Boston: Week 4

Inside Boston Atheneum - looking out
on the Granary Graveyard

I think the best part of traveling a month at a time (besides the fact that I don't have to cram each day with constant activity) is I have the opportunity to re-visit favorite places and take time to photograph the memories I wish to bring home.

I did that a lot this week. I spent an afternoon wandering the streets of the North End, significant for its role in the American Revolution as well as preserving authentic Italian pastries and pastas.

I took advantage of the gorgeous weather and walked from the top of Newberry street to the Boston Commons, enjoying the elegant neighborhoods and plentiful parks along the way.

But I also made time for a couple of new experiences, like being an extra in a movie which happened to be shot in the most exclusive library in town.

Boston Atheneum

Pronounced "a-thuh-NE-um" ... or roughly translated as "paradise for writers"

The Boston Atheneum, located at 10.5 Beacon Street, is one of the oldest independent libraries in the United States. For true scholars, the Atheneum offers one of the largest collection of antique books, nearly 70,000 of which are too old and fragile for circulation, but available to review in-house.

For the literary-want-to-be (like myself) the Atheneum offers space to sit and breathe in inspiration from the great works which surround you.

Public tours are available a few times per week and give a glimpse of the history, architecture and beauty of this establishment.

I was fortunate, however, to be a part of the film crew who shot a scene in the beautiful (and very private) 5th floor reading room. Only members are allowed here (dues is an affordable $300/year) and absolutely no photography is allowed (oops!) Total silence is enforced, which makes this the premier writing destination in all of Boston.

Maine Lobster

The one item on my son's bucket list this trip was to have fresh Maine lobster in Maine. Since he only has one day off per week, we set out Saturday morning to fulfill his request.

It's only an eighty minute drive from Cambridge, MA to Kittery, ME and we pulled into the Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier right at noon. What a delightful spot!

The weather was perfect to sit outside at one of the colorful tables right on the water and enjoy Maine's greatest delicacy. For the four of us, we ordered and shared: two bowls of authentic New England Clam chowder, two 2-lb lobsters, one quart of steamers (my favorite), one quart of mussels, and a slice of the most delicious key lime cheesecake I've ever tasted.

Unfortunately, the kids had to return to town to work on some movie stuff, so we didn't have time to see much of the Maine landscape. But the meal will be a memory that will last a lifetime.

Commonwealth Mall

Abigail Adams -
Boston Women's Memorial

Boston Commons and the Public Garden are probably the most famous of this city's green spaces - and for good reason. The Commons offers Frog Pond, a generous off-leash area for dogs, and the Freedom Trail tour. The Public Garden is a more serene setting with a lovely lake, swan boats, and several park benches to sit and people watch.

I, however, prefer the Commonwealth Mall. It is a covered walkway in the middle of Commonwealth Avenue, a very upscale neighborhood with gorgeous brownstones lining each side of the street. It is an area where you can stroll in the shade, sit on a bench and chat with a friend, or admire the beauty and serenity of nature.

Statues are dispersed throughout the walkway, adding to the historical significance of the area.

I enjoyed walking from one end of the Mall to the other, crossing the street and strolling through the Public Garden, then crossing the street again to catch the T in the Commons. A lovely way to spend a fall afternoon.


A Few Photo Highlights:
I won't bore you with the over one hundred pictures I have "favorited" this trip (although if you are interested, you can visit my Boston Flickr album)... but I will share a few of what I consider the highlights of this city. Perhaps I will elaborate in a bit more detail in future posts, but for now... I will let the photos speak for themselves.

I hope you enjoy.

Louis burg Square - the most elite
neighborhoods of this city. 

The North End... home to Paul Revere
and Boston's "Little Italy"

Boston is a VERY dog-friendly city

Meter attendant on lunch break