kiki2u

Charles Street is in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston and runs from the Charles River to the Boston Common/ Public Garden. It is a busy road with lots of shopping and restaurant destinations, including some of my favorite spots in the city. The buildings are historic and quaint, with the brick sidewalks lending a real 'old Boston' feel. You'll find plenty of antique shops amidst trendy boutiques, and neighborhood eateries next to exciting new cafes. My pick for home goods and unique gifts is 'Koo de Kir'. You'll find beautiful accessories and furnishings that you won't find anywhere else. I love 'Moxie' (for shoes and bags) and 'Wish' (for great fashion finds), and don't miss the sidewalk sales here in mid-September. 'Black Ink' has cool stationary and quirky, fun gifts. If you're looking for a bite to eat, there are plenty of choices: 'Toscano's' (yummy Italian food...fun spot to have a glass of wine and some app's at the bar), 'Upper Crust Pizza' (one of my favorite pizza joints in the city), and the 'Paramount' (quick cafeteria-style spot with awesome breakfast). I love to heading to Charles Street just before Christmas. Grab a coffee or hot chocolate on Saturday afternoon, and take a stroll to browse for wonderful gifts. You'll get in that 'Old-time Christmas' spirit.....and best of all - it beats hitting the mall!

Start up Monument Avenue in this historic neighborhood and what do you see? Bunker Hill Monument of course! The obelisk monument commemorating the Battle of Bunker Hill sits atop this charming and quaint side road in the Charlestown neighborhood of Boston. By taking this road, you'll avoid the tourists who take the well-traveled Freedom Trail, while getting a much better glimpse of life in this friendly, small-town neighborhood. You'll pass moms with strollers, people walking their dogs, and neighbors saying hello to one another, as you follow the path up from Main Street to Monument Square. The street is a mix of families, young professionals, and older couples, all who take wonderful care of their homes. It is a 50-50 mix of single family and condominium homes, with most residents parking on the street (where there is residential permit only parking Mon-Fri 8am-8pm). You'll pass some of the most beautiful, well-maintained brownstones in the area, all with interesting historic details (notice the boot scrapers on the front stoops). Flower boxes and colorful front doors greet you on this tree-lined Avenue as you climb the gentle hill. At the top, a fabulous view of downtown awaits you with the Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge framing the Boston skyline. I recommend taking an early evening stroll here when the historic gas lights are on, casting a warm glow and peaceful ambiance. Overall, it is a charming place to live and visit....very safe, quiet, and friendly.