John Hancock Hall is a popular venue for dance, theater, and musical performances. The Hall does not have a box office; tickets are generally purchased through the organization or group that is renting the space for a performance. Don't miss the 2008 performance of the Urban Nutcracker presented by BalletRox. For information on show times and prices, visit the BalletRox website

The Improper Bostonian Magazine touts itself as "Boston's premier lifestyle and entertainment guide." Every two weeks, the magazine reaches nearly a half a million readers (The Media Audit, Nov/Dec 2006 survey)in Boston & its surrounding areas. The magazine is free & is delivered via doorstep delivery in North End, South End, Back Bay & Beacon Hill. The magazine is also distributed via newsboxes and retail locations in Boston and surrounding areas. Their annual Boston's Best issue comes out each July and showcases the magazine's picks of the best places in Boston for a variety of categories.

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Rise is Boston's only true afterhours dance club; the proprietors engaged the city in a dialogue for years before getting a permit to open as a members only private club, which it remains to this day (though, it is easy enough to get membership or admission on a specific night by contacting people there). They host world class DJs every weekend, covering all of the styles from classic house to edgier, more en vogue European minimal techno. They also host a fair few more gay leaning parties with popular circuit DJs. This is a late night hedon's delight, with a stellar, booming soundsystem and a lively, mixed crowd that boogies down until after sunrise.

The Lyric Stage Company of Boston offers an intimate live theater experience. It's been dubbed Boston's Off-Broadway. The Lyric Stage, in conjunction with Once Upon a Time Theater Company, produces a series of interactive children's performances each season. Admission $20-50, student rush tickets ($10) available. Wheelchair accessible. Another note to broke students: the Lyric always needs ushers; call anytime. Check the website for information on the summer program for teens, ages 13 to 19. Box office hours: Tue 12n-5pm; Wed-Sat 12n-7pm; Sun 12n-5pm

Home for the Holidays is one of Boston’s most inclusive holiday events. The 150-voice Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, now in its 25th season, focuses on the theme of “family” in all of its permutations, and will include Hanukkah and Christmas favorites, as well as a world premiere by Bret Silverman called “Two Holidays,” which takes a humorous look at the effort to merge the two holiday traditions in one household.

Tweeter specializes in televisions, and sound systems for home and automobiles. The store offeres instillations and home appointments. The store and service have won awards. The store showcases a small array of home entertainment sets and a display of sound systems, but its a small area.

Since 1891, the University Club of Boston has been offering its members a posh social and athletic setting. From banquet rooms, dining, squash and swimming, UC members can workout while networking. Membership may be difficult to attain, but is worth the cost when you can throw out to friends, "why don't we just talk about this over drinks at the club?"

This restaurant and bar is located inside the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Oak Room is a regal, comfortably elegant restaurant that offers a traditional steakhouse menu with a distinctive twist. The Oak Room is adorned with gold, maroon and green fabrics and draperies that complement the dark wood paneling and mirrored walls. Cameos and lacunaria accent the intricate white plasterwork that details the 30-foot-high ceiling and twin Waterford crystal chandeliers illuminate the room.

The Oak Bar has been recently restored and is reminiscent of a British Officer's Club in the Orient. The same dark wood paneling and mirrors that flank the Oak Room are offset in the Oak Bar by smooth marble. Heraldry symbols decorate the ornately gilded and painted coffered ceiling. The furniture and décor create an inviting atmosphere to enjoy a relaxing drink or close a business deal. The dress code is business casual, but after 6pm, no shorts, cut out or tank top T-shirts, hats and sport sandals.

Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. Check out the website for information about the Boston Marathon®, the BAA Half Marathon, and the Running Club.
Founded in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is one of the oldest and most prestigious athletic clubs in the country. Their original clubhouse was the current site of the main branch of the Boston Public Library. Now located in 40 Trinity Place in the Back Bay, the BAA's largest annual event is the Boston Marathon. Along with the sponsorship of John Hancock Financial Services, the BAA continues to host not only the Boston Marathon, but a variety of road races, half marathons, 5k's, and even a running club year round. For more information, please visit: BAA website