Once you’ve hit all of Boston’s best-known attractions, you may be at a bit of a loss. Not to worry, there are plenty of underrated places yet to explore. It takes a lifetime to unearth all the city’s secret spots. Here are 9 cool Boston attractions to get you started:
1. Piers Park
The ultimate hidden gem, Piers Park in Eastie offers spectacular skyline views and the chance to stroll by the waterfront. This little oasis is located at 95 Marginal Street in Boston.
2. Black Heritage Trail
Free African Americans were at the forefront of the Abolition Movement and efforts to end racial discrimination in the U.S. Follow in their footsteps along the Black Heritage Trail. This route steers you to the community’s churches, schools, and stops on the Underground Railroad. Take one of the free, seasonal guided tours (they start at the Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial) or do a self-guided tour.
3. Short Path Distillery
There are several distilleries in Boston, but this one in Everett is a little off the beaten track. Short Path produces small-batch spirits, using a hybrid process of old world methods mixed with chemistry. They craft gin, rum, brandy, triple sec, and even ouzo!
You can bring your own food to the tasting room and pets are allowed on the patio. Short Path is open from Thursday through Sunday, with distillery tours available once a day. It is located at 71 Kelvin Street in Everett.
4. Chinatown
Boston’s Chinatown is a vibrant place brimming with scrumptious restaurants that draw inspiration from all over Asia. You won’t regret going on an unofficial food tour of this neighborhood. Sample Dim Sum at Winsor Café (10 Tyler Street), banh mi at Mei Sum (36 Beach Street), and clay pot dishes at - you guessed it – Clay Pot Café (74 Kneeland Street).
5. James P. Kelleher Rose Garden (Back Bay Fens)
Nestled in the Back Bay Fens, this little rose garden is a glorious surprise. You could walk past the hedges without even realizing there are 1500 roses inside this pretty, English Garden. This seasonal attraction is located at 73 Park Drive in Boston (you need to park and walk to reach it).
6. William Hickling Prescott House
This merchant’s house, at 55 Beacon Street in Boston, was built in 1808. Despite its location right next to the Common, odds are you haven’t been here. If you’re interested in history, period fashion, or Federal architecture then you should take one of the guided tours that usually run May through October.
7. Haymarket
Browsing for produce at this historic outdoor market is fun and extremely budget friendly. Savor the hustle and bustle as you work your way through the stalls in hunt of the freshest finds. Head to Blackstone Street in Boston on a Friday or Saturday and you can’t miss it.
8. Boston University Observatory
Did you know about Public Open Night at the Coit Observatory? Typically held on Wednesdays, these events give you the chance to learn about astronomy and view the stars. Although free, it’s a smart idea to reserve a ticket to ensure your spot. The observatory is above the astronomy building at 725 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. Call (617) 353-2630 for more information.
9. Clover Food Lab
Tuck into responsibly-produced, scrumptious food at any of Clover’s 12 Boston-area locations. This home-grown company really took off, expanding far beyond its food truck origins. If you want fast food that supports local growers, then Clover is the place for you.
What Boston-area attraction do you think deserves more attention? Let us know in the comments!
Check out these 9 Hidden Gems You Have To See In Boston Before You Die.
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