BOOMERANGS

If you know how to case BOOMERANGS, then you'll never have much need for overpriced antique stores and so-called vintage shops. Without less space than some thrift joints in the suburbs, this JP (and now West Roxbury) staple takes seriously the task of weeding out the wackness. For obvious reasons, we can't tell you when the best time is to score the good stuff, but you can bet your ass that boutique owners from across the city stop in before opening their own doors each day. Add in their relationship with AIDS Action, and the style boys and hipster chicks who run Boomerangs, and what you've got is more of a local institution than just a place that sells old junk.

BOOMERANGS | 716 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain | 617.524.5120

By CHRIS FARAONE