Cambridge Soundworks
It doesn't look like much from the outside, but this factory-direct retail store sells Henry Kloss's great speakers (made on the premises), matches them to quality components, and presents them in an informed, low-pressure manner. No fancy showrooms. Just good value and a very liberal return policy (30-day total Satisfaction Guarantee), just in case you change your mind. 154 California St., West Newton, MA .
Roots Home & Garden
True, the Cape is an antique-hunting hub, but fun and funky finds abound as well. Provincetown's Roots has a unique, diverse collection of home and garden accessories, from Tibetan rugs and Tiffany-style lamps to bright hand-painted wooden bowls and bubbling slate fountains. If all this shopping leaves you looking to take a seat, choose from among classic wicker, soft leather, and fine wooden chairs. 193 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA shoproots.com.
Bakers' Best
Although it has expanded its dining area, we love Bakers' Best most for its sophisticated takeout options. Everything comes with detailed reheating directions that will fool your guests into thinking you cooked it yourself. But don't worry: The employees here won't give away your secret. They'll even come over to cater for you. 27 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA .
Moth
If it seems that women up and down the shore are looking more and more chic, credit ex-model Haven Tyler's foray into designer retailing. Where else in the area can you find frilly Theory camisoles and sheer and shimmery Dubuc blouses—let alone beribboned Rebecca Taylor jackets, Richard Tyler stilettos, and Luella bags? The comprehensive library of hot denim alone (Citizens of Humanity, Red Engine, Chip & Pepper) brings needed flash to these otherwise staid South Shore suburbs. 53 South St., Hingham, MA .
Native Sun
You can shop yourself silly in this tourist-friendly town, but if you're looking for something other than lobster-emblazoned boxers and lighthouse-studded T-shirts, stop here. Full of finds from Nanette Lepore, Juicy Couture, and Milly (to name a few), Native Sun is easily the best-stocked women's clothier on the North Shore. So head on in—and break the powerful spell those "Newburyport" sweatshirts mysteriously cast over you. 11 Market Square, Newburyport, MA .
Blue
Soothing shades in gray and blue (of course) set the tone at this cool-but-comfortable salon. And color here is indeed the key: Owner Paula Donovan and her diligently trained staff blend cutting-edge systems (Bumble & Bumble is the mainstay) with down-to-earth reality checks. (Few in Lexington want magenta hair, no matter how great it looked in W.) The result is always glamorous—but tasteful—tresses. 10 Muzzey St., Lexington, MA blueacompletehairsalon.com.
Mr. Sid
Head west, young man, to Newton Centre. There you'll find Mr. Sid, the shop that caters to classy guys looking to dress to the nines in Armani, Hugo Boss, Zegna, and Corneliani. Helpful, knowledgeable, and courteous salesmen escort customers through the store, which is divided into smaller areas by collections. Tired of shopping? There's an in-store pool table, a hair salon, and a well-stocked bar. 1211 Centre St., Newton Centre, MA mrsid.com.
Avalon
Big venues usually mean small performers—not in terms of musical stature, but because you're so far away the act looks like a dot with a guitar. So thank God and Pat Lyons for Avalon, where despite its capacity of 1,950, you never feel far from the stage. A spacious main floor, tiered stairs, and a balcony with great stage views make seeing big-time indie performers—Rhett Miller and Doves—seem almost intimate. 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, MA .
Lizard Lounge
As the new host to The Fringe's (Best Jazz Band) Monday night jams— and occasionally to delights from the free-form experimental acid-jazz group Club d'Elf (Best Cutting-Edge Band)— this lounge has the coolest in-the-round setting. Owing partly to a respectable selection of booze and excellent vibes, the unassuming Lizard Lounge has slithered to the top. 1667 Masachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Governor William Floyd (as in Pink) Weld
If it were up to the city's 15- and 16-year-olds, Bill Weld would be a shoo-in for senator based on his move to restore Esplanade concerts by bands like Green Day, They Might be Giants, and Letters to Cleo. Who cares about welfare and taxes? When it comes time to cast a ballot, remember who took a bold stand on the most important of campaign issues—the freedom to rock.
Kitchen Arts
Culinary cats, get ready: Kitchen Arts is a veritable candy store for gadget-hungry chefs. Its Newbury Street shelves are packed with everything from the oddly named "clam rams" to the oddly shaped cannoli forms. Of course, purely practical items (mixing bowls, baking pans, measuring cups, storage tins) are in abundance, too, as are sleek chef's knives and showoff espresso machines. Tools like these will help you cook up the solution to any culinary conundrum. 161 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Gamesville (www.gamesville.com)
Gamesville's tag line is "Wasting your time since 1996," a counter on the front page tallies the total number of minutes wasted on the site. The lure? You can play bingo, poker, and trivia, or guess the results of events like the Academy Awards. Cash prizes turn casual visitors into gamesville addicts. For protection against snoopy bosses, there's also a "panic button" that will instantly cover your gaming screen with a serious-looking business news page.
Blue Ginger
True, Ming Tsai is part of America's elite cadre of celebrity chefs. His cookware, cookbooks, and PBS cooking shows are ubiquitous—all for good reason. He and sous-chef Jonathan Taylor lead a crackerjack team at Blue Ginger, where the garlic—black pepper lobster is a wonder. The tightly run restaurant has unparalleled service and a standout wine selection. 583 Washington St., Wellesley, MA ming.com/blue-ginger.htm.
"Cryin'"
The appellation given to city counsillor Brian McLaughlin, who had a tough year. First he's given cash by developer Harold Brown. Then he keeps it in his bedroom for months, taking the envelope out every now and then to look at it. Then he's given more cash. Then he speaks with the FBI. Then he's reelected. Then the FBI goes public with his role. The n Brown is indicted. Then McLaughlin's brother is arrested in an Irish Republican Army gunrunning scheme. No wonder Brian McLaughlin feels like weeping.
Boston Design Center
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, whose bathroom looks like a dorm-room stall? Not yours—not after a spree at the Design Center. With 12 bath showrooms—open to the public via a designer-on-call program—the South Boston facility has options aplenty for making your loo fit for royalty, from handcarved basins to gleaming chrome fixtures by Billie Brenner to glass mosaics by Ann Sacks to Geologica's marbles and granites. One Design Center Place, Suite 337, Boston, MA 2210, bostondesign.com.