Rizzoli Bookstore
Rizzoli does indeed carry a great selection of books, but we also find it to be good for gifts, particularly picture frames, stationery, blank notebooks, and compact discs. Copley Place, Boston, MA .
Glad Day Gay Liberation Bookshop
The bulletin board out front has listings for everything from housing to theater to marches. The shop also has a great selection of cartoon books. 673 Boylston Street, Boston, MA .
Barry Werth's Biography of Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Great title: The Billion-Dollar Molecule. Great story: Righteous scientists race to develop an experimental drug. Not-so-great outcome: The project—but of course, not the book, is abandoned.
<em>The Secret Garden</em>, coming to the Colonial in November
Forget the Phantom of the Opera, with his sissy little half mask. The Secret Garden, an adaptation of the Frances Hodgson Burnett children's book, is intelligent and subtle.
A Nubian Notion
A great selection of books, including ones you can't find anywhere else. You'll be pleasantly surprised. 41-47 Warren Street, Roxbury, MA .
Gift at the Gardner
Unveiled as part of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum's new wing in January, this shop's jewelry, housewares, books, and children's items are crafted by artists from all over the world. Plans are also in the works to sell prints of artworks. 280 Fenway, Boston, MA 2115, gardnermuseum.org.
Fenton Hollander of Water Music
For booking such top-notch talents as Rebecca Parris, the New Black Eagle Jazz Band, and Tom Rush into acoustically first-rate listening rooms such as the Regattabar and the Copley Plaza Hotel ballroom.
Jack Connors
You want retro? Connors showed up at pal David D'Alessandro's book-signing in a toga.
Harvard University's Lamont Library
A large collection enhanced by an open stacks policy; the only problem is checking books out. Also excellent is the Brookline Public Library, 361 Washington St., Brookline. Massachusetts Ave. and Quincy St., Cambridge, MA .
Eileen McNamara and Gary Chafetz
The bad blood between Eileen McNamara and Gary Chafetz, who authored very different books on the Margaret Bean-Bayog case.
Executive Service Auto Polishing
Craig Meece is so good at polishing fine cars and pampering their proud owners that he works strictly by appointment and is booked weeks in advance. 11 Richardson Ave., Arlington, MA .
Salon Eva Michelle
Want a style that stops traffic? Book an appointment with Eva Mustafai. She handles her scissors with race-car-driver precision, and will find a cut that flatters your face and has lift and movement. 118 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, salonevamichelle.com.
Brookline Arts Center
Brookline Arts Center remains one of the most forward-thinking schools around. Popular offerings include comic-book classes for grade schoolers, a jewelry course for teens, and anything taught by engaging studio coordinator Léonie Little-Lex. Before and during longer classes, kids can shake their sillies on the adjacent playground. 86 Monmouth St., Brookline, MA 02446, brooklineartscenter.com.
Faina Fedosik, Trillium
Be warned: Faina has a devoted following, so prepare to book at least a week ahead for an appointment. The wait is worth it for the extra-long hand massage and meticulous nail polish application. Some fans swear it's possible to get two weeks out of her manicure. 95 Central Street, Wellesley, MA trilliumbrewing.com/wordpress_blog.
Yale Applicances and Lighting
Shopping for a fridge or stove at a big-box store can be absolutely maddening, with all the appliances displayed like lawn mowers. At Yale, the ceilings are low, the lighting is soft, and each piece seems like a perfect fit for your home. Peep the $16,000 ranges on your own or book a tour at the desk. 296 Freeport St., Boston, MA 2122, yaleappliance.com.