Best store for sporting goods
Boston is a sports-oriented town. We've got the Red Sox, the Patriots, the Celtics, the ... uh ... Bruins, some wicked college teams, and generally athletic people. We run, we swim, we play soccer and tennis, we do it all, and our readers get all their necessary equipment at City Sports. It's got sneakers and cleats for every occasion, tennis rackets, clothing, football gear, hockey sticks, skis and snowboards, indoor fitness equipment and machines, a knowledgeable and helpful staff, and those cool, ubiquitous City Sports T-shirts everyone seems to own.

Boston is also an outdoorsy town. The White Mountains are mere hours away, as are other prime camping, hiking, climbing, rafting, and skiing locations, and Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) has what our readers need for a good time in the wilds of New England. Whether you're snowshoeing, kayaking, or simply exploring the natural world, REI has all the gear and equipment for the budding outdoorsman or the seasoned pro. It even has in-store clinics such as "Map and Compass Basics," organized local hikes, and expert-led group adventure vacations to exotic locations including the Andes, Bavaria, Thailand, and Hawaii.

City Sports, multiple locations, www.citysports.com; REI, multiple locations, www.rei.com.