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Matt Murphy’s is the rarest of stateside Irish pubs. Unlike most of its Boston brethren, which rely on bar mirrors and Guinness signage to create Irish atmosphere, Murphy’s allows its hearty stews, sharp-witted publicans, rustic furnishings, and perfectly-drawn pints to do the talking.

This is home to an exhaustive selection of fresh, frozen, canned, and dried foods essential to cuisines from Singapore to Seoul.

Memorial Drive is a magnet for joggers and rollerbladers. On summer Sundays, the road closes to vehicular traffic and becomes the city’s best people-watching spot.

A Raytheon company engineer placed popcorn in front of a radar tube in 1946 and discovered the principle behind the microwave oven.

The Mid Cape tends to be congested, especially in the town of Hyannis. But the north shore can be peaceful, with amazing wildlife and stunning views, especially from Gray’s Beach in Yarmouth. Warmer water and sandy strands line the south side of Mid Cape, with especially good swimming in Harwich and Dennisport. There’s also excellent canoeing and kayaking on the Bass River.

This 159-room budget motor inn in Back Bay was built in the 1960s but has been renovated to bring it up-to-date. Kids appreciate the outdoor pool and drivers enjoy secure, inexpensive parking.

Having offered its stage to rockabilly, punk, swing, reggae, and hip-hop acts since 1987, the Midway Café is partially responsible for the youth-driven renaissance in Jamaica Plain (see Samuel Adams Brewery) in recent years. Most nights bring an eclectic, edgy mix of music lovers, both gay and straight. The club’s Thursday Dyke Night is the most popular lesbian club night in town.

Large glass cases display a huge selection of cookies and cannoli (crunchy pastry filled with a sweet ricotta cream). Purchase a box to go, or grab a table and order a drink and a delectable pastry.