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 .
Athleta
Sure, you can find on-trend (pricey) gear at Lululemon, and an encyclopedic selection at City Sports. But yoga pant for yoga pant, the bright, spacious Newbury Street branch of national chain Athleta comes out on top. Crucial free tailoring, meticulously clean changing rooms, and in-store boot camps from local trainers make this a supportive, stress-free place to get sporty. (Multiple locations.) 92 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, athleta.com.
Linnea Tangorra
Linnea Tangorra and her staff of three can help both brides who know exactly what they want and those who have no clue. Services range from soup-to-nuts planning to hourly consulting with no minimums. Tangorra is quick to respond in any situation, whether she's answering your late-night e-mails, fielding your future mother-in-law's incessant questions or averting weather-related reception disasters with a well-orchestrated plan B. Tangorra Wedding Planning, 251 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, linneatangorra.com.
Linnea Tangorra
Linnea Tangorra and her staff of three can help both brides who know exactly what they want and those who have no clue. Services range from soup-to-nuts planning to hourly consulting with no minimums. Tangorra is quick to respond in any situation, whether she's answering your late-night e-mails, fielding your future mother-in-law's incessant questions or averting weather-related reception disasters with a well-orchestrated plan B. Tangorra Wedding Planning, 251 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, linneatangorra.com.
<p>"Everyone who walks in here goes, 'Wow!'" says general manager Kate Fergusson. And—self-interest notwithstanding—she's not overstating the case. Just one month shy of a year old, the Artful Hand, in Copley Place, has been quietly wowing people ever since it opened last September.</p> <p>The magic begins at the entrance: large windows reveal a peaceful, almost ethereal environment filled with softly lighted gallerylike displays of top-quality contemporary American crafts. The store does not carry folksy handmade items such as rag rugs, stenciled stools, and macramé plant hangers. What it does carry—delicate hand-painted silk scarves, hand-blown glass sculptures dancing with color, jewelry, whimsical ceramic dishware, and baskets—shimmers with sophistication.</p> <p>Merchandise such as this would seem to fetch astronomical prices. But not all of it does. In fact, buyers Joe Porcari and Terry Weschler make a point of stocking items that appeal to all budgets.</p> <p>"Other countries tend to be more aware and supportive of their crafts people than we are here," says Fergusson. "In the United States, more people are just now beginning to realize that much of American craftwork is really important."</p> <p>And the Artful Hand is a worthy vehicle for that message.</p>
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.