Thai cuisine- that combines gentle spices and often a coconut milk, or something to off-set kick. Part of the Asain food catagory, Thai is a great alternative to your traditional General Taos- on the high end scale. For a great judge of a good dining place, it's been opened for a while on Boylston, and always draws a crowd.

Special room rates for the Boston Marathon® available through Marathon Tours and Travel.

This charming turn-of-the-century hotel offers renovated rooms (last refurbished in 1998), all with marble bathrooms and free wireless internet, and many with fireplaces or great views of the Boston Marathon finish line. Guests can dine at in-house restaurant Azure, then kick back with a drink or two at either of the hotel's bars, City Bar and Solas Irish Pub. Reserve up to a year in advance for Commencement. Rooms start at $189; suites $695. Parking (valet or self-park) $36. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. One of the older hotels in Boston that has been well maintained and managed for years by the Saunders Group. Family owned and family friendly. Boston Marathon® Tip: Considering their finish-line proximity, rooms at the Lenox and Commonwealth hotels can offer some awesome race-day sights--but at a price: $300-$600 per night. Public restroom: Up the stairs next to the Sam Adams pub.

Three stories of pure sport, play, and athletic clothing for every level of athlete. Shoes, iPod gear, pants, shorts, t-shirts, and women's sport bras. The staff is friendly= but why not? They get to wear cool/comfy workout gear to work everyday. This store is g-r-e-a-t for athletes and comfort clothing-seekers alike. Runners.... they have a great program (normally Wednesday nights) for those wanting running partners. They pair people with their running ability and let them loose around Back Bay. Come rain or shine, and the best part.... it's free. Just bring your running shoes, and the want to run. NikeTown is located right around the corner from the Boston Marathon finish line off Boylston Street. The whole store is decked out with Boston sports memorabilia and lots of street signs from the marathon route. The store includes footwear for runners and non-runners alike. The store features an homage to the Boston Marathon, seats from the old Boston Garden and autographed shoes from Marathon champ Uta Pippig. Store Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10am-7pm
Sun: 12pm-6pm

The Vox is the perfect place to see and be seen. Although quite the meat market, if you are in the mood to schmooze it up and look your best on a Saturday night, it is a fun place as an outing with friends. Serving 27 of the most creative martinis around in a hip but unpretentious milieu, this swanky bar is Boylston Street's “It” spot. A mostly twenty- and thirty-something crowd fills the bar on weekend nights to down $9 martinis. It kind of has that 'beautiful people' vibe going on... which can be oh so good, and can also be a complete nightmare. There are some creepy types who frequent the place hoping to pick up the aforementioned beautiful people, but thankfully they are amusing to watch. Granted, the drinks are expensive, but with such tempting varieties as the Tiramisu Martini and White Crantini (a clear martini made for men who “don't want to be seen with a pink drink”), who can resist? 8 types of scotch ($8-14), 12 bottled beers and 6 on tap, traditional cocktails ($6-9), and wine by the glass ($7.50-10.50) provide ample variety for those morally opposed to martinis. Thanks to Vox Pop's massive space there's always a quiet corner to retreat to, even on busy weekend nights. No cover.

The palatial Copley Plaza Hotel has been one of Boston's most prestigious landmarks since 1912. It offers the usual luxuries—a gym, bars, and restaurants and the notable Oak Room restaurant has won awards for the “Best Steaks in Boston.” Each room is furnished with “period antique reproductions,” private bars, and modern communications services. Rooms start at $300, but quickly rise to well over $450 for a double or a suite. Overnight parking $36. Make Commencement reservations at least 8 months in advance, although they will take reservations up to 2 years ahead. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. This is the location of the Press/Media area for the Boston Marathon. The media areas include the Oval Room, Venetian Room and Grand Ballroom in the Fairmont Copley Plaza. No blue jeans or sneakers allowed. The Marathon Awards Ceremony is from 5 - 6 pm in the Grand Ballroom. Special room rates for the Boston Marathon® available through Marathon Tours and Travel. Public restroom: down the stairs before the front desk and near the hair salon.

Vibrant and hurried, this Boylston street classic in the Back Bay is Abe and Louie's answer to seafood. Filled with first dates, client dinners, and family celebrations. UPDATE: The Atlantic Fish Company has re-opened with renovations after the restaurant had to close due to a fire.

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

One of the classic Boston steakhouses, however Abe and Louie's was hot even before the recent steak craze. Dark and decadent, this Boylston street hotspot offers a variety of steaks, fabulous wines, and even a wonderful weekend brunch. Over-sized leather courtroom chairs and Hollywood-style booths in the dining room create an inviting atmosphere while impressive bronze chandeliers, massive torchieres, traditional mahogany detailing, and the gold leaf barrel vault ceiling add an air of elegance. Make sure to try the steak benedict!

Located in the crossroads of the Back Bay and the South End, this transportation hub offers trains, buses, and the orange line on the T. Public restroom: From the Dartmouth Street entrance, head past the A. Philip Randolph statue by the ticket windows.