Spending the day in Boston’s North End

We met Cindy and David at their condo in downtown Lexington, yet another hub of history, and big gorgeous old homes. The greens in these old towns are where men fought, and sometimes mortally wounded, crawled home to die in their wives arms. Of course, in modern day, filled with commerce and restaurants, vestiges are preserved and remain a testament to those times.

Boston is a fabulous town, full of history and charm, but somewhat of a nightmare to drive to. Luckily David is well versed in the technique( whatever you do, don’t make eye contact with the other drivers, for one) and knowledgeable of the area, and provided not only our transportation, but a great tour of the Back Bay and Beacon Hill. We finally found a spot on the 7th floor of the parking garage, just as we were thinking we would have to wind our way all the way back down! The garage top parking was fortuitous, as it provided a birds eye view of the area, which I had not seen from this perspective, and some good photo opps!

The tall white spire in the left background is the Old North Church, where a lantern was hung to warn of the British coming.

Quincy Market on the left was built as a produce market in the 1800s, and is now full of food vendors and stores on two levels, with merchants carts inside and out.

The newer Zaicum bridge peeking between buildings

The old Chart House, tall tower on left. The sign for Durgin Park remains in the foreground, though it’s sadly gone. A fun old restaurant where the waitresses dressed, in period costume, were surly and told you to eat your vegetables!

Admiring the views all around from this perspective

Our path took us by Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, which is a fun area, despite the commercialism, and one we always used to take visitors to experience.

There is always some street performer, and crowds gather to watch

Sam Adams in front of Faneuil Hall, which was a produce market that served as a meeting place for the Patriots on the eve of the Revolution. From 1766-1774 patriots met to discuss their grievances.

Sam Adams in front of Faneuil Hall

Quincy Market on the left faces Faneuil Hall on the right, with restaurants and stores all around and down a mall to the left.

Clem stopped for a chat with Red Auerbach of Celtics fame.

Commemorating another local favorite son, Larry Bird. He played for the Celtics when we lived here, and it was amazing, even if you weren’t a basketball fan.

Next we made our way to the North End, passing the beautiful Old State House, and what had been Market Square. I was terribly disappointed to find as we walked along the new Rose Kennedy flower gardens, that the so called big dig had displaced the markets, and especially the brass sculptures buried in the road way, which depicted dropped and smashed fruit and vegetable crates, and some of their contents. Progress brings change , but I thought that was the coolest thing, and a shame it had to go

Walking along the new Rose Kennedy Gardens, swings on the right looked very inviting, and the water features on the left proved very popular with the toddlers.

One of several walking tours we came across, I thought the costumes guide was a nice touch.

The Freedom Trail, marked with red bricks , runs all through here, and passes many historic sites. We followed a good portion of it on a previous visit, and visited the Old North Church and Paul Revere’s home, to name a few.

The architecture of the Old State House is quite stunning, and one day I would like to go inside to the museum it holds. Here, the remainders of those early days are often tucked amongst the new skyscrapers, and this is a perfect example. Though dwarfed, I think it holds its own with the ornate structure and gold gilt.

Site of the Boston Massacre, 1770

I had noticed ropes hanging down from this building, and looking up, three dots connected to them! More detail in next shot.

At the entrance to the North End, an Italian American boxer is honored with a statue.

We walked the streets of the very extensive North End, which is the the Italian section, marveling at the buildings and restaurants, and Italian grocers and bakeries, with folks lined up to take home a of box of delicious pastries. I especially like the colorful banners hung high across the roads, announcing the upcoming festivals honoring the saints. We were fortunate to attend I believe the Feast of St Joseph one year with Dave and Cindy, watching the parades, pinning of money on the saints, and sampling all the Italian goodies, especially from the Cannoli lady, as she quickly and expertly stuffed and turned them out in seconds.

One of the iconic eateries, it houses all sorts of pottery and Italian cultural icons, in addition to just plain good Italian food.

A pastry shop with a big line even late morning.

One of many new curbside seating areas.

The famous Mike’s pastry, never without a line!

Line is shorter late afternoon, but still existing!

We had a late lunch at one of the newly created outdoor spaces that line the streets, with house made pasta, and it did not disappoint.

Umbrellas and a nice breeze made for a pleasant lunch at Carmelina’s.

Being serenaded as we waited for lunch to be served. This guy was walking up and down the streets, “making a living”, as he told us!

Frutte de Mare

Gnocchi and a pasta with spicy Alfredo , all served in skillets, which I thought was pretty cute!

A few stops in shops, and a beautiful old church, rounded out the day.

Nice building, but I think I snapped this more for the red brick line of the Freedom Trail. But noticing a placard I had to stop and investigate, and it is where Rose Kennedy was baptized. Also noted as a church that has been a friend to all during the North Ends changing cultural and ethnic history, and designed by Charles Bullfinch, who designed the domed building of the US Capital.