Fun fact: prior to a 19th century massive filling project, Back Bay was, quite literally, a bay. Today its one of Boston's most expensive neighborhoods.
Back Bay is also known as a fashionable shopping destination in Boston, as well as having on offering such green spaces and peaceful respites including the Gardens and Boston Commons. Newbury Street, while in my opinion is vastly overrated and pretentious, is certainly pleasing to the eye and can be a ball to take a brief stroll down. The cupcakes at Georgetown are to die for, if I do say so myself. The frosting alone, whoa. A sugary, satisfying swirl atop the moist, sweet cakes they serve up in a smattering of flavors.
There is also a smorgasbord of nightlife in Back Bay. From upscale to totally down to earth, all lots of fun either way. I recommend: Towne Stove and Spirits (been here just once, but loved the atmosphere), the Pour House (for more of a laid back, slightly dumpy dive), Lolita's Cocina & Tequila Bar (yeah, I've never actually been to this one but LOVE how it looks inside. A bit sexy/dark/sultry. Totally on the must visit list), Post 390 is supposed to have awesome macaroni and cheese, along with supposedly a great drinks atmosphere, and apparently Bukowski Tavern is a must visit, a Boston institution of sorts.
Boylston boosts several fun dance clubs. Heading down this street on a Saturday night almost certainly promising a blurry ending ;-)
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Boston Public Library. Don't even get me started. Sweeping. Grand. Gorgeous. The second I move down here, marching inside and securing myself a library card. I'm already excited just thinking about it.
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| <3 SO thrilled to be here. My first visit inside the Boston Public Library. |
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So. My idea: wander Back Bay, pop inside the sumptuous Boston Public Library, check out a few charming cafes. My moms idea: walk down one of these narrow, dilapidated, slightly sketchy but authentic, semi-cool alleyways. We did so. Passing a drug deal literally under foot, walking right by them passing to one another. As well as nearly stepping on the body of a dead rat lying on the ground, bloodied and smeared, myself shrieking and sidestepping in the form of a high jump away from it.
We had quite the laugh over these contrasting experiences ;-). My suggestions, as opposed to her one suggestion for a venture and the resulting ambiance when we took her route.
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| How awesome are these roof tops/chimneys!? Reminds me of Paris...<3. Nostalgic. |
The afternoon in Boston eventually culminated in our attending the event, First Fridays at MFA. One which I highly recommend. A swanky, though not pretentious or too fancy, but totally fun atmosphere. Upscale, classy, but laid back. Great dance music, with appetizers and drinks on offering. Tickets are $20 to get in, I believe (though members can enter for free). You'll find all levels and types of dancing here so no need to feel intimidated. Everyone's just having a grand old time. :-D
Now...onto adventures in Maine. Kennebunkport to be exact. The day was misty, gray, unfortunately downright chilly in the beginning. The city of Kennebunkport is small, quintessential New England, quaint, charming. Its really lovely. Picturesque neighborhoods lined with greenery and flowers. Parks. Inviting little boutique and specialty shops. Enticing restaurants and eateries. Loads of ice cream and sweet shops.
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| Recommend this one mile loop, the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. A sweet little walk. Meandering over small boardwalks and paths, pausing at lookouts to gaze at the explosion of foliage. The day was humid, misty, drizzly, making for an...interesting walk for sure. Lots of fun. This spot is roughly a 6-7 minute drive outside the city center. |
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| The Clam Shack. Though Id read great things, I was slightly skeptical based on its outside appearance, high prices, and the humble look of food people were carrying away. However, the crab roll I was treated to for lunch from this little lunch stand was excellent. Fresh, lightly seasoned, simple, totally delish. My adventuring ally seemed to feel equally enthusiastic about his, a lobster roll and clam chowder which he all but inhaled ;-). So, I think its safe to say, this is a recommended spot for chowing down. |
An afternoon sweet treat was had here at Mornings in Paris, just on the cusp of Kennebunkport's downtown area. I was hesitant, doubting any true authenticity, instead expecting a cheap, wannabe imitation. Turns out the owner is from Paris. She first visited Maine twenty years ago and its where she's remained ever since, opening up the café soon after her arrival.
My companion and I grabbed a hot cider and green tea, splitting one of the macarons in lavender honey flavor. It was excellent, whoa. For a moment, we entertained the idea of purchasing a box. Then thought better given the container overflowing with fudge that we already had.
Speaking of which, we snagged a sampling from The Candy Man. Selecting mint chocolate, pumpkin, a sea salt caramel and what was essentially a near death by peanut butter. Both agreeing the fudge was excellent.
Thankfully, what started out as a chilly, drizzly, gray day (both of us admitting in dismay that we had far underdressed, each clad in shorts and skirt, myself shivering), the weather took a turn a few hours later. While still gray and drizzly, the temperatures inching upwards. The air growing even somewhat balmy, inviting and lovely. Casting a romantic, misty, mysterious glow on the city as the sun set and lights came on. The day ended up being a stellar one, despite a shaky start with the cold.
Kennebunkport is about a 90 minute drive from Boston. A do-able and highly recommended day trip. In fact if possible, I would suggest staying overnight. There would be so much potential for further nature explorations, renting bicycles and exploring the city that way. Further quiet, scenic neighborhoods for wandering. Possibly boating fun. Further seafood sampling. So many ice cream stalls beckoning.
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