Cheryl Ann's Bakery
Try as we did, we couldn't find another plait of challah that came close. We always buy two at a time, one for scarfing in the car, another to eat more ceremoniously at home. 1010 W. Roxbury Parkway, Putterham Circle, Brookline, MA .
Tom Kinton
Massport aviation director Tom Kinton, who was in Montreal at a conference while terrorists were hijacking two planes from Logan Airport to fly into the World Trade Center.
Hangar B Eatery
Even if you're not flying anywhere, Hangar B—located at the Chatham airport—is worth a trip for its lemon-ricotta pancakes and the freshly baked doughnuts. Dig in as you watch the small planes take flight. 240 George Ryder Rd., Chatham, MA hangarbcapecod.com.
Castle Island
Tour the historical Fort Independence, take a stroll around picturesque Pleasure Bay, or just grab a bench and watch the planes overhead—the options are endless. bostonharborwalk.com.
Lynda Connolly
Without her, Secretary of Space Michael J. Connolly would be an even bigger joke than he is. "I've heard of separate beds," said one panelist, "but separate planets?"
K. Kerkorian Weddings & Events
For more than a decade, we’ve watched Kristyn Kerkorian climb the ladder of local event planning, following along as she went from helming catering sales at the Colonnade Hotel to throwing parties for the Red Sox to launching her own wedding-planning firm in 2017. But it’s not just the BU alum’s prestigious pedigree — or the fact that she successfully executed eight COVID-era celebrations — that stands out to us. We’re equally taken by her calming, down-to-earth demeanor (a godsend for anxious brides and grooms) and undeniable gift for design, evident in each meticulous tablescape, escort-card display, and floral arrangement she helps envision. kkerkorianevents.com.
James Kilts, CEO of Gillette, which has announced plans to lay off 3,300 workers.
Runner-up: Gary DiCamillo, CEO of Polaroid, which is laying off 2,000.
Bill Weld
Redhead is no Reagan republican, but his work habits are reminiscent of the Gipper. Regular squash games, Grateful Dead concerts, and a generally drowsy appearance suggest that Bill might be happier at home playing Nintendo. However, rumor that a 30-hour workweek will be a major plank of his campaign is apparently unfounded.
The Red Lion Inn
The Red Lion's lure as a hangout is potent, and has been since 1704. The rustic, cozy bar inside has an original old beam ceiling, huge brick fireplace, wide plank floors, and outdoor patio seating. And if you've had one too many, there are 15 gorgeous suites upstairs, all with fireplaces and Jacuzzis. 71 South Main St., Cohasset, MA redlioninn.com.
The Old Inn on the Green
Foodies have followed chef Peter Platt from his post at Wheatleigh to this rustic spot, where the focus is on food, not formality. Superior American fare—braised lamb shank with spring vegetables and pan-roasted duck with wild rice—is served in the intimate dining rooms of this inn, which glows with candlelight. 134 Hartsville New Marlborough Rd. (Rte. 57), New Marlborough, MA oldinn.com.
Hollywood Espresso
Sultry movies and moody java. Is there a better combination on the planet? At this "European Film Cafe," you can watch a recent release on one of three TV screens while sipping a white mocha latte or cafe au lait and munching on a croissant or a slice or carrot cake. 1740 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, WA .
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
Have to plan ahead, though: it's open to the public only on the third Thursday of each month, at 8 p.m. 60 Garden St., Cambridge, MA .
The American Women's Shop
It always has the classics—lots of Elizabeth by Liz Claiborne. This is the place for the new suit or the black silk pants. Lord & Taylor, 760 Boylston Street, Boston, MA .