Good ol Chucktown! She ain't what she used to be that's for sure. And that's both good and bad. Charlestown is, of course, dominated by 2 major attractions. The Navy Yard (don't forget to bring your National Parks stamp book!) and the Bunker Hill Monument. Look, if you like history, this area is a MUST. Only a 10-15 minute walk separates these historical icons that you can easily make a full day of. How often do you get to go on a 225+ year old battleship that's still operational? My guess, unless you live here, is never. The entire Navy Yard is a gem. Take a good walk around and you'll find all sorts of little treasures and fantastic views of the city across the harbor. And don't pass on the Cassin Young. A WWII destroyer you can explore. Super neat. FYI, YOU WIILL NEED ID AND PASS THROUGH SECURITY TO ENTER THE USS CONSTITUTION. Doesn't cost anything but you know...it's an operational warship! The monument, naturally, marks the site of the 1st real battle of the revolution. Definitely stick around for one of the park rangers to tell you about what would actually be the bloodiest battle of the entire Revolution. And, if you're willing and able, yes! Go climb those 294 steps to the top. Seriously, it's not that hard;) You will be rewarded with an amazing view of Boston. The Monument also marks the end (or the beginning) of the Freedom Trail. The museums at both spots are truly outstanding.

Charlestown

Welcome to the West End. OK, sure, technically it's the North-West End but hey, that's Boston for ya. Also Boston, sports! And the West End is home to two, historic sports franchises. Sure, one has been a little (ok, a lot) more successful, don't get me started! I am of course talking about the TD Garden and the home of the Boston Bruins and the Boston Celtics. Of course, if you can, take in a game while you're in town, do it. The atmosphere on Causeway Street is always electric. However, if you're a sports fan on a budget, go check out the NE Sports Museum located inside the Garden. C'mon, I know you all want to see and hear how great Boston sports have been over 100+ years:) It's a great take, especially on rainy or wicked hot days. And while around the area you MUST get a few pics in front of the G.O.A.T. Bobby Orr statue AND one of our latest additions the big bear (Bruin) statue where you're also in front of the Zakim Bridge. Now, I tend to poke fun of it on my tour but if you're wandering around the area, walk around the Hurly State Services building. It truly is majestic in its ugliness.

The West End

Know more. Do more.

Crafty's Eats: So, first, deeper in the Navy Yard behind the museum, there's a couple spots right along the harbor. The Anchor and Pier 6. The setting and scenery alone make em worth it. However, if you're going to go to one place in Charlestown, it's got to be the Warren Tavern. Named after my favorite, would've been, should've been, Founding Father, Dr. Joseph Warren. IYKYK. IYDKL (If You Don't Know, Learn:) I'll just say this, it was good enough for George Washington. 'Nuff said.

Crafty's Eats: So the West End isn't really known for its dining per se so how about a few bars, especially if a game is in town? Wanna get dirty? Sullivan's Tap on Canal Street. Boston sports bar, full stop. If you want a little more respectable, The Harp, located 2 streets over but still right on Causeway. But for my money, if you want funky and cool and definitely more of a local vibe, The Red Hat Tavern on the corner of Cambridge St and Bowdin. Bit further away from the Garden but totally worth it!

These pages are designed in hopes to give you a general lay of the land. I try to stay away from talking about the bigger attractions and focus more on the "lesser known" things and the "FREE STUFF". I hope you find it useful. -Crafty