Cities are more than just buildings and streets, they are a storybook of history. And one of the best ways to discover a city's rich past is through its public art. From murals to sculptures, these pieces not only beautify our cities but also tell us stories of the people and events that shaped it. Here where I live there is a mural painted on the side of an old brick building downtown. It depicts the city's founding father, John Smith, meeting with local Native American tribes. As a child growing up in this town, I never fully appreciated the significance of this mural until I learned about the history behind it.
John Smith was an English explorer who established Jamestown in Virginia in 1607. He also explored parts of what is now known as New England and made contact with several Native American tribes along the way. The mural tells the story of his encounter with local tribes when he first arrived in our city. As an adult I have to ask what that meant for them. For the Native American tribes that John Smith met, his arrival at its core simply meant contact with a new group of people from a distant land. It surely brought about a mix of curiosity, fear, and uncertainty as they tried to understand these newcomers and their intentions. Rgardless, the arrival of John Smith marked a significant turning point in the history of the Native American tribes he encountered, as it signaled the beginning of increased European influence in their lands and the roots of what we, today, call Boston.
It's through public art like this that we can connect with our city's roots and understand how it has evolved over time. And it's not just historical events that are depicted in public art – many artists use their work to highlight social issues or celebrate cultural diversity.
Public art isn't just for tourists or visitors either; it's for everyone who calls that city home.
The art workss add character to neighborhoods and sparks conversations between strangers. I can't even count how many times I've been walking down the street and struck up a conversation about a particular mural or sculpture with someone passing by.
So next time you're out exploring your city, take some time to appreciate the public art around you. Engage with it, learn from it, and let it inspire you to connect even deeper with the place you call home.
Boston is a city that has always been at the forefront of innovation, and its food scene is no exception. Over the decades, Boston's cuisine has evolved and transformed into something truly unique and exciting. As a resident of this great city, I have had the pleasure of experiencing firsthand the evolution of Boston's food scene, both good and bad.
In the 1960s through until the late 1970s, Boston was known for its traditional New England cuisine, which consisted mainly of seafood, baked beans, and chowder. Thos are just some of the things I grew up eating at my grandparent's home. However, in the 1980s and 1990s, Boston began to embrace international flavors with open arms. Restaurants like Oleana started to pop up in Cambridge, bringing Middle Eastern cuisine to the forefront of Boston's culinary scene.
The early 2000s saw a rise in farm-to-table dining as chefs became more mindful of where their ingredients came from. This movement gave birth to some iconic restaurants like Craigie on Main and Harvest that continue to thrive today.
In more recent years, we've seen an explosion in veganism and plant-based diets across the country. And Boston has been quick to adapt with plant-based restaurants like sweetgreen or Veggie Galaxy (in Cambridge) are popping up all over.
One thing that remains constant throughout all these changes is our love for seafood. Whether it's freshly shucked oysters or a classic lobster roll with buttery buns – seafood will always be an integral part of Boston's cuisine.
But it's not just about what we eat – it's also about how we eat. In recent years, communal dining has become increasingly popular in Boston as restaurants opt for large communal tables instead of traditional seating arrangements.
Overall, the evolution of Boston's cuisine has been an exciting journey filled with new flavors and innovative techniques. From traditional New England fare to Middle Eastern delicacies to modern-day veganism – Boston's food scene continues to surprise us all with its diversity and creativity.
So if you're a foodie looking for something new and exciting, come to Boston and experience the deliciousness that this city has to offer.
Boston is a city that has undergone significant changes over the years. From the arrival of Puritan settlers in 1630 to the thriving metropolis it is today, it has undergone many transformations and I have been blessed to have witnessed some of these transformations first-hand and can attest to how they have impacted the community. From the revitalization of neighborhoods to the booming tech industry, Boston's evolution has been remarkable and I am proud to call myself a Bostonian!
One of the most noticeable changes in recent years has been the transformation of South Boston.
Once a working-class neighborhood, South Bosto has now become one of the trendiest areas in the city. The Seaport District, in particular, has seen significant development with luxury apartment complexes and high-end restaurants popping up left and right. While some may lament the loss of old-school charm, it's hard not to appreciate how much life this new development brings to the area.
Another change that has put Boston on the map is its growing tech industry. It's no secret that Silicon Valley dominates when it comes to technology companies but Boston is quickly catching up. Our city boasts a thriving start-up culture with companies like Wayfair and DraftKings calling Boston home.
With the influx of young professionals into previously overlooked neighborhoods like East Cambridge and Somerville has breathed new life into these areas as well.
Despite all these changes, there are still things about Boston that remain constant and unchanging — our love for sports being one of them. Whether you're a Red Sox fan or Bruins supporter (or both!), there's nothing quite like experiencing game-day energy in Fenway Park or TD Garden.
As someone who grew up here, I've seen firsthand how Boston continues to evolve while simultaneously maintaining its distinct character and charm. I'm so thrilled to be able to call this city my home and look forward to seeing what other positive changes lie ahead for us in the future!
For those of you thinking of visiting, here are some features of our city that might interest you.
Historical Landmarks
Boston boasts an array of historical landmarks that are worth visiting. The Freedom Trail takes you on a journey through the city's past - from the Massachusetts State House to the site of the Boston Massacre.
Other must-visit landmarks include Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Paul Revere House.
Cultural Attractions
Boston is home to numerous museums and cultural institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. These institutions offer visitors a glimpse into Boston's rich cultural heritage.
Architecture
Boston's architecture is a blend of old and new styles that have evolved over time. The Back Bay neighborhood features stunning Victorian brownstones while Beacon Hill showcases elegant brick row houses with beautiful wrought iron balconies.
Food Scene
Boston has become known for its thriving food scene in recent years. From iconic seafood dishes at Legal Sea Foods to quirky doughnuts at Union Square Donuts, there's something for everyone’s palate.
Our Transformation and Growth
Let's look at some of the changes that have taken place in Boston over the past few decades. It is amazing how we have been able to transform Boston again and again, giving it new life and opportunities to reinvented itself to become a thriving city on the cutting edge of progress.
The Big Dig
One notable transformation was the Big Dig - a massive highway project that began in 1991 and took over two decades to complete. It transformed downtown Boston by removing an elevated highway and replacing it with an underground tunnel system which changed the skyline of downtown Boston for the better.
Neighborhoods in Transition
Over time, neighborhoods such as Somerville, Jamaica Plain, and Dorchester have transformed from working-class enclaves into trendy neighborhoods filled with cafes, restaurants, and art galleries.
Boston's Innovation Economy
Boston has emerged as a hub of innovation and technology. With companies such as General Electric, Amazon, and Google opening offices in the city, Boston has become a hotbed of new ideas and entrepreneurs.
As someone who has lived in Boston for my whole life, I've witnessed the city's transformation firsthand. From historical landmarks to cultural institutions to trendy neighborhoods, Boston offers something for everyone. Whether you're a foodie or a history buff, there's always something new to discover in this endlessly vibrant city.
So. here's some tips/vocabulary:
Tip number one: Boston isn't really known for it's Pizza.
It is really sad, but I know that it is true. While there are some good places if you look around, it is Boston good. That means that it pales in comparison to the pizza that you will find at even the corner store in NYC.
The solution is to simply stick with seafood since it blows the NYC stuff out of the water.
When you hear a bit "gritty" people are talking about East Boston, it's "gritty" because people are afraid of the Hispanic majority and don't realize how great it is. For the most part the area is safe, especially during the day it also has some amazing food. If you are visiting from out of town I suggest using the Blue Line to get there.
Speaking of which, we call our rail/subway/metro system (MBTA) "The T". We'll use it like this: "take the T to East Boston" or whatever our destination is. Don't say subway. If you call it a subway we'll know what you mean, but Bostonians rarely use the term "subway", in most cases we will think you are referring to New York's Subway and thus ignore you.
The T is divided into 4 basic lines which are easy to keep apart. They are color coded so even out of towners will not get lost. Red, Orange, Blue and Green. Green is Light Rail which is the oldest subway system in America in case you didn't know that. The others: Red, Orange and Blue are the heavy rail.
Orientation is important, for example if a train is going "Inbound/Outbound", this simply it is referring to the direction it is facing from Park Street. We actually have another rail. And this is marked by the Purple Line. Purple is our commuter rail, which most people here don't need worry about. Since I never take the Bus Rapid Transit, this would be the Silver line, you will have to look elsewhere for clarification.
Even you only intend to travel a little bit by rail I would get a Charlie Card. It is so much more convinient. Charlie Cards are a contactless card, you just tap them against a card-reader when ever you get on a subway or bus. You don't have to remove it from your wallet, really. You can get one from an MBTA employee because most of them carry extra, I have also picked them up at 7-11s or you can go to a Charlie Card store. When you travel you just fill them up at a kiosk without much hassle. I like them, and this is actually the Bostonian preferred option over the Charlie Ticket. The tickets are just a paper ticket that's printed at the kiosks (same as the one you refill the card at), the only difference is (beyond convenience) is that the Card is cheaper per ride.
We have good Google Maps coverage, and even I use them for directions. They're clear and I haven't had any problems with them.
Skip the taxis.
If you plan to get somewhere fast I would suggest Uber or Lyft, both of them reign supreme here, especially when you want to get somewhere fast.
- Frappes are milkshakes.
- Rotaries are traffic circles.
- A packie is a Package Store - aka liquor store.
- Jimmies are sprinkles (for ice cream).
Bostonians are super friendly and polite.
But let me add a definition for you on what we think is friendly. We define friendly and polite in such a way that people might get confused.
Our friendly is different than yours.
Here in Boston, it is polite not to waste people's time with pointless chatter. Tourists get this wrong all of the time. You say hello and they talk you full for five minutes with BS. In Boston, it is polite not to hide your contempt by saying phrases like 'bless his heart'. And I am looking at you heartlan America.
We prefer being told to fuck off if the situation calls for it instead of that passive aggressive BS that you get elsewhere. Just say it. People in Boston are mature enough to accept it and we like honest and direct instead of backhanded and slimy. And before you even start, catiness will never be tolerated.
Authenticity is admired.
And if you would like to know - sarcasm is a second-language to us.
I love clam chowder, and I used to make it from canned stuff, canned baby clams are ok, but the real difference is the fresh versus canned juice.
Our Boston by the Spoonful
If you need precise measurements, you'll have to use somebody else's recipe.
Go to a real fish market and get big quahogs, or chowder clams.
Make sure to use real clams, and I use the real big clams, because they are chowder clams. And you would just waste other clams. No there isn't a real difference. And you could use other clams, but they're more expensive.
I usually pick up 5 pounds is a good start, 10 pounds was too many unless you've got a crowd to feed.
Next scrub them with a brush. Make sure they are clean because from this point we are going to be keeping the fluids.
Boil about an inch of water or white wine in a pot.
Add your clams to the boiling water and put on the lid, and let them steam until they open. At this point I strain the clams through a colander and save the juice, setting them aside until they are cool enough to handle.
Meanwhile, start rendering about a quarter of your of chopped bacon in a few tablespoons of butter, I like to cook on medium low.
Optional: when your bacon starts to get crispy, add some anchovies, I use about 5-7. You can use salt pork if you want to go traditional.
When your bacon is crispy add a few cloves of minced garlic. Saute that a few minutes, I like it when the garlic starts to get a little brown and pungent, but don't burn it!
Next I will add some really finely chopped onions, celery, and a few sprigs of thyme, and some black and white pepper. Cook it until it's almost soft, then add a few tablespoons of flour. Continue to cook to get the raw flour taste out, you gotta keep scraping it off the bottom of the pan when it sticks, and then add some white wine and a few bay leaves.
Bring it all to a boil. The white wine is optional, but I highly recommend it if you are going for a traditional chowder.
Take your clam meat out of the shells and chop it up.
You will need to work on this step because big clams are tough. Make sure that you chop them small, this will make eatingyour chowder more appealing.
For those of you who are feeling ambitious, rinse your clams in the unfiltered clam juice to get the grit out. I strain the clam juice through a wire mesh coffee filter.
The reason for this to get the sand out of the meat. I use the metal filter because the juice it will clog a paper coffee filter.
New to chowder? Then you will want to taste the clam juice to make sure it is not too salty.
In the event that it is too salty you can dilute it with some water, so when you add the clam juice, it won't mess up your liquids to solid ratio. Whatever you do, do not add milk at this point or it will clot up once you start boiling the potatoes in the next step.
After the wine boils a few minutes I add the clam juice and the potatoes.
Cook the potatoes until they are tender, not super soft, then add some light cream until it looks creamy enough.
I really don't use too much cream because the starch from the potatoes make it very milky in appearances anyways and it will dominate your flavors.
Make sure you taste it at this point, if it is too salty from the clam juice, you might need to add some milk. Add more white or black pepper to taste.
At this point I like to add some smoked salmon. Granted I know that ths doesn't tradiationally belong here, and it is entirely optional and completely nontraditional, but it's quite tasty and I have moved over to this.
This could be a good bacon substitute if you don't like pork.
And last thing I add are the chopped up clams, bring up to a simmer and then shut it off or the clams will get tough.
Take out the bay leaves and thyme stems, scrape the thyme leaves off the stem back into the chowder if you desire.
I love learning new techniques. So if you have some ideas to share I am all ears!
I will warn you, don't come to Boston and expect a lively arty, nightlife scene. Puritan roots are to blame for that. The general attitude that nothing needs to go beyond music and drinks is another aspect that keeps us from reaching our full potential.
The main clubs are located near the Stuart and Tremont intersection near the theater district.
Here you will find Venu, Rumor, Bijou, Cure, Royale, Guilt...to name a few. The Estate is also nearby - just off Boylston st. Honestly, all of these clubs are overpriced in terms of cover and drinks, full of douchebags, and the staff are usually pretty biased toward the cashed up college kids who get tables or who spend big at the bar.
I would recommend Brahmin which has about the best that you can expect for our club scene. It is located in Back Bay.
The location is pretty nice, it is a two-storey building that acts as a bar/club/lounge, serving food during the day. Here is their website to give you a better idea of what you will find.
If you want a night out I would try and arrive around 10pm. The line goes pretty quickly and its free cover and they take some pride in their reputation. Something, most places don't do, which is another thing that they need – pride in their establishment.
Drinks are relatively well priced, they aren't cheap but they aren't astronomical either. And for Boston the atmosphere is second to none.
It is definitely better than a lot of the sketchy clubs that people will suggest and I always have way more fun there.
Another good option is Howl At The Moon. It is fun and they have good live music nearly every night. It really isn't a club though, more a bar scene. One good thing about Howl is that they have Down, it is well, downstairs from Howl and it serves as is a club/lounge.
It's nice because the two are linked via a staircase which allows you to move up and down freely. We generally have a good time there as well.