Local Expert
Maria Olia
I am a freelance writer and the author of “The Little Black Book of Boston” (Peter Pauper Press). I fell in love with Boston when I was a kid, came to the city for college, and never left!…
I am a freelance writer and the author of “The Little Black Book of Boston” (Peter Pauper Press). I fell in love with Boston when I was a kid, came to the city for college, and never left!
Travel is my passion; and I have written dozens of articles about the various places that I have visited. My absolute favorite travel destination is Tuscany, the most “exotic” place that I have visited is Iran, and my dream vacation is Greece.
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Three Boston Stores Not-To-Be Missed
Thrifty, classic, and cutting edge -the stores below are uniquely Boston.
First opened in 1908, the legendary Filene’s Basement at Downtown Crossing is (sadly!) closed for renovations until the spring of 2009. In the meantime, Filene’s Basement fans can shop for deeply discounted men’s and women’s designer and brand name clothing at the chain’s Boylston Street store. For serious shoppers, the shoes and accessory departments are the most dangerous of all- Fendi bags can be had for $80, Via Spiga shoes for $50. Tip: Check out “The Vault” for high end ready- to- wear like Armani and Missoni.
In business since 1796 and said to be “America’s oldest jeweler”, Shreve’s has some of the best Boston-centric souvenirs in the city. Examples of Shreve’s well-priced giftware include a USS Constitution paperweight ( $35 ), a Zakim Bridge sterling silver key ring ($65), and the whimsical (and very popular) “gurgling cod” pitcher (from $45-$95 ).
This is the place in Boston for all things “wicked cool”. Yes, Newbury Comics sells comic books, but Newbury Comics is mostly a music store featuring major label artists, indie groups and even the random local garage band .The real draw here though, is the pop culture merchandise – music posters, action figures, political humor toys, and trendy fashions. For aging hipsters, there is “old school” stuff too.