The Children's Book Shop
Will future generations see actual hold-in-your-hands books as curious, unidentifiable objects? Not if the scene at this Brookline Village gem is any indication. The area's oldest independent children's bookstore has aisles teeming with tykes digging into the 28,000-plus titles on offer (all handpicked by owner Terri Schmitz). It also keeps the magic going with regular events like author appearances and book-themed store parties. 237 Washington St., Brookline, MA 2445, .
Abodeon
Sure, you could pick out a nice blender from the registry. But for a more original present, hit up Abodeon. The store's vintage and modern furniture and home accessories will outshine and outlast any kitchen appliance. Choose a set of '70s-era martini glasses for your bon vivant of an uncle, a bamboo magazine rack for your big sister, or go for broke with a Danish modern table you'll inevitably decide to keep for yourself. 1731 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, abodeon.com.
Mike's City Diner
Mike's cinnamon and walnut waffles have all you ever wanted from a calorie, and more. The crispy home fries are perfectly salted on the outside, warm and soft on the inside. Of equal import is the atmosphere in which they're served: These are genuine diner digs filled with a diverse clientele that forms a line out the door on weekend mornings. Just more icing on the coffeecake: friendly and fast (but not hurried) service, decent coffee, and a menu that includes such diner staples as grits and corned-beef hash. 1714 Washington St., Boston, MA mikescitydiner.com.
The Boston Harbor Hotel
This 230-room palace has bragging rights locked up, thanks to its flawless waterfront view from Rowes Wharf. The whole scene—billowing sails, bright blue slices of sky and harbor, and a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape—is straight out of a postcard fantasy (and will even make you forget the chaos of Big Dig construction out front). The interior views aren't too shabby, either: luxuries including a plush spa, gracious suites, experienced concierges, and a terrific restaurant. 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA bhh.com.
Santacross Distinctive Shoe Service
Larger and cleaner than the average cobble shop, Santacross makes shoes better than new every time. No repair work—heel replacement, restitching, waterproofing—is beyond the ability of the affable, helpful employees. What's more, they dole out morsels of wisdom on shoe care, and, in a pinch, will rush to fix any footwear without compromising the job's quality. Another plus: punch cards for a free 10th repair. 151 Tremont St., Boston, MA .
Frankie's Laundry
It doesn't get any easier than this: Pull the sheets off in the morning, and leave them in the vestibule for pickup, and they're waiting for you, cleaned and folded, when you get home. Frankie's has been keeping Bostonians' whites white for 13 years, with same-day service at a bargain-basement 75 cents a pound. Sorry, they won't make your bed. 411 Meridian St., East Boston, MA .
Gentle Giant
It is worth the hassle of moving simply for the pleasure of employing perennial winners Gentle Giant. The entire process unfolds like a dream: Book the move with a phone call and watch as the exceedingly polite, good-humored movers show up on time, load your belongings into the truck with astonishing grace and speed, and unload them—in their proper places—into your new home. Yes, they're more expensive than other movers, but they're worth it. 29 Harding Street, Somerville, MA gentlegiant.com.
Neiman Marcus
Twice a year this ultra-high-end department store holds its "Last Call" sale. All those designer frocks and shoes you've been salivating over are slashed in price by up to 65 percent. To be sure, you take a risk by waiting; but if you get in early, chances are you'll be leaving with the designer wardrobe you've always craved but could never afford. Don't miss it. 5 Copley Place, Boston, MA neimanmarcus.com.
KitchenArts
Take home a few items from KitchenArts and you'll find yourself ordering lots less takeout. KitchenArts features designer cutlery at enticing prices, pots and pans so beautiful you'll hesitate to mess them up with food, and that unusually shaped pie crimper you've been coveting for years. The store's friendly owners are so in-the-know about all things culinary, you'll wish they'd invite you for dinner. 161 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Trattoria Toscana
This '07 winner keeps its crown for another year, and deservedly so. We adore the relaxed intimacy of the teeny Fenway trattoria, especially the everyone's-a-regular welcome from owner Zamir Kociaj (who's Albanian by birth, but very much Italian by nature). The menu isn't strictly Tuscan, but no matter: It all tastes wonderful, and the informal vibe makes first-timers feel right at home. 130 Jersey St., Boston, MA 2215, .
Captain Frosty's
Abandon all hope of squeezing into that teeny bikini after a feast at Captain Frosty's, the pocket-size clam shack that's been plying Mayflower and Corporation beachgoers and their overtaxed arteries with fried seafood of every strip—clams, scallops, oysters, shrimp—for more than 30 years. Hungry bathers who are reluctant to watch their love handles grow in real time can don their street clothes and dine at the shack's indoor tables or brick-patio benches. 219 Rte. 6A, Dennis, MA 2638, captainfrosty.com.
Muqueca
The fact that every Boston Brazilian joint has earned its fame doling out all-you-can-eat portions of meat left us wondering: How do those girls in Rio look so hot in their thongs? Then we discovered Muqueca, where even our most carnivorous friends fell for the single servings of spicy dishes, including the traditional seafood stew for which the restaurant is named. It's so good we guarantee you'll bring back your very lean booty for more. 1008 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 2139, muquecarestaurant.com.
The Baseball Tavern
A reverential silence descends on this spartan tap room whenever the Sox play. The patrons and bartenders alike are true fans, and their passions are readily apparent on the slew of television sets aimed at every nook and corner. If you don't have a ticket for a home game, this is the closest you can get to Fenway (literally—the ballpark is across the street). Little wonder it's also become a regular stop for visiting players. This loyalist stronghold wears its lack of pretense on a Red Sox sleeve. 1306 Boylston St., Boston, MA thebaseballtavern.com.
Oak Bar
There could be a raging nor'easter outside, but inside this legend in the Fairmont Copley Plaza, it's always 70 degrees, with the sun setting over the Indian Ocean and the whack of a distant cricket wicket audible over the veldt. Every detail here speaks civilization—from the golden elephant heads holding up the bar rail to the crisp service of the gold-vested bartenders. The generous martinis, on the other hand, whisper pure decadence. 138 St. James Ave., Boston, MA oaklongbarkitchen.com.
Frank Roop
There are two schools of interior design: "shop and arrange," or the completely custom approach. Those of us capable of selecting a sofa have little interest in the former and a profound respect for the latter, especially in the case of designer Frank Roop. His every surface, piece of furniture, and window treatment showcases an artist's ingenuity with color, texture, and craftsmanship. In other words, Roop's homes are entirely bespoke, and thus defy imitation. 224 Clarendon St., Boston, MA frankroop.com.