Yes, it's the obvious stop for all things ricotta-filled and sauce-smothered, but the North End is so much more than just a dining destination: it's home to some of the best shopping in the city. In addition to old favorites like Shake the Tree (95 Salem Street, Boston, 617.742.0484), which we adore for its funky dinnerware and clothing, and Injeanius (441 Hanover Street, Boston, 617.523.JEAN), our go-to for designer denim, the neighborhood is undergoing a serious retail expansion. New additions this year include dress shop Twilight (12 Fleet Street, Boston, 617.523.8008), the second venture from Injeanius proprietress Alison Barnard, and, just around the corner, super-chic Casa di Stile (371 Hanover Street, Boston, 857.233.4885), whose name embraces the area's Italian flair. Makeup mavens will be right at home at A Matter of Face (425 Hanover Street, Boston, 617.74.BLUSH), which carries lines such as Darphin, Bliss, and the Art of Shaving. The most recent addition to the neighborhood, the Velvet Fly (424 Hanover Street, Boston, 617.557.4359), melds contemporary and vintage threads with an eye that rivals that at any of the best shopping destinations in the city. [Photo: Joel Veak]
