Each of New York’s many (and overlapping) neighborhoods has its own personality, its own flair. The Lower East Side (LES) is no different.

You can find some of the best street art in NYC in this part of Manhattan. In fact, the Lower East Side has one of the highest concentrations of murals and graffiti in all of New York City!

(Read all about another one of the mural hotspots, Bushwick in Brooklyn, in my post!)

So the next time you’re looking for things to do in New York City, don’t sleep on the Lower East Side. The murals here are world-class. You’ll find street art on just about every block.

That’s my favorite way to experience graffiti: discovering each example of street art as you wander the neighborhood.

So lace up your shoes, charge your camera and head to the Lower East Side. (Not heading to NYC immediately? Then pin this post for your next trip!!)

Things to do – Lower East Side

There are so many great things to do in the Lower East Side. This New York neighborhood is practically synonymous with immigrants, leading to a rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds. Different immigrant groups have put down roots here, from the Irish and Eastern European Jews to the Chinese and Puerto Ricans.

Some of these identities are reflected in Lower East Side graffiti and street art you can see across the neighborhood.

Like many New York City neighborhoods, the Lower East Side is incredibly walkable. You can wander all over this area and stumble upon murals on nearly every block.

What’s special about Lower East Side graffiti?

I personally think that any concentration of world-class street art is special, no matter the neighborhood. The Lower East Side is certainly no exception.

Lower East Side graffiti is incredibly diverse in style, content, point of view and even size. Some murals cover enormously tall buildings, rising maybe 10 stories into the New York sky. Others are small, left in a nook in an alleyway or on a night club door.

Like a lot of street art, Lower East Side graffiti can be political. Murals are public art and inherently more accessible than artwork in, for example, one of New York City’s museums. Many artists who paint on walls—with permission or without—are counterculture.

That means that quite a lot of street art takes a strong stance on political or social issues. One of my favorite Lower East Side murals depicts George Floyd in beautiful brushstrokes of color. To me, this street art portrait says that while George Floyd’s murder was a brutal injustice, he as a person was a beautiful human with a vibrant life.

Where to find murals in LES, NYC (including lots of photos!)

First off, if you’re not already familiar, LES stands for the Lower East Side in New York. (Isn’t it easier to write and say?) So let’s talk where to find murals in this neighborhood.

Truth is, if you wander around (one of my fave things to do on the Lower East Side, and all of New York!), you’ll bump into murals. As soon as you begin looking for it, you’ll see graffiti and street art on nearly every block.

That said, there are a few hotspots where you can find a ton of Lower East Side graffiti. Read on to plan your adventure. It’s like a scavenger hunt to see all this gorgeous street art!

LES business gates (100 Gates Project)

When the day ends, the Lower East Side turns into a huge art gallery. That’s because many businesses in the LES participate in the 100 Gates Projects, which pairs street artists with business owners. The artists paint a mural on the metal gate that covers a storefront when the business is closed.

Even though evenings and Sundays are the best time to see these murals, since more businesses are closed at those times, you’ll still spot plenty of gate murals in other times. Keep an eye out and you’ll see pops of color on gates—which would have been boring grey otherwise.

I’m in love with this project, in part because it brings art to everyone.

Freeman Alley Graffiti Wall

Freeman Alley in the Lower East Side is a narrow stretch where all the walls—and even the pavement—are covered in graffiti, stencils, stickers and other artwork. This spot is constantly changing as street artists add their own flair to the evolving alley.

Freeman Alley Graffiti Wall is also a great place to see all different types of street art in one place. You’ll spot stickers, of course, as well as stenciled artwork and words. You’ll also see wheatpaste art, where artists stick posters or other paper-based images to the wall using a glue-like mixture of water and flour.

Keep an eye out for small-scale paintings and murals, too. Well known artists as well as newcomers on the scene add their mark in this special street art destination.

Whether you’re looking at one piece up close or taking in the entire space, Freeman Alley is a terrific spot for street art in NYC!

First Street Green Art Park + Cultural Park

What used to be an abandoned lot in the Lower East Side is now a community hub. The First Street Green Art Park forms an alley between East 1st Street and Houston (pronounced “house-tun” not the Texas city “h-use-tun”). Open-air movies, concerts, performances and other cultural events routinely come to this hidden park. You can see great Lower East Side graffiti hear anytime.

You’ll spot murals on both sides of the lot.

When you walk east along Houston, you’ll find yourself in an unexpected green space. Called the First Street Green Cultural Park, this space has hidden murals you’ll want to check out.

Artists have painted on the walls that border the green space. Walk through this area and you might forget you’re right next to one of NYC’s busiest streets.

Don’t forget to look closely! In some cases, plants have incorporated themselves into the art. It’s like they didn’t want to be left out of the fun!

First Street Garden

If you weren’t looking for it, you’d probably pass the little First Street Garden without a second glance. This green space is one of many community-run gardens in New York. In fact, when my sister and I stumbled upon it, two people were tending to the plants.

You might not expect to find murals in a community garden, but the First Street Garden is full of ’em. Most fit within an activist and women leaders theme. You’ll find portraits of Shirley Chisolm and Ida B Wells, among many other trailblazers, behind garden beds and greenery.

More Lower East Side street art in NYC

While the hotspots I detail above have high concentrations of murals in one place, you’ll find impressive murals throughout the entire Lower East Side.

Here’s how I recommend you search for street art. You can either walk a route between the areas I outlined above, looking for murals on the blocks in between.

You can also simply show up and wander, finding street art like treasure scattered throughout the LES.

Take the subway to the Lower East Side. Take your time walking throughout the neighborhood, keeping a keen eye out for murals.

(Remember, they might be painted on business gates, doors, alleys and even parks. Pretty much all public space is fair game!)

You have plenty of options for subway stops. Which one works best for you depends on where you’re coming from. I recommend these subway stops to see Lower East Side graffiti:

• 2nd Ave – F
• Bowery – J/Z
• Grand St – B/D
• Essex/Delancey – F/M/J/Z

Places to eat – Lower East Side, NY

This self-guided street art tour in New York is sure to make you hungry! While you’re exploring the Lower East Side area, check out my favorite places to eat in the Lower East Side.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery – Do you love gluten-free, vegan doughnuts as much as I do? Of course you do. That’s why you need to snag these sweet treats when you’re hungry in the Lower East Side. Buy doughnuts, mini doughnuts, bagels, breads and other sweet pastries here at Erin McKenna’s Bakery.

Essex Market – Feeling indecisive? Exploring with friends who can’t agree where to eat? Then head to Essex Market, the public market that’s been open more than 100 years in the LES, NYC. Grab a bagel, sandwich, pastry, turnover, empanada or about a million other yummy food choices. You can dine inside (if you show proof of vaccination, as of Nov 17, 2021) or get food to go. You’ll also find multiple cafes where you can order tea or coffee.

Jajaja Plantas Mexicana – I dare you to say, or eat at, Jajaja without smiling to yourself. The name is literally a laugh, and the all-vegan menu will make your tummy just as glad. I particularly recommend the Buffalo Flower street taco. yum. Jajaja is also well known for their tequila and mezcal, both for sipping and in cocktails. (Find Jajaja on the border between the Lower East Side and Chinatown.)

Pardon My French – If you wrap up your street art tour at cocktail o’clock, make your way to Pardon My French. Their inventive cocktails will make you want to taste through their drinks menu… but be careful because they’re powerful! You might want to order a good base of a burger or baked brie so you don’t have to stumble home.

Where else can I find amazing New York street art?

Luckily for all street art lovers, New York is simply full of epic murals. That said, some neighborhoods are hotspots for graffiti.

These New York neighborhoods have murals that will stay for years; some also have spots where graffiti artists repaint the same wall over and over again. I personally love that street art becomes an ever-rotating gallery. That way it allows newcomer artists to share their work, and street artists can respond to current events or social movements.

Check out some of these other street art destinations in New York City.

Chinatown

The neighborhood to the south of the Lower East Side, Chinatown, also has a ton of gorgeous street art. Walk south from the LES and you’ll stumble across murals, many of which reflect Asian influences.

Bushwick, Brooklyn

One of the best street art locations in New York is undoubtedly Bushwick, in Brooklyn. This neighborhood is simply full of world-class murals from local and international street artists alike.

You’ll definitely want to read all the details in my blog post about the Bushwick street art scene.

Harlem

Brief story: When now-Hubs and I first moved in together about a million years ago, we lived in the basement of a brownstone in Harlem. I was dirt broke so just about everything I did had to be free. Luckily, looking at street art in Harlem cost not a penny!

More recently, I explored Harlem’s Audobon murals and more. This project commissioned street artists to paint bird murals all throughout the neighborhood.

Of course, you’ll also find graffiti and murals unrelated to anything avian. Harlem’s street art is definitely worth a subway trip uptown.

By now, I’m sure you agree that looking at New York City street art is one of the best and most unique things to do in NYC, especially in the Lower East Side. I simply can’t wait for you to travel to New York and explore all these murals!

Do you have a favorite example of Lower East Side graffiti from this post? Let me know in the comments!

And don’t forget to pin this post for later! You’ll want to remember where to find murals in New York City!

The post Lower East Side graffiti: Where to find epic New York street art (+ photos!) appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Many visitors to NYC make sure to visit the city’s famous museums but don’t scratch the surface of more off the beaten path things to do in New York. I’m so glad you’re reading this so you can stray from the usual touristy destinations and experience something unique: this Eldridge Street synagogue.

In this post, I’ll share how to visit this important Jewish museum and synagogue in the Lower East Side, what you’ll see there, the history of the building and its ties to the neighborhood, and tips that will make the experience go smoothly.

Read on for all the details of how to visit the Eldridge Street synagogue.

What’s special about the Eldridge Street synagogue?

New York is a city shaped by waves of immigrants from different places, backgrounds and faiths. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, millions of Jewish people came to the U.S. from Europe. They found community—as well as inexpensive housing in tenement buildings—in the Lower East Side.

(If you’re interested to learn more about Jewish life in the Lower East Side, you need to visit the Tenement Museum. Read my insights on that NYC museum here.)

In contrast to the places some immigrants left, Jews were free to practice their religion in the Lower East Side. Synagogues were central to the neighborhood not just for faith but also other opportunities. From visiting with friends to trading tips about jobs, synagogues played a critical part in the LES community.

The synagogue on Eldridge Street, which later became a museum, was one of the more stunning synagogues in New York. It was painstakingly designed and built in the late 19^th century as a very public declaration of faith. (Up to that point, most synagogues were tucked unobtrusively into cellars or converted buildings.)

As the congregation dwindled in the 20^th century, though, this New York synagogue fell into disrepair. That’s when a community group formed to restore the synagogue. When they began, the walls were literally crumbling, holes in the roof let in rain and pigeons roosted in the sanctuary.

What a contrast to this stunning synagogue today.

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One of the most beautiful New York attractions

I think of the Museum at Eldridge Street as the most beautiful New York destination nearly no one has heard of. But once you catch a glimpse of the interior, you’ll want to go immediately.

When you arrive at the Eldridge Street synagogue, go straight upstairs to the sanctuary. The interior of this New York synagogue was lovingly designed, restored and now maintained by the super-friendly museum staff. Everything, from the lamps to the woodwork, is ornately detailed. It’s more than clear that craftspeople poured themselves into making every aspect of the synagogue gorgeous.

The circular stained glass window above the bimah, where the Torah is read, is the Museum at Eldridge Street’s real showstopper. This window is not original to the synagogue; it was commissioned in 2010. The vibrant blue window is now an iconic part of the Eldridge Street synagogue. Sadly, my photos don’t come close to doing this landmark justice.

You’ll see beauty everywhere you turn in the museum. Another circular, epic stained glass window is mounted opposite the blue one. Stained glass stars of David let in colored light. More stained glass on the synagogue’s ceilings shine multicolored sunlight into the sanctuary. Many of the glass had been broken during the synagogue’s years of disuse. Artists recreated the pieces using techniques the original makers would have used.

Wallpaper, paintings, tiles and carved woodwork add to the Eldridge Street synagogue’s grandeur. I felt breathless among its beauty, so I can only imagine how the original congregants felt inside. Most were immigrants, many struggled to make ends meet, and most had never worshipped in such a grand synagogue.

An unknown New York City landmark

The Eldridge Street synagogue was certainly a community hub and meeting place for Jewish immigrants. Roughly 85 percent of the 2.5 million Jewish immigrants who came to the U.S. during peak immigration stayed in New York City. In fact, the Lower East Side neighborhood would have been the most populous Jewish city in the late 1800s, had it been its own town.   

New immigration laws in the 1920s limited the number of people who could move to America. Many people who had settled in the Lower East Side moved away as they became more prosperous and established in New York. The character of the LES changed as other ethnic and cultural groups put down roots in the neighborhood.

The Museum at Eldridge Street helps visitors learn and remember the central role Jewish immigrants played in the evolution of New York City. I’m so grateful that this stunning Lower East Side synagogue was restored and preserved.

When you visit, explore and admire the synagogue’s beauty. Make sure to use your phone’s camera to scan the QR codes in the self-guided tour, too. You’ll learn so much and take in details you might have missed on your own. For example, one spot on the tour directed my attention to the dips in the original wood floor. The uneven spots were worn down from years of people swaying as they prayed.

You’ll probably spend the most time in the Eldridge Street synagogue’s sanctuary and on the floor above, which overlooks the sanctuary and where women attended services (apart from men). Save at least 15 minutes to go through the exhibits on Lower East Side history and how the Jewish community contributed to New York City culture. These are located on the ground floor, where you enter from Eldridge Street.

Visiting the Museum at Eldridge Street

If you were walking by in the Lower East Side, you likely would pass on by the Museum at Eldridge Street without a second glance. But as you can see, its interior is one of the most beautiful places in New York City.

This Lower East Side museum is open Sunday through Friday, usually opening its doors at 10am. I say usually because hours may change on Jewish holidays. Definitely check the website before you go so you’re not disappointed by a closed museum.

One of my favorite things to do in the Lower East Side is to wander around and admire street art. You’ll spot some stunning murals on the blocks surrounding the Eldridge Street synagogue.

No matter if you spend hours or just a few minutes admiring the Museum at Eldridge Street, I’m pretty sure you’ll be glad you visited.

The Museum at Eldridge Street must-know details

Museum hours: Sunday – Thursday 10am-5pm; Friday 10am-3pm. Make sure to check the website because the museum is closed on holidays.

Museum admission: $15 for adults, $8 for children, pay what you wish Mondays

Free admission: Children under 5, U.S. veterans, and people with federally recognized disabilities

Nearby subway stops: East Broadway on the F line, Grand Street on the B and D, and Canal Street on the 6, N, Q, R, J, and Z.

You can also walk from the Brooklyn Bridge.

Don’t forget about this stunning New York attraction. Pin this post for later!

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The huge number of murals and other street art in Bushwick is concentrated in just a few blocks, making it easy to see gobs of street art all at once. The Bushwick street art project is constantly adding new murals to the mix, too, so you never know what masterpiece you’ll stumble upon.

Getting to Bushwick, Brooklyn is an easy subway ride from Manhattan. So what are you waiting for? Head on over to see incredible Bushwick street art the next time you’re in town.

And you know how much I like to pack my posts full of helpful information, so I also cover the many cool things to do in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Read on to learn not only about the Bushwick murals in Brooklyn but also where to eat and shop in Bushwick as well as other things to do in this cool Brooklyn neighborhood.

All about Bushwick Street Art, Brooklyn

Bushwick, the neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY, is one of New York City’s most colorful and street-art filled areas.

Walking around, you’ll probably notice that Bushwick is changing. The wholesalers and auto body shops in this working-class Brooklyn neighborhood watch as signs of gentrification move in. Zero-waste stores, craft beer, and tapas restaurants signal that wealthier residents are showing up.

Originally, Lenape Native Americans called this part of New York home. Then in the 1600s, a group of settlers got permission from the Lenape to form a community they called Boswijck, Dutch for “neighborhood in the woods.” (This peaceful agreement was later violated by European settlers and their descendants. They attacked Native Americans who lived in the hills around the original European settlement, annexing the area and expanding their territory.)

From its outset, Bushwick, Brooklyn was a community of immigrants. Its first settlers were Dutch, French and one of the first enslaved Africans brought to what is now New York, who had worked his way to freedom.

Nowadays, Bushwick is predominantly Hispanic: Almost 70% of people self-identify as Hispanic, with most residents’ heritage from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

History of street art in Bushwick and the Bushwick Collective

Since 2011, the Bushwick Collective—an organization of graffiti artists in Brooklyn who have turned this neighborhood into a street art mecca—have transformed an economically depressed area into one of the best places to see street art in New York City.

The Bushwick Collective was founded by Joe Ficalora, who was born in Bushwick. He wanted to transform a history of trauma—his father was murdered outside a subway station, and his mother died of brain cancer—as well as his home. So he began organizing other artists to make over Bushwick, turning the entire Brooklyn neighborhood into a street art gallery.

The Bushwick Street Art Collective works with artists, business owners, and the community at large to find locations for street art on a large scale. The organization also throws a party every summer, the Bushwick Collective Block Party.

Where to find street art in Bushwick

You might be asking, Where is this Bushwick graffiti? A better question: Where is it not?

You’ll see murals and graffiti as soon as you step out of the subway! Street art in Bushwick is everywhere: On walls above businesses, metal grates, even the sidewalk.

Most of the Brooklyn murals are centered around the main street in Bushwick, Wycoff Avenue. (This is where you’ll get off the L train subway at the Jefferson Street station.) Side streets, such as Troutman and Starr Streets, showcase murals and graffiti on almost every surface.

Although you’ll see a ton of Bushwick street art in just a few blocks, visitors who walk a bit farther afield will be rewarded. Off the beaten path murals were some of my favorites. So don’t stop exploring once you’ve seen the street art most visited by other tourists; keep going for fewer people—and terrific art. Walk a few blocks farther in each direction and you won’t be disappointed.

The many kinds of Bushwick street art

Murals are pretty clearly the most common kind of street art in Bushwick. Pretty much every spare wall, fence, and grate is covered in stunning, statement-making murals.

There are also small-scale Bushwick murals. Not all street art has to be giant and grand: You’ll find mini-sized murals on concrete traffic dividers and pretty much every other available surface. Keep your eyes out for other small-scale murals, for example near grates, on the sidewalks, or hiding in plain sight.

Bushwick murals and graffiti 

You’ll also find graffiti in Bushwick. What’s the difference between graffiti and murals?

Graffiti is stylized writing, often painstakingly painted with impressive effects. Graffiti isn’t necessarily tagging, though. What’s the difference between graffiti and tagging? Tagging is vandalism, often painted on by people marking their territory—literally leaving their mark. Whereas graffiti is often painted with the permission of the property owner and intended to be a more artful, lasting statement.

Sometimes murals and graffiti collide. I’m always super bummed when a mural that clearly took hours and even days to create is tagged. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen, though.

Other types of street art in Bushwick

You’ll also find stencil street art in Bushwick. This form of street art is made by cutting a piece of hard cardboard, plastic, or other material to leave gaps that create a picture. Then the artist spray paints over the stencil, leaving an image behind.

Stencil street art is usually smaller in scale than the other Bushwick murals and graffiti, and you’ll notice it’s replicated multiple times. Since you can lay down a stencil and spray paint over it as many times as you want, you’ll find the same image or words over and over again, sometimes with slight variations.

Wheatpasting is another form of iterative street art. Instead of making a stencil and repeatedly painting a simple design, wheatpasting is a bit different.

This street art technique allows an artist to create a more intricate design, print multiple copies, then affix to a wall using wheatpaste—a mixture of water and flour. Wheatpaste street art is less permanent than street art using paint, since rain and the elements can make it deteriorate or fall off.

Finally, keep an eye out for other, even less traditional forms of street art in Brooklyn. I’ve heard there are sculptures of cats throughout this Brooklyn neighborhood, though I didn’t see any. And watch for telephone poles and other neighborhood structures cozied up in knitted “sweaters” and other fabric decorations.

The bottom line: Bushwick is literally an outdoor gallery full of all kinds of street art in Brooklyn.

Other things to do in Bushwick, Brooklyn

If you’re like me, street art in Bushwick is the biggest draw to this Brooklyn neighborhood. It doesn’t mean you have to stop there, though!

Here are other great things to do in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

Where to eat in Bushwick

Bushwick is now full of delicious, well-regarded restaurants: In my recent visit, new cafes, tapas spots, and restaurants were being installed as I walked around. While I didn’t have a chance to try all the Bushwick restaurants, general consensus says Sea Wolf is amazing for seafood; Archie’s, Roberta’s and Union Pizza Works for pizza; and Kave Espresso Bar for fancy coffee.

Some of the restaurants in Bushwick have also embraced the neighborhood’s identity as a street art mecca. Dock Asian Eatery, for example, puts stunning murals front and center. I have a feeling that Dock’s Japanese-Thai fusion food is even more delicious under its impressive murals.

My favorite restaurant near the best Brooklyn murals

When I was looking for restaurants in Bushwick, I opted for old school and no-frills. I ate a big ol’ plate of tacos from Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos, a counter service restaurant/tortilla factory.

The corn tortillas are obviously fresh since they only have to be moved about 100 feet from the factory to the kitchen, where staff make your tacos right in front of you. And for 3 tacos for less than $10, it’s hard to get a more delicious, more filling meal in Bushwick for better than that.

When I went on a weekday, I got my tacos in about 5 minutes. If you go on a weekend, though, expect a crowd: Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos has become quite the popular taco spot in Brooklyn!

The ordering process is a bit unusual at Tortilleria Mexicana: Look at the menu and write down what you want on an index card you’ll find on the counter. Make a note if your order is to go or to stay and write down your name. Then place the card back on the counter. You’ll pay for your food and drinks when it’s ready and they call up your order.

Where to shop in Bushwick

Bushwick is becoming more hipster, so it makes sense you can now shop for artisan-made clothing, accessories and other goods made right in this Brooklyn neighborhood. Check out Shops at the Loom, a series of stores, and studios in a converted mill.

Better than Jam is an artist and craftsman collective, where makers sell their goods and offer workshops. You can buy clothes, scarves, soaps and other goodies. Or bring a well-loved piece of clothing that needs an update and they’ll indigo dye it, giving it a whole new life. You can even have it shipped home to you if you’re just visiting Bushwick.

And if you’re visiting the Bushwick Street Art Collective on a weekend, you can check out the Bushwick Market. This flea market on the corner of Wyckoff and Willoughby sells used knickknacks. I can’t vouch for whether you’re more likely to find treasure or, well, not-treasure, but it can be fun to hunt!

See more art in Bushwick

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to visit Microscope Gallery in Bushwick, a space that showcases work from contemporary artists that combine digital, moving image, sound, and performance pieces.

But y’all know how much I love unusual museums in New York so I’m putting the Microscope Gallery on my list for the next time I’m in NYC.

How to see Bushwick street art in Brooklyn

To get to the murals in Bushwick, take the L train to the Jefferson Street station in Brooklyn. You’ll find yourself on Wyckoff Avenue, named for a Dutch family who settled here in the 1650s.

As soon as you pop up out of the subway entrance, you’ll see the Bushwick street art all around you.

Is it safe to walk around in Bushwick? I went alone to this Brooklyn neighborhood and was walking around side streets with my DSLR camera. I never ever felt the slightest bit uncomfortable. That said, you should always remain aware of your surroundings and stay safe.

In general, there were plenty of other people looking at the Bushwick Collective street art. People are pretty friendly—I asked a local to take my photo in front of one mural. Other people had brought along friends or mini tripods to take photos.

Bushwick street art: The best murals in Brooklyn

No matter how you see the Bushwick street art collective in Brooklyn, you won’t regret your visit. This neighborhood is the best place in New York to see street art I’ve found so far!

Do you know of other street art neighborhoods in New York? Let me know! I can’t wait to check it out when I’m hunting for more things to do in New York!

PS – Don’t forget to check out my guide to non-touristy museums in New York and my other street art posts!

The post Bushwick Street Art: Where to Find the BEST Murals in Brooklyn (with pictures) appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

These off the beaten track museums are some of the most unique things to do in NYC. These museums don’t have the same crowds you’ll find at other NYC experiences, and many are free museums in NYC!

Below, I’ll highlight my favorite unusual New York museums, from art museums to obscure galleries to even a spot where admission gets you a big ol’ bowl of delicious stir fry.

So if you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in NYC, you’ve found a bunch. I know you’ll love these museums in NYC as much as I did!

American Folk Art Museum

The American Folk Art Museum near Lincoln Center houses some of the country’s most significant art from self-taught artists. We’re more used to seeing masterpieces from painters and sculptors who studied art for decades, but this NYC museum highlights those who have created original works without training.

Their art education may be limited, but these artists’ imagination is not. Within this off-the-beaten-path New York museum, you’ll see paintings depicting everyday life, sculptures wrought from everyday objects and scenes sketched on the back of paper bags (the only paper some artists had). You may even see something that makes you rethink your definition of art.

How to visit the American Museum of Folk Art

Address: 2 Lincoln Square, New York City
Hours: Closed Mondays. Open hours vary; check web site for opening times. Closes 7pm.
Admission: Free (donations gladly accepted)
Nearby public transportation: 1 train

Neue Galerie

This New York art museum on the Upper East Side’s Museum Mile may be only blocks away from the city’s most famous museums, but it doesn’t have the same crowds or lines. The Neue Galerie (yep, that’s how they spell it), pronounced “Noya,” focuses on German and Austrian art of the 20th century. It calls a lovingly restored brownstone home.

The Neue Galerie displays works of fine art alongside beautifully designed objects such as chairs, glassware and a tea set I still fantasize about owning. I found myself staring at one portrait by Gustav Klimt, taking in the swirls and whorls of the patterns around a woman painted in gold. “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer” is one of my favorite paintings in all the New York museums—and I’ve been to just about every one.

Note, though, that children under 12 are not allowed in the Neue Galerie outside of special events and visits, such as Family Mornings. In addition, you cannot bring even empty water bottles into this NYC museum.

How to visit the Neue Galerie

Address: 1048 5th Ave, New York
Hours: Thursday – Monday, 11am – 6pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Admission: $12-25
Special admission days: First Fridays of the month, admission is free from 5 – 8pm. Children under 12 years are not admitted during First Fridays.
Nearby public transportation: 4, 5, 6 trains

Bard Graduate Center Gallery

Although I lived in New York for several years and go back often, I’d never heard of the Bard Graduate Center until my most recent visit. This unassuming museum on the Upper West Side, just a block and a half from Central Park, is one of New York’s best off-the-beaten-path discoveries. When I talk about it, even people who have lived in New York for decades say they’ve never heard of the Bard Graduate Center, much less been inside.

When I visited this little-known New York museum, it featured an exhibition on French fashion during World War I. Dresses, uniforms, magazines, photographs and catalogues were displayed on the museum’s three floors. I love looking at old fashion, so I was thrilled to take in the century-old gowns and caftans. But I learned a lot, too. The exhibition thoughtfully connected through-lines between fashion, feminism, social change and war.

I saw maybe two or three other people at the Bard Graduate Center, besides the incredibly nice woman at the counter. I had the museum almost entirely to myself. This museum is one of New York’s hidden gems that I can’t wait to revisit every time I’m in NYC.

How to visit the Bard Graduate Center

Address: 18 W 86th St, New York City
Hours: 11am – 5pm Friday – Sunday and Tuesday, 11am – 8pm Wednesday – Thursday. Closed Monday.
Admission: $5-7
Nearby public transportation: 1, B, C trains

Morgan Library and Museum

When you think of New York libraries, I’m about 99% sure you’re imagining the famous New York Public Library branch in Midtown with the enormous stone lions out front. After all, the NYPL has been in countless movies, from Sex and the City: The Movie to Spider Man.

I’m going to tell you about another library that doubles as a museum—one almost no tourist ever visits.

The Morgan Library and Museum was financier Pierpont Morgan’s home, which he filled with room after room of rare books and art. When it became a museum in 1924, conservators kept the rooms looking just like they had when this very wealthy collector built it. So as you walk through the Morgan Library and Museum, you’ll see not only paintings on the wall but also sculptures on book shelves, couches and chairs, writing desks and fireplaces ready to be lit.

Some of this little-known museum’s rare books are cracked open, including a Gutenberg Bible—only one of 49 in the world. A gallery in the front of this New York museum holds seasonal exhibitions. When I visited, it highlighted the charcoal portraits of John Singer Sargent.

How to visit the Morgan Library and Museum

Address: 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street, New York City
Hours: Vary, check the web site for hours. Closed Mondays.
Admission: $13-22, free for children under 12
Special admission days: Admission to the Morgan Library and Museum is free Friday nights from 7-9pm. Live jazz plays in the atrium, and wine and other drinks are available for sale.
Nearby public transportation: Grand Central Station (4, 5, 6, 7 and S trains)

Museum at Eldridge Street

The Museum at Eldridge Street is one of the most beautiful locations in New York City. It’s also one of the most hidden gems in all of Manhattan.

This historic synagogue in the Lower East Side was transformed into a museum. Its caretakers restored what had become a dusty, pigeon-filled building. With its epic stained glass windows, you won’t soon forget this underrated museum in NYC.

You’ll take a self-guided tour through the synagogue to learn about Jewish immigrants to the U.S. To learn more about what to expect in this Lower East Side museum (and for more photos!), read my full post on the Museum at Eldridge Street.

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How to visit the Tenement Museum

Address: 12 Eldridge Street, New York City
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10-5. Friday 10-3. Closed Saturday. Check the website for closures for Jewish holidays.
Admission: $8-15
Special admission days: Pay what you wish admission on Mondays and Fridays
Nearby public transportation: B, D trains at Grand St

Tenement Museum

New York is a city of immigrants—in fact, almost of all of the United States traces its heritage from elsewhere, except Native Americans. New York’s Tenement Museum tells real stories of the immigrant experience to root our understanding of how NYC was shaped by newcomers—and continues to be formed by that history.

The Tenement Museum in the Lower East Side takes visitors through one of several buildings where dozens of immigrant families lived. We did the Irish Outsiders tour, one of eight tours offered, each of which focuses on one immigrant group. Joining a tour is the only way to visit the Tenement Museum. Although I’m generally not a tour-loving person, I can’t imagine seeing this museum any other way.

In the Irish Outsiders tour, we learned of one Irish family, the Moores, that made New York its home in the 1800s. In just an hour, I came to care deeply for these real people who lived in the very building where I stood. Our tour guide brought them to life, sharing their struggles and celebrations while weaving in context of what life was like for immigrants during that time. I may not have remembered facts and statistics from a plaque, but I’ll never forget Bridget, the family’s matriarch, or Baby Agnes, who didn’t live to see her first birthday.

The Tenement Museum in New York is brilliant in the way it shares living, breathing history with visitors. It makes immigration, an issue that might feel abstract or contentious, feel concrete and personal. I want every single visitor to attend one of the tours in this New York hidden gem. I know I’ll be back to experience the other tours.

“Immigration is not a political story. It is a human story.”

-David, a Tenement Museum tour guide

I wouldn’t bring young children to the Tenement Museum, though. The tours involve a lot of standing and listening, and young kids would get restless. Children 0-5 are not admitted.

How to visit the Tenement Museum

Address: 103 Orchard Street, New York City
Hours: The museum opens at 10am and closes between 6:30 – 8:30pm, depending on the day.
Admission: $22-27.
Special admission days: You must join a tour to visit the Tenement Museum. Tours often sell out, especially on the weekends, so it’s best to buy tickets in advance. That said, some tours are more popular than others, so you have a better chance of getting last-minute or day-of tickets to these tours, or all tours during weekdays.
What’s more, this New York museum offers discount for military members, teachers, people who are disabled and people who live in the neighborhood (with zip code 10002).
Nearby public transportation: F, M, J and Z trains

Level 10 travel tip: The Tenement Museum also has an excellent gift shop, accessible to the public without the need of tickets. If you’re looking for New York gifts, books or souvenirs, the Tenement Museum is one of NYC’s best places to find them.

The Frick Collection

If you’ve ever wanted to imagine what it’s like to live as a zillionaire in a New York mansion, the Frick Collection is the place to do it. This little-known museum is right down the street from the Met and the Guggenheim, but it’s off the beaten path. I recently went to the Frick Collection on a Saturday morning, when there were no crowds and zero lines—compared to the Met, where you can expect to wait upwards of 30 minutes just to buy your ticket in.

The Frick Collection has kept the look and feel of a residence, displaying paintings in rooms still furnished with couches, tables, desks and the like. This hidden gem specializes in art; in fact, it displays three paintings by Johannes Vermeer—of the only 34 Vermeers known in the world.

In addition to the art, the museum’s courtyard is worth a visit in its own right. This central spot is lit by the many windows set into the roof, and its fountain casts a spell of calm over the entire room. Tropical plants and flowers breathe life into the courtyard. It’s an excellent place to sit for a while—a peaceful refuge in bustling New York.

As a heads-up, the Frick is in the middle of proposing updates and remodels to the Frick Museum. The current proposal is controversial because it would turn some rooms into traditional museum galleries with white walls (and no plush setees). So before you visit the Frick Museum, check its web site to ensure construction won’t interrupt your visit.   

Children under 10 years old are not admitted.

How to visit the Frick Museum

Address: 1 East 71st Street, New York City
Hours: Tuesdays – Saturdays 10am – 6pm. Sundays 11am – 5pm. Closed Mondays.
Admission: $12-22
Special admission days: Wednesdays 2 – 6pm are pay what you wish for admission. Admission is free First Fridays from 6 – 9pm.
Nearby public transportation: 6 and Q trains

Museum of Food and Drink

I almost literally stumbled across Brooklyn’s Museum of Food and Drink when walking to meet a friend for lunch. This little museum is definitely off the beaten path but is worth a visit, especially if you’re particularly interested in the cuisine the museum is highlighting when you’re in town.

When I recently went to the Museum of Food and Drink, it focused on Chinese-American restaurants. The first thing I noticed was how good it smelled in there—as if I were walking into a restaurant, not a museum.

I thought the museum’s displays were overly text-heavy. To get the most out of the exhibit, I had to read a lot, and I missed more interactive opportunities. That said, I enjoyed looking at all the menus and learning about Chinese-American food: from the patterns of immigration (and discrimination) to opening restaurants for Chinese workers to adapting recipes for American tastes.

I didn’t realize that my ticket also got me a taste of one of the sample recipes. I sat down at the counter and talked with the chef, who told me about his own family’s history of immigration from China while he stir fried a cauliflower dish in an enormous wok. Talking with the chef—hearing his very personal stories, including how one grandfather fled totalitarian China by swimming miles through the ocean until he reached an island—was by far the best part of my experience at the Museum of Food and Drink.

How to visit the Museum of Food and Drink

Address: 62 Bayard Street, Brooklyn
Hours: Friday – Sunday 12 – 6pm. Closed Monday – Thursday.
Admission: $7-14, children 5 and under are free. These general admission tickets include one tasting.
For the full tasting of 3 dishes, tickets are $17-25.
Nearby public transportation: M train

Jewish Museum

Also along Museum Mile—5^th Avenue on the Upper East Side, where there’s practically a museum on every block—sits the Jewish Museum. This institution celebrates Jewish contributions to art and culture.

When I recently visited, I loved the expansive exhibition on Edith Halpert, one of the most influential gallerists in United States history. She was revolutionary as she championed artists who were also African American, Jewish, Japanese American, self-taught or another marginalized identity. And she celebrated their works during controversial times, from World War II (when the US government interned people of Japanese descent) to the McCarthy era.

The New York museum’s permanent collection is a mix of modern and contemporary art alongside traditional works, such as cases to hold the Torah. New York’s Jewish Museum also holds a world-class collection of menorahs, including one carved from wood stolen from factories in a concentration camp.

Regardless of your background or religion, the Jewish Museum in NYC is an excellent add to an art lover’s list.

How to visit the Jewish Museum

Address: 1109 5th Avenue at 92nd Street, New York City
Hours: Thursday 11am – 8pm, Friday – Tuesday 11am – 5:45pm. Closed Wednesdays.
Admission: $8-18. Children 18 and under, as well as active duty military and their families, are always free.
Special admission days: The Jewish Museum is free to visit on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Know, though, that its audio guides are unavailable on Saturdays.
Nearby public transportation: 6 train

Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum

The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum isn’t technically a hands-on children museum, but it’s one of the most engaging museums for children (and adults!) I’ve seen.

First of all, this New York museum’s displays are so varied that every room offers a surprise. From a piece of oversized light bulbs filled with moving mechanical butterflies to a room where visitors can design and display their own wallpaper, the Cooper Hewitt is never dull.

I can’t believe I hadn’t ever visited, or really heard of, the Cooper Hewitt until my most recent trip to New York City. I can’t help but be disappointed in all those years I missed this innovative and thought-provoking museum.

How to visit the Cooper Hewitt

Address: 2 East 91st Street, New York City
Hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm. Saturday 10am – 7pm. Sunday 10am – 6pm.
Admission: $9-18 ($2 off your ticket if you buy online). Children 18 and under are always free. $10 tickets for people with disabilities.
Special admission days: Saturdays are pay as you wish from 6 – 9pm.
Nearby public transportation: 4, 5 and 6 trains

Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian

Lower Manhattan is not exactly off the beaten path—Battery Park, the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero draw thousands of visitors each day—but tourists rarely visit the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian. That’s a shame for them, but nice for you: You’ll be able to explore the artifacts, dress and art of North America’s Native Americans without fighting any crowds.

This off the beaten path museum highlights different tribes and cultures, showing the variety of clothes, pottery, beadwork, paintings and sculpture from across North America. The museum also addresses head-on the history of violence against Native Americans.

I appreciated the hands-on digital displays alongside some pieces. My kids would love playing with the touch screen in front of a traditional outfit. And downstairs, the imagiNATION Activity Center invites kids to dive in to Native American culture and design. Kids can pretend to kayak, build a bridge by weaving together ropes and build an igloo with blocks.

The museum building itself, the Alexander Hamilton Customs Building, is breathtaking, too. I spent almost as much time admiring the building’s intricate details as I did immersing myself in Native American craftsmanship.

How to visit the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian

Address: 1 Bowling Green, New York City
Hours: 10am – 5pm, Thursdays open until 8pm
Admission: Free
Nearby public transportation: 4, 5, J, Z, R and W trains

New York City Fire Museum

History buffs and kids alike find a lot to love about the New York City Fire Museum. This off the beaten path museum in Soho has filled an old fire station with artifacts and memorabilia of fire fighters dating from when the city was still called New Amsterdam, not New York.

Antique fire engines, lanterns and other gear fill entire rooms. Old posters give visitors a sense of how fire fighters fit into a city much different from today’s—for example, I learned about fires and other emergencies in the city’s Five Points neighborhood, near modern-day Chinatown and the Lower East Side.

I loved the second floor’s parade fire engines, which fire fighting brigades would proudly ride down the street during city celebrations. Clearly, New York loved its fire fighters long before their sacrifices on 9/11.

Speaking of which, the New York Fire Museum also has a memorial for fire fighters who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers. The memorial, covered in photos of those who were killed, was overwhelmingly emotional. If you visit the New York Fire Museum with kids, decide ahead of time how you’ll address this history with your children.

If you’re curious to learn more, read my full post on the New York Fire Museum here.

How to visit the New York Fire Museum

Address: 278 Spring Street, New York City
Hours: 10am – 5pm daily.
Admission: $5-10
Special admission: Free for active and retired military, and active and retired members of FDNY/NYPD/DSNY/PANYNJ 
Nearby public transportation: 1, C and E trains

Museum of the City of New York

This New York museum is along Museum Mile, but it’s not on the beaten path by a long shot. The Museum of the City of New York is just up the street from the Met and the Guggenheim but gets way fewer visitors.

That’s too bad, because this underrated museum is so cool.

On a recent visit, the museum hosted an exhibit on the puppets of New York, from Sesame Street characters to larger-than-life puppets from the city’s Halloween parades.

My favorite section of the museum was a photography exhibit showcasing how the city has changed over the decades. The black and white photos showed neighborhoods that looked as if they’d been bombed, graffiti-covered subways and block parties for famous musicians. I couldn’t stop thinking of those photos for the rest of my trip. It’s incredibly how much New York has transformed.

How to visit the Museum of the City of New York

Address: 1220 5th Avenue, New York City (at 103rd Street)
Hours: Friday – Sunday, 10 – 6.
Admission: $14-20. People 19 and under enter free.
Nearby public transportation: 6 train at 103rd, 2/3 trains at 110th Street/Central Park North

El Museo del Barrio

Just one block away from the Museum of the City of New York, El Museo del Barrio is absolutely worth a stop. El Museo was founded as a counterweight to the privilege of white male artists who dominate traditional fine arts museums.

In El Museo, you’ll find exhibits that center artists of Latin American descent. It also makes an effort to highlight queer and other voices traditionally left out of fine arts circles.

On a given visit, you’ll see paintings and sculptures, just as you would in most other museums. El Museo also curates video, installation, and unconventional pieces. Recently, we saw sculpted bags of Takis, paintings decorated like quinceañera cakes and a wall covered in shredded paper as if it were a giant piñata.

How to visit El Museo del Barrio

Address: 1230 5th Avenue, New York City
Hours: Friday – Sunday 11-5
Admission: $5-9 suggested admission. Children 12 and under enter free.
Special admission days: Members of the Whitney get free admission.
Nearby public transportation: 6 train at 103rd, 2/3 trains at 110th Street/Central Park North

The most underrated museums in NYC

These unique, non-touristy museums in NYC probably won’t be on most visitors’ itineraries—which makes them even more appealing in my book. These unusual things to do in NYC are underrated not because they’re not worth visiting but because they’re off the beaten path.

That makes you want to go to these New York museums even more, doesn’t it?!

When you visit—whether you go on museum free days or pay full admission—let me know how you like them. And definitely give me the heads up of which New York museums or other unique things to do in NYC I should check out on my next trip!

The post Full guide to unusual New York museums: Unique things to do in NYC appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

This small, little known museum makes for a quick visit. The Fire Museum takes you back in history to when New York was still ruled by gangs, and fire fighting was a for-profit business. Then it takes you up to the current day with an emotional exhibit on 9/11.

If you have kids who are at all interested in fire fighters, you simply have to include this on your list of things to do in New York with kids. (My nephew just outgrew his obsession with emergency response vehicles, but he would have loved this quirky New York museum.)

And honestly, I think most kids would enjoy the New York City Fire Museum. Although they won’t be able to slide down a fire pole (#LifeGoals), they can dress up in fire fighter gear and check out the carriages that evolved into the fire trucks we know so well today.

So, if you’re looking for off the beaten path things to do in New York with your kids, mark the Fire Museum on your map.

What you’ll see at the New York City Fire Museum

The New York City Fire Museum takes up two floors of a former fire station in Soho. And just about every square inch of this quirky museum in NYC is filled with fire fighter artifacts, gear, patches and historical photos.

One of my favorite parts of the Fire Museum was seeing how fire fighting carriages eventually turned into cars. The different designs, from how they pumped water to how they sprayed the hose, were fascinating to see.

Anyone who likes steampunk or antiques will also fall in love with all the old fire fighting gear. The craftsmanship of the old lanterns, bells, clocks and medals sure beat out what we can buy today.

Typed explanations throughout the museum provide snippets of history, and how New York’s fire fighters fit into that past.

Level 10 travel tip: The Fire Museum is only one block away from the Color Factory, an interactive exhibit that celebrates color and creativity.

9/11 memorial at the New York City Fire Museum

Set apart from the main sections of the Fire Museum, a 9/11 memorial marks the sacrifice of the city’s fire fighters during the 9/11 attacks and the recovery that followed. I appreciated how the memorial had its own room, somewhat separate from the museum, for a few reasons. Firstly, the 9/11 memorial is an incredibly emotional, somber place. I was glad to have some privacy from the excitement and cool factor of the rest of the museum.

Secondly, not all parents will feel ready to take their kids to the 9/11 memorial. Having the memorial slightly tucked away enables parents’ choice of when and how to discuss the terrorist attacks with their children.  

I went into the 9/11 memorial at the Fire Museum on my own. I took the time to look at the portraits of the fire fighters who died that day, feeling overcome by sadness. I imagined all the people these fire fighters left behind, and the people they helped save.

The memorial itself is covered with their faces. The memorial has two rectangular gaps—absent of the towers that used to stand in Lower Manhattan.

Photographs from 9/11 and the days that followed fill one wall—from the plane hitting the World Trade Center Tower to the dust-covered faces of fire fighters to the funerals of those who didn’t make it out.

The New York City Fire Museum 9/11 memorial brought me back all those years to when I woke up to the news of the attacks. If you’d like to pay your respects to everyone who died on 9/11, and to honor the many people who survived and helped the rescue and recovery efforts, I recommend you visit the 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan. The enormous—and enormously emotional—memorial stands in Ground Zero.

Level 10 travel tip: You may be more emotionally affected by the national 9/11 Memorial than you expect—I sure was. I ended up ugly crying on a bench next to the memorial. Don’t plan on breezing by the memorial—expect to need some time transitioning to your next activity. And be prepared to answer questions from your kids.

One of New York City’s unusual museums

While you’re in NYC, you’ll definitely want to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Museum of Natural History. I love each of those New York museums, and I make a point to visit them every time I go to NYC.

It’s also fun to find some of the city’s little known museums, like the New York City Fire Museum. This small museum is sort of like a kids’ meal: Just the right amount for a child’s appetite or, in this case, attention span. You won’t need to take tons of snack breaks or bribe them to go see your favorite painting; your kids will be able to make their way through this entire off the beaten path museum in one go.

So if you’re visiting New York City with kids, definitely put the Fire Museum on your list of things to do.

Is there someone you know who would want to visit this unusual museum in New York City? I’d love for you to share this post with them so we can all have more unique experiences in NYC. Thank you!

The post New York City Fire Museum: Off the beaten path NYC with kids appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

If that’s you—and you want unique things to do in Boston than the usual guide book tips—you’ve come to the right place.

When I recently traveled to Boston, I wanted fun things to do, of course. But I also wanted to shake up Boston a little bit. Yes, it’s one of the oldest cities in the US. That means it has plenty of history—and plenty of weird things hidden in plain sight!

So if you’re hoping for non-touristy things to do in Boston, I got you. Read on for my top 9 picks.

This post may contain affiliate links. When you click and purchase, I earn a small income at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting To & Fro Fam!

1.The Boston Mapparium: A hidden gem

When I recently went to Beantown, close to no one I spoke to had ever heard of the Mapparium—yet it was one of my favorite non-touristy things to do in Boston. Within the Mary Baker Eddy Library, the building named after the founder of the Christian Science Monitor, this breathtaking and unique destination draws off-the-beaten-path visitors looking for hidden gems.

The Mapparium is a spherical room made from stained glass. It depicts the world as it was in 1935. As you walk through the inside of the globe, you’ll see most of Africa still ruled by colonial powers, and the Soviet Union sprawling across Eurasia.

The guided tour takes about 20 minutes and includes an audio presentation when you’re inside the globe. The Mary Baker Eddy Library is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm, and these unique tours cost $6 for adults. Kids five and under are free.

My girls weren’t with me on this trip to Boston, but I’ll definitely bring them to the Mapparium when we travel to Beantown together!

2. Odd and creepy Warren Anatomical Museum

The small but definitely non-touristy collection of odd medical artifacts shows just how far medicine has evolved. So if you’re looking to explore Boston off the beaten path, put this on your itinerary.

The Warren Anatomical Museum, which includes a handful of glass cases within the Harvard Medical School, only takes about a half-hour to see. And it’s not a great thing to do in Boston if you’re squeamish: The collection houses specimens that doctors used to teach students about conditions like degenerative bone disease. It also includes tools that used to be standard in medical procedures (along with descriptions of how they were used—shudder).

If you’re nearby and like TV shows like CSI or House, you’ll definitely want to visit the Warren Anatomical Museum.

3. The non-touristy Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Visiting the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum was one of the highlights of my entire Boston trip. This non-touristy Boston attraction bears little resemblance to all the other art museums you’ve ever visited.

Isabella Stewart Gardner was a wealthy socialite who collected art, furniture, sculpture and much more across the globe. Then she built a palace, which became the museum, to house it all. Unlike most museums, much of the Gardner Museum is staged as rooms aristocrats might have used, with priceless paintings hung on walls and ornate furniture filling its floors. Some rooms even have a tea service laid out, as if Boston’s rich and famous were about to waltz in and ask for a slice of coffeecake.

The Gardner Museum’s real gem is the Courtyard. At the center of the palace, an elaborate garden filled with palms and other exotic plants blooms. Fountains, sculptures and other art are sprinkled throughout the garden. As you wander the museum, peek out the windows throughout the four floors, which give you new perspectives on the courtyard below.

Find lodging in the neighborhood you want by searching here:

4. Relax on the Charles River

Of all the non-touristy things to do in Boston, hanging out on the Charles River is the one recommendation locals enjoy the most. On a summer evening, I took a run along the Charles River Esplanade—and it seemed as if half of Boston was out with me!

The Charles River separates Boston from Cambridge, and bike and running paths run its length. If you really want to go local in Boston, you should sunbathe on the many docks, visit pop-up beer gardens that sometimes open here, or—best of all—bring a hammock to relax between some trees.

As you explore these different things to do in Boston, you’ll probably want to do and see the most famous spots, too. Get all the details with a Boston guide book.

5. Eat a donut ice cream sandwich

What’s better than a donut? A donut cut in half and filled with ice cream, that’s what!

When you’re looking for the best things to do in Boston, don’t overlook a trip to Blackbird Doughnuts. Yes, their donuts are delicious, but the real star is the donut ice cream sandwich. You get to choose whichever donut strikes your fancy (I went for the chocolate with sprinkles one), then magically turn it into the most extravagant dessert-breakfast you’ve ever had.

If you want even more delicious ideas—and really, who wouldn’t?!—don’t miss my post on the best places to eat in Boston.

6. Explore Boston’s spooky side

Boston has some grisly history. Yes, it was home to the Boston Strangler; the city also gave rise to the serial killer nicknamed the Angel of Death. Even if totally creepy crime history isn’t your thing, exploring Boston’s graveyards deserves a spot on the best non-touristy things to do in Boston.

Since this colonial city is more than a century older than the United States, it has plenty of history. And there were plenty of dead people who needed to get buried. For example, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground is the second-oldest cemetery in the city, and roughly 11,000 people were interred in this tiny scrap of land.

Level 10 travel tip: If you make it to Copp’s Hill, keep an eye out for the narrowest home in Boston. Nicknamed a spite house, legends say the original owner built such a skinny home to block light to its neighbors.

If you’re looking for more ways to explore Boston’s creepy side, read my review of the Boston Ghosts and Gravestones tour.

7. Boston Public Library

Libraries aren’t usually at the list of top unique things to do in Boston, or any other city, for that matter. But the main location of the Boston Public Library, located across the street from Copley Square, is a must-visit stop.

Travelers looking for free things to do in Boston will be super-pleased here. You can pause in its gorgeous courtyard, check out the installation art that mimics the city’s skyline with books, or drink a cup of coffee while the local public radio records a show in the middle of its Newsfeed Cafe.

If you’re looking to deepen your experience of Boston off the beaten path attractions, you can always sip a cocktail or have high tea at one of the Boston Public Library‘s restaurants. Take a peek at my post on the best Boston restaurants for a more in-depth take on these unusual spots!

8. Find your favorite story at Brattle Books

When you’re walking the Freedom Trail, take a detour to Brattle Book Shop. This independent bookstore is full of three stories of used and antique books, as well as vintage post cards and other old bric a brac.

My favorite part of this book store, though, are the murals in the empty lot next to the shop. You might not find what you’re looking for inside the book store, but you’ll definitely recognize some of the larger than life titles in the murals.

9. Smoots on the Harvard Bridge

What’s a smoot, you ask? The better question is who is a smoot!

The Harvard Bridge, aka the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge, is measured in feet—but also in “smoots,” after Oliver Smoot. He was an MIT student and, as a totally weird prank, he and his fraternity brothers measured the length of this bridge by how many Smoots it would take lying end-to-end to cross it. The answer: 364.4 smoots!

When you cross this bridge, which connects Boston’s Back Bay to Cambridge, you’ll see numbers on the asphalt every so often. These colorful numbers mark the number of smoots from that part of the bridge.

Fill your itinerary with different things to do in Boston

When I travel, I of course like to see the sights and do the activities that are likely on everyone’s itinerary. But I also like to stray off the beaten path to find different things to do—you know, the adventures that surprise people when you talk about your vacation.

That’s why I’m so excited to have shared this list of fun—and weird—things to do in Boston. I’m betting there are at least a few recommendations that you’ve never heard of. Am I right??!

So whether you’re traveling to Boston for just a day or much longer, put at least a few of these unique destinations on your list of things to do. You definitely won’t be disappointed!

And while you’re researching all the fun things to do in Boston, don’t forget to figure out where you’re staying. Compare locations and prices so you find a budget-friendly hotel in a neighborhood you like.

While you’re in the neighborhood, why not check out Boston’s sister city across the river? Find even more to do with these offbeat things to do and see in Cambridge!

The post Top 9 non-touristy things to do in Boston: Stray off the beaten path! appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Luckily for you and me, my blogger community delivered. They shared the best Boston restaurants for budgets as well as deep pockets. They shared what to eat in Boston from breakfast through post-dinner dessert. And you have it all here: a guide of the best restaurants in Boston, complete with drool-worthy photos!

So if you’re planning Boston travel, make sure to pin, save or bookmark this post. When you’re hungry, you’ll be so glad you already know where to eat in Boston.

The best restaurants in Boston

When you’re traveling, you work up a hearty appetite. You want good food. You also don’t want to waste time wandering (on the street or across internet review sites).

So whether you’re ready to eat now or you’re planning your next Boston vacation, you’re going to love these restaurant recommendations.

Without further ado, please feast your eyes on the best restaurants in Boston, picked by a whole bunch of food-loving travel bloggers!

Best breakfast in Boston

Mike & Patty’s

Good for: breakfast sandwiches alllll day long

Within easy walking distance of the Common, but still tucked away on a quiet residential street, you’ll find Mike & Patty’s. It’s a tiny sandwich shop that almost always has a line out the door on the weekends, but don’t let that scare you away. Service here is pretty quick, and the food is incredible. 

Mike & Patty’s is known for its all-day breakfast sandwiches. Everything from the eggs (which are to die for, by the way) to the coffee is locally sourced. They have plenty of vegetarian options, and even recently added an Impossible Burger to the lunch menu!

My favorite menu item, though, is hands down their famous Fancy ($9). The Fancy comes with two fried eggs, bacon, cheese, avocado, red onions, and house mayo on the most perfect multigrain bread. If you’re looking for a grab-and-go, reasonably priced, locally made breakfast/brunch in central Boston, look no further, my friends.

Kaisa is a Colorado-based budget outdoor adventure blogger at Glam Granola Travel, who loves national parks and craft beer.

Tatte Bakery & Café 

Good for: for coffee, all-day breakfast, pastries and lunch

If walking around Boston has gotten you hungry and needing a caffeine fix, Tatte Bakery & Café is the place to go. Luckily there are several locations in the Boston, Cambridge and Brookline areas to serve up the most delicious coffee, pastries and more!

Tatte’s owner Tzurit Oz started her love for baking right in her home selling sweet delights at local farmers markets. She soon realized that she wanted to offer that home away from home feel in her own bakery and café and opened up Tatte’s first location in 2007.

Each Tatte Bakery & Café has its own unique personality welcoming you in to cool off on a hot day of exploring or a cozy place to escape the cold. You can taste her passion for baking and the high-quality ingredients in each bite! On top of having the tastiest pastries, Tatte has an assortment of breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads and bowls that look mouthwatering. I only wish I had time to try all of them!

Luckily for breakfast lovers, Tatte serves breakfast all day. On Friday, Saturday and Sundays a brunch menu offers more options that will start your day off with plenty of satisfaction. The latte that I sipped might be one of the best I’ve had in ages and will keep me coming back on my next visit to Boston.

Vanessa Shields is a San Diego based adventure travel blogger who has a serious addiction to travel, photography and scuba diving. Follow along on her travels at Traveling Ness.

Best lunch in Restaurants in Boston

Time Out Market

Good for: finding 15 of the city’s best chefs under one roof

On June 27, 2019, the long-awaited Time Out Market opened in Fenway’s historic Landmark Center, originally built in 1929 as a Sears, Roebuck and Company warehouse and distribution center. The warehouse was closed in 1988, and the building sat vacant for years before it was converted to an office-and-retail complex in 2000. The Market now occupies a 25,000-square-foot space that was vacated by Best Buy in 2014. 

The variety of vendors can make it difficult to decide what to eat, but you really can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. The food options run the gamut from vegan tacos at MC Kitchen to juicy grass-fed beef patties at Craigie Burger, so there is truly something for everyone. The two bars located at opposite ends of the food hall serve up local beers, wine, signature cocktails and mocktails, and kombucha. In addition to the indoor communal tables, there is an outdoor patio and green space, perfect for enjoying a scoop (or two, or three) of Sicilian Pistachio from Gelato & Chill.

Candice Bryan lives in NYC and blogs about her food and travel adventures at Can With A Plan.

By CHLOE

Good for: vegans and everyone wanting a healthy-plant based lunch in Boston 

A healthy and affordable meal in Boston can easily be found at by CHLOE at one of three Boston locations: Seaport, Fenway and Back Bay. If you didn’t know better you would never guess everything is vegan! By Chloe—which stylizes its name as “by CHLOE,” is 100% vegan, meaning the menu is free of meat, dairy and egg products. Their food also contains no saturated animal fats, cholesterol, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

Even the most picky eaters will find something on the menu, which offers fresh delicious pesto “meatballs” and cashew “mozzarella;” spicy seitan “chorizo” tacos; and creamy macaroni and cashew “cheese” with smoked shiitakes that are surprisingly a great bacon substitute. They even offer dairy-free push-up popsicles and vegan daily-baked sweets. For those in a hurry you will find plenty of options at the Grab and Go section including cold pressed juices. 

For those on a budget the combo meal is the way to go.  For just $13.95 you get your choice of burger, fries and a drink. For just $1.50 you can add or cookie or soup for $2.50. In downtown Boston this is a bargain! If you want to try something different than what you can find everywhere else then add by CHLOE to the list. I highly recommend the guacamole burger and fries dipped in yummy beet ketchup. 

Melissa Nance is cancer survivor and blogger. Together with her husband, they are trying to see as much of the world as they can on a budget traveling in an RV and abroad. Follow along at Penny Pinching Globetrotter. 

Boston Burger Company

Good for: burgers with attitude and frappes that will blow your mind

This Boston Burger Company menu tempts with burger creations Green Monstah (think guacamole) or Kitchen Sink (think fried egg and everything else). 

Don’t forget to order dessert! The #freakfrappe offerings are equally hard to resist. Each extra-large shake is an artistic masterpiece. The Churro-ly We Can Taco About It caramel shake is chocked full of churros, choco tacos, and cinnamon toast crunch. The Red, White, and Boom shortbread frappe is riddled with berry candies, blueberry cheesecake, Swedish Fish, and rock candy.  Even the seemingly typical Oreo Frappe is nothing but typical with an Oreo garnish and crushed Oreo rim. 

I enjoyed the patio seating on Bolyston Street near Fenway Park, but it was to the delight of the passerby who couldn’t help but gaze at the incredible sight set in front of me. Best enjoyed by two and on an empty stomach!

Alicia Rovey is President of the All Fifty Club, a network for people who have or who want to visit all 50 states of the USA.

Bar Boulud

Good for: dog-friendly dining

Louie Vuitton, the French Bulldog, has dined all over the world but one of his favorite restaurants is right here in Massachusetts. Bar Boulud is the Boston outpost of celebrity chef Daniel Boulud, and this Boston restaurant has a prime location on the ground floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Dogs are allowed to dine with their humans on the seasonal terrace along Boylston Street. The waitstaff loves canine guests and will be happy to provide a fresh bowl of water for your pup.

Humans can enjoy a wide range of cocktails and wines. Bar Boulud’s menu features a mix of traditional French and local New England cuisine. Louie always begs for a bite of the “Frenchie,” a burger topped with pork belly confit and raclette cheese. You can find sandwiches like the “Frenchie” on the lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus. Bar Boulud also offers breakfast seven days a week. 

Jenna Emmons created Dog Friendly Travel to show people how easy it is to travel with a pet. Her Muse is Louie Vuitton, a 5-year-old French Bulldog. They have visited ten different countries together.

Pho Pasteur

Good for: those chilly Boston days when you’re looking for something a little different than clam chowder 

Ironically situated in Boston’s Chinatown district, this Vietnamese restaurant in Boston is a favorite haunt of those seeking a steaming hot bowl of heaven. While the menu at Pho Pasteur includes several pages of appetizers, salads, and other traditional Vietnamese food items, the quintessential dish you need to order is a large bowl of pho.

Thinly sliced meat, loads of green veggies and thin noodles all swim in a deep vat of rich, brown broth that tastes like it’s been simmering for days. Along with the oversized bowl that can potentially feed a small army, you’re presented with some “extra” toppings: bean sprouts, basil, and lime. Add liberally and top with a few squirts from the ever-present bottle of Sriracha.

The complexity of the pho is thankfully offset by the inexpensive price tag. Don’t be fooled by the simple and out-of-date décor – Pho Pasteur is the perfect place to pop in for scrumptious traditional Vietnamese dishes as a pick-me-up on those bone-chilling Boston days.

Rachelle Gordon is the writer behind Adventure is Never Far Away and constantly strives to push others to have adventures in their everyday lives, no matter where they are. 

Boston Public Library Courtyard Tea Room

The Boston Public Library isn’t the first place you’d think of having a cocktail or indulging in high tea but get prepared for a surprise, actually two. The entrance is one of the most modest in the National Historic Registry site. Follow signs on the main floor just right of the entrance.

A tale of two teas begins as you enter the Map Room. The first room opens into dark splendor punctuated by the glow of Edison bulb fixtures. This is a more casual spot for afternoon tea or tippling than the Courtyard Tea Room.

The Map Room’s vaulted ceiling and walls are lined with bricks and massive maps hang above burnished metal tables. The centerpiece bar features literary-themed cocktails like Tequila Mockingbird, Catcher in the Rye, and the Dorian Gray. Each is inspired by the books or features spirits favored by the authors. The room is open for Afternoon Tea Fri., Sat. 11:30 am–4:45 pm Sun. 1:00 pm–4:45 pm Bar Wed., Thurs. 3:00 pm–9:00 pm. 

You can also follow the light into a more rarefied ambiance just beyond the corner archway. The elegant Courtyard Tea Room overlooks the Italianate courtyard through tall atrium windows. Luxurious afternoon teas are served in a formal setting beneath chandeliers, in a room filled with white, burnished silver, and teal accents.

The delicious tea sandwiches are small works of art and served with a first-course salad or gazpacho (in summer). Tiny sweets fill the second tier of the serving tray with small, round scones on the top accompanied by jars of lemon curd, marmalade. and butter.

It’s more affordable than other high teas in Boston but not a budget experience. Still, make memories here in the busy Back Bay neighborhood, enjoy a special date or girlfriend’s rendezvous over tea.

Open during Library hours: Wed.–Sat. 11:30 am–5:00 pm and Sun. 1:00 pm–5:00 pm Reservations are highly suggested.

Elaine Masters is a boomer blogger/freelance travel writer and videographer on a mindful mission to help gals and their pals go easy, travel well. Follow along at Trip Well Gal.

Dig Inn

Good for: healthy and quick bowls

When I’m traveling, I usually want just a quick lunch—after all, I want to maximize my time for exploring a new place. The same went for my time in Boston, so Dig Inn was the ideal spot for lunch in Boston!

Dig Inn specializes in healthy bowls for vegans, vegetarians and omnivores alike. You can order one of their signature bowls or create your own. Then you choose from a handful of sauces, from pesto to a garlicky aioli.

Whatever you do—and whatever your dietary preferences—do yourself a favor and get both the vegan Cashew Kale Caesar as well as the roasted, crispy cauliflower. I could have eaten a giant bowl of just those two by themselves!

With four locations of local Dig Inn restaurants, it’s easy to eat a healthy lunch in Boston.

Best dinner restaurants in Boston

Union Oyster House

Good for: oysters with a side of history

Union Oyster House on Boston’s Union Street has been serving diners since 1826, making it the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States. Now that’s quite a claim! 

The building housing the Union Oyster House looks remarkably similar to the photos of the location in times past: wood paneling, low ceilings, narrow stairs—and lots of charm. 

The restaurant boasts tons of New England history.  The first newspaper in the United States was published on the upper floors where a future king of France also taught French. Daniel Webster ate there almost daily when he was in town. He is rumored to have downed whiskey and oysters at the circular bar. In more recent times the Kennedy clan patronized this Boston restaurant; in fact, one spot displays a plaque declaring it the “Kennedy Booth.”

As is the case with all the best Boston restaurants, it’s all about the food! The Union Oyster House specializes in seafood with a focus on oysters, as you might guess from its name. You can sit at the circular bar by the entrance, watch staff shuck oysters expertly and down the tasty tidbits with a mug of ice-cold local craft beer. And all at reasonable prices.

The bottom line: When in Boston, check out the Union Oyster House for the history as well as the food. 

Talek Nantes is an author and the founder of the travel blog, Travels with Talek, where she shares travel tips, advice and inspiration to help travelers create their own unique travel experiences. 

The Warren Tavern

Good for: refueling for your Freedom Trail walk

In the Charlestown section of Boston is one of the oldest dining establishments in Massachusetts, the Warren Tavern. Built in 1780, this tavern was visited my many of our founding fathers, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere. The low ceilings and large wooden beams make it immediately apparent that this is a historic place.

But the Warren Tavern offers more than just history, it also serves some tasty food. Like any self-respecting restaurant in Boston, there is always a selection of fresh and local oysters on the menu along with a highly rated clam chowder. Classic tavern fare includes burgers, wings and shepherd’s pie. Being a bar, there are plenty of good beers and ciders on tap.

While the tavern isn’t technically on the Freedom Trail, many visitors opt to add this stop at some point in order to refuel and experience history through one of our country’s most historic restaurants.

Wendy Lee writes for Empty Nesters Hit The Road, a website dedicated to inspiring couples 50+ to travel more.

Toro

Good for: delicious paella and Spanish tapas

When you need a break from the crowded streets of the North End and Seaport District, head to the South End for some of Boston’s best kept secrets. One of those is Toro, a Spanish tapas restaurant serving Barcelona-inspired hot and cold tapas.

Created by James Beard award-winning chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette, you’re bound to have an incredible meal. The intimate space does not accept reservations for dinner, so be prepared to arrive early and wait for a table. You can also put your name in at the bar for the first available seats. Don’t be deterred by the wait, as Toro is well worth it!

Start with a glass of wine or craft cocktail while perusing the menu. The star of the show is the Paella Valenciana and is an absolute must. Don’t even think about going to Toro and not ordering it! The dish is made for two and you’ll need to allow at least 30 minutes for preparation.

In the meantime, sit back, relax and enjoy a few tapas dishes. If on the menu, order the Brussels Sprouts. I’ve never tasted better sprouts. Seafood lovers will enjoy the garlic shrimp, and you can’t go wrong with marinated olives and Marcona almonds. Overall, this is one of my favorite restaurants in Boston!

Jen is an adventurer at heart, blogging at Fit & Fun Travel. She is passionate about health and fitness and strives to incorporate exercise and clean eating into travel.

Fuji at Inkblot

Good for: seriously decadent sushi

Sushi topped with gold flakes is not what I was expecting when I stepped into Fuji at Inkblot, but there it was, and according to the waiter it was one of the best things on the menu. 

The menu includes a wide array of sushi and hot dishes including a variety of fried rices and my favorite of the night, the soy glazed ribs. Everything that came to our table got top marks. The service was quick and attentive; the diners were subdued and quiet, too. 

Overall it was an excellent meal at a Boston restaurant and one I would revisit the next time I’m in town. If sushi topped with gold is too fancy for what you’re looking for, don’t worry: They have regular, unadorned sushi right on the other side of the menu. 

Fuji at Inkblot is a good choice for a date night, or any occasion when you want a nice dinner restaurant in Boston, and you want to hear your companions.

Roshida Dowe is an expat, avid traveler, and adult gap year coach, blogging at Shida’s on the Loose.  

Scopa 

Good for: delicious Italian pasta and pizza, without the long waits of some of its neighbors.  

Scopa is a great choice for dinner in the center of Boston’s North End, directly across Hannover Street from Mike’s Pastry. We first ended up at Scopa by default when the restaurant we planned to eat at had a 52 person wait at 7 pm on a Saturday night. Scopa had a table available in its 22 seat space, and we were seated immediately. While the convenience got us in the door, the food is why we’ll return.  

Start your meal with fiche gratinati, roasted figs rolled with guanciale and goat cheese, rosemary, honey, and balsamic vinegar. The three-portion serving ($12) is a great way to begin your evening, especially alongside the complimentary bread freshly prepared in the brick pizza oven. 

While the pizzas ($12-15) are nicely prepared in the brick oven as well, the pastas ($20-28) are even better. The portions are not huge but are well-prepared. The mostly Italian wine list is reasonably priced. Like many other North End Boston restaurants, Scopa doesn’t serve dessert; enjoy a coffee or another glass of wine while you keep an eye on the line across the street at Mike’s Pastry.  Then pick up dessert there or down the street at Modern Pastry, depending on your cannoli preferences . . . or try one of each!

Amy M. Gardner and her husband, Keith R. Sbiral, are Chicago-based certified career development and transition coaches who share travel and photography tips through their website, Red Dot Blue Dot.         

Giacomo’s Ristorante

Good for: authentic Italian

Giacomo’s Ristorante is one of the top Italian restaurants in Boston for a good reason. Only open for dinner, the food is delicious and has an authentic feel in an intimate setting. Because Giacomo’s offers such a small dining area, you’ll often see patrons lining up starting around 4-4:30 in order to ensure they are in the first round of seating.

I personally love spicy food, so I recommend any of their pastas with the fra diavolo sauce, but there are several sauce options to choose from. We went with some shrimp over linguine which was excellent; it’s so flavorful and filling for a reasonable price.

If you’re going with a group to this Boston Italian restaurant, I recommend buying a few plates and eating family style to really get a chance to try all the amazing combinations Giacomo’s has to offer. The most famous flagship restaurant is in Boston’s North End, but most people don’t know that there is a second South End restaurant tucked away in Back Bay, with slightly smaller crowds. I recommend stopping in the South End, but you really can’t go wrong either way. Just be prepared to come hungry!

Danielle Schleig is a beer enthusiast, avid hiker, and bookworm traveling throughout the US 50 states and beyond! Find her at Wanderlust While Working.

O Ya 

Good for: the most special of occasions

Boston is justly famous for its casual restaurant and cheap eats. But sometimes a bowl of clam chowder or a dive bar won’t do. Sometimes you want to take someone out for dinner and really go for broke. On those occasions, O Ya is the perfect place to go.

O Ya is owned by Boston native Tim Cushman and his wife Nancy. It is regularly ranked not only as one of the best sushi restaurants in Boston but also one of the top sushi restaurants in the country. It’s necessary to reserve well in advance because of this Boston restaurant’s small size. Most people are seated at tables, but solo diners will probably be placed at the chef’s counter where you can watch all the action.

You can order sushi a la carte, but they have many other Japanese options like soba noodles and vegetable or egg dishes.

However, if you’re really looking to splurge, get the 17 course omakase (chef’s choice) menu. The chef will present you with a dizzying array of creative dishes from king crab to cobia with banana pepper to spinach and caviar with plankton butter. Just go easy with the wine pairings! They can give up to eight full glasses of wine, which is more than enough for one person.

Stella Jane specializes in writing humorous 24 hour travel itineraries, which she shares at Around the World in 24 Hours.

Shojo

Good for: modern Asian tapas

Shojo is located right in the center of Chinatown in Boston, MA. Shojo sticks out in Chinatown because it has a more modern look to its building, and its menu as well!

This Boston restaurant’s menu is full of items that are perfect to share with the table. We first ordered the Kimchi Rice because we kept seeing waiters bring it out for other tables and it just looked so good. This is a huge portion of rice, so it is a great one to share with the whole table—even our kids loved it.

Another favorite that we got was the Bulgogi Beef Baos. We really had a hard time not ordering one of everything, and the portions are big so make sure to come hungry!

Try Shojo if you’re looking for a great restaurant in Boston and modern Asian cuisine. I would suggest making a reservation for dinner to avoid a wait. Also, it is worth noting that the atmosphere in the restaurant is very loud and they played some awesome music during our meal! 

While Shojo isn’t your traditional dim sum restaurant, it’s an exciting Boston restaurant with modern menu of a wide variety of options. So be sure to share with your whole table!

The Patsey family loves to travel in the United States and find the best food everywhere they visit. Follow along this family of four’s adventures at Patsey Family Travels.

Best dessert in Boston

Mike’s Pastry

Good for: the best cannolis in Boston

Founded in 1946, Mike’s Pastry is a favorite for both tourists and local Bostonians. Mike’s original location is in the historic North End of Boston on Hanover Street. However, they recently opened second and third locations in Cambridge and Somerville. 

If you want to experience amazing dessert in Boston, Mike’s true Italian cannolis should be your pick. Depending on time of your visit, be prepared for a short wait as the line at Hanover Street can be out the door during peak times. But don’t let the wait scare you as they are very organized and keep the line moving. 

While you can’t go wrong with any of the pastries including cookies, macaroons and more, the thing to order is a cannoli. They have many flavors from which to choose, but you can’t go wrong with the traditional. 

When visiting Boston, you should add Mike’s Pastry to your list of things to try—you won’t be disappointed!

Nancy Williams loves visiting new places and experiencing new things which is the foundation for her blog, Checking It Off the List.

L.A. Burdick Chocolates 

Good for: a sugar fix and a moment of escape from sightseeing and crowds

L.A. Burdick Chocolates is a calm oasis in a busy area. Located just two blocks away from the Boston Public Library, L.A. Burdick Chocolates is a chocolate shop, cafe, and bakery all rolled into one. When you walk in the lovely wooden tables, pastel colors, and brass chandelier will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to Europe.

Despite the beautiful ambience and world class chocolates, their drinks and pastries remain affordable. They have plenty of options for tea lovers, coffee lovers, and don’t forget their multiple choices of drinking chocolates!

For chocolate lovers, there are freshly made bonbons and bars of chocolates made from sustainable cacao. Treat yourself to a cake, drink, or chocolates. (I recommend the chocolate croissant and Earl Grey bonbon!)

To top it all off, L.A. Burdick Chocolates partners with the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an organization committed to conserve and protect African elephants. Ten percent of the proceeds from their elephant chocolate lines go to support the trust. L.A. Burdick Chocolates started in New Hampshire and there are now five locations across the U.S. (including another location in Cambridge), with a new Washington D.C. location opening in the fall of 2019. 

Rose Trafford operates The Compass Rose Co, where she helps people travel more easily through insider tips and miles/points hacks—and mostly stays out of trouble along the way. 

Flour Bakery + Cafe

Good for: Breakfast, lunch, pastries, and dessert 

Flour Bakery is a refuge to morning commuters and those who need a quick lunch break, but they’re also absolutely worth your time when visiting Boston. With seven locations, plus their office where they lead classes, you’re bound to be in an area where there is one. Keep in mind though, that they can be quite busy during morning and lunch hours, so try to go during an off-peak time so you can grab a table and enjoy the atmosphere (and the fantastic bakery smells) while you enjoy your meal and treats. Or, perhaps, take it to go if you’re at the Clarendon Street location and enjoy a picnic in Copley Square! 

The sandwiches and salads at this Boston bakery are made-to-order (their balsamic dressing is delicious by the way), and they have a wide array of desserts and pastries. Pictured here is their triple chocolate mousse cake, which absolutely melted in my mouth.

Flour Bakery + Cafe has everything from cakes to cupcakes, tarts to tartlettes, pies to cookies, crumb bars to macaroons, muffins to scones, croissants to sticky buns, and so much more! Let’s just say, it’s worth saving your sweet tooth for Flour—you won’t regret it! 

Kate Bispham is a virtual assistant, travel consultant and founder of New England Women Travel; find her at Detailed Journeys. 

Blackbird Doughnuts

Good for: donut ice cream sandwiches (yes that’s really a thing)

Whether you spell ’em doughnuts or donuts, or eat them for breakfast or dessert, there’s no arguing that Blackbird makes some of the best donuts in Boston. But to really step it up a notch, pick your favorite donut flavor—then have them turn it into an ice cream sandwich.

Your doughy, sprinkle-bedecked donut is cut in half and filled with a disc of delicious vanilla ice cream. They’ll even put extra sprinkles on the edge so it looks extra-pretty.

I’ve never heard of donut ice cream sandwiches before heading to Boston. So while you’re here, you do not want to miss this one-of-a-kind Boston dessert.

If, however, you’re still full from your previous meal, you can always get a baggie of mini-doughnuts. They’re adorable—and shareable—so you can taste these amazing Boston donuts without stuffing yourself.

Where to eat in Boston

Are you hungry yet? I sure am. I have half a mind to head back to Massachusetts just so I can eat at these Boston restaurants!

Do you have any recommendations not covered here? Where would be the top of your list of where to eat in Boston? Share below in the comments… unless you’ve already run to the kitchen to satisfy your cravings!

The post 21 best restaurants in Boston for breakfast, lunch, dinner + dessert appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

When I was a kid, my dad and I watched scary movies every chance we got. We formed the “Spook Club,” complete with a secret handshake and weekly scary movie screenings. So when I recently traveled to Boston, it felt like Young Me’s dream come true to go on a real-live ghost tour.

The Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour was not only majorly creepy; it was also historically accurate. I ended up learning about Boston’s dark past: serial killers, grave robbers, haunted lighthouses and more!

If you’re looking for weird things to do, this ghost tour in Boston review has all the details you need—the good, the bad, and, yes, the scary!

Ghosts and Gravestones Tour Boston: The experience

This Boston Ghost Tour starts out on the Trolley of the Doomed, an open-air trolley that takes its passengers to some of the city’s darkest spots. A totally creepy tour guide—in the full-on persona of a murdered character—gets you in the spooky spirit.

My friend Eugenia and I made the mistake/totally awesome decision to sit right in the front of the Trolley of the Doomed. Why was it a mistake? We were the closest, easiest “victims” to our tour guide.

Dressed as a murdered gravedigger, our Boston Ghost Tour guide stalked around the trolley—and at one point pulled out a gift for me: an eyeball!

Although making eye contact with a seemingly deceased, definitely crazy tour guide was risky, it made the experience a lot more fun. The cast members of the Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour all committed to their personas!

A Boston ghost graveyard tour: What to expect

On the trolley, you’ll travel to several spooky sites in Boston. Expect to get out of the trolley to walk a few blocks to each location on this Boston haunted tour.

Your tour guide will tell true stories about the grisly happenings of days gone by—and you’ll be right in the midst of where they happened!

Our tour guide was engaging—and hilarious. He got everyone involved and made us crack up with clever, and sometimes off-color, jokes.

The tour lasted an hour and 40 minutes, leaving us back where we started.

Ghosts tour in Boston: The good and the bad

The storytelling on the Ghosts and Gravestones Boston tour was terrific: We were hanging on every word, waiting to hear the end to each haunted tale. This certainly makes it one of the best ghost tours in Boston and I definitely came away a lot smarter about Boston’s history.

I noticed that one woman, who was older, had a hard time keeping up with the group as we walked from the parked Trolley of the Doomed to the haunted Boston houses and sites. To get to all the sites within the tour’s time, we walked rather quickly, and she looked worn out by the end. So I couldn’t recommend the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour to people with mobility issues.

This Boston ghost tour also doesn’t allow children under the age of 6 for clear reasons: The tour is definitely scary, and it involves a few jump scares (someone popping out unexpectedly). The company recommends that kids under 13 stay at home, and I totally agree. I wouldn’t have felt comfortable bringing littles or pre-teens in part because of suggestive and grisly jokes, as well as the occasional swear word.

Ghosts and Gravestones Tour: Boston logistics

If you’re intrigued by the idea of joining one of these ghost tours in Boston, and touring haunted sites with a murdered gravedigger, here are the details you need:

• You’ll need to make a reservation for most haunted tours in Boston. On the weeknight I went on the tour, two of the three tours were sold out. You can buy Ghosts and Gravestones tickets here.
• The tour leaves from Boston’s Long Wharf. Look for the Old Town Trolley Tours green and orange sign, next to Tia’s, at 200 Atlantic Ave.
• Tickets cost $42 for adults and $37 for kids 6-12. (Remember my caveat above, on who I don’t recommend the tour to). A portion of each ticket sale goes to the Boston Historic Burying Grounds Initiative, which preserves the landmarks you’ll visit on the tour.

The bottom line: I would definitely do another ghost tour in Boston! I hope my Ghosts and Gravestones Tour review helped you decide if you’re ready to be terrified on a tour—or would rather stay on the safer tourist track.

If you’re in Boston and like things off the beaten path, check out my post on weird things to do in Cambridge, too!

The post Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour review: Is This the Best Ghost Tour in Boston? appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

Yes, you’ll probably want to do the usual Cambridge activities: walking across the Longfellow Bridge, hanging out on the Harvard University library steps. But if you’re looking for something different to do in Cambridge, I got you covered.

Here, you’ll find out about a hidden rooftop garden, the secret home of a beloved childhood character and a place to see a whale skeleton as long as a bus. Intrigued? Then you’ll want to read on for weird things to do in Cambridge!

Surprising + different things to do in Cambridge

Discover a secret rooftop garden in Cambridge

I’m pretty sure you’ll agree that after a while in a big city, you want a little peace. I found just that when I stumbled across the Kendall Square Rooftop Garden in Cambridge, a few minutes’ walk from the Kendall/MIT stop on the T red line. This hidden rooftop garden is at the top of an inconspicuous parking garage, located at 4 Cambridge Center. You’ll walk (or take the elevator) up six floors until you reach the door with an R (for “roof”) on it.

When you step outside, you find yourself amid lush greenery, benches and even a ping pong table. The plants grow high enough to block much of the street traffic noise from below, so you hear more birdsong and less honking horns.

Whether you spend 5 minutes or an hour at this rooftop garden in Cambridge, you won’t regret taking the path less traveled!

Check out Cambridge street art

In the last decade, a bunch of new murals in Cambridge have popped up along Massachusetts Avenue. The most distinctive area to find Cambridge street art is Graffiti Alley, next to 565 Massachusetts Ave. A multicolored roof spans the alley (perfect for drizzly days, like the one when I was looking for different things to do in Cambridge!). The real star, of course, is the street art in Graffiti Alley.

Once you walk the alley, don’t stop. Several lovely murals are nearby, including one depicting a joyous neighborhood potluck. And if you walk up Massachusetts Avenue toward Harvard, you’ll stroll past a bunch more.

Find Winnie the Pooh’s House in Harvard

Forget the Hundred Acre Wood; according to local legend, Winnie the Pooh’s House is in Harvard.

A creative Cambridge resident installed a teeny tiny door in the trunk of a tree decades ago. That tree was eventually cut down to make room for new construction, but now Pooh’s house in Harvard is in a tree stump.

Here’s how to find it: From Harvard Yard, walk toward the Harvard Science Building. If you’re looking at the main entrance, take a left. Walk along the patio, where students hang out on sunny days, and turn right at the edge of the building. You’ll soon spy a red shingle roof next to a bike rack.

Unfortunately, Pooh’s House in Harvard has seen better days. When I visited, I was disappointed to see the door had been torn off. I sure hope someone repairs Pooh’s House soon. Where is he supposed to eat his honey?!

Make friends with fossils at the Harvard Natural History Museum

In an unassuming brick building that looks much like all the others on the Harvard campus, you’ll find thousands of beetles, several whale skeletons as long as a room and a tube full of rainbow-colored bacteria.

The Harvard Natural History Museum is more extensive than I had anticipated. What’s more, this museum in Cambridge is worth a stop even if you only see its star exhibit: the glass flowers. First thing in entering the Harvard Natural History Museum, you’ll see more than 4,000 replicas of flowers and other plants, all painstakingly crafted in glass. I am positive getting an up-close look at these insanely detailed specimens count as something different to do in Cambridge!

When you look at these works of art up close, you simply can’t tell that they’re not real. I was astounded at the detail, color and realistic precision a father-son duo created in the 1800s, all out of glass.

But don’t stop at the glass flowers! Continue on to see microorgaisms squiggling around in pond water (take a peek through the microscope yourself), dinosaur fossils, a room full of precious minerals and stones, and exhibits highlighting animals of the Northeast.

What’s more, admission to the Harvard Natural History Museum also gets you entry to the Peabody Museum, housed in the same building, which focuses on anthropology.

Wind around the Harvard Divinity School labyrinth

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Harvard Natural History Museum, you’ll find a small labyrinth. This tucked-away spot is easy to miss, but it encourages visitors to slow down and look inward as they walk its winding path. It’s not a maze—there’s no ending up in a dead end or getting “lost”—but it’s meant to take a few minutes to slowly walk through it.

Find the Harvard Divinity School labyrinth directly next to Rockefeller Hall. Look for a little secluded patio with a few tables and chairs.

Off the beaten path Cambridge, Massachusetts

If you’re going to Massachusetts and are looking for different things to do in Cambridge, you just found ‘em. After all, once you check out the usual attractions in Boston and Cambridge, you’ll be ready for a change of pace.

Did I miss anything? Have you been to Cambridge, Mass.? Please comment below!

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