Most of us are well aware of the charms of Beacon Hill's Charles Street, but if you haven't taken a stroll down one of Boston's most historic streets recently, you're truly missing out. This stylish enclave in the heart of the city is now home to a host of ultra-hip boites and chic boutiques, which live happily alongside the sleepy antiques shops, old-school watering holes and cobblestone alleys that have always been the area's calling card. And with the exception of the occasional Starbucks, you won't find a chain store in sight. So please sit back and join getsugar for a jaunt down this stylish lane.

Starting out at Charles and Beacon streets, we stop at the newly opened Ilex Flowers, where they're creating sublime arrangements for weddings, special occasions and contemporary urban homes. Just next door, don't miss The Ruby Door for a selection of vintage and designer jewelry and accessories, including Miller Grove Designs, a jewelry collection by owner Tracey Weiss. Next, let's have a light brunch at Beacon Hill Bistro, where a mix of locals and tourists come to see and be seen.

Next stop on our stroll: The Beauty Mark, where we'll buy some of our favorite lotions and beauty potions, including Chantecaille Cosmetics, Bumble and Bumble Hair Products, and perhaps score a bauble from the shop's collection of wares from local jewelry designers, including JoJo and M. Flynn.

Before we continue on the main drag, we'll pop over to Chestnut Street to visit our favorite (yes, we do have a personal favorite) spot on the tour - Koo de Kir. This boutique features a mix of luxe home furnishings, accessories and refreshingly stylish gifts that are carefully selected by owner Kristine Irving. Rounding the corner onto River Street, we'll peek into Bump, where chic moms-to-be score clothes for themselves and their bundles of joy from the likes of Diane von Furstenberg, Susanna Monaco and Cadeau. Not quite ready for motherhood? Well, just next store you'll find some sexy lingerie at French Dressing, perfect for seducing your mate (or date) or jazzing up your single-girl undergarment repertoire.

Hungry again? Jump back over to Charles Street and line up with the rest of the neighborhood to order a stack of blueberry pancakes or a juicy burger at The Paramount. This breakfast and lunch standby transforms into a bonafide dining destination at dinnertime with a full menu and wine list.

Back on the strip, we approach what we call the "Gold Coast" - the block between Chestnut and Mount Vernon streets - where three of Charles Street's top boutiques can be found. They are Moxie, every girl's favorite shoe shop; Wish, the ultimate destination for dresses, denim and all things pretty; and Holiday, a boutique where you'll find feminine yet cutting-edge collections from local designers and beyond (they have a sister store in LA). Back across the street, we'll make a quick visit to Flat of the Hill, where we're sure to score some fun hostess gifts or a trinket for a friend's birthday. Next, we'll visit to The Red Wagon, the place to go for upscale children's clothing, shoes, toys and books. The store's fun gift boxes are enough reason to make a purchase. To fortify us for the rest of our journey, we'll stop at Cafe Vanille for a coffee and to rest our feet on the sunny patio.

Good, our next must-see stop on the trek, carries a sophisticated selection of artisan-style jewelry and clever gifts for the home. And, of course, we'll stop at Black Ink for inexpensive treasures and gifts and Rugg Road for some stylish stationery or to order our holiday cards. (Gulp! Is it that time already?). We also might peek downstairs at 20th Century Limited to find a vintage brooch or earrings, or Second Time Around, the place to visit after Beacon Hill style mavens clean out their closets.

Lastly, we'll bop on over to Pixie Stix ("big sister" to The Red Wagon) to select something fun for 'tweens, and make a final stop at Jari to score a sporty top or colorful knit for mom.

Is it already time for dinner? Good thing we made reservations at Bin 26 Enoteca, Charles Street's latest culinary addition, which serves a delectable assortment of Italian specialties (mushroom tagliatele is a highlight), cheeses and over 50 wines by the glass from all over the world. This restaurant, like the rest of the places we visited, is the latest proof that when it comes to Boston's most stylish destinations - offering everything from food to fashion - Charles Street leads the charge.

-Anna Gustavson Boardman