Boston’s first facet is: alternative. While Salem is certainly the hub of alternative Massachusetts, the lovely gothic bar “Lolita” is the hidden gem of Boston. As the hostess leads you through the dim red lighting, ornate black chandeliers, red roses, and day of the dead skeleton portraits greet you in the dark. The restaurant serves a Mexican cuisine in an establishment that is sure to appease even the most picky of your vampire friends. The other eccentric bar that will impress is named Church. You should have no fear of entering holy ground, as you can enjoy the irony of the seven deadly sins cocktails and the seven heavenly virtues as well.
“The Dark Side of Boston” is a free tour that runs in Beacon Hill. The tour brings you to various residences and crime scenes in the area, a decent portion of the tour being devoted to Albert de Salvo, the notorious Boston Strangler. The tour ends at the Liberty Hotel, formerly the Charles Street Jail. The hotel keeps the original structure of the jail and contains a small exhibit on its history. You are free to stop at the Liberty’s bar Alibi, which features the original jail cell doors and celebrity mug shots.
Boston’s second facet is: scientific. The Museum of Science is one of Boston’s most notable attractions. The museum is equipped with a theater and planetarium and will feature an exhibit on the Mayans in October. Admission to the general exhibits is free. Also be sure to catch a meal at the Miracle of Science Bar and Grill, a gathering place for all types of geeks.
Boston’s third facet is: sexy. This is an amazing eccentricity of Boston. Boston is home to Condom World, a shop equipped with sex toys, flavored lubricants, and everything that you could possibly need for your sex life. The Sweet N‘ Nasty Erotic Bakery is also perfect for the ironic shopper. If you won’t find something tasteful, you’ll be sure to find something tasty.
Many nerdlesque shows can be found in Boston. Boston even hosted the first Nerdlesque Festival this past April. D20 Burlesque has featured performances inspired by aspects of geek culture with such popular followings as Night Vale.
Don’t forget, Boston is also asexy. Somerville and Boston host meet-ups for the asexual organization the New England Aces. This group is open to all different personal perspectives in discussion and encourages allies to attend meet-ups.
Boston’s final facet is: literary. As an english major I am pleased to inform you that Boston is the location of the Massachusetts region of the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA). The organization hosts meetings with speakers of varying involvement in Janeite culture. The Austen in Boston book club is also a highlight of Boston meet-ups and will be reading E.M. Forster’s A Room With a View this September. To get more information, visit their Facebook page.
Boston is home to many unique bookstores including the Harvard Coop and the outdoor Brattle Bookshop, which sells used and rare books. Trident Bookseller’s and Cafe is a new independent bookstore located on Newbury St. The Boston Public Library features a cozy courtyard and cafe including tea services. The library is known for its map museum, bimonthly book sales, and ability to host marriage services.
While the places listed in this article are entertaining, there are many more facets to the city of Boston. What is your experience with the city and what are your interests?
I've only been to Boston a few times, it's a big place to be sure, but I was surprised by the diversity of the locations you posted, it's a testament to human diversity, I think.
ReplyDeleteOne teeny, weeny, itty bitty criticism, the formatting seems a bit cramped, but otherwise it's a very interesting post.
You've reminded me how much I miss the Museum of Science. I haven't been there since my kids were in junior high. Oy! That's a long time ago now. Maybe I'll just have to go sometime for my own visit....
ReplyDeleteI love Boston! It seems like there's never a shortage of events or things to do in the city.
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