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 .
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 .
Stow Acres
Stow Acres, the public course in Stow. Fair, challenging and open to anyone. But arrive early or plan for a long wait.
Boston Sailing Center
Five-day lesson plans with a fleet of 27-foot boats. Large enough to get a sense of sophisticated sailing, small enough for a novice to handle. 54 Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA .
John Henry Williams
Son John Henry Williams's bonehead plan to have Ted Williams cryogenically preserved after the Red Sox legend died last month.
Irving Fryar
Nice touch, the trunkful of weapons. Perhaps he was just frightened that the scab players he screamed at on the Sullivan Stadium picket line might plan some retribution.
Cafe Pamplona
Waiters in white shirts and black pants serve strong cafe con leche to an eclectic cast of regulars. 12 Bow St., Cambridge, MA 2138, .
Royal Jewelers
Little wonder jewelry collectors from all over the planet have this 60-year-old business on speed dial: Its inventory of David Yurman bests what's found even at the designer's own boutiques; the cases of Marco Bicego and Roberto Coin are unrivaled; the diamond selection is swoonworthy. And the watch stock? It's a dream team of heavyweights, from Vacheron to Brequet. 58 Main St., Andover, MA 1810, royaljewelers.com.
Larry Fidalgo, Fidalgo Floors
The scene of the crime is that newly purchased, splendid Victorian house whose floors are battered by years of abuse and besmirched with coats of deck paint. Enter Larry Fidalgo and company—and 24 hours later, stunning pine planks gleam from beneath a coat of crystal-clear polyurethane. Not only does Fidalgo refinish soft- and hardwood floors, but he installs them, as well. Among his clients are the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Restoration Society of Charlestown. Which isn't a bad way to finish. Somerville, MA
Saks Fifth Avenue
There isn't a woman on the planet who doesn't feel sexy and chic in the right little black dress. On a recent visit, choices included a flippy frock from Nicole Miller, a gorgeous beaded creation from Carmen Marc Valvo, and a deceptively demure (until you see the back) charmer from Shelli Segal. Prudential Center, Boston, MA .
The Hawthorne
Photo by Jesse Burke This swanky spot in the Hotel Commonwealth combines the comforts of a hotel bar—plush chaise lounges, velvet armchairs—with the top-notch libations and luxurious snacks of a craft-cocktail den. Unwind with an Aperol-and-bourbon-laced "Paper Plane" and an order of the raclette-topped fingerling "potato skins," and you just might forget you're not sleeping upstairs. 500A Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA thehawthornebar.com.
General Cinema Fenway
It's expensive, it's crowded, and the lobby has as much charm as an airplane hangar. But then, you don't exactly go to a movie theater for the ambiance. You go to escape reality for a couple of hours, which Fenway's stadium-style auditoriums accomplish exquisitely. Pay your nine bucks, nestle into your personal Barcalounger, drink in the immensity of a 63-foot-wide screen, and soak in the explosions from a Sony Digital Dynamic Surround Sound system. You'll swear those fighter planes are bombing Kenmore. 201 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA .
Castle Island
What more could you want in a picnic spot? There's grass for the kids and animals, picnic tables, water surrounding you on all sides and a 2.1-mile exercise loop to work off your lunch. Want to picnic without packing? Swing by Sullivan's, a takeout eatery serving burgers, fries, seafood, and ice cream at the entrance to Castle Island. The kicker? Free entertainment in the form of planes roaring over the area seconds before they land at Logan. William J. Day Boulevard, South Boston, MA mass.gov/dcr/parks/metroboston/castle.htm.