WEST METRO. Located in Chestnut Hill, the Atrium Mall is a pleasant and lovely shopping venue that offers shoppers 4 floors of shops from which to choose. The mall includes well-known specialty shops like Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap, Ann Taylor Loft, and bebe as well as three dining options (Bertucci's, Cheesecake Factory and Pho Pasteur). You'll find everything you're looking for-from jewelry and home electronics to clothing and kids toys. Located just six miles west of downtown Boston.

CAMBRIDGE. Hip, contemporary CambridgeSide Galleria has all the shops you love ­ Ann Taylor, Gap, Victoria's Secret, Best Buy, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Wilson's ­ along with several sit-down restaurants, a selection of quick-bite places, and a variety of service-oriented businesses. Wheelchair and stroller rentals are available, as is a gift-wrapping center. Check with customer service on the second floor for more information.

BACK BAY. Copley Place Mall, located in the Back Bay, offers high-end stores with a variety of quality merchandise. Shop at Williams-Sonoma, Gucci, Christian Dior, Neiman Marcus, and many other favorite retailers. The mall's two spacious floors feature shops, restaurants, a cinema, and two hotels. A great spot to while away time shopping for yourself or a gift for someone special.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT. A Boston social and commercial centerpiece since 1742, Faneuil Hall was originally established as a market for merchants, fishermen and vendors. It later hosted inspirational appearances by prominent figures like Samuel Adams and George Washington, which earned it the nickname "Cradle of Liberty." In the 1970s, a major renovation to the aging structure transformed it into one of America's premiere urban marketplaces. Now, it boasts more than 50 shops, 14 restaurants, and 40 food stalls. NB Some folks (and publications) refer to the retail component as Quincy Market.

WEST METRO. The Mall at Chestnut Hill has a collection of great stores like Coach, Gymboree, Bloomingdale's, Crate and Barrel, Banana Republic, and L'Occitane. Retailers offer a diverse mix of goods in a very pleasant, distinctly urban atmosphere. Four restaurants are also on the mall premises, each offering great dining choices. On occasion, live jazz musicians will delight shoppers with a performance.