Inn at Hastings Park
Lexington will go down in history for two reasons: starting a revolution and being home to this Relais & Châteaux inn. The four-star Forbes Travel Guide property lures travelers with tony accommodations that don’t skimp on luxury (think: in-room fireplaces, marble bathrooms, and handprinted wallpaper). But it’s worth checking in even just for Sunday brunch: Back for the season, the Culinary Garden outdoor space — with wooden farm tables and garden boxes of basil, lemongrass, and other fresh herbs found on the menu — is as idyllic as a night tucked into the Matouk linens. 2027 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA 02421, innathastingspark.com.
Kane’s Donuts
This spot lives by the mantra "Kane’s Donuts Are Love." Sink your teeth into one of its pillowy treats, and you’ll quickly understand why: Delighting dough devotees since the Eisenhower era, Kane’s has mastered flavors both classic (the glaze-drenched honey-dipped) and creative (the "turtle" with caramel frosting, drizzled dark chocolate, and crushed Heath bar). The cake- and raised-style offerings don’t skimp on toppings, either, so whether you pop into the original Saugus outpost or sidle up to the counter at the much newer Financial District spot, you’re guaranteed a mouthful of flavor with each bite. Multiple locations. 90 Oliver St., Boston, MA 02110, kanesdonuts.com.
Ermenegildo Zegna
Don't let those ill-dressed goombas on The Sopranos fool you: Nobody knows stylish sophistications like the Italians. The Napoli Couture collection at Ermenegildo Zegna is a strong case in point—suits and jackets made mostly by hand from superior fabrics exclusive to Zegna, among them superfine merino wool and the full, silky 15 Milmil 15; shoes, too, are distinguished by handwork and fine leather. The magnificent silk ties in micro-jacquard—heavy on assorted blue, pale blue, white, and red combinations this season—may very well knock your socks off. Not to worry: Zegna sells those, too. 39 Newbury St., Boston, MA zegna.com.
Beaucage
A soothing hour of cleansing in a salon with a lovely ambience. 71 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
Alan Rouleau Courtuerier
Alan Rouleau's alterations are impeccable, and his evening hours are ideal for working folks. 91 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Beacon Hill Skate
For five bucks an hour, let the good times roll. Free knee pads and tips on staying upright. 135 Charles Street South, Boston, MA .
Ananda Massage Collective
By appointment only. A 1 1/2-hour pounding which will leave you as limp as spaghetti marinated in Adolph's. 1151 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Phillips Drug Company
Really, truly open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The most convenient thing about going to Mass General. 155 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Phillips
Phillips on Beacon Hill for 24-hour service and prescriptions. For price and sample sizes, the Big L. Beacon Hill, MA
Rosie's Bar & Grille
Open, welcoming, and serving until the wee hours, it has twice the ambience and none of the stage lights or lines. 1667 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA .
<em>Phoenix</em> political writer Al Giordano's portrayal of House Speaker Charlie Flaherty as a statesman.
If Giordano had taken his blinders off for a couple of minutes, he might have realized that Flaherty isn't part of the solution, he's part of the problem.
Fleet Financial Group's attempted takeover of attack dog/housing activitist Bruce Marks and his Union Neighborhood Assistance Corporation.
Never has so little money—about $1.4 million—been spent for so much silence.
A three-way tie. House Speaker George Keverian, Boston mayor Ray Flynn, and Senate president Billy Bulger.
Keverian for getting the Duke's wormy 1988 budget and the universal-health-care package through the legislature in time for the Democratic convention. Flynn for the wisdom he showed in announcing he was not running for governor—even if he had to announce it twice and even though he'll probably change his mind. And Bulger "for getting away with it yet again," said one admiring panelist.
Lavinia Borcau Skin Care
Lavinia and her assistant, Janet, work magic with their facial massages. Spend an hour or so in this immaculate, calming refuge and you will emerge relaxed and refreshed. 29 Harvard St., Brookline, MA .
Stereo Lab
Henry Nikals and his team of crack technicians can fix anything. He even offers a 24-hour emergency service, for a small extra fee. 16 Eliot St., Cambridge, MA .