Few neighborhoods express new and old Boston as succinctly as Charlestown.
Where History Meets Modern
If pockets of very fancy redevelopment point towards a gentrified future, the Bunker Hill Monument remains a fulcrum of the landscape rooted in the revolutionary, Brit-defying past—to walk around Charlestown is to wade through a history that is thick as molasses. If you fancy an ale where George Washington once drank, Charlestown can oblige (see below). What’s more, the influx of new money has not dented the neighborhood’s solid, hardscrabble Irish ‘Townie’ identity familiar to fans of movies such as “Mystic River” and “The Town.” All of which makes Charlestown an essential stop for any Boston visitor.
Eat
Tangierino offers all sorts of Moroccan delectables, including marvelous tagines, and there’s a menu for hookahs and cigars to boot. Pier 6 offers outstanding waterfront dining, with incredible views back to the city and (in season) a spectacular roof deck; and Dovetail Restaurant is just a stone’s throw from the USS Constitution Museum.
Shop
Look for gifts, home goods, and more at Place & Gather. Kaybea Collection and Slate both offer plenty of apparel and accessory options for ladies who may have forgotten any necessities at home.
Drink
The Warren Tavern draws a steady stream of history buffs and for good reason: It’s the oldest pub in Massachusetts and the list of past patrons includes Paul Revere and George Washington. The sense of history is as rich as the peppercorn sauce on the hearty baseball sirloin special. Monument Restaurant & Tavern sits comfortably in the territory where gastro meets bistro; and Brewer’s Fork offers one of the best selections of beer anywhere in the city—it’s also a solid choice for wood-fired pizza and fresh seafood too.
Play
A perennial highlight of Charlestown is the USS Constitution Museum, dedicated to preserving the stories and legend of the restored sailing vessel affectionately known as Old Ironsides. Check the website for details of events and exhibitions, from sea shanty singalongs to model ship shows. The Bunker Hill Museum, located across the grounds of the sky-piercing monument, will tell you everything you need to know about the first major battle of the American Revolution.
