The Whittemore Wood Floor Company
Your apartment may not be a palace, but at least it has gorgeous wood floors—or did, in 1920. Now it squeaks with every step and looks all too natural, with splinters lying in wait as your bare feet shuffle to the coffee pot at dawn. Wood floors are a luxury, but they are worth the expense of refinishing, especially if you get Whittemore to patch, sand, stain, and finish those tired planks back to their former glory. 122 Jason St., Arlington, MA .
The Bacon Truck
Photograph by Marian Siljeholm At the Bacon Truck, crisp planks of applewood-smoked bacon from the local Blackstone St. Smokehouse find their way into nearly everything on the sandwich-heavy menu: in the potato-laced bacon hash on the "Hangover"; atop thick slices of "truck-roasted" turkey; even coated in Nutella for dessert. The all-bacon mentality draws people in, but thoughtful touches like perfectly toasted bread, chimichurri aioli, and sides of habanero-garlic pickles keep 'em coming back. bostonbacontruck.com.
Loretta Levitz
At the Ayurvedic Rehabilitation Center in Brighton, Loretta Levitz practices in the 5,000-year-old Indian ayurved tradition, which uses herbs and other means to bring the body into balance. Although she specializes in severe and chronic illness, much of Levitz's work is devoted to developing herbal, nutritional, and spiritual "lifestyle" plans for her clients. 103 Bennett St., Brighton, MA .
Chico's
This small shop has a great selection of southwestern-inspired cotton dresses, skirts, blouses, jackets, pants, and shorts in coordinated colors and patterns. What's more, everything's washable, most items are one-size-fits-all, and they even have accessories to match. Check out the unusual leather belts—great for casual wear. the Atrium, Route 9, Chestnut Hill, MA .
The Legislature
The legislature refused to finance the clean elections law, then reversed a planned tax cut, even though both were approved by voters in a referendum.
The Squealing Pig
With so many excellent Irish pubs in Boston, it's tough to stand out. The Pig, however, is where to go when you want to feel both at home and 'back home.' Proprietors Sara Cole and Diarmund O'Neal are Irish nationals who honed their barman's craft at local institutions like J. J. Foley's, and after 12 years, their Mission Hill establishment retains a homey charm. Save for the Pig's remarkably good bar food, it's the closest you'll get to a Dublin pub without a plane ticket. 134 Smith St., Boston, MA 2120, .
European Watch Company
The display cases at this Newbury Street shop hold luxe vintage and pre-owned watches (think Cartier, Rolex, and Jaeger-LeCoultre), as well as brand-new tickers. Visit the website to see what's in stock and make plans to buy, sell, or trade for a fair price. Employees know their stuff and service many brands on-site. 232 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, europeanwatch.com.
Terrence Murray
Despite this not particularly impressive record, outgoing Fleet CEO Terrence Murray received a $2.5 million bonus in cash and restricted stock, $90,000 for personal tax and financial planning services, and $46,000 toward the use of corporate jets. Incoming CEO Chad Gifford got $2.25 million.
The Children's Shop
As at most coastline kids' stores, preppy paraphernalia is the mainstay at this sweet clothing emporium. Pink and green pants fill the racks, along with embroidered overalls, bright beachwear, and hair clips in the shape of ducks or fish. Also in stock are classic party dresses, hand-knit sweaters, tutus for dance class, and practical raincoats. 515 Main St., Chatham, MA childrensplace.com.
Zanzibar
This new dance club is a Banana Republic fantasy, complete with palm fronds, wicker settees, and waitresses in khaki hot pants. The music is numbingly dumb disco for white people who can't keep time. In other words, goofy suburban fun. 1 Boylston Place, Boston, MA .
Niche Urban Garden Supply
Photograph by Sarah Fisher Designed for the container gardener, this shop offers all the flora, planters, and know-how city dwellers need to get their patios blooming. And for fledgling green thumbs, Niche offers classes in everything from terrarium creation to herb-garden planning. 619 Tremont St., Boston, MA 2118, nicheboston.com.
Taqueria el Amigo
For a truly top-notch taco, you’ll have to head west—all the way to Waltham, that is, where this tiny taqueria stuffs its pliant corn tortillas with rich carnitas, tender braised lengua, and fruity al pastor—style pork, then serves them with a side of fiery, arbol chili—laced salsa. Request a pristine slice of avocado on top of each taco—you made the trip, you deserve it. 196 Willow St., Waltham, MA 2453, .
Riva
Italian food means many things to many people. At Riva it means a lusty love of fresh flavors, simple preparations, and family-friendly but still serious—and seriously good—dishes. Gather by the fireplaces over grilled oyster ;spiedini, or dig into gemelli with spicy sausage and broccoli rabe outside on the patio for a taste of Italy that doesn't require a transatlantic plane ride. 116 Front St., Scituate Harbor, MA 2066, rivarestaurant.net.
Sundog
Weekend visitors still dressed in their power suits and spiffy slacks should hasten to Sundog, where comfort always reigns supreme. The store's dark interior houses Turrau shirts, Izod pants, and affordable Tommy Bahama swim shorts. After a short and successful hunt, men reemerge into the sunlight looking island appropriate. 41 Lower Main St., Edgartown, MA .
Ski Market
Mountain climbers, snowshoers, and downhill racers alike will find weather-appropriate gear at Ski Market. The reasonably priced lined mittens, sleek ski pants, and featherweight down jackets are high quality; the equipment is top of the line; and the knowledgeable staff couldn't be cooler or more helpful. 860 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .