July 2024 Issue
Best of Boston 2024: The 251 Best Things About the City Right Now
Love it, hate, celebrate it, debate it—here’s the best of Boston according to us today.
Feature
The Enduring Imagination of Henry Bear’s Park
This local toy store chainlet has succeeded for 48 years by centering creativity in play.
Department
Why Is Billionaire Frank McCourt Jr. Mad at Other Billionaires?
The Boston-born magnate and former L.A. Dodgers owner is engaged in the fight of his life: reining in big tech.
The Art of Listening: What I Learned from Women
Be unforgettable, know what you’re willing to sacrifice, and never, ever give up: In an excerpt from his latest book, contributing editor John D. Spooner shares wisdom from the remarkable women in his life.
An Oral History of The 1999 All-Star Game That Saved Fenway Park
Twenty-five years ago, the Red Sox planned a grand farewell for Fenway. Instead, thanks to Ted Williams, Pedro Martínez, and perhaps the greatest assembly of baseball talent ever, the 1999 MLB All-Star Game helped save the historic landmark.
Beacon
Here Are Six Dog-Friendly Hotels in New England
From pooch-friendly room-service menus to a canine concierge, these accommodations serve to spoil four-legged friends.
Fashion + Style
Gala-Hopping with Bentley Owners and Leslie Odom Jr.
Our intrepid society columnist reports from Boston’s swankiest affairs, including the Green & White Ball at the Newbury Boston and Hot Pink Party at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport.
This Iconic Flower Flagship Will Soon Have a New Newton Home
The Tiffany & Co. of bouquets puts down roots in a brand-new retail spot.
Five Excellent Shopping Experiences in Greater Boston Hotels
You don’t need to stay overnight to gain access to the exclusive retail experiences inside the city’s finest hotels. All you have to do is walk through the front door.
Alan Bilzerian Is a Bona Fide Boston Style Icon
Along with its eponymous founder, the Newbury Street clothing boutique is a veritable fashion legend.
The Eternal Bloom of Rouvalis Flowers & Gardens
With its landmark green-and-white awning, this legendary Beacon Hill florist is a perennial Best of Boston favorite.
Five Eyelash and Brow Treatments—and Where to Get Them
Just in time for summer vacay, wake up your peepers with these Greater Boston services.
A New England Traveler’s Guide to Nova Scotia
The best time to explore this delightful Canadian province less than a two-hour flight from Logan? Right about now.
Home Design
How Do You Safely Watch Your Kids in the Pool from the House?
On local family’s solution: Create an adjacent sunroom, with help of SV Design.
So, You Want to Live in Chatham?
This Cape Cod enclave has an idyllic on-the-water setting and a classic New England town center—but be prepared to pay a pretty penny if you want to live here.
Real Estate Showdown: A Beacon Street Penthouse vs. a Sprawling Estate in Lexington
It’s amazing what a few miles can do to the market. This month, we compare two homes with prime locations: one in the Back Bay and the other in the northwest ’burbs.
City Style
Bookworms Unite!: The Literary Lights Dinner at the Boston Public Library
Our intrepid society columnist ate, drank, and toted home books from this year’s annual BPL Special Collections fundraiser.
Restaurants
We All Scream for Toscanini’s
People in Boston eat a lot of ice cream—just ask Gus Rancatore, longtime purveyor of these two beloved Cambridge scoop shops.
The Best Steakhouse in Boston Is . . . Grill 23 & Bar (Again!)
For more than 40 years, the stately Back Bay establishment has been a blueprint for consistency, excellence—and the perfect meat.
Arts + Entertainment
We’re So Grateful Wally’s Café Jazz Club Still Exists
This 77-year-old family-run South End venue—where Billie Holiday performed and Bill Murray cavorted—is truly the best of Boston’s best.