How does comedian Mike Birbiglia know his career is in a good place? Because his audiences actually recognize him. “These days people come out to see me on purpose,” he says, laughing. “I feel like I’ve weeded out the people who aren’t into it and now it’s just people who are excited to be there. It’s a lot more like performing for your friends than it was when I started.”

Serving as a leafy link between the Public Garden and Frederick Law Olmsted's park system, Commonwealth Avenue is arguably the grandest boulevard in Boston.

February may be synonymous with chocolate and champagne, but there’s more than one way to show someone you care. And it doesn’t even have to be Valentine’s Day.

With the 118th Boston Marathon just a few months away, runners are kicking into high gear with their training—and now they’ve got something new to wear while running.

Planning a trip to Boston — or just in need of a staycation? Take note: Hotel Week Boston begins February 16. The week-long event attempts to bust out of the winter blues by offering special promotions at Boston-area hotels. With packages crafted exclusively for the event, discounts start at 30 percent off and go up from there.

The team behind beloved Kendall Square restaurant Hungry Mother bring another dose of Southern-fried flavor to Cambridge with their newest venture, State Park. Called Hungry Mother’s “(obnoxious little) sister bar,” State Park feels like a dive bar on steroids.

The North End may be synonymous with Italian food, but don’t expect to find any traditional red-sauce dishes at the neighborhood’s newest addition, Ward 8. Owner Nick Frattaroli—whose family owns North End restaurants Ducali, Lucia and Filippo—envisioned an American brasserie with a menu full of comfort food and a roomy bar serving classic cocktails.

Valentine’s Day may be a few weeks away, but it’s never too early to start indulging in chocolate. Luckily, the Taste of Chocolate Weekend, hosted by the Harvard Square Business Association, returns in all its sweet splendor January 24-26.