1. Curious George Bookstore
City: Cambridge, MA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (617) 547-4500
Description: Find all things related to Curious George, everyone’s favorite mischievous monkey from the children’s book and PBS television series, at this delightful shop. The store also carries books of all kinds for all ages including picture books, early readers, and chapter books and a wide selection of toys that heavily favor creative and open-ended play. There’s an exceptionally cozy reading nook, and to the delight of young fans, George himself often makes store appearances.
2. Harvard Bookstore
City: Cambridge, MA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (617) 661-1515
Address: 1256 Massachusetts Ave.
Description: Directly across the street from Harvard, this independent bookstore is totally committed to books and their patrons. The shelves are chock-full of national best sellers as well as classic and contemporary literature, and the staff is beyond helpful in making recommendations. The store has countless readings and book signings by locally and nationally known authors—often from the Harvard academic community. Head to the basement for great deals on remainders and gently used volumes. Come also to see the book-making machine Paige M. Gutenborg in action. The on-demand press instantly prints any one of 5 million titles or self-published manuscripts. Pretty neat.
3. Harvard Coop
City: Cambridge, MA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (617) 499-2000
Address: 1400 Massachusetts Ave.
Description: Crimson pride is on display at this ultimate showcase of Harvard paraphernalia. You can find Harvard logoed everything at this sprawling 4-level bookstore complex, from key chains to teddy bears to clothing (T-shirts, sweatshirts, rugby shirts) in every size and style. “The Coop” (rhymes with scoop) was founded in 1882 by students as a cooperative to buy school supplies and books (along with firewood and coal to keep their rooms warm!). The Coop is the official bookstore of Harvard and it is still a cooperative (faculty, students, and staff receive a yearly rebate) and is open to the public.
4. Porter Square Books
City: Cambridge, MA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (617) 491-2220
Address: 25 White St.
Description: This independent bookstore is one of the best literary destinations in the Boston/Cambridge area. A calendar full of book events and a cafe that does a perfect latte make this a great place to meet friends, relax, and browse. The store isn’t tremendously big, but the shelves are fully stocked with not only the latest best sellers, but also books you’ve never heard of, but should. The very knowledgeable, and even friendly staff will help you navigate it all.
5. Schoenhof’S
City: Cambridge, MA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (617) 547-8855
Insider Pick:
Description: This is the largest foreign bookstore in the country and a mecca for foreign-language learners, language teachers, and international expats. They stock a large selection of language guides, dictionaries, and novels in dozens of languages as varied as Chinese, Farsi, and Russian. Their Spanish, French, Italian, and German departments are phenomenal. The children’s section has language-learning materials, picture books, and Harry Potter translated into a dozen languages. The store also sponsors book events, conversation groups, and language-specific book clubs. Closed Sun.
6. Forty Winks
City: Cambridge, MA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (617) 492-9100
Address: 56 JFK St.
Description: Find a well-curated selection of upscale silky and lacy things by Chantelle, Eberjay, and Huit at this pretty lingerie boutique in Harvard Square. You can also pick up basics, shape wear, and cozy cotton pajamas. This is a great place for an expert bra fitting; the staff are welcoming and knowledgeable.
7. Stellabella Toys
City: Cambridge, MA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (617) 491-6290
Address: 1360 Cambridge St.
Description: This local toy store chainlet is the go-to place for the latest fun, creative, and unique toys. Find well-made fantasy play costumes, first baby dolls, European-made wooden vehicles, nifty craft and science kits, and every sort of manipulative to encourage open-ended play. Thanks to in-store programming that includes art, music, and story time, Stellabella has become a gathering place for area families looking to make new friends. Additional locations in Somerville, Burlington, and Dedham.
8. Formaggio Kitchen Cambridge
City: Cambridge, MA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (617) 354-4750
Address: 244 Huron Ave.
Description: Whether you want a soft brie de Meaux, a crumbly Stilton, or a farmhouse clothbound Vermont cheddar, you can find your choice of cheese here. Not sure what you want? The staff encourages tasting of the more than 200 varieties, which they cut fresh from the wheel. The Cambridge store has been in business for more than 30 years; ask for a walk-through of its subterranean cave, where cheese is allowed to age and ripen—it was one of the first in the country. Both stores also stock all kinds of specialty goods including house-made charcuterie (try the duck breast pastrami), fresh pastas, gourmet sandwiches, prepared dinners, and desserts along with fine wine and craft beer. Also check out their schedule of cooking classes, demonstrations, and in-store events.