Larry O'Connor, Black Magic
O'Connor's men (he's got two crews) dress in the traditional top hats (tails optional in summer) to do your chimney. And now's the time to get an appointment: fully three quarters of the company's business is done between September and December—and we're talking about thousands of chimneys. O'Connor started in Stowe, Vermont, in 1973, and moved here five years later. He's good, and very neat, too. "We make sure we keep our customer's homes clean by taking along an industrial vacuum cleaner to every job." Ah, progress. Cambridge, MA
Bank of America Pavilion
Dock all the points you like for the pricey beer, seasonal setup, and occasional 'Ya Mo B There' booking, and this harborside venue with the graceful sail-like tent and stunning skyline backdrop still posts the winning score. Wide aisles give the B of A's 5,000 seats serious elbow room, while nine jumbo TVs ensure everyone gets an eyeful of the onstage action. Even if you believe the Roxy has the more intimate and interesting space, and the House of Blues (provided it sprays for tourists first) is coming on as a contender, you'd still have to concede that with the right band on the right night, the Pavilion is nothing short of a concertgoer's nirvana. 290 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2210, bankofamericapavillion.net.
Iggy's Bread of the World
What does "Bread of the World" mean? For Iggy's, it translates into old-fashioned, naturally leavened, hearth-baked breads made from ingredients that have not been chemically treated in any way ("as close to the tree as possible") and available at a price "for all people." For the yeast-addicted, it means the yummiest bread in Boston, from country sourdough to brioche to the decadent orange chocolate cherry. If you can't make it to the retail store in Watertown, Iggy's breads can be found at various stores in Boston (Bread &Circus, Savenour's, select Star Markets) or ordered by mail. 250-4 Arlington St., Watertown, MA .
The Official Rock Song of Massachusetts
One, two, three, four, five, six! That’s not only the opening countdown of Natick native Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers’ 1976 classic “Roadrunner,” it’s also the number of times state lawmakers have tried to pass legislation making Richman’s ode to Route 128 night-driving “the official rock song of the Commonwealth.” Ten years since former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh introduced the first fail bills in 2013, Natick Representative David Linsky filed another one in February. Maybe the sixth time is the charm? Radio on!
Alden & Harlow
When he took over the storied Casablanca space in Harvard Square, chef Michael Scelfo promised that for his first solo venture, he’d serve fare inspired by the dinners he makes for his family at home. We can’t help but wonder—is the Scelfo clan really supping on briny Woodbury clams coated in a rich pig’s-tail-laced sauce, crunchy chicken-fried rabbit drizzled with chili oil, and cocoa-rubbed lamb sirloin? It’s perhaps unlikely—but if true, then they’re as lucky as we are to experience Scelfo’s inspired, flavor-jammed brand of cooking. 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 2138, aldenharlow.com.
Newbury Comics
With brick-and-mortar record stores boarding up left and right, this local chain—launched in 1978 by a pair of MIT students—has acquired fresh polish on its cherished-institution status. But the truth is that its balanced inventory of the arcane and the mainstream has always trumped the competition. Though the flagship store in the Back Bay has the most comprehensive selection, Newbury Comics' suburban outlets smartly follow the same model of covering every genre and offering a strong supply of imports, used discs, and new vinyl. From Stravinsky to Stereolab, Neil Young to Young Jeezy, you can find it here—and may it ever be so. 332 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2115, newburycomics.com.
Flyer's Boat Rental
There are plenty of great day trips available on Cape Cod, from whale watches to dune tours, but no other excursion company offers them as comprehensively as Flyer's, master of everything on or in the water. The company has built a sturdy reputation for its well-kept vessels (from Sunfish to pontoons), reasonable prices, and professional instructors and staff who will bend over backwards to get you what you need—whether it's a seasoned captain for a 13-person cruise to Long Point, a simple kayak to rent, a mid-range power boat, a temporary mooring for the weekend, or a season's worth of sailing lessons. 131A Commercial St., Provincetown, MA flyersboats.com.
Guerrilla Queer Bar
Here's the secret every Boston queen already knows: The best gay club in the city isn't a place at all—it's a moving target. Enter the Welcoming Committee, a group of party boys who pick a bar/pub/club for the Guerrilla Queer Bar one-night bash, spread the word via social media and e-mail, then set out a few times each month to have "an inappropriately good time." And now the crew is expanding beyond its famous one-night stands, offering organized workout events, fundraisers, and more.
World's End
Before Hingham's 251-acre World's End peninsula became a stunning spot for picnickers, it was the proposed location for both the United Nations headquarters and a nuclear power plant. Luckily, those ideas failed. Today, the reservation property boasts wide fields, native fauna, 4-plus miles of tree-lined walking paths, and panoramic views of the city skyline and Hingham Harbor. Just add paper plates and homemade sandwiches for a dining experience to rival that of any swanky sidewalk café. ($4.50, 8 a.m.-sunset year round.) 250 Martin's Lane, Hingham, MA 2043, thetrustees.org.
The Blue Ox
Given his stints at No. 9 Park and Prezza, chef Matt O'Neil knows from high-end. For the Swampscott native's first solo flight, however, he chose to appeal to the rest of us. At his casual American-Mediterranean outpost, there's a juicy blue cheese–stuffed burger for the college kid, quality cuts of swordfish and steak for Mom and Dad, and $6 meal deals with dessert for tykes. Dining out a few times a week here is both an attractive and affordable proposition, making the pull of the Blue Ox strong indeed. 191 Oxford St., Lynn, MA 1901, theblueoxlynn.com.
Gentle Giant Moving Company
Don't mess around with movers that fail to show up on time or try to hold your belongings hostage until you fork over a wad of cash vastly in excess of the original estimate. Gentle Giant will give you an honest quote, turn up exactly as promised, and call you at work just before coming.Plus, the crew is gentle, like the name says. Another bonus: You can have an intelligent conversation with your movers, who all seem to be hard at work on the Great American Novel. All in all, Gentle Giant belongs in the Haul of Fame. 29 Harding St., Somerville, MA .
The Liberty Hotel
When the Liberty opened last winter in the old Charles Street jail, following a $150 million building renovation, it was met with the requisite jokes about white-collar inmates and doing time in the Clink (one of the hotel restaurants). Penitentiary puns aside, the 298-room hotel has raised the bar for Boston accommodations: Its 24/7 fitness center, dining, and concierge services are all first-rate, and the rooms—exposed brick walls, Molton Brown toiletries, VoIP phones—are eminently comfortable. The magnificent vaulted lobby is worth a visit in itself. 215 Charles St., Boston, MA 2114, libertyhotel.com.
City Express
If you need to get something somewhere in this perpetually gridlocked city quickly, you have two options: hire City Express, or . . . okay, you've got only one option. Rain, wind, traffic jams, and subway breakdowns fail to thwart this company's army of messengers, who quietly, safely, and responsibly complete rush deliveries, often along custom routes established for regular customers. Full disclosure: We use City Express. Fuller disclosure: We use City Express because they're the most reliable and efficient service out there. And—novelty of novelties—they staff the phones 24 hours a day to fine-tune delivery schedules. 201 South St., Boston, MA cityexp.com.
Tosca
Yes, Tosca always wins in this category. And, yes, it's always packed. Here's why: butter-warmed local lobster tails with broccoli shoots. Duck breast roasted with rosemary potatoes and apple sausage. And a porcini and asparagus pizza—laced with a robust truffle oil—that's so addictive, it might as well be illegal. Count on sharp flavors, sharper service, and still sharper design—with high ceilings and dramatic iron lamps that beckon the eye toward chef Kevin Long's open kitchen. With food this good, complaining that Tosca always wins the region's top culinary awards is like complaining that Martin Scorsese always gets Oscar nominations. 14 North St., Hingham, MA toscahingham.com.
M.F. Dulock
There are gems for meat eaters of every stripe at this Somerville shop: owner Michael Dulock’s expert cuts of New England—sourced, pasture-raised lamb, pork, and beef for steadfast locavores; a rotating selection of inventive sausages—bloody mary-inspired beef links, brats infused with Slumbrew’s Happy Sol—for those just looking for something tasty to throw on the grill. For the most adventurous of carnivores, there’s Dulock’s Meat Club, which offers up 5 pounds of the butcher’s finest nose-to-tail cuts for a reasonable $50 a month. 201A Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 2138, mfdulock.com.