After leaving the Old North Church, we decided to get something to eat. Eating is not a problem in Boston’s North End as there are over one hundred restaurants in this section of Boston. We decided on a snack to get us through the rest of the day so that we could enjoy a meal that evening.
Caffe Vittoria
As we turned back onto the street toward the Revere House we saw a very authentic looking Italian coffee and pastry shop called Caffe Vittoria. As soon as we entered the cafe we knew we would enjoy our visit. Outside was Boston but inside the caffe was Italy.
Caffe Vittoria
Keeping somewhat to our plan, we ordered coffee and pastries. Caffe Vittoria has a great selection of coffees; you may want to try an Italian coffee. I had an eclair which was wonderful but we also had cannoli and chocolate ganache.
If you come to Boston’s North End you will see people lined up to get fast food pastries and walking away with their white bags or boxes. I am sure their pastries are good and they will enjoy them but they are missing out on so much. If you go, take a few minutes to sit down and have a cup of coffee as you travel back to another time in old Italy.
On our first day in Boston we decided to take a tour of the city. After looking at several options we chose Old Town Trolly because it is a company we were familiar with from visits to other cities. The package we selected was the the two day pass which included either a harbor tour or free admission to the Boston Tea Party Ships.
My daughter and son-in-law met us at the Homewood Suites Hotel. We then used Uber to get to Boston Harbor. This was the first time I had used the Uber service and found it to be great. The driver was very nice and knowledgable and the car was clean. The Uber driver delivered us to the harbor and let us out beside the Old Town Trolly office.
We started our tour of Boston by walking through Faneuil Hall which was built in 1742. Faneuil Hall is called the cradle of liberty, because it was in this building that Sam Adams would deliver his speeches on freedom and human rights.
Where Sam Adams would have stood
Near Faneuil Hall is Quincy Market built 1824-1826. It’s Greek Revival architecture stands out in a city that jumps from colonial to modern America. Both inside and outside are many interesting shops and places to eat.
Boston Harbor (notice the old sailing ship)
After looking at the shops we walked down to Boston Harbor and Rowe’s Wharf, where we boarded the Old Town Trolly. Our first stop was just a short distance from the wharf. Little Italy is located in the North End of Boston and includes many historical landmarks.
We crossed the street from the Trolly stop and followed a narrow street up a small hill into the heart of the North End to find the Paul Revere house. The three story house was built in 1680 and is the oldest house in downtown Boston.
From the Revere House we walked to St. Stephen’s Church. One of the most famous members of the church was Rose Kennedy. A short distance from St. Stephens is the statue of Paul Revere, making his midnight ride. Behind the Revere statue is the Old North Church.
The Old North Church was built in 1723 and became known to all of us through the poem, “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.” Visiting the church really brought the history alive for me. From the church a person could have commanded a view of Boston Harbor to track British movements. It would also have been easy for Revere to see the signal from his house.
