The Boston Marathon's Turning Pro
There was no question that by remaining stubbornly amateur in a sport that had gone professional, the Marathon was dying. Then David D'Alessandro persuaded his employer, the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, to spring for $10 million to sponsor 10 Boston Marathons. A course record, a world-class field, and hundreds of runners later, today's Marathon is again one of the city's—and the country's—preeminent sporting events. "We've got athletes from 30 or 40 countries," said D'Allessandro, a senior vice president at Hancock. "I've got letters on my desk from the agents of guys who wouldn't even look at us last year."
Tirado Photography
After the plates have been cleared and the last floral arrangement spirited away, what remains of the wedding day is the photos. Couples who entrust these all-important mementos to husband-and-wife team Rene and Melissa Tirado get an album's worth of artistic black-and-whites and unique candids, plus whimsical group shots that are a world apart from the police-lineup feel of formal portraits. All of which makes it possible for brides and grooms to catch the moments they missed (and remember what, exactly, those flowers looked like) long after the final confetti has flown. 148 Russell St., Peabody, MA tiradophotography.com.
Mr. Sid
In the 21st century, Boston's been getting used to the idea of dynasties, what with the Red Sox winning two World Series championships and the Patriots a trio of Super Bowls. Mr. Sid has similarly dominated its field: Since 2000 the family-owned men's clothing mainstay has taken the hardware every year this Best of Boston category has been judged. Add that streak to its continued strong performance in custom fitting (with seven in-house tailors), selection (running from Agave to Zegna), and amenities (free cocktails enjoyed before vast flat-screens), and it's clear why men are still walking out of Mr. Sid looking like winners. 1211 Centre St., Newton Centre, MA 2459, mrsid.com.
Garment District
Rummaging through the racks at the Garment District is like looking for the Mona Lisa at the Louvre. That perfect paisley shirt, pleather skirt, or even preppy blue blazer is there—you just know it is—but the place is so full of classics (designer and otherwise), it sometimes takes a while to find it. By the end of your tour, you've got three hot-pink shopping bags full of inexpensive low-fashion masterpieces, from jeans to jumpers, leather jackets to costume jewelry. Behind the punk rock, studded collars, and tattoos, the store's employees are some of the friendliest around. And if you have a few extra bucks, the landfill piles of leftovers are downstairs at Dollar-a-Pound. 200 Broadway, Cambridge, MA garment-district.com.
Kitchen Arts
Next time you need a hard-to-find imported baking pan, follow your inner Escoffier to Kitchen Arts. From culinary esoterica (a one-inch funnel or a rolling mincer) to basics (need your knives sharpened?), these kitchen wizards have it all, including five lines of high-performance cookware. There are good old American brands alongside fancy European makes, and no fewer than 20 types of coffeemakers (stovetop percolators, French presses, and filter drips). Don't worry if your cooking skills extend little beyond boiling water. The employees know of what they speak and want you to enjoy the time you spend in your kitchen. 161 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Stellabella
Only enlightened children need apply. Stellabella, you see, is a completely gun-free shop that specializes in educational toys. But before you start criticizing what political correctness has done to childhood fun, check out the selection: nature projects, musical instruments, colorful science puzzles, and bulk art supplies. Better still, look at what the kids are doing. They're singing songs, painting, listening to stories, riding on oversized stuffed animals: just plain playing. Prices are reasonable, and the staff is beyond helpful. It's like one big PBS special come to life. 1360 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA stellabellatoys.com.
Barneys New York
Every well-shod woman has the closet to prove it—sensible pumps for work, streamlined flats for weekends, sky-high Christian Louboutins just because—and chances are, there's a Barneys shoebox on her shelves. The department store's cavernous shoe salon proffers the red-soled attention getters, of course, but also more-unique and unexpected styles—caged Alaïa sandals, sinewy canvas heels from Walter Steiger, paint-splattered Maison Martin Margiela low-tops, studded cowboy boots by Isabel Marant—always keeping you one step ahead of the fashionable masses. Copley Place, Boston, MA barneys.com.
Louis
Photo by Jesse Burke Louis's long, storied history has given it a certain cache in the local and national fashion worlds, but this isn't a place to rest on its laurels. To see how the store continues to evolve and set itself apart, just take a look at its Men's Department blog, which mixes photos from its impeccable collection—including suiting and separates from Kiton and Massimo Bizzocchi—with vintage snapshots and commentary about the habits of well-dressed men everywhere (like the jazz great Herbie Hancock, who recently visited the waterfront emporium). 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA louisboston.com.
Consignment Galleries
If you've tried to furnish your first apartment or even looked for that much-needed desk or even a lamp, you know what the prices are. And we're not even talking period pieces— just something of a certain age, with that certain feel, at just the right price. We've found a good selection of four-drawer chests between $220 and $450; a mahogany twin-pedestal dining table for $550; a carved oak mirror for $95; and a set of 10 Maddox cups and sauces for $65. If your grandmother did not leave you anything, this is for you. 2044 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Beauport Hotel Gloucester
A glam restaurant that looks like a midcentury ocean liner, live entertainment, a heated rooftop pool high above the sea, oversize rooms (some with fireplaces!) so close to the harbor that you feel like you’re on a cruise — there’s a lot to love about Gloucester’s stately Beauport. Best of all is the location: Close to the HarborWalk and Stage Fort Park and just a short shuttle ride to the muchloved Good Harbor Beach, the hotel is an ideal getaway whether you live a few hours or a few minutes away. 55 Commercial St., Gloucester, MA 1930, beauporthotel.com.
Salon Mario Russo
No matter who you make an appointment with at this style sanctuary, you’re guaranteed to leave looking and feeling your best. That’s thanks to the leadership of Italy-born, London-trained maestro Mario Russo, who has amassed a team of Boston’s most talented, trend-savvy stylists for his twin salons. And now that they’ve packed up those scissors for a move from Newbury to the Heritage on the Garden this spring, there’s a shiny new space to get that sharp cut or color transformation you’ve been dreaming about. Seaport and Back Bay, mariorusso.com.
The Langham, Boston
Courtesy P&Co. Ltd. Let’s be honest: Staying at a hotel is a fun experience for kids no matter the amenities. But if you’re looking to wow your little one with the experience of his or her lifetime, there’s no place better than the Langham, which is offering a “Playtime with Paddington” staycation with all kinds of special surprises now through December. The package includes a Paddington-themed room with a kids’ tent, a plush bear, a cookie-decorating kit, and even a child-size Paddington bathrobe and slippers — which your little explorer can wear down to the indoor pool, complete with water toys. 250 Franklin St., Boston, MA 02110, langhamhotels.com.
Casa Design Outdoor
Kettal Bitta - Bitta Daybed - Casa Design Looking for an easy way to channel the tranquil vibes of that tropical vacation you were supposed to take this year? Pop into Casa Design Outdoor. Part of Casa Design Group’s family of showrooms, the petite SoWa space is outfitted with a lush faux-plant accent wall, artfully styled outdoor-furniture vignettes, botanical-print wallcoverings, and windows that stream in sunlight. Take a slice of paradise home with patio pieces that range from city sleek (Royal Botania dining tables) to coastal chic (braided Kettal daybeds, pictured), all so luxurious you’ll forget you’re not actually at a posh resort. 460 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, casadesigngroup.com.
Red's Best
We’re forever hooked on this superlative supplier of all things local seafood, whose fresh catch from small-boat New England fishermen frequently lands at the city’s best restaurants. Its vendor stall inside downtown’s Boston Public Market (plus BPM’s upcoming Logan Airport emporium) also sells grab-and-go options such as lobster rolls and poke bowls. But even while COVID has kept us from going inside, local delivery and convenient curbside pickup from Red’s HQ on Boston Fish Pier is picking up the slack. 100 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02108, redsbest.com.
Salon Beau
So often a salon visit is like a blind date — one that leaves you wondering what you’ll look like when it’s all over. Not at ultra-thorough Salon Beau: A consultation begins with a meticulous prescreening, during which clients send the team three hair photos from various angles as well as thoughts on creative inspiration and favorite styles. They also ask about appointment personas (are you chatty? Zen?), reasons for leaving a prior stylist, and even follicular care priorities. The personal attention pays off, with gorgeously styled locks and absolutely zero surprises. 63 Park St., Andover, MA 01810, thesalonbeau.com.