Leonard Florence's
In a one-week period in September 1985, Florence then CEO of Towle Manufacturing, sold 43,600 shares of the East Boston silverware manufacturer at prices ranging from $8.37 to $9 a share. Two months later, the 54-year-old Florence was asked to resign. Last March the 296-year-old company filed for protection from its creditors under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code. The company's stock is currently hovering around $3.50 a share.
Esprit du Vin
The owners here specialize in wines produced in small quantities (fewer than 10 cases). Bottles from all over the world line the shelves, designed to appeal to every budget and palate. Not only that, a quarter of the stock changes every month, so there's always something new to try. While you're at it, pick up some freshly baked breads and pastries, check out the mouth-watering selection of gourmet cheeses and pâtes, and make plans to attend one of the weekly tastings. 25 Central Ave., Milton, MA espritduvinusa.com.
Makeovers Salon + Spa
With 26 styling stations, Makeovers is one of the largest salon/spas in the state—which means you just may be able to snag a last-minute Saturday appointment (amazing!). Co-owner Edward Blum uses his magic scissorhands to cut your hair based on the architecture of your face, and his team of talented stylists all follow suit. There's also a fully stocked snack bar and a separate wing devoted to inviting spa treatments. 574 Washington St., South Easton, MA makeoverssalon.com.
Brick Cellar at Atria
Escape the pickled beach-bar crowd at this sexy subterranean spot, with its smart mix of single malts and blends, local beers, and a carefully cultivated wine selection. Order from upstairs restaurant Atria's menu—a dozen different juicy burgers are available—or simply cap off the night by raising a glass to your good taste with one of Brick Cellar's inspired cocktails (we dig the Edgartown Harbor Breeze). 137 Main St., Edgartown, MA 2539, atriamv.com.
Kussin's: The Children's Shop
Kids need clothes for myriad occasions, from mud-puddle play dates to indoor, seen-but-not-heard affairs. Kussin's sells outfits for them all. With rugged Timberland jeans, Joan Calabrese tulle confections, Lilly Pulitzer sundresses, junior flight jackets, and seersucker suits, Kussin's actually makes shopping with little ones fun (we promise). 79 Main St., Concord, MA .
Tower Records
One thousand publications await you, from audiovisual, business, and gay culture to photo, food, and fashion (in French and Italian), trains, travel, and woodworking. There's also a small but good selection of bestsellers and paperbacks; some are even discounted. You can browse to your heart's content, undisturbed, with plenty of room and good music. Hard to leave, and you can't do it empty-handed. 360 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Credit Barnicle with this one too. In a column that outed Joe Kennedy and taunted then state senator George Bachrach, Kennedy's closest rival for Tip O'Neill's Eighth Congressional seat, Barnicle had this to say: "You can always tell Bachrach voters. They go to the Out-of-Town Newsstand in Harvard Square and ask Eddie Doyle, Are Pravda and Le Monde in yet?"
Hangar B Eatery
Enter this unassuming restaurant inside the tiny Chatham Municipal Airport, and questions abound: Should I order the croissant breakfast sandwich or the poached eggs with beet-and-sweet-potato hash? Is it appropriate to spoon the house-made blackberry-lemon jam directly into my mouth? Whatever you end up choosing (or spooning), one thing’s for certain: Chef Brian Erskine’s interesting and infinitely satisfying dishes take brunch to new heights. 240 George Ryder Rd., Chatham, MA 2633, hangarbcapecod.com.
Bloomingdale's
Outfitting your postmarital life is no small feat, so finding everything you need in one place and getting sage advice certainly helps. Bloomie's consultants deftly provide estimates and mix-and-match services to help you build a highly personalized wish list. Table setups let you see just how that Waterford looks with the Villeroy & Boch flatware, and if you decide you want the Baccarat instead, swaps are a cinch. 225 Boylston St., Newton, MA 2467, bloomingdales.com.
Vera Wang
Envisioning the perfect wedding-day attire is one thing — actually finding it is another. Enter Vera Wang's sleek Newbury Street location, which showcases a variety of the designer's impeccably crafted gowns organized smartly by material, style, and color. Whether you're imagining an ethereal ball gown, a demure lace number, or a sculptural modern masterpiece, you're sure to find it here. 73 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Tables of Content Catering
Mediocre meals are a mainstay at weddings: As long as it's edible, goes the conventional wisdom, no one will complain. That doesn't fly with Stephen Barck, chef and co-owner of Tables of Content. He wants every morsel to be memorable in both flavor and presentation. After a private tasting at the outlet's new Roslindale facility, you won't want to work with anyone else. 2 McCraw St., Roslindale, MA tablesofcontent.com.
Shreve, Crump & Low
Here today, here a decade ago, here when (odds are) you were still a glint in Daddy's eye—Shreve's diamond counter is one institution that has stood the test of time, and flawlessly. Quiz the professional, enthusiastic staff on the finer points of purchasing diamonds (we put them through the ringer for more than 45 minutes) and peruse the varied selection, from solitaires to princess-cut stones. Browse or buy to your heart's content; the stones and service are rock-solid. 330 Boylston St., Boston, MA shrevecrumpandlow.com.
Ana Hernandez
A well-tailored $5,000 wedding dress is one thing; an actual couture gown is quite another. Hernandez has built her considerable reputation on the latter, starting with sketches and "test garments" before she tackles the real deal. It pays off: Meticulously crafted in opulent silks and laces, her finished creations flatter every curve. 165 Newbury St., Boston, MA anahernandezbridalsalon.com.
Bloomingdale's
Outfitting your postmarital life is no small feat, so finding everything you need in one place and getting sage advice certainly helps. Bloomie's consultants deftly provide estimates and mix-and-match services to help you build a highly personalized wish list. Table setups let you see just how that Waterford looks with the Villeroy & Boch flatware, and if you decide you want the Baccarat instead, swaps are a cinch. 225 Boylston St., Newton, MA 2467, bloomingdales.com.
Grill 23
The better story would have been that finally, in this, the year of the cow, one among the city's numerous new upscale meateries had managed to dethrone our 14-time of Boston stalwart. Nothing doing. Mooo inherited the Federalist's matchless wine list. KO Prime has the offal around. But for a prime, dry-aged rib-eye with a power client (downstairs) or a significant other (the more intimate upstairs), Grill 23 still rules the herd. 161 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 2116, grill23.com.