Beacon Hill by Day
Morning
Take the “T” to the Charles St/Massachusetts General Hospital stop and exit onto Charles Street. Enjoy a light breakfast at Panificio Bakery (144 Charles St)
where the scones and muffins are other-worldly. Then continue along
Charles Street and turn right onto Beacon Street for a glimpse of the Bull and Finch Pub (No. 84) – the bar that inspired the TV show Cheers. Continue up Beacon to the
Massachusetts State House
for a free 45-minute tour; times vary. Afterward, cross the road to the Shaw Memorial, where a National Park ranger-led Black Heritage Trail
tour departs at noon during summer. The trail provides an excellent
survey of the area’s architectural styles as well as its black culture
sites, and terminates at the
Museum of African American History
.
Afternoon
Walk back down the hill
to Charles Street for a fortifying late lunch. Weather permitting, stock
up on fresh fruit, a crusty baguette, and a sampling of imported
cheeses at the charming Deluca’s Market (11 Charles St) and have a picnic on the Common. Or for inexpensive, diner-style American fare (meatloaf and fruit pies), check out the Paramount (44 Charles St). After lunch, peruse the sleek accessories, art, and design at Good (88 Charles St) and spend the rest of the afternoon browsing Charles Street’s antique Shops. Round the day off with a pint at
Seven’s Ale House
.
Antique Shops
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Room with a Vieux
Owner
Jeff Diamond scours France for unique furniture and light fixtures,
which span the centuries. High-end Art Deco furniture pieces, bedboards,
and Louis XV mirrors are strong points.
Room with a Vieux
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Eugene Galleries
This
shop has an excellent and fascinating selection of antique books, maps,
and prints, including many depicting the development and history of
Boston through various periods.
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Upstairs Downstairs
This cozy shop places a refreshing emphasis on affordability and function. Everything from mahogany four-poster beds to belle époque opera glasses are on display.
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20th Century Limited
Vintage
designer costume jewelry and estate jewelry are the main attractions
here. But don’t overlook the handsome 1950s barware, vintage clothing
accessories, and other collectibles.
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Boston Antiques Cooperative
Seven
dealers run this bi-level space filled with dozens of 19th-century
Japanese woodblocks and Impressionist landscape paintings.
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Antiques at 80 Charles
Should
your predilection be antique jewelry, keep this address in mind. Ornate
gold brooches, platinum earrings – plus excellent examples of Wedgwood
ceramic work – populate the glass cases here.
Antiques at 80 Charles
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Elegant Findings
This
intimate shop specializes in museum-quality, hand-painted 19th-century
porcelain from all over Europe. You’ll also find marble statuary,
exquisite linens, and period furniture.
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89 Charles St
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Closed Tue & Wed
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Marika’s Antiques
Packed
to its dusty rafters with oil paintings, tarnished silverware, and
mismatched china – nothing quite beats that thrill of discovery you’ll
find here.
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130 Charles St
-
Closed Sun & Mon
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Antiques at 119 Charles
Formal
pieces of 19th-century Continental furniture and accessories, such as
drop-leaf dining tables, wrought iron wall sconces, and beautiful
Tiffany-style lamps, are the draw at this elegant shop.
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Judith Dowling Asian Art
More
of a gallery than an antique shop, Judith Dowling carries superlative
Asian pieces, ranging from 17th-century Japanese Buddhist figurines to
exquisite ceramics.
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Unless otherwise specified, antique shops are open Mon–Sat (10 or 11am to 5 or 6pm) and Sun (noon–6pm)
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