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Neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts
Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Airman Nick Lyman, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Boston's Charlestown was the traditional home of employees at the now-decommissioned Navy Yard. It has experienced a shift in its population and industry and an increasing number of young professionals are joining the families who have lived in the area for years.
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For the history buffs in the family there is the Bunker Hill Monument. Even for those who are unfamiliar with history that dates back to 1775 will enjoy the history lesson given on the site of this revolutionary war landmark. Climbing to the top of the monument is free, but during the months of April, May, and June, a pass must first be obtained from the nearby Bunker Hill Museum, which are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
Charlestown's second oldest cemetery, established in 1810.
Charlestown's first cemetery, established in 1630.
Boston Navy Yard
Another Historical landmark are the grounds of the Charlestown Navy Yard, which was established over 200 years ago. The navy yard is located in the Boston National Historical Park, and from here you can access a visitors center, museum, and of course the USS Constitution and the Cassin Young.
DD-793
A Fletcher-class destroyer in the United States Navy, launched in 1943. After serving in WWII at the Battle of Okinawa, she was awarded landmark status in 1986 as one of only four surviving examples of this type of ship.
Old Ironsides
In this historic park is the warship U.S.S. Constitution which is vital to Boston's history. The U.S.S. Constitution now serves as a training ship and is still commissioned for battle, making it the oldest warship in the world. It's over 205 feet (62 m) tall and weighs 2200 tons.
Tour famous Old Ironsides, but first enjoy all-ages hands-on exhibits on sailing skills and crafts.
City Square is one of the city's newer parks, although the history of parks on this site dates back to 1629 when Market Square was laid out and Charlestown was still a separate city. In 1901, an elevated railroad was built through the square and then the busy Tobin Bridge was constructed. The rail line was eventually torn down and the Tobin ramps were put into a tunnel in the 1990s, allowing the park to be reconstructed above the highway.
Also known as the Training Field, this was a common grazing area and militia parade ground during colonial times. The centerpiece of the park is the Soldiers Monument, built in 1872 and dedicated to the men of Charlestown that fought in the American Civil War.
Built in 1943, this shady oasis was built by Harvard University as a memorial to its namesake founder. The park is a little worse for wear, but there is a restoration fundraising campaign in the works.
Emmons Horrigan O'Neil Memorial
Cheap ice skating in wintertime.
Simple family owned restaurant serving breakfast and lunch.
Simple Thai cuisine and sushi in a small neighborhood restaurant.
Here you will find an extensive selection of beer and cider and a menu focused on their wood-fired oven, mostly pizza.
The original location of Todd English's gourmet pizza spot.
Fancy French restaurant in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard.
Legal Seafood's take on a Northern Italian oyster bar. Legal Oysteria is a one-off and serves a very different menu from the chain's other restaurants.
The restaurant offers serves Moroccan cuisine, including such lip-smacking favorites as blazing beef tenderloin or striped bass. Valet parking 7 days a week, complimentary limousine service back and forth from nearby hotels. Tuesday through Saturday, from 7 to 10, the restaurant brings in the wild crowd by featuring belly dancers.
Ritzy nautical themed restaurant with waterfront views. Focusing on New England flavors with fresh seafood and local ingredients.
They have weekly events like Trivia Nights on Wednesdays and Karaoke night on Thursdays. They have a wide variety of drinks and reasonably priced. To top it off they have good food.
Cozy tavern with a small, but well chosen beer list.
This oldest tavern in Massachusetts has had many famous visitors, including George Washington himself. You can buy the wine by the glass ($11-15) or by the bottle ($42-62). They offer a variety of domestic and imported draft beers. They have a menu for brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert. Monthly events.
One Monument Ave. A local café with great coffee and baked goods. They offer their special Sorelle brewed coffee along with specialty coffees like lattes, cappuccinos and chai teas. They have a long lunch menu, if you are interested. And if you are they serve beer and wine with your lunch. They have many awards and good reviews.
Another local hangout (pronounced "zoo-meez") with good espresso, pastry, and sandwiches, and big easy chairs to hang out in. Coffee cakes are really popular.
Is more quaint and a “home away from home” you might want to try. At this Victorian styled home breakfast is made to order. They offer a Jacuzzi, library and laundry facilities. There is a VCR, TV and phone in each room.
Has a beautiful view of the Boston Harbor and complimentary services like: a buffet breakfast, the morning newspaper, and a coffee and tea room. Their guest services include: an ATM, grocery shopping service, and room service. On site they offer the Harborwalk Café on Tudor Wharf, which is American cuisine of lunch and dinner. This hotel also includes and indoor pool and a fitness center.
Floating bed and breakfast. Stay on one of three different boats afloat in Boston Harbor.
The AGC was started in 2002 and has become a staple of the Charlestown art scene ever since. There are many different types of art offered in this gallery. In addition to the group selling its own art, artists from the community who aren't members can display their art. Anything from watercolor paintings to sculptures to photography is on sale at the exhibits. In the spring and summer there is an outdoor festival held at City Square.
If you decide to buy a photograph at the ACG, this is the place to go to get it framed and matted. Besides framing art, it sells antique prints and paintings.
Anyone who enjoys rustic antiques would have a blast spending all day gazing at everything from oak bookcases to wicker furniture. The jewelry offered is unique as well; a handmade crocheted and beaded bracelet is an extremely popular item. More best-sellers are necklaces made from handmade glass and gemstones. Someone in the college crowd would be interested in a classic sign like "Dorm Sweet Dorm". For a clean-burning scent that is long-lasting you can pick up one of the soy candles while you are in there.
By public transit
The Orange line stations Community College and Sullivan Square both serve Charlestown, although somewhat poorly located on the far western edge of the neighborhood.
By car
Not at all recommended. Traffic is horrendous getting in and out, and the area most visitors will want to see is compact and easily walkable.
By bike
Despite an increasing amount of bike lanes in Cambridge, Somerville, and Downtown Boston, there are hardly any dedicated cycling routes heading in or out of Charlestown.
Most of Charlestown is accessible by walking, which usually takes less than 30 minutes from end to end of the neighborhood. If driving or biking, keep in mind many streets are very narrow and run uphill and downhill.
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