Beacon Hill, Boston

I was truly blown away by Boston.

Beautiful, fresh, exciting, cultured, buzzy, open, it almost felt like the most wonderful cross between London and New York.

And nowhere in the city did we feel more at home than in Beacon Hill.

A charming red-bricked neighbourhood filled with history, winding streets, book shops, cafés and restaurants.

We strolled the sun drenched streets, surrounded by towering townhouses.

Falling in love with shops and houses as we went.

The steep, gas lamp lit streets filled with decorated doorsteps, fluttering American flags and autumnal wreathes on every door.

If only we celebrated autumn quite so spectacularly back home!

Or patriotism, for that matter.

We strolled down Acorn St (I’m willing to admit that heels may have been a poor choice here).

We visited the shops on Charles St.

Stopped into the locally beloved Tatte Bakery for a coffee & pastry.

Much needed jet fuel for a little more exploring in the brisk autumn sunshine.

Camel Coat (the most wonderful quality)

Grey jumper dress – Similar US (40% off)

Over the knee boots – Also in flats

Mini Chanel bag

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The streets disappearing off Charles St are a must for anyone into interiors, antiques and knick knacks.

And the park just the place for anyone keen to tickle a remarkably tame squirrel or three.

We marched our way right up to the top of Beacon Hill.

To the Boston Athenæum (one of the oldest and most important libraries in The States) at 10 ½ Beacon Street.

(Who needs Platform 9 3/4?!)

The Athenæum is quiet, secret little world far away from the busy streets outside.

Visitors can only visit the first floor unless you go on a special tour, which you have to book a month in advance (you should have seen the withering look I got for asking if there were any space left on the next one. I wince just thinking about it!)

If you’re planning a trip, book in here.

*Smirk*

Just a couple of streets away you’ll find Grotto.

A funny little restaurant hidden underground.

In general the food is unremarkable, the service worse, but in autumn they serve something very special…

The most exceptional pumpkin risotto!

A masterpiece in seasonal cooking.

Call ahead to see if they’re serving it, if they are… go! You’ll love it.

Afterwards you really really must visit my new favourite bookshop. Just wrap up warm.

It’s not your average bookshop, after all.

Brattle Bookshop.

3 floors of used books, manuscripts, first editions, and a sale lot of damaged, unloved ones outside.

There’s very little I love more than something unloved.

Take a few hours, stroll along the aisles of forgotten, bargain basement books and pick up a gem or two.

Bury your nose in one and buy a few as unique gifts to take home.

Gifts that have their very own story to tell (in more ways than one) and give them a chance to live again.

More adventures in Boston tomorrow, pop back then.