The Boston Marathon's Turning Pro
There was no question that by remaining stubbornly amateur in a sport that had gone professional, the Marathon was dying. Then David D'Alessandro persuaded his employer, the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, to spring for $10 million to sponsor 10 Boston Marathons. A course record, a world-class field, and hundreds of runners later, today's Marathon is again one of the city's—and the country's—preeminent sporting events. "We've got athletes from 30 or 40 countries," said D'Allessandro, a senior vice president at Hancock. "I've got letters on my desk from the agents of guys who wouldn't even look at us last year."
Boston Links Golf Shop
Pricey, but superior selection of high-end clubs, bags, shoes, and fashions, plus a commitment to sharing the wealth with worthy causes, including breast-cancer research. Check out the after-work seminars for women and the computerized golf-swing-analysis machine. 150 Federal St., Boston, MA .
The Tall Ship Boston
What do you do with a massive dilapidated pier jutting out into the harbor? If you’re the Navy Yard Hospitality Group, you turn it into the hottest waterfront party spot in town. On the deck of a refurbished tall ship turned oyster bar and an adjacent pier, hundreds of well-dressed revelers play lawn games, sip vodka-crans, and groove to live music in the summer sun — all on what used to be a weed-strewn slab. Quite the makeover, indeed. 1 E Pier Dr., East Boston, MA 02128, tallshipboston.com.
Encore Boston Harbor
With travel outside the state still a gamble, we’re lucky to have this riverfront resort casino right in our backyard, providing top-notch dining options; gorgeous rooms with marble-tiled bathrooms; and, of course, a Vegas-worthy gaming floor to those in need of a break—preferably a lucky one. The one thing this place doesn’t roll the dice on? Guests’ well-being, with reopening plans developed in conjunction with public health experts. One Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com.
East Boston Oysters
Imagine rosé cascading down tabletop fountains during a springtime caviar "egg hunt." Silver platters loaded with watermelon at a rooftop pool party. Gin cocktails propelling raw oysters via an ice luge into partygoers’ waiting mouths. Memorable dinners are all about the details, something East Boston Oysters founder Alexis Cervasio knows all too well. The woman behind this secretive supper club—which anyone can snag tickets for by signing up for her email newsletter—isn’t just curating chefs’ dinners and corporate events, though the well-connected hospitality pro does both extremely well. She’s creating experiences worth shelling out for. MA eastbostonoysters.com.
Boston Yoga Union
Old World spirit mixed with New World magic: That’s the mantra of Boston Yoga Union, located in the former Back Bay Yoga space. In an inspiring environment that includes a tapestry in the lobby and a 300-year-old carved archway imported from Rajasthan, India, in one of the practice rooms, co-owners Emily Tevald and Tim Kelleher provide instruction that’s both relatable and empowering for all skill levels. 1112 Boylston St., Boston, MA bostonyogaunion.com.
Boston Common Band
Hire Boston Common Band, and they’ll treat you to a private concert. Watch as the lighting crew heightens the energy in the room with orange and red fixtures, and while the sound team keeps the music playing with state-of-the-art technology—all in the name of ensuring the eight-member group can focus solely on their music. Able to belt out anything from Adele to Queen, the band can even work with hometown hero Keytar Bear—available by request for cocktail hour—to start the evening on a high note. 290 Needham St., Dedham, Massachusetts 02026, bostoncommonband.com.
Boston Ballet Ball
If you’re on the gala circuit, you know that the similar guest lists can make it feel like one big night on repeat. But this year, with a vivacious crowd (perhaps thanks to first-time co-chairs Charles Carignan and Michael Cerruti), the Boston Ballet Ball stood out—particularly for its stunning preview of Full on Forsythe, by legendary choreographer William Forsythe, a whole month ahead of its opening at the Opera House. How’s that for a night to remember? bostonballet.org.
Tanya Kalissky, Safar Boston
Until we evolve beyond having hair in unwanted places, you can count on Tanya Kalissky to remove it. Like a secret password to enter an exclusive club, the master aesthetician’s name is whispered frequently on Boston’s party-circuit crowd, who count on her to make a typically unpleasant experience as painless as possible. How? By being both fast and meticulous, friendly but not too familiar. 235 Newbury St., Boston, MA safarboston.com.
The Boston Racquet Club
Where the elite meet to get sleek. 10 Post Office Sq., Boston, MA .
The Boston Money Tree
The Boston Money Tree, by Russell Adams. How the founding families made their fortunes and what they did with them: well-researched and fascinating. Thomas Cromwell, $11.95, March. MA
Jack Bicknell, Boston College
Although he would be the first to credit Doug Flutie as being an extra coach on the field.
Boston Opera House
Attending a show here is not unlike sitting inside a gigantic inverted wedding cake. Three years after a painstaking $30 million restoration, the Opera House shines once again as the city's most opulent venue. As for the performances—whether flashy Broadway tours, big-name rock acts like the White Stripes, or Boston Ballet's Nutcracker—all seem to gain a bit of extra polish from this gilded Beaux Arts masterpiece. The 1920s proscenium mural alone is worth the ticket price. 539 Washington St., Boston, MA broadwayacrossamerica.com.