A hidden gem amidst bustling Newbury Street comes a bookstore that calls itself “Boston's alternative". This diner-style restaurant draws rave reviews from students and families alike. You can cozy up in any corner and peruse the variety of books, magazines, and interesting knickknacks, or munch on Trident's munchies like classic salads ($8-14), sandwiches ($9-11), coffee, smoothies ($4). They have a great selection of loose teas ($2.50-$3.50) and serve breakfast all day (omelettes $7+). The staff will take a book off the rack for you and let you take it into the cafe. This quiet spot to sit back, chill out, and enjoy, is the perfect break from the craziness of Newbury. They also have a public restroom: on the right, halfway down the store.

With three locations throughout Boston and Cambridge, and a presence at Mohegan Sun, Jasper White is definitely doing something right. In this central Back Bay location, you are on top of King's bowling alley and right behind the Hynes Convention Center. This Summer Shack boasts the largest raw bar in the city. Parking is $7.00 at a lot adjacent to the restaurant. However, a little known fact is that on the weekends the commercial spots on Dalton Street are up for the taking...

Mary Baker Eddy founded the Church of Christ, Scientist (aka, the religion of Christian Science) which holds education as a basic tenant. This library building is a testament to this remarkable women. It includes exhibits, a shop, the Mapparium, Quotes Cafe and in the library both Reference and Research Rooms. The Mapparium is a must-see for any visitor (or resident). A stained glass globe of the world - it's truly a wonder to behold. It's also fun to see how the world has changed since it was created. You need to buy a timed ticket for entry. The Quotes Cafe is a little-known spot - quiet and with really good food. The "Hall of Ideas" is really amazing, digital projected quotes on all sorts of topics move around the floor, walls and fountain. To visit Mapparium and the upstairs exhibits there is a $6.00 admission fee ($4 for seniors/youth/students). But the Hall, shop and cafe can be accessed by anyone for free. Stop in on your next walk down Massachusetts Avenue. Hours:

• Exhibits and Shop Tuesday-Sunday 10am to 4pm
• Last Mapparium Show at 3:40pm
• Quotes café Monday-Friday 8am to 3pm. Breakfast, lunch, coffee, dessert: soup, salad, sandwiches, pizza, paninis, entrees, daily specials
• Reference Room Tuesday-Saturday 10am to 4pm, closed Sunday, Monday, and holidays
• Research Room Tuesday-Friday 10am to 4pm, open first Saturday of each month, by appointment only*

This is definitely a place where burly, and surly, men come to drink! Always crowded with Bostonians, Charles makes a mean burger (for a small $10) and a brunch menu that will impress your mother-in-law (some items have a spirited drink included). In the summer, there are long waits for the patio selection, but the inside atmosphere can't be beat. Dark wood work incapsulates the insides, and a small hint of "saloon" with the famous snottiness of Newbury- this place is wunderbar!