Boston By Foot Special Tour: The Flat of Beacon Hill

On Sunday, December 7th, a hearty band of around two-dozen fans of Boston history and architecture came out for a special sneak preview of an upcoming Tour of the Month of The Flat of Beacon Hill.  The Flat is part of Beacon Hill literally removed from the top of the hill and used to fill in marshy land between Charles Street and the river.  The result is a charming and overlooked nook in the city.  Check out my photo gallery online.

Snowman on the Balcony welcomes you to the Flat!

The tour will be offered again on June 28, 2009 (and in the 2010 season as well) but it was especially charming to take the tour as the first snowfall of the season fell and the residents of the neighborhood put up decorations.  Highlights of the tour include the homes of Samuel Elliot Morrison, Edward Filene, and Admiral Richard E. Byrd.  Architectual landmarks include the Charles Street Meetinghouse, the Sunflower Castle, and the magnificent Church of the Advent.  The neighborhood is also shaped by it’s history as the location of stables & carriage house for wealthy people up the hill (leading to Morrison’s nickname of  “the horsey district”), studios for artists & architects, and buildings moved, demolished or modified by the widening of Charles Street.

Making the neighborhood cheerful for the holiday season

Keep an eye on the Boston By Foot webpage for more special winter offerings, including a special birthday edition of Son of Boston where your’s truly will be a guide.  Becoming a Boston By Foot member is a great way to get discounts and freebies on a lot of tours and special events.  Memberships also make great holiday gifts.

Who knew this amazing church was hidden away in this corner of Boston? I didn't!

Beer Review: Sevens Dark Ale

This is a beer on tap at the Sevens Ale House in Beacon Hill.

Beer: Dark Ale
Brewer:Sevens Ale House
Source: Draft
Rating: *** (7.1 of 10)

Comments: I tried this beer at the Sevens Ale House on Sunday where it is apparently the house beer, however I don’t know who does the brewing. It’s a beer with an attractive reddish/brown color but the pint I had did not have much of a head or visible carbonation. It was pleasantly bitter with a nutty aftertaste. I don’t know much about real ale, but for some reason I think this is the type of beer that may taste better at a warmer temperature. Nevertheless this was a nice old-fashioned beer appropriate to a chummy pub.