[See 01] James Blake House
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Most locals drive right on by the James Blake House, the oldest house in Boston. Built circa 1661 and owned by the Dorchester Historical Society, the house is one of the only remaining examples of post-Medieval timber-frame construction in the United States. The home remained in the Blake family until being sold in 1825. The next family held on to the property for 70 years until selling it to the city. Shortly thereafter, the house was moved 400 yards to its current location to save it from demolition.
[See 02] The Pierce House
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Ten generations of the Pierce family called this house a home, from its construction in 1683 until it was turned into a museum in 1968. This is not the house of a wealthy merchant, this is where working class colonists (and later Americans) lived out their lives. Touring the home today offers a unique journey through centuries of American history. You can see how the home was adapted over time to fit the needs of each new generation of occupants. Some original features remain, much of it wooden, surprisingly. On street parking available.
[See 03] William Clapp House
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This stately home was built in 1806 for William Clapp, son of Captain Lemuel Clapp, whose (1767) house still stands just around the corner. The William Clapp house is also the headquarters for the Dorchester Historical Society, it's open to the public once a month for tours. Fun fact: the Clapp family were prolific pear cultivators in their day, it's actually where much of their wealth came from. If you're into pears, you may have even eaten one of their creations; "Clapp's Favorite Pear" is still in production today. In 2007, a giant bronze pear statue was installed just south of here to commemorate the areas history as an orchard. So if you happen to notice it, now you know.
[See 04] Commonwealth Museum
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Operated by the Massachusetts Archives, this often overlooked museum takes musty old documents and brings them to life. Several exhibits showcase the State's own copies of the Declaration of Independence & Bill of Rights, the original Mass Bay Colony charter from 1629, and of course the requisite ephemera from Paul Revere and John Hancock. This place is not on a lot of to-do lists, but it's definitely worth stopping in if you're doing the JFK Museum already.
[See 05] JFK Presidential Library and Museum
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The JFK Presidential Library and Museum opened in 1979, designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei who called it "the most important commission in my life". Visitors walk through exhibits in roughly chronological order. Starting with Kennedy on the campaign trail, and moving through the Cuban missile crisis, the space race, and civil rights issues. A dark claustrophobic hallway shows the events on the day of his assassination, before delivering you to a massive glass atrium of light and air. It's really quite moving. A more than worthwhile visit for those with an appreciation of American history, the museum can be toured in half a day.
[See 06] The Kennedy Institute
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This political museum offers a variety of engaging interactive exhibits relating to Sen. Edward Kennedy's life, as well as the history of the American senate. A huge digital screen invites you to draft and pass a law (and tricks you into learning along the way)! While other exhibits deal with the current political issues affecting Washington today.
[See 07] Pope John Paul II Park Reservation
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A large park on the shores of the Neponset River, it has walking trails, soccer fields, and playgrounds for kids. Several miles of scenic bike trails run along the river (and away from traffic) all the way to Mattapan square. In the summer you can see people walking their dogs, flying kites, or kayaking in the river. It's a good place to relax or take a picnic under the shelters. Birdwatchers take note, the city has restored a large salt marsh and the area is now much more attractive to wildlife. Today it isn't uncommon to see snowy egrets and great blue herons taking advantage of the "new" native trees and shrubs.
[See 08] Savin Hill Beach
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So you actually can go swimming here, but no one ever does. Honestly in the 21st century the cold is a far greater deterrent than the pollution ever was. There are, however, lifeguards in the summer if you want to give it a shot. The city upgraded the boardwalk, exercise equipment, and reseeded the area with local grasses throughout the 2010s. This a great spot to go for a walk, a picnic, or just to take in the harbor views. It doesn't get the foot traffic you might expect, given these beaches proximity to the T. Parking available, accessed from Morrissey Boulevard.
[Do 01] Boston Bowl
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24-hour bowling extravaganza. Deadwood Brewery and Café located on premises. They offer a fun regionalism, candlepin bowling.
[Do 02] HallSpace
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A contemporary art gallery exhibiting work by both emerging artists and established but under-recognized artists. View the website to see the current exhibition.
[Do 03] The Strand Theatre
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A constant stream of community programming, film, art, and dance come through this stately 100 year old building. During the day it focuses on youth arts and education.
[Do 04] AMC South Bay Center 12
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Built in 2018, this cineplex offers all mod cons.
[Buy 01] Lambert's Rainbow Fruit
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High quality selection of fruits, veggies, meats and sundries. Big salad bar and to go hot bar as well. Seasonal plants available out front, and don't miss the tasty ice cream next door! Great old school New England feeling "Superette".
[Buy 02] Stitch House Dorchester
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If you want yarn, this is the place to go. Offers classes for sewing, knitting and other trades of the needle.
[Buy 03] South Bay Center
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A variety of big box stores line the perimeter of this giant open air mall, updated in 2018. Longtime retailers like Best Buy, Marshalls, and Target have been joined by a Nike store, Carhartt, and Ulta Beauty. Several restaurants are opening up too; from burgers, to ramen, to something a little more upscale.
[Eat 01] The Ice Creamsmith
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Homemade ice cream is sold on the premises for over 35 years, making it a local landmark. The special flavors include peach, black raspberry, ginger, lemon custard, pumpkin, and more. Remember, in New England order a "frappe" if you want a milkshake. Look for a line to the door most nights, but the ice cream is worth it.
[Eat 02] Greenhills Irish Bakery
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Looking for authentic Irish bread, food, and people? Look no further than Greenhills. With real Irish bakers on the premises, make sure to buy the Irish Soda Bread and local pastries.
[Eat 03] Paraiso Restaurant
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Casual tidy restaurant focusing on Dominican cuisine.
[Eat 04] home.stead Bakery & Café
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Delicious baked goods made daily, both the sweet and savory varieties. Also serving up high octane morning beverages and more substantial sandwiches. Free Wi-Fi. Artwork from local artists adorns the walls.
[Eat 05] Anh Hong
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High quality traditional Vietnamese dishes served in basic surroundings. Your stomach will be impressed by the food, but your eyes will not be impressed by the decor.
[Eat 06] Pho Hoa
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Good quality sit down casual restaurant. The pho is excellent (of course), and so are the vermicelli bowls.
[Eat 07] Banh Mi Ba Le
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Great little Vietnamese carry out restaurant and grocery store. Specializing in banh mi sandwiches and bubble tea. You can find many other delicacies for takeaway too. Friendly family business with good customer service.
[Eat 08] Jerk
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Behind a nondescript storefront in a little visited corner of Boston intrepid travelers can find some great jerk chicken and other Jamaican staples.
[Eat 09] Singh's Roti Shop
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An interesting and flavorful combination of West Indian and Caribbean cuisines. The owners are extremely friendly and can make suggestions and adjust spice levels to taste. Watch out, these roti's are enormous!
[Eat 10] Shanti Taste of India
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Though used by most locals as the local Indian delivery restaurant, it has a great atmosphere, local artist paintings, and great authentic Indian food. Dinners are usually quiet, with about 15 tables. Two other locations in Cambridge and Roslindale.
[Eat 11] Sweet Life Bakery & Café
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Great bakery and café serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Many flavors of macarons in addition to other little sweet treats for takeaway as well.
[Eat 12] Landmark Public House
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[Eat 13] McKenna's Cafe
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[Eat 14] Cesaria
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Traditional Cape Verdean cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere with occasional live music.
[Eat 15] Lower Mills Tavern
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Cosy restaurant opened in 2016 serving high quality basics. Good beer & cocktails list, service, and ambiance. Menu changes seasonally, most ingredients are of course locally sourced.
[Eat 16] The Blarney Stone
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A large restaurant in Fields Corner serving seasonal American cuisine, it has a good variety of delicious entrees and a nice beer and wine list. The Blarney Stone was the first bar in America to sell draft Guinness. Parking can be found on the street.
[Eat 17] Ashmont Grill
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Art abounds in this lively restaurant with a varied menu. Featuring everything from a reasonable burger and fries, to skillfully prepared pastas and fresh fish dishes.
[Eat 18] Tavolo Ristorante
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An Italian restaurant opened by the same chef/owner as Ashmont Grill, it features good pasta, pizza, and specials along with a Wednesday Tour of Italy featuring different regions of Italian cuisine. The bar has cocktails, a good wine selection, and some excellent draft beer.
[Eat 19] dbar
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A trendy and casual restaurant in Savin Hill, the menu by executive chef Christopher Coombs has a French twist that changes seasonally. Some entrees use ingredients grown on the rooftop garden. The bar has an extensive mixed drink menu and wine list. Dbar regularly hosts parties and late night events, including Showtunes Tuesdays. Cozy outdoor patio seating is located in back. Parking is available, however the lot can often be at capacity.
[Drink 01] The Banshee Pub
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An Irish sports pub where the primary focus is on soccer and rugby, however all sports can be found on their televisions throughout the week. The Banshee has two floors and ten screens so that you don't need to miss a second of the action. Cheer on local soccer teams such as the U.S. National Team and the New England Revolution or watch the games of your favorite English and Scottish football clubs here. This place also happens to be the place to go on Sunday if you are a Green Bay Packers fan. Good set of beers on draft and quality food worth checking out.
[Drink 02] Boston Harbor Distillery Tour & Tasting
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Tours and tastings every Saturday at the Boston Harbor Distillery. An old manufacturing warehouse has been tastefully updated into a wonderful rustic waterfront drinking environment. See and learn how these spirits are made. Spirits include Putnam New England Rye Whiskey, Lawley's New England Spirit, Seymour's Local Roast Coffee Liqueur, Seymour's Boston Cream Liqueur, and the Spirit of Boston Samuel Adams collaborations. Tours run every half hour and include drink tastings at the bar. Distillery also has an exhibit on display of an old Boston map collection in the back gallery. Merchandise, cigars, and spirits can be purchased in the store. Parking is plentiful.
[Drink 03] Boston Winery Tour & Tasting
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Boston's only custom-crush-winery, come here for a wine tasting, to organize a wine social, to take wine classes, or to go through the process of making your own wine with a paid membership. Purchase Boston Winery wine right from their store in an 1800s brick and stone building on the waterfront. See wine being made with your own eyes. Before you head over, check out the website to get info on upcoming events at the winery. Tours will run every hour and aren't scheduled at specific times. Parking is plentiful.
[Drink 04] Dorchester Brewing Company
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DBco has house brews on a 20-line tap system with even more fresh craft beer from local brewing partners and regional collaborators. You have the option of a tasting flight, a full pour, or crowlers to go. They contract out some of their space to other local brewers, so there is always something different to try out. The tap room offers board and party games, food trucks, free Wi-Fi, an outdoor patio, and DBco merchandise to wear out the door. This is a great space for beer lovers to hang out, meet new people, drink beer, play games, and get some work down. Brewery tours are not yet available but should be in the near future.
[Drink 05] Eire Pub
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Historic Irish pub in the Adams Village neighborhood. Politicians like Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, and many who are lesser known have stopped by during their campaigns. You can't go wrong with corned beef and a Guinness.
[Drink 06] Flat Black Coffee Shop
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A local coffee company with several other locations in downtown Boston. This one just happens to be the one that started it all. The owner and store managers roast their own coffee on site, producing micro batches of organic coffee. The shops regularly have local artists on the walls, with fresh pastries and bread for sale as well. Highly recommended for coffee and pastries.
[Drink 07] Reign Drink Lab
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Artisanal coffee and other caffeinated beverages. Nitro cold brews with Vietnamese inspired condensed milk sweeteners. Several varieties of tea and boba.
[Sleep 01] Comfort Inn - Boston
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A somewhat more affordable option than hotels downtown, this is a convenient location for its proximity to UMass Boston and the JFK Presidential Library & Museum. Expect to drive into downtown.
[Sleep 02] Ramada - Boston
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[Sleep 03] Holiday Inn Express - Boston
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[Sleep 04] DoubleTree Club by Hilton Hotel Boston Bayside
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This hotel also offers daily complimentary shuttle service to downtown Boston, South Station and the airport.
[Sleep 05] Courtyard Marriot Boston - South Boston
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[Other 01] Uphams Corner Branch
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[Other 02] Fields Corner Branch
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[Other 03] Codman Square Branch
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[Other 04] Adams Street Branch
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[Other 05] Lower Mills Branch
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