Louis Boston
Debi Greenberg and Beth Negron have revamped the top floor and stocked it with an eclectic range of labels that runs the gamut of trends from funky to cool classics. In the Betty room, young, cutting-edge designers at affordable prices hang feet away from the likes of Jil Sander and her European contemporaries, Prada, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana. The buying team is constantly on the lookout for new design talent, so expect to find one-of-a-kind items that rarely materialize on department store racks. Another bonus is the sales staff which is fashion-friendly without being overbearing. 234 Berkely St., Boston, MA .
Michael's of Boston
Recently moved from his old location (in Combat Zone), Michael is endlessly patient, reasonable—and meticulous. 354 Tremont St., Boston, MA .
Boston Baby
Cribs, strollers, potties, bottles, diaper bags. And stuff you never even dreamed a baby might need. 29 Tower Rd., Newton, MA .
Bank of Boston
A controversial choice, no matter how you cite it, considering the bank's relatively recent troubles with the law. Happily, Bank of Boston has since then kept its nose clean and its books in order. Despite some shaky Latin American paper on its ledgers, the bank reported a bracing 34 percent rise in profits this year. Moreover, our cockles were warmed by a number of neighborly gestures: those full-page Globe ads congratulating the coaches of our suddenly successful sports franchises, for instance. And the bank's sponsorship of M. L> Carr's "Say No to Drugs" campaign in area schools. Some would dismiss these as mere public relations gestures. Bleeding hearts that we are, however, we were moved. After all, second chances are what America is all about.
The Boston Chipyard
Bucking the megacookie trend, these bite-size morsels are perfect—buttery, slightly chewy, crisp edges, with just enough chips. Buy the by the dozen, and they disappear. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA .
The Boston Chicken
Marinated chicken broiled on a spit plus various trimmings. Real food, real good. 14 Austin St., Newtonville, MA .
The Boston Camerata
A major reason for Boston's eminence in the world of early music.
The Boston Eagle
The bar-of-the-moment for the after-midnight local crowd. This small bar with a friendly clientele has recently become a trendy stop after a night on the town. 520 Tremont Street, Boston, MA .
The Boston School
The sensational Institute of Contemporary Art show of work by Nan Goldin, Jack Pierson, Mark Morrisroe, and other artists who all attended art school in Boston in the late '70s and early '80s, and turned their lives into lovely, lurid photographs.
The Newbury Boston
The picture-perfect Public Garden views alone are enough to justify a staycation at this iconic address, which reopened as the Newbury in 2021. But add in the buzzy on-site restaurant, in-room afternoon tea service, and a “fireplace butler” to build a cozy wood-burning fire in your suite after a day of shopping, and you have the makings of a truly luxe getaway in the place where everyone wants to be. One Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, thenewburyboston.com.
The Boston Athenaeum
This venerable institution reopened last November after a thorough $17 million renovation at the hands of Annum Architects’ Ann Beha, with a mission to shed its stuffy reputation as a Brahmin redoubt and to become a resource that’s inclusive and welcoming to all. Now even the hoi polloi can entertain at one of the country’s oldest independent libraries and art museums: The elegant space is available to rent for first-class events like private dinners, weddings, and other celebrations. Everybody’s welcome on the guest list — just don’t bump into that priceless marble bust. 10½ Beacon St., Boston, MA 02108, bostonathenaeum.org.
Laugh Boston
Okay, so Laugh Boston may be smack in the middle of no man’s land (has anyone ever actually been to the convention center?), but we promise it’s worth the trek—and so do plenty of big-ticket comedians. Jimmy O. Yang, Leslie Jones, and Dulcé Sloan have all hit this Seaport-ish establishment, as has cult-favorite storytelling series “The Moth.” So grab some pals and an Uber—a belly-laughing night awaits. 425 Summer St., Boston, MA laughboston.com.
Flair Boston
You’ve chosen your leading ladies, now let Flair Boston handle the rest. Trust these pros to select the trendiest bridesmaid attire, including floral gowns by Alfred Sung and shimmering jumpsuits by Dessy. Do your gals live across the country? No problem. Have a procrastinator in the bunch? Totally fine. The boutique offers hundreds of dresses online and can “super rush” orders so you can rest assured that your ’maids will be dressed to impress. 140 Newbury St., Boston, Massachusetts 02116, flairboston.bridesmaid.com.