Boylston Street, Boston

Our first trip to Best Cellars was prompted by a "free wine and food tasting" sign on the sidewalk. We were hungry, so we headed in.

What a find! Best Cellars in a wine store devoted to finding the best wine your $15 bucks can buy. They don't have a huge selection, but it it is in the store, you know it is good. All of the wines are organized according to taste, from fizzy to luscious to big, so you know exactly what you are getting.

We bought a bottle of one of the wines we tasted. Later we bought a gift of six bottles with a little tasting guide. Ever since then, we have been hooked.

What to buy: Wine...obviously!

What to pay: Most of the wine is under $15, with a few more expensive knocking around.

Of the three major international newsstands in the Boston area, only one, the Copley News, is in Boston proper. As such, the proprietors feel they can be quite dictatorial, and post signs forbidding the reading of their materials without purchase. I find the selection here less comprehensive than at the Cambridge stands but far more eclectic and interesting, particularly the Italian soccer magazines and the Arabic papers. The reading limit, depending on which clerk is in charge at what time, is generally lightly enforced. In fact, I've been able to spend 20 minutes at the stand with a magazine and walked away only to notice the magazine's immediate realphabetisation by the clerk in charge, who'd obviously been monitoring me the entire time. The stand is only open until about six or seven, and begins to set up shop at around nine in the morning. Some of the papers may be a bit behind, unfortunately, but Boston is not New York and it takes whatever cosmopolitanism it can get.

Alternatively, some world papers, including the International Herald-Tribune and the magazine Le Monde Diplomatique, can be had at Borders bookstore, and at the newsstand in South Station.

This is my favorite boutique in Boston. The clothes here are ethnic inspired with beautiful fabrics & bright colors. Each piece looks unique with an added touch. An embroidered ruffle, flowing sleeves, satin cords, or hook & eye closures.
I always want to buy the whole store when I'm shopping here. Everything looks beautiful to buy & the ambiance of the store with the dark wooden beams, flowing drapes, colors everywhere....it's a very cosy atmosphere, even though the store itself is large.

What to buy: Besides their clothing line (for women only), you can also find homeware & furnishings (beautiful bedding, interestingly designed homeware, rugs, furniture....) and accessories (jewelry, shoes, handbags...).

What to pay: The clothing here is a little expensive and you know you are not shopping at The Gap. But it's not unaffordable either. Come here to find that accent piece you've been looking for!

This is a two-story discount store. Bottom floor for shoe, boots and Men's clothing. Top floor for kids and Women's clothing. Hunt through the rakes and you're bound to find a bargain!

What to buy: Clothing in what I look for in this store.

What to pay: Depends .... I paid $25.00 for a imitation fir collar black sweater. The collar is removable for day-time wear. I think it's a great buy and will get double the use out of it! On any given day, you could find something different.