Local Root
Local Root At this Cambridge cookery boutique, spatulas, whisks, and pasta makers are on display next to exquisite Alessi pots and pans and saber-sharp David Mellor knives. Completely lost in the kitchen? Brightly colored Le Creuset French ovens make the perfect gift for the gourmand in your life. 221 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA localroot.com.
Thos. Moser
You know you're a true New Englander when you begin recognizing the work of Thos. Moser. Built in Maine and designed in-house, each artful chair and table is crafted from decades-old cherry and walnut trees, which ensures pieces both elegantly thin and impossibly strong. 19 Arlington St., Boston, MA thosmoser.com.
The Children's Book Shop
Sure, it's a little dog-eared (we prefer well loved), but this Brookline Village godsend, serving young readers since 1977, will break you of your rote nightly reads with a fresh supply of soon-to-be family favorites spanning every era: In the Night Kitchen, Officer Buckle and Gloria, and the latest from Mo Willems. 237 Washington St., Brookline, MA thechildrensbookshop.net.
Rugg Road Paper Company
This charming shop offers a jaw-dropping array of card stocks and designs for every occasion, from receptions to rehearsal dinners. You'll also find photo albums, rubber stamps, and embossing tools for scrapbooking—all of which will preserve the memories of your big day beautifully. 105 Charles St., Boston, MA 2114, ruggroadpaper.com.
A. Russo & Sons
We adore the cases brimming with imported and locally made cheeses (like fiore di latte from Everett's Mozzarella House), the boxes teeming with exotic Asian vegetables, and a deli counter loaded with top-notch finds. But the best part about a trip to Russo's is that we get whole foods without dropping an entire paycheck. 560 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 2472, russos.com.
Shining Rock Golf Club
Opened only recently, Shining Rock looks like it's been around for years. And actually, it has: The course was built in 2005, but never opened until ownership changed. With multitiered greens and views of the Blackstone Valley Corridor, your toughest challenge will be staying focused on the game. 91 Clubhouse Ln., Northbridge, MA 1534, shiningrock.com.
Arnold Aboretum
Looking for nature close to the city? Grab your walking shoes and head for the Arnold Arboretum. This "museum of living plants" provides you with 278 acres worth of walking, jogging, and birdwatching. But don't pack a lunch—picnicking is allowed only on Lilac Sunday. 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA .
Seven Stars
If you want to read up on holistic health or simply expand the horizons of your mind, Seven Stars, in Harvard Square, offers the greatest collection of esoteric books in the area. Subjects include tarot, metaphysics, old wisdom, astrology, meditation, relaxation, and visualization. Co-owner Yvonne Paglia (an astrologer herself) is a great resource. 58 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge, MA .
Sultan's Kitchen
Why single out what is already probably Boston's only Turkish restaurant? Because there are some who work downtown and still haven't had one of their kebab sandwiches for lunch. Give 'em a shot: only your breath will suffer. 72 Broad St., Boston, MA .
Bombay Club
There are other Indian restaurants in town, but none present top-quality food as consistently as the Bombay Club. Check out the Chicken Tikka Masala, and try the garlic and onion naan as an accompaniment to your meal. The lunch buffet is easy on the taste buds and the wallet, and the restaurant's top-floor view of Harvard Square doesn't hurt, either. Harvard Square Galeria, 57 JFK St., Cambridge, MA .
Bristol Lounge
The only difference between one cold glass of gin and another is where it's served and how (assuming, of course, it's good gin to begin with). The Bristol takes the prize with its tableside pouring, the generous garnish of olives, and the comfy seating. Four Seasons Hotel, 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Upstairs at the Pudding
The minute you step out of the high-ceilinged dining hall and onto the lush green patio, you will be transported to another world. Sip a cappuccino amid roses and bougainvillea; enchant your mate under starlight. Rumor has it that the restaurant's proprietor gets up before dawn to pamper this fantastic roof garden. 10 Holyoke St., Cambridge, MA .
Vince Doria, <em>Boston Globe</em> Sports Editor
Another fine year. Just one question, Vince: What did you mean by the subhead on your Latin American baseball special section that read, "The hunger and desire of young Latins . . . make their future impact . . . even more ominous"? Too much chicken and rice in the clubhouses, perhaps?
The Gigolo Aunts
After five years without a release, the Gigolo Aunts burst back onto the music scene with Minor Chords and Major Themes, a disc so infused with kicky pop sensibility it landed them in People magazine and won them an opening slot on summer tours for Matthew Sweet and Counting Crows. Welcome back.
Wonder Bar
Who needs comfort food when you have comfort drink? Lurking beneath the floorboards of the stiff-backed, black-attired glam scene at the Wonder Bar is a comfortable lounge downstairs. It has enveloping booths and sofas and a TV playing sports du jour. The jazz wafts down from upstairs; the pretense, fortunately, does not. 186 Harvard Ave., Allston, MA .