Charlestown. Charlestown is really a sweet place full of quiet little tree-lined streets, fluffy cherry blossom trees, out-of-the-way side yards and patios that surprise you, intricate wooden entryways to beautiful old homes, ivy-covered brick, and lots and lots of roof decks. It’s also home to the nation’s oldest firehouse which may, in fact, also be the prettiest. As we walked by and peered inside the open bay, a kind fireman brought his sweet dogs out, plastic firefighter hats for all, and asked if Parker would like to get in the driver’s seat. Of course he did. Oldest, prettiest, and home of the nicest firefighter around.
Whenever I’m walking through a town, I wonder, “Could I live here? Would this be do-able?” When I saw the little grassy yards and quiet streets Charlestown has to offer, I thought, “Yeah, I could make this work.” Do you do that?
We walked all throughout Charlestown, marveling at the beautiful brick, the tulips in this park, the historical plaque over there. The day was in the low 60s, a jacket wasn’t necessary. Of course, Bunker Hill was on the agenda and I do believe that Steve and the kids have climbed it almost a dozen times at this point. It never gets old (to them): cannons and climbs, and views from the top.
We worked up an appetite. A ride over to the North End, a short wait outside Regina’s, and we were seated at a little booth in the back. Our no-nonsense waitress (they’re always no nonsense at Regina’s. I quite like it that way.) took our order, delivered our drinks, and shortly thereafter our two perfect pizzas. One plain for Lindsey, Parker, and I, and another with green peppers and onions for Steve and William. Conversation quieted as we filled our bellies with what I consider to be some of the most delicious pizza ever. I think I polished off five pieces in about ten minutes.
Yes! I totally wonder if I could live in the places I visit. It's so much fun! We like to pick the house that would be ours, too. I really like the "Ice Cold Wadda!!!" sign. xo
This weather has been such a treat!!
@roxanne, yes! i've done the same! and i know… that pic was so funny. between the 'wadda' and the freedom trail snaking along the right side, it was such a boston picture to me!
@liz, AGREED. a good spring for sure.
I love that you guys bring the kids on day trips! My parents used to do that with us all the time. And the North End is always the place to go for some good Italian food….we make it there quite often. You just can't beat the origional regina's pizza!
I always consider living in a place I visit too!
Love Regina's pizza! It's the best! What a fun family outing in Boston!
I love Charlestown! I grew up right outside of Boston and now live in the suburbs because I can't get my husband to live in the city. Charlestown is definitely one of those places that has a kind of whimsical magic to it that gets you thinking that it's the most perfect place to live. Although, my husband stopped listening when I picked out a brownstone on Beacon & told him we should live there. 🙂
i want to visit all of these places with you. and parker and the dog in the fire hat killllls me
Your kid is pretty cute, but I have to say the dog wearing the hat is killing me. I love it! 🙂
@meghann, i know it! the fireman brings both dogs to work and i suppose the lab is used to wearing it! he didn't try to take it off. sweet guy.
@sarah, i'm preeeeetty sure i've picked out one of those myself 🙂 though my faves are the homes along the esplanade with the big decks (almost) on the water. i'll take… THIS ONE, i say 🙂
@rachel, it's so fun to get out as a family! break up the routine!
Your pictures are always so Beautiful and inviting! Have never been to the Boston area and your pictures always make me want to come there….looks so lovely! Such sweet day outings with the family, we need to do that more often!
Parker in the firetruck is just so cute and perfect it deserves to be framed. And I could totally live in Charlestown. We might do that when we're tired of the city-living.
I love these pictures! Looks like a beautiful day. I do the same thing now that we're here in the bay area. Whenever we're up in the city, I love to daydream about being a city dweller. And how did we never eat at Regina's in the North End?! I don't even think I knew about it until after we moved!
one of my best friends is moving to Boston in the fall to start working ('cause we're graduating college!!!) and I have every intention of visiting her as much as possible. I really haven't spent much time in the northeast in general, so it's pretty the top of my to-see list in terms of the US. I got stuck on an overnight layover in Boston when I was coming back from France a couple years ago, and it really gave me a desire to see more of the city.
Parker in that truck is beyond adorable. frame worthy for sure. Boston has been on my go to list forever. beautiful photos.
Beetlejuice pants! Love them!!!
I would love to get out and explore like you do. Photograph the beautiful things in and around my city.
@dancing branflake, come! you'll love it! (but don't come in the winter!)
@kaity, a layover is not nearly enough. get er done.
@claire, moment you guys set foot back in the city, do it. it really is so good. i know there's a lot of hype around reginas pizza but hot damn, it's a worthy hype. it is delicious (i've had it at the other locations and it's not as good as when it's at the north end!)
@alice, total beetlejuice.
Dogs in fire hats and pizza, I dig it.
http://eatdrinkbemeredith.blogspot.com
I'm not even married or settled down or anything, but I definitely ask that a lot when I travel. I love seeing your pictures of Mass and the east coast. Man, it makes me miss it so much (I was there last summer for an internship and just want to graduate already so I can go back and live there!).
Such a pretty town! What a lovely day with the fam! That pizza looks delicious!
http://takealookthroughmylookingglass.blogspot.co.uk/
I love small towns like that! Pizza sounds delicious right about now 🙂
happpymedley.blogspot.com
ENTER J.Crew giftcard GIVEAWAY on the blog today!
you in those pants. yowza.
So gorgeous! That city…and your pants!! =)
xo,
Katie
hellolittlebean.com
My cousin and his wife and two boys live in a gorgeous little townhouse in Charlestown. I'll let you know if they put it on the market! 😉
I love places with history and your pictures of Charlestown make me want to visit sometime!
haha, i love that ice cold wadda sign! just too funny. and i definitely do the same thing–i'm always scoping out new towns and wondering if i could see myself living there. it's fun and maybe a bit fairytale but i like it. also, i think it helps us decide what actually matters when picking a hometown, what to appreciate, etc.
i'm going to be totally honest and just tell you that i want your hair. i think i've saved a few pictures (oops) just so i can go to my hairdresser and be like "give me!" yeah, it's pretty. just thought you should know.
xo,
kristyn
kristyn, as someone who's hair barely ever does what i want it to, you have no idea how flattered i am by this 🙂
Isn't Charlestown gorgeous? My brother lived there for years (and then moved to the North End)! Some of my favorite restaurants are in the North End – it helps that I'm insanely in love with Italian food! I love the pup at the fire station with the hat on!!! Haha
I like this Charlestown. I want to go there, and I want to go to where that pizza is, too.
Well it looks like yall had an AMAZING time! That "wadda" pic is hilarious 🙂 and your little boy looks like he's a pro at driving that truck!
-Tiffany http://www.tiffanydoten.com