With its elegant, 200 year-old row houses, quaint grocers, pricey antique shops, and hidden gardens, Beacon Hill screams “old money” like no other area in Boston. That some of the city’s most exorbitant apartment rentals can still be found here suggests it will remain an enclave of exclusivity for years to come. Yet throughout the 19th century and well into the 20th, this inimitably charming neighborhood was a veritable checkerboard of ethnicities and earning groups – segregated though they were. Little of Beacon Hill’s diversity has survived its relatively recent gentrification, but visitors can still experience the neighborhood’s myriad pasts inside its opulent mansions and humble schoolhouses, and along its enchanting cobblestone streets.
Black Heritage Trail
By and large the Paul Reveres and John Adam’s of this world have monopolized Bostonians’ collective understanding of their city’s history. As a refreshing counterpoint, the Black Heritage Trail posits that black Bostonians, through their long-marginalized histories, have played an indispensable role in the city’s development. The trail illustrates this point at every turn, taking visitors past the homes, businesses, and schools of some of Boston’s most influential black Americans. Tours leave from the Shaw Memorial at 10am, noon and 2pm (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
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Vintage designer costume jewelry and estate jewelry are the main attractions here. But don’t overlook the handsome 1950s barware, vintage clothing accessories, and other collectibles.
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This converted townhouse offers one of Beacon Hill’s most refined, romantic dining experiences. The menu is upscale, bistro American. Desserts are stellar.
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Should your predilection be antique jewelry, keep this address in mind. Ornate gold brooches, platinum earrings – plus excellent examples of Wedgwood ceramic work – populate the glass cases here.
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Formal pieces of 19th-century Continental furniture and accessories, such as drop-leaf dining tables, wrought iron wall sconces, and beautiful Tiffany-style lamps, are the draw at this elegant shop.
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The Appalachian Trail, or the A.T. as it is known to hiking cognoscenti, is America’s premier walking path. Snaking through 2,168 miles (3,492 km) of pristine eastern wilderness – including 90 miles (145 km) in Massachusetts – the trail is maintained by members of the club. With a scale model of the trail, informative plaques on the walls, maps, guidebooks, and a knowledgeable staff, this is an essential stop for those planning a hike.
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Tuscan specialties like lamb sandwiches and roasted veggies come sizzling off the grill on to the table.
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This kitchen (in the Beacon Hill Hotel) puts an American stamp on French bistro cuisine with delicious results.
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This pub attracts freshly-minted college grads with the promise of cheap suds and even cheaper conversation.
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Although it extends well beyond the Fenway, Beacon Street finds its true essence in the section between the Massachusetts State House (see Massachusetts State House) and Charles Street. Here it passes such highlights as the Bull and Finch Pub – of Cheers TV fame – and the Boston Athenaeum, one of the oldest independent libraries in the country.
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Seven dealers run this bi-level space filled with dozens of 19th-century Japanese woodblocks and Impressionist landscape paintings.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes, and extra charges.
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Boston Tea Party Re-enactmentHave you ever wondered why America is a nation of coffee drinkers? Find out as the spirited folk of Boston re-enact one of their most glorious historical moments - the 'Boston Tea Party' of 1773. Read more
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Paul Revere HouseThe modest North End home of one of the best-known figures of the American Revolution puts a human face on historical events. The wooden Paul Revere House (c1680) contains artefacts of Revere,... Read more
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St Patrick's Day ParadeThe first ever St Patrick's Day celebration in America happened in 1737 in Boston, and the city still boasts one of the USA's biggest St Patrick's Day parties. Read more
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Boston MarathonThe Boston Marathon traditionally takes place on Patriots' Day, the April Monday which commemorates the opening salvo of the American Revolution. Around 20,000 athletes run from rural Hopkinton to... Read more
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