Little Gems of Boston
Photo by Michael Browning on Unsplash
I lived in Boston from 2008 to 2012 before moving to San Francisco and then later New York. Boston has modernized with new bike lanes and high rises but has managed to keep its old-world charm. Rather than cover touristy spots like The Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, and Sam Adams Brewery, here are some of my favorite little gems—the unsung spots that are doing a lot with a little.
Newbury Street
Newbury Street in the Back Bay is iconic Boston with Victorian brownstones, brick sidewalks, and lots of greenery. You’ll see a great mix of mainstream shopping, local boutiques, cafes, and restaurants with outdoor seating. I typically don’t enjoy shopping (or window shopping) but this corner of Boston has a lot to see and I love strolling along with coffee in hand.
Trident Booksellers & Cafe
In a time when most bookstores are dying to online shopping and digital e-readers, Trident is thriving. Nestled on Newbury Street, it’s both a bookshop and table-service cafe—crammed with books, magazines, clever gifts, and tiny tables for the restaurant. It seems to always be busy but you can still manage to get a quick bite. This trip I had the lentil and sausage soup and a side salad.
Copley Square & Boston Public Library
COPLEY SQUARE
Copley will always have a soft spot in my heart since my first job in the John Hancock Tower overlooked the square. Trinity Church, Old South Church, Boston Public Library, and Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel are all adjacent to the square. In the summer it’s bustling with a weekly farmer’s market and a fresh lemonade stand. In the winter it’s beautifully decorated and has a charming tree lighting celebration with carolers and all.
BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Libraries are the last indoor public spaces where there is no expectation to spend money. They often get overlooked on travel guides but they are treasures in many cities. Boston’s is particularly gorgeous with a stunning marble entrance, inspiring mahogany reading room, and a serene courtyard. I love browsing the local section to learn about the city I’m in and it’s a great way to get in from the cold or rain during off-meal hours.
A few more nearby spots
BOSTON PUBLIC GARDEN
If you head east on Newbury Street, you’ll arrive at the gorgeous manicured grounds of Boston Public Garden. It’s picturesque with willow trees, rose bushes, and a lagoon.
BOSTON COMMON
Adjacent to the gardens, Boston Common is where you can spread out on the grass, throw a frisbee, and find some food trucks.
21ST AMENDMENT
I don’t drink alcohol, but people seem to enjoy 21st Amendment for it’s low key vibes and big beer selection and food that’s a step above typical pub grub. Located at the north east corner of Boston Common.
Neptune Oyster
Every city has its food, and New England Clam Chowder is Boston’s. Neptune Oyster is a delightful whole in the wall tucked down a tiny street in the North End. Seafood restaurants can get expensive, but a few raw oysters, a bowl of chowder, and some fresh bread is plenty of dinner for me and totally worth the splurge.
After dinner, walk through the Rose Kennedy Greenway and stop for a cannoli at Mike’s Pastry, Modern Pastry, or Bova’s Bakery. Mike’s is the OG and Modern is the rival, but I’ve heard locals prefer Bova’s.
Rose Kennedy Greenway
Image Source: The Greenway Conservancy
The Rose Kennedy Greenway is a 1.5 mile string of parks with a carousel, grassy areas, and rotating contemporary art exhibitions. It’s relatively new and very hard to miss if you’re just looking at Google Maps. My favorite part is the chair swings overlooking the sloping water fountain.
Before 2008, this stretch of oasis used to be a raised highway that divided the North End and waterfront from the rest of downtown Boston. The Big Dig project transformed the interstate into an underground tunnel leaving the space above to be developed into a greenway. The construction project was the most expensive in U.S. history coming in $5 billion over budget and nearly a decade behind schedule. Now, it’s hard to imagine Boston without the greenway.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, originally the home of Isabella and John Gardner, has been preserved along with the impressive art collection. Rather than expansive white walls and marble floors, you’ll experience her art collection the way she did—immersed with furniture, sculptures, tapestries, ceramics, and plants. The palace was designed based on the Venetian Palazzo Barbaro and the courtyard itself is worth the admission.
Flour Bakery & Cafe
Flour Bakery & Cafe has basically become a Boston institution with locations all over the city. This trip I enjoyed a coconut macaroon, orange cake with chocolate ganache and slivered almonds, and a flourless chocolate brownie. Also great: Oakleaf Bakery.
Memorial Drive Recreation Sundays
Image source: The Boston Calendar
Memorial Drive is closed to cars in Cambridge between Western Avenue and Mount Auburn Street on Sundays from 11:00am to 7:00pm from the last Sunday of April until the 2nd Sunday of November. Locals flood the street to walk, rollerblade, and bike along the Charles River.
Until next time, Boston!
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