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 ultimately 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. Now I would be utterly remiss if I did not take a minute to mention my favorite Revolutionary figure, one you've likely never heard of, Dr. Joseph Warren. Why here? Because Dr. Warren died at the Battle of Bunker Hill. His story is truly remarkable and should be remembered by....everyone! I cannot tell that story here. But click here for a decent little introduction. Finally, if you find yourself walking across the new (and actually finished?) Bill Russell Bridge from Boston to Charlestown (or vice versa) do yourself a favor and stop by underrated Paul Revere Park. You'll be treated to some unique views of/under the Zakim Bridge, a nice playground for the kiddos and a whole bunch of furever friends who seem to have the run of the roost there:)

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 but 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. Also noteworthy is the West End Museum. The West End truly has a fascinating history. One that was virtually erased or better said, bulldozed, with urban renewal from the 1950's - 1970's. From the WEM website: The history of the West End is a history of change, from 1700’s farmland to 1790’s elite enclave: from 1800’s Black American neighborhood to 1900’s immigrant mecca; and from 1960’s tragedy to today’s modern community. Few of the city’s neighborhoods have changed so much, and led Boston through so many challenges. Meet the characters, explore the places, and discover the stories of “the greatest neighborhood this side of Heaven.” The West End also happens to be home to one of the world's finest health care facilities, Mass General Hospital. Hopefully, you don't NEED to visit, ever. However, for the medical history buff, you'll definitely want to visit the Russell Museum of Medical History and Innovation.

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, mentioned above. 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