Many travelers are looking for tips on supporting locally owned businesses in Boston but don’t even know where to begin. Some cities are harder than others, but fortunately, Boston is one of the easier cities.
Considering the age of Boston, it’s not surprising to find a Starbucks or Chipotle in a gorgeous 200+ year old building. Just the outer appearance lures a person inside. Some people may find security in the familiar, but I prefer to opt for the chance to try something new. By seeking out locally owned businesses and not just chains, you get a different take on their special way of preparing things.
Cities can be daunting, and the options are endless. The thought of searching for a locally owned business in Boston can feel like finding the needle in a haystack. Let this article serve as a beginner’s guide to locating those great spots with ease and skill.
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A great way to see the city is to get a pass through Go City. They provide discounts on many attractions and the more places you visit, the more savings you reap.
Starting Out Your Morning
The Well Coffee House
Getting your day started with a favorite caffeinated drink and a fulfilling breakfast item is the perfect way to start a day of touring. When we opt to travel with intention, it becomes even more fulfilling.
Each month, The Well Coffee House chooses a local, non-profit to support through their sales. We visited during June when Soccer Without Borders was the lucky recipient. Coffee shops are notorious for being an active member of the community and this is no exception. Supporting this locally owned Boston business will benefit others in positive ways beyond comprehension.
On The Well’s website, you can see a long list of the previous non-profits they have supported. It serves as a great starting point for volunteering. Many of these organizations are found in other metropolitan areas that you may live in or visit.
The Well Coffee House State Street location: 212 Washington St.
As you leave The Well, you will easily find the Freedom Trail just a few steps away. I would recommend heading north (to your right) and taking in the sights.
There are two additional locations:
- East Boston 173 Border St.
- Everett 983 Broadway
The Freedom Trail
I found the Freedom Trail to be ingenious for navigating a large city. It consists of two narrow bricks laid side by side within the sidewalk. You don’t have to be looking for signs or checking your navigation device because it’s right at your feet. Every so often you’ll see a bronze plate in the sidewalk as well, mainly for reassurance and decoration.
Throughout this 2.5-mile trail, you’ll come across 16 historical sites. They are all pretty obvious, such as churches and cemeteries. Keep in mind though, there are a few destinations of interest that deviate from the trail. You can pick up free pamphlets along the way that explain what you are seeing and where the others are located.
As with all touristy hot spots, you can spend as much or as little as you’d like. The Freedom Trail is free for anyone who wants to walk the course. There are costumed guides who will take you on a narrated walk as well as open air bus tours. A few of the destinations have their own paid guides. These include museums, churches, and cemeteries. It all depends on the depth of knowledge you want to gain and the amount you want to spend.
Public Restrooms
A strange but important topic. There are free restrooms by the Paul Revere statue. The man himself has guided signs to get you there. This is a great option if you don’t plan to be a paying customer any time soon.
The Italian Neighborhood
Hands down, this was our favorite part of the trail. It wasn’t quite Italy, but in many ways, it gave off that authentic vibe. Al fresco dining, little cafes, and back-alley entrances are commonplace.
TRAVEL TIP ALERT: BRING CASH In our credit card world, it is so easy not to have much, if any, cash on hand. A large portion of this neighborhood operates on cash only. Signs are posted but be sure to ask if you are uncertain.
Mike’s Pastry
Holy cannoli! Talk about deliciousness, and freshness. Mike’s had a line going out the door every time we walked by the store. As travelers know, this is always a good sign. Mike’s Pastry serves at least 15 different varieties of cannoli. We didn’t try them all, but I feel confident from the ones we did try that you can’t go wrong. Flaky fresh with a smooth, flavorful filling. CASH ONLY
Mike’s Pastry 300 Hanover St.
Modern Pastry
If you’re needing a place to rest your feet, or you need another jolt of caffeine, Modern Pastry is a great option. This establishment has been around since 1930. The assortment of freshly made pastries will blow your mind. Each one is picture perfect.
Modern Pastry 257 & 263 Hanover St.
The scent of cooked garlic permeates the streets as you walk along the bustling sidewalk. There are so many restaurants serving authentic Italian food. I really don’t think you can go wrong. Gelato is in full swing with more flavors than you can imagine. There’s a reason we came back to this neighborhood three times during our two day stay. Knowing we were supporting locally owned Boston businesses made it all the better.
Freedom Trail Favorites
Boston is known for so many significant events in history. The Boston Tea Party, The Boston Massacre and Paul Revere’s Ride are only the tip of the iceberg. History buffs will be in their Zen mode as they walk among the same places that great men and women carried on life over 200 years ago.
If you love architecture, even a little bit of American history, or nostalgic décor, you’ll love Boston. Every new street gives you something to admire and appreciate. The old buildings are so well preserved and the new, modern buildings are nestled in amongst with their own flair of design.
Holocaust Memorial
Ironically, the landmark that touched me the most along the Freedom Trail didn’t take place in Boston. The Holocaust Memorial connects us all through humanity. Upon approach, you will see huge glass towers lined in a row with a light mist rising from the ground. When you get closer, you will see an engraved plate at the entrance to each tower depicting which concentration camp it is representing. On each glass plate, there are etched numbers identifying those that lost their life. Quotes from some of the survivors are also etched into the glass. The rising mist gives you an eerie feel as it seems to represent the gas that slowly leaked into the chambers as these innocent humans took their last breath.
Trying to give due respect to innocent victims through a memorial is a huge undertaking. The artist, engineers and visionaries are given the task of narrating a harrowing incident with cold, hard materials. I will say that I feel those who created the Holocaust Memorial did an exceptional job. No one speaks, yet you get a full understanding of the injustice that was served.
The Boston Harbor
So much tension was taking place when the famous Boston Tea Party took place in 1773. If those colonists would come back today, they’d be so surprised by the calm and joyous feel of the area. Boats teeter on the lapping waves, pedestrians make their way past restaurants and souvenir stands all while unique art pops up around every corner.
I surprised my travel partner by pulling out two teacups from my backpack as we approached the waterfront. She’s a fourth-grade teacher, so I thought it would be fun to take a picture of us having a ‘tea party’ along with us throwing loose leaf tea into the harbor, hence the real ‘tea party.’ She can then show both pictures to her students and let them decide which is the true historical depiction.
One more way for her students to become Wicked Smaht about American History.
Art Around the Boston
Traffic becomes much heavier around the harbor and the four lanes are divided by a wide median. Within this landscaped area are several unique and colorful pieces of art. They create a fun photo op at the crosswalks.
While walking around Dorchester, we came across a neat assortment of bronze statues. A gigantic pear, a telephone, an American troops dedication and more. It was very random but cool.
Make Way for Ducklings
This classic story was read many times as my children were growing up. The author, Robert McCloskey, was born in my home state of Ohio. Make Way for Ducklings is based on a pond that is in Boston. The swan boats that are drawn in the book are actual rides you can take. This locally owned business has been operating in Boston since 1877. The book and the boats are a joint Boston icon within the Public Garden. The adorable bronze statues seem to stop time in its tracks.
The ride is cute and calm. It’s nothing over the top, but for $4.50 it’s hard not to give it a try. You get to sit in this giant swan pontoon boat while the employee in the back leisurely pedals you around the pond. Rides are open the second weekend in April through the third weekend of September.
Locally Owned Eats
Cheers
‘Where everybody knows your name.’ If you watched tv during the 1980s, then you most likely have a tune going on in your head right now. The bar that gave inspiration for this sitcom is located across the street from the Boston Public Garden.
When you arrive, you’ll enter going down the stairs just like on the show. The initial bar/seating area is the original restaurant that was used for the inspiration. You can sit here and have a drink or order a meal. To access the tv set, you’ll head upstairs. There are cardboard cutouts of all the characters. It is roped off, but it’s still very cool to see. No fee is charged to see the set.
Cheers 84 Beacon St.
Earl of Sandwich
Have you ever had the desire to eat from a Men’s Restroom? No?! Well, here’s your opportunity. Fortunately, this building’s function changed years ago. Now, it is sanitized and serving up some delicious sandwiches. No point in letting a cool structure go to waste in a beautiful park.
History note: Did you know that an Earl in England ‘created’ the first sandwich?
Earl of Sandwich 1B Charles St.
Extra Cool Spot
Mapparium
This is the closest you’ll ever come to being INSIDE the world. A mammoth stained-glass replica of the world awaits your arrival. You can’t take pictures nor bags inside. Built in 1935, just before WWII began, this is a static display of how the world looked at the time. Obviously, country borders have changed dramatically since then. Everything is to scale and it’s quite a spectacle to see. A small admission fee is charged, but they are part of the Blue Star Museums program. (free admission for military families)
The Mapparium is located inside the Mary Eddy Library. 200 Massachusetts Ave.
Supporting Locally Owned Businesses in Boston
For a big city, this is actually easier than I expected. Between places like The Well Coffee House and those businesses located in the Italian neighborhood, making intentional purchases is extra easy and convenient. It’s great knowing we can enjoy travel while making a positive difference.
Stay in a Hostel
If you are looking to save money as well as support a locally owned business, you might want to consider staying in a hostel. This type of accommodation is not as popular in the U.S. as in other countries, but it is growing. To check out the various hostels that are available in a given city, click on the Hostel World link and begin your search. You can reserve private rooms at many of them which makes the transition much more comfortable.
Voluntourism Itineraries
Looking to make intentional travel choices in other cities you visit? Here are a few cities that I’ve created itineraries for making it super simple!
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