Located in the Jewelers Exchange Building, this watch store is one of only a few Rolex specialists in Boston. This small store also features models from Omega, Seiko, Raymond Weil, Breitling and Tag-Heuer. Offering new, refurbished and older models, they also purchase worthy specimens and feature a top-notch repair service. Be sure to check out the retro collection of pocket watches as well, complete with chains for dangling from vest pockets.

Inside the Jewelers Exchange Building at Downtown Crossing sits one of the more elegant stores in the city. It features untold numbers of exquisite marquise cut diamonds and an incredible assortment of sapphires, diamonds, rubies and emeralds, all fitted in gold and platinum. With a heaping of fine gifts, excellent customer service and expert advice, this 50-year-old Boston jeweler is an inspiring shopping experience.

This Downtown Crossing store specializes in wedding bands, engagements rings and moonstone jewelry. Contemporary and traditional settings of fine gems in gold are created and signed by onsite artisans. Many of the designs are inspired by natural shapes, such as the 'wave' bracelet and the 'water-patterned' wedding band. Custom-made designs are also possible. Call for a private appointment or an after-hours consultation.

In business since 1839, E.B. Horn store has one of Boston's largest selections of luxury jewelry. The expert staff members can answer your questions and provide honest advice about the store's impeccable collection of tennis bracelets, rings, precious stones, watches and necklaces. With so many styles and variations, shopping here can be an exhausting, but a rewarding experience.

Appropriately situated along the Boston Harbor waterfront, this expansive gallery has the finest collection of model sailing ships in the country. Tall clipper ships compete for your attention with smaller vessels, but you should take the time to see each one up close-the detail in these new and antique models is simply amazing. Lannan Ship Model Gallery also showcases fine nautical paintings and prints, as well as nautical equipment from ships of yesteryear.

Rare book expert Kenneth Gloss runs this show, so do not go here hoping to discover a valuable title in the junk bin. On the other hand, if you are looking for something unusual, he might well know where to find it. Brattle is also an expert appraiser. Non-collectors enjoy this large store for the selection of inexpensive, used paperbacks. Do not leave without admiring the mural outside, which depicts various authors from Dr. Seuss to Toni Morrison.

Launched in 1992, Au Chocolat has established itself as an unrivaled retailer of gourmet chocolate. Located in Boston's Financial District, the lovely boutique is a connoisseur's treasure. Select from fine chocolate, truffle, candy, gummy bears and artisan confections, among over 20 varieties of sweet treats by leading global chocolatiers. They pride themselves on retailing Neuhaus, pioneers of praline and Belgium's top brand, in addition to Haribo and Taza. Local specialties include peanut butter or caramel stuffed Oreo sandwiches and Almond Buttercrunch. Dairy-free and sugar-free versions of these tasty treats are available as well.

College friends Dan and Justin share their passion for sport with fitness enthusiasts at their shop in the vibrant South End neighborhood. This store's minimalist design mirrors South End Athletic Company's philosophy of unpretentious and top-quality fitness gear. Cutting-edge technique synthesizes with style to create a line of running shoes, t-shirts and hoodies that are both comfortable and stylish. In addition, it sells collections by high-end brands including Nike, Puma, Timex, New Balance, Saucony, and The North Face. With apparel for every skill level, this place is a popular choice among amateurs, athletes and professionals alike.

Located in the hip South End neighborhood of Boston, Michelle Willey is a contemporary boutique. With a well-curated collection of home furnishings, apparel and fashion accessories for both men and women, its no wonder this boutique has been featured in various magazines and garnered a handful of accolades. All of the pieces found in this shop, from the high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets to the porcelain tableware and bath towels, are handpicked for their outstanding quality and craftsmanship. Whatever your style, Michelle Willey is sure to catch your eye.

Parlor stocks clothes by designers such as Nicholas K as well as Free People-the clothing brand. The look of the store is quite simple and they don't mind if you browse through their stuff on display. A good time to shop is when they have a sale, though the good clothes disappear quickly. The unassuming exterior can be quite misleading, but word has it that celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz have graced this store with their presence.