Massachusetts Attractions 2009

ATTRACTIONS

Best Children’s Clothing:
THE RED WAGON, Boston
Find well-made outfits in fun colors that won’t break the bank or fall apart after washing. Accessories are functional and irresistible, plus there’s a thoughtful selection of books and toys. 69 Charles St. 617-523-9402; theredwagon.com

Best Furnishings Store:
BLISS HOME, Boston
Tastes may vary from century to century, but Bliss spans almost all of them, seamlessly. Classics like Bernardaud fine china and Graves Limited Edition kettles flank modern marvels such as bamboo rugs and Ferruccio Laviani table lamps. 225 Newbury St. 617-421-5544; blisshome.com

Best Day Spa:
BELLA SANTE, Boston
Why do we adore Bella Sante? Maybe it’s the cosseting body treatments, the meticulous manicures and pedicures, the massages that end with nothing left of you but a human puddle, or the amenities-stocked locker room and healthy snacks and tea. Most probably, it’s all of the above. 38 Newbury St. 617-424-9930; bellasante.com

Best Theater:
BOSTON OPERA HOUSE, Boston
This ornate jewel box of a theater spotlights popular musicals, legendary acts (Lord of the Dance is coming in May), and hipster bands, as well as family attractions and local traditions (such as Boston Ballet’s beloved Nutcracker). Terrific acoustics. 539 Washington St. 617-259-3400; bostonoperahouse.com

Best Antiques:
DANISH COUNTRY, Boston
This small Beacon Hill shop is crammed with a thoughtful mix of European and Asian pieces, hand-picked in Denmark and Sweden. If you’re out Natick way, stop by Danish Country’s sister store, Civilization, at 810 Worcester St. (Route 9); 508-650-1804. 138 Charles St. 617-227-1804; danishcountry.net, europeanstyleantiques.com

Best Bookstore:
BROOKLINE BOOKSMITH, Brookline
With an epic selection of used and new books, this impressively organized shop is the best place to kill an afternoon–flipping through the staff’s always-excellent suggestions, perusing the comprehensive fiction and nonfiction section, or listening to a major author read. 279 Harvard St. 617-566-6660; brooklinebooksmith.com