I moved to Boston last year for law school and in between studying and working, I’ve discovered some places worth the (frequent) visit. I’ve been asked a number of times to make a list of recommendations of things to do/places to go in Boston/Cambridge, and now, I think enough time has passed where I am comfortable standing by these recommendations. I have noted their locations and price considerations for reference.
Beacon Hill, my neighborhood of residence
I feel so lucky to live in Beacon Hill among all of the history (see: Sylvia Plath’s former apartment at 9 Willow St.) and enviable interiors. While it’s a small neighborhood and primarily a residential one, there are some spots I like to frequent.
Beacon Hill Books & Cafe
71 Charles St.
the most charming 3-story townhouse with a large selection of books and a cute cafe underneath
Sunday afternoon tea is such a treat (about $65-70 per person)
make reservations ahead of time for the cafe if you want to dine there (even just for coffee!)
Music Research Library
24 Joy St.
like the name suggests, this is a small music facility that sells records, cds, and cassette tapes
you can listen to records using their players and headphones and browse through their genre-sorted collection
Rouvalis Flowers
40 W Cedar St.
to me, a necessity in the neighborhood you’re moving to for your first big-girl apartment is an inviting local flower shop — Rouvalis is that for me
they have beautifully curated holiday displays and lovely custom candles
Fabled Antiques
93 Charles St.
one of many antique shops in Beacon Hill, I like this one best for one thing: a goldfish bowl filled with vintage matchbooks
until Boston starts offering matchbooks at more restaurants and hotels, this will do
Myrtle Street Playground
50 Myrtle St.
the reason I put a playground on this list is because it contains an adorable Little Free Library where I’ve made friends, found gems, and dropped off some of my books for another reader to discover
Gary Drug Co.
59 Charles St.
mostly nostalgia-motivated, but I am drawn to traditional/French-style pharmacies like this one
they sell a range of products including hair combs, clips, and headbands (a la Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy)
The Sevens Ale House
77 Charles St. (I mean…)
recommendation no.7 had to be Sevens, naturally
this pub is a very embedded local dive and one of few Boston institutions to offer custom matchbooks
they have a set “Hot Dog of the Day” menu where you can enjoy a unique dog for the Boston price of $10
The Nichols House Museum
55 Mt. Vernon St.
a historic home and museum right along the Black Heritage Trail
gorgeous interiors and a fun way to peek into the lives of an important Boston family
tickets run between $8-16 (free for children 12 and under)
A Sanctuary Cat Cafe
80 Charles St.
I’ve been anticipating the opening of this bookstore/cat cafe since before I moved — currently it is in its final phases but their doors are open on some days for visitors to pop by and take a browse at the book selection
Coming up next are additional parts to this series outlining spots in other neighborhoods of Boston & Cambridge, and I’ll be sure to update the Beacon Hill list in the future!
xx
the girl who reads on the metro
I saved these recs for my trip to Boston, and just went to Beacon Hill books yesterday. Such a feast for the senses, so so charming and well thought out
that drugstore seems like such a gem