Know More. Do More

The Waterfront

OK, so first off, I should probably define what I mean by "the Waterfront". Boston has a whole lot of waterfront but for here, I'm referring to the area from Christopher Columbus Park to the Seaport Blvd (where James Hook & Co is located). This is not a huge area, only about a half-mile but boy, is it chock full of great stuff for you. Let me first introduce you to, the Harborwalk. Hard to imagine a better way to get your steps in. So, as the crow flies, it's about7 or 8 miles. To walk it all, it's more like 50! However, the stretch that starts from Long Wharf thru Fan Pier (Seaport) is my fav and absolutely gawjis every step! And that's only about a mile and a half. Next up, the harbor islands. What a great way to spend a day. Grab a ferry from Long Wharf and spend some time at Georges, Lovells or my personal favorite, Spectacle Island. Here you'll find walking trails, a beach, and some of the best panoramic views of the Boston skyline. Of course, you can just take a cruise around the harbor and see 'em from a distance. Definitely worth mentioning if you're reading this between June 6th and August 29th is the FREE Summer in the City Music Series behind the Boston Harbor Hotel. Tuesday thru Friday every week with different bands performing on the hotel’s floating barge stage. Let's cross the street, shall we? Yes, running right along this stretch and more, right through the heart of the city is the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway. Where once ran a green, ugly, 3-story, elevated highway now sits a vibrant, lush, pedestrian-friendly corridor connecting neighborhoods like Chinatown, the Financial District, the Waterfront, and the North End. There's almost too much here to mention it all. But, there's spray parks and fountain pads, carousels, art installations, open beer and wine gardens, food trucks, farmers markets, fitness classes, and festivals throughout the summer and fall. And most all of it? Free, free, free!

The North End. Boston's Little Italy. It actually isn't. Nope, not at all. But, that's what all y'all are going to call it anyway, so......why fight it? Regardless, yes! Lots and lots of pasta, pizza, pastry and parking. OK, so 3 out of 4. The good news is, the North End is so much easier to walk than it is to drive. The better news is, not just tons of good eats but also some tasty history as well. And why not? It's the oldest residential neighborhood in Boston. Pretty much Ground Zero for the Puritan invasion in the 1630s. Historically, the North End is dominated by 2 major attractions. The Paul Revere House and the Old North Church. I won't get too detailed about either of those here (take a tour...especially if it's mine:) Suffice to say, they are must-do's for the history buff or even the history curious. You can do either or both for pretty short money. Here's a tip, however. At the Old North Church, pay the extra $5 for the Crypt Combo Package! Now, if you're reading this after Aril 18th, 2025, you missed the big 250th anniversary celebration of those lanterns being hung and Paul Revere's Midnight Ride. However, I think this is a party that lasts all year, so take advantage! Now, if you walk from the Paul Revere House to the Old North Church you will undoubtedly be following the Freedom Trail. That's good. Stay on it. Because it will 1st bring you to the Paul Revere Mall. This is where you'll find the grandiose statue of Paul riding ol' Black Beauty. Moreover, there's a couple cool, hidden little gems before you get to the Church. First, The Memorial Garden, honoring those who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Very touching. Next up, the printing shop of Edes & Gill. Stop in for a demonstration of old school printing. It's a pretty cool and unique way to spend some time. As per their website, The Printing Office of Edes & Gill was created to bring to life the trade that brought the American revolution into existence more than any other. Finally, no trip to the North End would be complete without a visit to Copp's Hill Burial Ground. 2nd oldest in the city and definitely nice and spooky. If you keep your eyes open you might even find a couple items on my scavengah hunt here🤔

The North End

Crafty's Eats: OK, here we go. What you REALLY wanted. So, a little sad news first. My all-time favorite spot in the North End just recently closed (RIP Mother Anna's). That said, I am kind of in the hunt for a new one. Seriously, if you find a good one, LET ME KNOW HERE! So, for now, I'm going to stick with what I know....pizza! My big 3 are (in no particular order) Ernesto's on Salem Street, Ducali's on Commercial Street and Galleria Umberto on Hanover Street. As for more traditional restaurants, and this is all 3rd party information, but I hear good things about Limoncello on North Street, Mama Maria's in North Square and Boston Sail Loft on Atlantic.

Crafty's Eats: I suppose you have to start at James Hook for the lobstah roll. However, as I say on my tours, I'm Boston-Irish, I don't eat that crap! But, everyone tells me it's the best so...there you go. State Street Provisions is fantastic as is, the Chart House (also on State Street). My favorite right in this little area though is probably the Granary Tavern. Technically it's on the "other" side of the Greenway on Milk Street but hey, close enough:)

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