The recent addition of Rocca to the growing list of top-tier restaurants in the SOWA region of the South End was highly lauded when it opened in Spring 2007. Italian food inspired by the Riviera, this hotspot is not only a fabulous meal with a creative twist, but it also boasts a great bar scene. Rocca's menu is mid-range prices with a fairly expensive wine list. The best way to describe Rocca? Italian-style tapas. Rocca specializes in small portions and a collection of Italian-style tastes like fresh raviolis, gnocchi and the artichoke "taste" dish. There's a rustic water wheel sculpture made out of metal for outdoor diners which punctuates the restaurant's already stunning red-and-silver ambience. Also, Rocca boasts ample free parking which is a definite plus for Boston-area foodies. Check out Rocca's blog HERE.

Duffy Design Group has won Best of Boston four times for Interior Design Excellence. Dennis Duffy is the Principal of Duffy Design Group, an interior design firm which is known for its inspiring interiors. The firm has won numerous awards and has been published both locally and nationally. The firm offers its expertise and unique vision to residential clients and consistently partners with architects, developers and builders. Whether the project is a sleek residence overlooking a city skyline, a contemporary boutique hotel or a sprawling country manor, Duffy Design Group designs intuitively - carefully determining the best solution for each client. For more information please visit www.duffydesigngroup.com.

Gaslight is the highly anticipated new french culinary addition to the SOWA region of the South End. Loud and lively, the Gaslight is always hopping and filled with the beautiful and trendy of Boston's dining scene. The food is classic french bistro, small portions that are full of flavor.

Don't forget that our pooches can have a discerning pallete too. Every dog also deserves to be pampered. How many times did you hit the spa this year? Come on... Sparky deserves a gourmet biscuit and a big bone. Head on down to the Polka Dog Bakery where you have your pick of treats like bow wow brownies and power barks. They also carry a variety of pet apparel and toys. Open 7 days a week.

Feel chic but never awkward at posh Union Bar and Grille. This South End eatery never fails in offering you not only a gorgeous meal (albeit sometimes $), but a chance to get some good people watching in as well. The sleek and modern surroundings are the perfect backdrop to the creative menu and festive drink list. Go ahead, lose yourself in a fruity martini. Don't miss their inexpensive brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Be part of the chic and overtired crowd that comes pouring in late morning in dire need of a cup of coffee, or better yet, a strong bloody mary. October Special: 5 year Anniversary Celebration all month Join the bartenders at Union Bar and Grille all through the month of October for specialty cocktails for $5 and complimentary nibbles between 5:30-7pm

Tucked into Shawmut Ave. right next to the South End Buttery lies Hudson, an interior designer's dream. You will find no boring and stuffy patterns or furniture here. Only eclectic pieces that call to mind an elegant, comfortable, and relaxed feel. The young, fun, and friendly employees are eager to help you find your way through the shop's fragrant candles, fluffy pillow, and funky furniture pieces to find exactly what you are looking for.