Something about Beacon Hill’s historical brownstones, black shutters and old iron streetlamp lined cobblestone streets, still dressed in varying shades of lingering summer greens and colors now metamorphosing into warmer tones — that simply evokes Autumn. Don’t you think? It may have been the last day of August, but it certainly felt September had emerged from its slumber. That is one of the special things I’ve always loved about Beacon Hill, no matter the season whether a bright summer day or brisk late autumn day awaiting those unexpected New England snow flurries; this neighborhood always gives me that comforting and warm feeling. That feeling so synonymous and beloved come the Autumn season.
One of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods, Beacon Hill is known for its charming, narrow cobblestone streets, Victorian federal style brick row houses and street lamps, once gaslit. It’s also considered one of Boston’s most desired thus expensive residential areas, and easily seen why.
It was an overcast slightly muggy Monday, somewhat quiet, albeit the students returning to classes and workers going about their daily lives in the hustle of Boston’s theater district. Breakfast began, first with an unsuccessful hunt for a lovely spot we enjoyed a few years back but luck was not on our side or perhaps even such a gem like that succumbed to Covid. But with several locations around the city, we settled on the equally charming Tatte Bakery {like latte ;)}. It seems like everyone had the same thought of starting their morning and week off on the right note, that it was brimming with some taking their brews to go and others pulling up a chair to savor these favored treats.
Toasts holds a special place in my heart, and their Roasted Peach and Ricotta Toast finished off with cashews and fresh mint, was a perfectly delicious and exciting start to my day. Toasts can say so much about the ingredients a place uses and the season’s freshness. This toast dish was that lovely blend of summer flavors metamorphosing into heartier richer autumn. Of course, I wasn’t going to forget to mention to lovely clean and simple, but homey aesthetic inside. Inside you feel welcomed and comforted with food, without even realizing the commotion of city life right outside.
With coffee in hand we walked through Boston Commons and the Boston Public Garden…{which you can see photos below from my trip 2 years, I never shared — it was a mid-October, slightly misty Monday morning so very much what Autumn is that it was perfectly fitting to be sharing them along with this photography collection}.
The initial unavoidable sight around Beacon Hill are the brownstone facades, their iconic brick work, black shutters now ever so slightly turning modern colors of greens or blues, and of course those front doors. Those statement pieces marking each home as a prominent fixture in history and architectural beauty.
It had been several years, since my days in college, that I hadn’t been to Beacon Hill and the best way to embrace the beauty and see Beacon Hill for what it is, is to walk around. Leisurely we strolled, turning into alleyways and small streets, admiring and falling more in love with the designs of these homes. Yes, I was driven mad with curiosity wanting to know how these walls looked from the inside, the stories that told in rich old details and the ones unfolding now with the new.
From a design point, you can’t beat the details in the wrought iron fences and stair rails, the black-rimmed arched windows classic and historical, yet very much modern. Intertwining fire escape staircases and balconies, that serve more as an architectural design choice, rather than practicality and necessity.
Facades that are more beautiful than ever as they show their long history with aged patina markings, so perfect only Mother Nature could create such beauty.
Quiet. A delightful quiet filled these streets. A passerby jogging or walking the dog, the occasional garbage truck, but other than the birds chirping with in the trees, it was just us. What a great way to enjoy Beacon Hill. We did come across caught the tailwind of a bike tour as they embarked on their leg of a active sight of Boston, hearing tidbits of the famous houses that lined this gorgeous corner, and the people who call these stunning historical buildings home.
Of course, I was more concerned with the seriously stunning overgrown greens taking over the brick facades, the front doors and steps beautifully arranged with potted flowers, greens and beautifully shaped succulents.
We made our way on Charles Street, passing along all the quaint and charming small businesses, filled with treasures, a little vintage, a bit of new, handmade and artful wonders, and yes, lovely places to cozy up with a warm coffee or savor a brisk al fresco New England meal.
We took our time, basking in those moments, enjoying them before our return back home where we relished on those memories and perfect they were …..
New England certainly has that quintessential Autumn feel and look no matter where you turn, and your style of celebrating the season. It also holds a special place in my heart as having gone to college in Rhode Island, and Boston being the location of our much anticipated annual cousin trip, first to go see the Patriots play and then get our short, but necessary dose of Boston and New England comfort. We haven’t made it to a game in two years, and hope to go to one safely soon, but the photographs below, that was the last time we were in Boston.
This time is was a mid-October Monday, misty and rainy at times, the trees barer yet more golden. The weather may have stopped us from exploring much of the city that morning, but it was simply delightful to walk around the lovely Boston Public Garden and Commons and catch all the New England autumnal hues.
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