The E.B. Horn Company
Here's one tiny institution that makes up for what it lacks in size with staying power. This graceful downtown jewelry shop has pulled in repeat customers for 162 years. Most impressive is the service. The salespeople at this family-owned and -operated business are on a first-name basis with most customers. There's also free wedding ring engraving, meticulous (and fast) in-house jewelry repair, and insurance and estate appraisal. 429 Washington St., Boston, MA ebhorn.com.
George Wright
Legendary Scottish golf architect Donald Ross designed this shotsmakers course in 1931 with an emphasis on strategy and placement instead of distance and punishment. Coures manager Bill Flynn rescued GW from dereliction in the 1970s by restoring it with an eye to Ross' original intentions. Club professional Don Lyons has gone out of his way to make GW a nurturing environment for learners, going so far as to offer free lessons to kids. 420 West Street, Hyde Park, MA .
Bella, Equinox
Bella has an all-business attitude when it comes to cleaning up your feet, to be sure. Who else in town will spend a full 45 minutes filing, buffing, and pampering to ensure the outcome of 10 utterly perfect-looking toes? Bonus: Her fourth-floor space is serene and comfortable, a welcome respite from the bustle of the street. 85 Newbury Street, Boston, MA equinox.com.
Angell Memorial Animal Hospital
No matter what ails your pet, no matter what kind of pet you have, no matter what time of day or night—the folks at Angell are ready and willing to assist you. Veterinary residents come from all over the country to do their residencies at this extraordinary animal hospital. There is even an avian/exotic pet specialist on staff. You can also adopt a pet at the MSPCA shelter in the same building. 350 South Huntington Avenue, Jamaica Plain, MA .
Shreve, Crump & Low
Just when we thought the first block of Newbury Street couldn't get any more luxurious, Shreve, Crump & Low opened a shiny new three-level flagship store in a renovated brownstone at number 39. The shop is filled with stylish adornments, including Jaeger-LeCoultre and Blancpain timepieces housed in modern display cases. Another highlight is the 75,000-pound vault, where the homegrown company's finest merchandise is kept. 39 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, shrevecrumpandlow.com.
Vizio Optic
This petite Brookline Village shop is a four-time Best of Boston winner, and for good reason: Vizio Optic's top-notch service starts with the on-site optometrist and ends with the 360-degree photo booth, which allows buyers to see how those glasses look from the side, too. More than 1,000 frame choices include high-fashion, time-honored favorites from Chanel, Alain Mikli, and Robert Marc, as well as funky, lesser-known lines like Kata and Lafont. 11 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2445, viziooptic.com.
Bird by Bird
Sorry, but your child's first steps must...not...be...in Crocs. Especially not when Inman Square gem Bird by Bird has the kind of footwear that's ideally suited for all the firsts in a pre-hip-kid's lif—tiny slip-on sneaks, rainboots, polished Mary Janes—by brands like Morgan & Milo and See Kai Run. Now, let's talk about that Christmas sweater... 361 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 2139, .
Antiquers Three
This Brookline storefront is ground zero for 20th-century American and European decorative arts. Art Deco and Art Nouveau are heavily represented, particularly French art glass and lighting, in items ranging from museum-quality chandeliers to ceramic dishes. Be prepared to open your wallet, but if you buy something here, chances are you'll keep it forever. 171A Harvard Street, Boston, MA .
Skip Cuddy, Ermenegildo Zegna
Skip brought his expertise from Louis Boston and Saks to Zegna, where he will outfit the harried male, offering wearable advice on everything from casual Fridays to afternoon weddings. This personal concierge will make sure your clothes are altered on time an delivered; he'll even give you first dibs on new designs before they hit the floor. 39 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Beans
Forget your grandmother's china pattern. The selection of hand-blown glass bowls and glasses, hand-painted plates from artists and potters from around the world, knickknacks, and curios is more about divine decadence than restraint. Mix-and-match patterns and styles update traditional heirloom china and blend the conventional with the unusual at this eclectic store. The Mall at Chestnut Hill, 199 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA .
The Garment District
The best selection of the good old classics (read: second-hand clothes) can be found on the second floor of the Garment District. Leave the dollar-fifty-a-pound first-floor stuff to the true scavengers, and head upstairs to neatly racked selections of retro-to-contempo clothes of all styles. There you can also take your pick from the store's rich jean pool, including Lee, Levi's, Guess, Jordache, and so on. 200 Broadway St., Cambridge, MA .
E.P. Levine
A no-frills used-camera store on the fringes of Boston's photo district, Levine's is a collector's Toyland. Wend your way through the mounds of merchandise scattered on the floor, or climb the 15-foot shelves randomly piled with used goodies. Amidst the chaos you're likely to find the best used photo-equipment in Boston. If you're looking for something specific, it might be a good idea to call in advance. Boston Marine Industrial Park, 23 Dry Dock Avenue, South Boston, MA .
Bloomingdale's
Whether your career calls for Armani suits or just well-cut khakis, Bloomie's can outfit you in style. Special kudos to James Palazza, in Place Elegante, many well-dressed women's secret weapon: he can find you the best suit, at the best price in the place, and make you feel like Claudia Schiffer in the process. The Mall at Chestnut Hill, MA .
Just For Pets Superstore
Two huge aisles of rawhide chews, a doggie "salad" bar, fish food, cat food, dog food, rabbit food, plus all the gear you need to keep your beast in luxury, from rhinestone collars to skunk-odor shampoo, are at this supermarket for pets. A large selection of beds, travel cages, and toys, plus on-site grooming services and low-priced vaccinations on weekends. Route 114, Peabody, MA .
Robert Aron, Cardealerphobia
Wanna buy a car? Whether you are looking for something new or used, to lease or purchase, Robert Aron will guide you through the car-buying maze. Aron's three-part service will help you decide what you really want, allow you to test drive your choices without having to endure the hard-sell of fast-talking car dealers, and then help you buy at a cost close to dealer's invoice.