection for a quarter). The campiest juke box is at the Olde English Tudor Room in back of the Statler Office Building. There you can pick up on some Big Band '40s music. Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Tir Na Nog
The name means "Land of Eternal Youth" in Gaelic, which is a fine motto for any drinking establishment. It's small and boxy, with only a few tables squeezed around the bar and the corner where the musicians jam. But the Guiness is properly chilled, the food is surprisingly tasty, and there's a bartender named Feargal. How cool is that? 366A Somerville Ave., Union Square, Somerville, MA .
Letters to Cleo
These local alterna-popsters take their name form lead singer Kay Hanley's long lost childhood pen friend. It is perhaps a good thing that Cleo never wrote Hanley back. Jokes guitarist Mike Eisenstein, "Someday, we'll find Cleo and the band will break up."
Ed Burke's
Burke's is not new, but 10 years of Huntington Avenue being torn up have prevented, shall we say, overexposure. The neighborhood is better than you might think, and a couple of bucks to see bands led by anyone from an ex-Woody Herman tenor player to the Grateful Dead drummer is a good deal. 808 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA .