Bobby from Boston
For anyone who didn't have a crazy great-aunt who spent like a fiend, wore things once, and saved it all, owner Bobby Garnett has an unreal stockpile of immaculately kept vintage apparel and accessories. On a recent trip to the Oak Room-esque space, we found: train cases, military-issue messenger totes, college letter sweaters, marching band uniforms, '60s and '70s cocktail dresses, croc handbags, racks of denim jackets, and endless shelves of stadium hats—all at below-market prices. If by chance you don't find that thing you never knew you were looking for, Garnett also takes private appointments at his 5,000-square-foot storage warehouse in Lynn. 19 Thayer St., Boston, MA 2118, .
Cigar Masters Boston
Cigar Masters might seem like your average smoke shop. It's not. Sure, it's got the requisite walk-in humidor brimming with expensive stogies, but there's also a low-lit bar and acres of leather couches. Smoking aficionados can even track their investments on monitors that flicker through a haze of blue smoke. 745 Boylston St., Boston, MA cigarmasters.com.
Boston Ski Market
With easily the most extensive and high-quality selection of gear in town, this enormous store hasn't just cornered the Boston ski market, it is the Boston ski market. It's got everything a powder hound could ask for, including the latest and greatest skis, boots, bindings, gear, and helmets. Prices are fair (and during the end-of-season sales, dirt cheap), and the informed staff is comprised of helpful, die-hard skiers. What's more, the year-ground repair and tuning shop renders the store an all-inclusive resource. 860 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Bobby from Boston
Anatomy of a Winner: Imagine raiding the closet of a well-dressed uncle, whose discarded college wardrobe has only grown more stylish with age. That, in essence, is what it's like to shop at Bobby from Boston, where owner Bobby Garnett offers an endless collection of smart articles. 1. Garnett bought several of these circa-late-'70s-to-early-'80s bow ties new from a factory. 2. Old briefcases and luggage are sourced from flea markets and antiques shows near and far. Some are for sale, while others are repurposed as display cases. 3. When Garnett moved into his South End space, the floors were painted blue. Sanding and cleaning revealed the beautiful hardwood beneath. 4. Like most of his merchandise, Garnett's shirt selection is a mix of used, vintage acquisitions and "dead stock"—pieces he bought from other stores or factories when they didn't sell. He'll even get the occasional Christmas present, left sitting in its box for years. 5. Display cases around the store house smaller items, like wallets, cigar boxes, handkerchiefs, and tie pins. This case dates to the 1920s. 19 Thayer St., Boston, MA .
Bobby from Boston
Whether you're shopping for a special occasion or just looking to jazz up your business attire, there's no place better than this South End vintage shop, where owner Bobby Garnett has used his keen eye to amass a collection of timeless adornments—vintage skinny ties, worn pocket watches, old-school tie tacks. The boutique is a cross between a Salvation Army and a high-end haberdashery, meaning customers get the best of both worlds: distinctive used items that are much hipper than anything you could buy new. Boston, MA 2118,
Boston Buyers' Club
You want body-building protein supplements, it's got 'em all. Plus, it gives conspicuous consumption a good name: The money you spend on your selfish obsession with your body goes to support people living with HIV. 29 Stanhope St., Boston, MA .
Boston Links Golf Shop
Whether you're interested in a top-of-the-line steelhead, framed pictures of your favorite courses and players (the one of Arnie at St. Andrew's is priceless), or just a new shirt, Boston Links has the o fit. All of the top clubs are here, and you can try 'em out on its indoor range. You can even get a lesson from one of its on-staff pros. While you may find a better bargain at one of the discount outlets, you can't beat the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. 116 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA .
Boston Audio Books
Suburban commuters who work downtown will be thrilled to find Boston AudioBooks. This store carries a wide selection—including fiction, self-help, mystery, and science fiction—that can be bought or rented. Note: You must become a member to rent audio books—the onetime fee is $10. 80 Arch St., Boston, MA .
Boston Athletic Club
Boston doesn't yet have that one great health club, but in the meantime, BAC is the best thing in town. There are basketball, tennis, racquetball, and squash courts galore, not to mention the basics such as Nautilus and aerobics. It also offers cardio-boxing, golf, a hair salon, chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists. 653 Summer St., Boston, MA .
The tours at the Boston Athenaeum
They start up again in the fall, they're free, and the guides are straight out of Boston Brahmin Central Casting. Delightful. 10 1/2 Beacon St., Boston, MA .
The Boston Public Library System
Look what money can do: all the branches are open again, the librarians don't snap at you anymore, and the books are in their proper places on the shelves.
Boston Sailing Center
We had one complaint from a year ago about the Sailing Center. But after checking it out, we found it didn't hold any water. 54 Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA .
School Volunteers for Boston
A bright light in the otherwise dismal gloom of our public-school system.
The Bar, Ritz-Carlton, Boston
Something about the way the light from the fireplace hits this wood-paneled room sharpens the taste buds. And something about the cushy, tapestry-covered seating relaxes the senses. The unfettered view of the Public Garden and the unapologetically clubby setting, complete with hunting paintings—it all adds up nicely. But the real old-school gem, the real relaxation, is in the icy gin martini, perfectly blended and balanced, and served smooth with zero burn. Ritz-Carlton, Boston, 15 Arlington St., Boston, MA .
Boston Speed Dog
Crummy roadside location? Check. Severely limited menu? Check. The most ridiculously good hot dogs you'll ever stuff in your hungry maw? Double check. Marinated in apple cider, Boston Speed dogs are grilled, then topped with anything from chili sauce to cranberry relish. A smart slash down the middle of the dog helps condiments stay put, and the hearty Portuguese roll sops up all the tasty juices. 43 Newmarket Sq., Roxbury, MA 2118, bostonsuperdog.com.