Car Talk.com
This companion to the long-running National Public Radio show extends the lunacy that you hear on the air every Saturday. The centerpiece of Click and Clack's home page is "Time Kill Central," which includes features like the Hate Mail Generator (which can churn out letters to lousy mechanics) and the Daily Didactic Diversion, a trivia contest. You can also print out your own traffic tickets—like a "Blue Hair Offense" for people who can't see over the wheel and rive 35 mph in a 65 mph zone.
Teresa Heinz, aka Mrs. John Kerry
Best: Lauren Rauschenbach, aka Mrs. Henri Rauschenbach. Indicted on charges of shilling for jailed financier Carmen Elio, the ape Cod senator gallantly laid the blame for his predicament on his wife's expensive tastes. "My wife was, you know, prodding me a bit," Rauschenbach said. "My wife comes from a family with dollars. You know, Lauren's the only one of the daughters that's married to a guy who's making 30 beans a year." Even Better: Teresa Heinz, aka Mrs. John Kerry. See Best Quote.
The Emerald Necklace
What’s large, lucky, and green all over? Nope, it’s not a monster leprechaun; it’s the Emerald Necklace, the name for the tremendous 1,100 acres of public park space that connects Boston’s neighborhoods, from the Back Bay to Jamaica Plain to Dorchester. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted more than 100 years ago, the parks continue to serve as many Bostonians’ backyards, offering everything from quiet walks to sailing and golf, plus the Franklin Park Zoo — a true sanctuary within our city. emeraldnecklace.org.
The Liberty Hotel
Built into the former Charles Street jail, the Liberty was designed to cleverly highlight the original building's mid-19th-century monumentality. Despite its jailhouse origins, the hotel's rooms are captivating (in a good way), with floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of amenities. There's also complimentary yoga on Saturdays and bicycles for touring around Beacon Hill. Skipping either would be criminal. 215 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, libertyhotel.com.
Torbert MacDonald State Park
No need for hiking boots and day packs at this nexus of nature and urbanity. A stroll through Medford's Torbert MacDonald State Park provides ample fodder for urban birders, with sightings of red-tail hawks common. And though the stresses of the daily grind are just a few steps away, the sweeping views of the Mystic River and winding walking paths will make them feel a world away. 4253 Mystic Valley Pkwy., Medford, MA 02155, .
Savenor's Cambridge
"What's for dinner?" Ask that question to the butchers at this family-owned nose-to-tail institution, and you'll get plenty of inspiration. Perhaps they could butterfly a veal breast so it's stuffing-ready? Or maybe you'd prefer a few prime dry-aged steaks for the grill? From pasture-raised Berkshire pork to organic Giannone chicken, you'll find only the best cuts—and the best advice—behind the counter. 92 Kirkland St., Cambridge, MA 02138, savenorsmarket.com.
The New World Tavern
Clio and Uni alum Johnny Sheehan has taken his talents south, to a funky tavern in downtown Plymouth. Here, friends catch up over spicy Sichuan ramen; bar snacks like yuzu-glazed pig tails and crispy chickpeas dusted with ras al hanout; and an extensive charcuterie selection. Sheehan's creativity works well with the three dozen craft beers on draft and more than 100 bottled brews from around the globe. It's a new world in Plymouth, indeed. 56 Main St., Plymouth, MA 02360, thenewworldtavern.com.
Linnea Tangorra
Linnea Tangorra and her staff of three can help both brides who know exactly what they want and those who have no clue. Services range from soup-to-nuts planning to hourly consulting with no minimums. Tangorra is quick to respond in any situation, whether she's answering your late-night e-mails, fielding your future mother-in-law's incessant questions or averting weather-related reception disasters with a well-orchestrated plan B. Tangorra Wedding Planning, 251 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, linneatangorra.com.
Linnea Tangorra
Linnea Tangorra and her staff of three can help both brides who know exactly what they want and those who have no clue. Services range from soup-to-nuts planning to hourly consulting with no minimums. Tangorra is quick to respond in any situation, whether she's answering your late-night e-mails, fielding your future mother-in-law's incessant questions or averting weather-related reception disasters with a well-orchestrated plan B. Tangorra Wedding Planning, 251 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, linneatangorra.com.
Toro
What's as rich as Toro's cheese plate, has as much flavor as its olive oil-roasted Brussels sprouts, and is as undeniably saucy as its patatas bravas? The neighborhood designers and artists, in-the-know real estate movers and shakers, and local restaurateurs who—without fail, seven nights a week—flock to chef-owner Ken Oringer's no-reservations hot spot from happy hour till closing time. Rubbing elbows with such characters over cava at the raucous bar makes waiting for a table seem like a perk, not a burden. 1704 Washington St., Boston, MA .
Audubon Circle
There aren't many places where Asian pot stickers, pork schnitzel, and lobster rolls happily coexist on a menu, but Audubon's eclectic mix of global and American comfort food simply works. The dimly lit spot on a nondescript section of Beacon Street is the perfect hideaway—and after throwing back a couple of BBC Steel Rail brews and snacking on grilled bread dunked in a silky white-bean purée, you'll be glad you're in on the secret. 838 Beacon St., Boston, MA 2115, auduboncircle.us.
Charles G. Crones
Crone's father began the J.A. Sanborn Company forty-nine years ago at 28 Merchants Row (next door to Quincy Market), and it's still flourishing. "We go out of our way to buy the best," Crones told us. "We buy whole fish off the boats, and cut them here. You can always find a good selection." If you dine at the Ritz, or at St. Botolph Street, you're eating Sanborn selections, and Crones will even mail fresh lobsters for you. J.A. Sanborn Company, 28 Merchants Row, Boston, MA .
Gypsy
Want proof that cobblestoned Nantucket is no longer just a quaint and quiet haven of whaling lore and preppies on vacation? Look no further than the designer-filled boutique Gypsy. Catherine Malandrino frocks, by turns sassy and sexy, hang next to cutout Chloé tops, palm-print Celine slacks, lower-than-low-cut True Religion jeans, and Lucite heels. Not exactly sailing gear, but hey, since when must fashion bow to function? 47 Main St., 2nd floor, Nantucket, MA .
Sharrock's English Bakery
Forget "English muffins" and get a hold of the original article. These crumpets are filling enough for a decent breakfast (and, if you have the power to skip butter, they're fat- and cholesterol-free), yet light enough to leave plenty of room for lunch. Ex-pat Brits swear they're the only "real" crumpets this side of the Atlantic. If mail order's not your bag, the bakers also market their goods under the Trader Joe's label (at all Trader Joe's stores in the area). 1649 Wheeler St., North Dighton, MA .
The Barn Bowl & Bistro
Great food and “bowling for everyone,” as its mission states (pop-up rails, please!), make the Barn Bowl & Bistro an ideal hangout for families with kids of all ages, especially on those days when the island’s socked in by rain. And unlike most bowling alleys, you won’t find any tacky Formica lounge furniture here — just comfy sofas and even a place for an ice bucket. This is the Vineyard, after all. 13 Uncas Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA 02557, thebarnmv.com.