MetroRock Boston

Huge & Hardcore

by Patrick Hellen

Living in New England, you are surrounded by amazing outdoor places to rock climb and boulder, but you also get covered with snow four months out of the year. Tends to put a damper on your belayer fix. To scratch this itch, I present MetroRock in Everett, what I consider to be the best place to really train in our snowy off season. I only have good things to say about this place. The rock walls are huge, with 70 roped stations, going as high as 45 feet on some routes, which your forearms a ... Continue

MK Boxing

Think You’re a Contender?

by Charlie O'Brien

MK Boxing in Woburn offers knockout instruction in boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and mixed-martial arts. Armed with 30 kick-boxing bags, speed bags, conditioning mats, and even a professional boxing ring, MK Boxing also specializes in cardio and weight-training equipment. No, this isn't your old man's boxing gym. Want to step in the ring? Recently featured in the Woburn Advocate and the Burlington Times, MK Boxing is open seven days a week and offers classes to meet the de ... Continue

Read & White Formal Wear

Formally Speaking

by Charlie O'Brien

Read & White in Needham has been providing the finest in traditional and contemporary men's formal wear since 1914. They feature a complete selection of tuxedos and formal accessories for purchase or rental, with personal service and a genuine commitment to quality. The specialists at Read & White will help with selecting the perfect style of tuxedo and accessories for your wedding or next black tie event. They offer special rates for wedding parties, groups, proms, and for extended rent ... Continue

Harvard Sq. Optical, Inc

The Eyes Have It

by Charlie O'Brien

Prime retail locations don’t come much better than Harvard Sq. Optical's storefront on the outskirts of the famed square. An independent full service optical store. They are 3rd generation owners of this practice dating back to 1946. Starting out in The Harvard Coop, they moved to their present location in 1996. Harvard Square Optical provides eye exams, a wide selection of eyeglasses and shades, contact lenses, as well as, performing all fo ... Continue

Eva B Consignment Shop

A Perfect Fit

by Charlie O'Brien

This is Eva B's newest shop and it fits right in with other Coolidge Corner shopping boutiques. But, there is a unique and artistic image to Eva's that is consistent with the original in JP. The lighting and decor is all part of the ambiance you experience upon entering. It just feels right. Eva has that discerning taste in decor and in her selection of consignment apparel. All seem to have a bit of timeless elegance about them. The selection of clothing ranges from high-end jeans and designer h ... Continue

Trina's Starlight Lounge

Retro and Lovin' It

by Emily Doutre

By all accounts, I really should be sick of this whole retro bar and restaurant trend that's been popping up the last few years. But I'm not, because each new place keeps putting its own spin it. After studying the beer list at the hip '40s Southern diner that is Trina's Starlight Lounge, I was at first unimpressed. (Yeah, Miller High Life is ironic and hip, but it also tastes like battery acid so you’re going to have to try harder to win over this beer snob.) Then I realized that I was look ... Continue