12 Incredible Places In Boston That Never Ever Change
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Juliet White
Author
When everything around us is always changing, it can be soothing to return to places that always seem to remain the same. Thankfully, with Boston’s lengthy history, there are lots of constants in our city. The next time you wish the world would slow down and let you off for a break, head to one of these 12 timeless spots. Then you can pretend it’s whatever year you want until you’re ready to reemerge and face reality again!
Union Oyster House was established back in 1826 and its constancy provides contributes to its appeal. The stalls and oyster bar have remained in the same spot over the years and if Daniel Webster - once a regular at the restaurant - ambled in today, odds are good that he'd still be able to find his way around. Union Oyster House is still located at 41-43 Union Street in Boston.
The Bell in Hand claims to be the oldest tavern in the country that's been in continuous operation (excluding the Prohibition years). The first ale was poured here in 1795 - the tavern didn't stock hard liquor. The establishment got its name from the prior profession of its first owner, who was a town crier. The tavern is located at 45-55 Union Street in Boston.
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The Warren Tavern is also supposedly the oldest tavern in Massachusetts - it was constructed in 1780. As soon as you step inside, you'll notice the low beamed ceilings. These beams weren't new when they were installed in the tavern; they were salvaged from ships in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Tavern guests are rumored to have included Paul Revere and George Washington! The Warren Tavern is located at 2 Pleasant Street in Charlestown.
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Only the players change at the MLB's oldest ballpark! Or at least it certainly seems that way. Sure, Fenway's undergone renovations, but the experience of watching a game here feels timeless. Follow the sea of fans sporting Sox gear to 4 Yawkey Way in Boston.
While the North End has certainly changed since it was first established in the 17th century, this beloved neighborhood seems to exist beyond time. People sit outside, the pace of life feels slower, and the community boasts many businesses have been operating for decades.
This iconic Irish pub has been around since 1882 and its décor, especially the WPA-era murals, are reassuringly static. Doyle's is famous for being the first bar to ever serve Sam Adams and it's been featured in numerous movies. There are occasional changes to Doyle's interior, such as the bullet hole in the ceiling from when an owner defended himself in 1964 holdup attempt! The pub is located at 3484 Washington Street in Jamaica Plain.
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Strolling across the Common or through the Public Garden is one of the simple pleasures of life in Boston. Although the surrounding architecture and city skyline evolve over time, these green spaces are just as appealing now as they were in years gone by.
The longest continuously operating hotel in the nation is laden with tradition - the décor belongs to a different era. While the famous Parker House rolls and Boston cream pie available in the on-site Parker's Restaurant were innovative when invented here, now they are reassuring menu staples. Even the residents remain unchanged - the ghost of owner Harvey Parker supposedly still haunts the 10th floor annex! This hotel is located at 60 School Street in Boston.
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For the sake of our ankles, it's fortunate that streets surfaces have evolved over time. However, the enduring charm of Acorn Street in Beacon Hill is undeniable.
The Green Line is the oldest subway line in Boston, with some of its tunnels dating back to the 1890s.
Folks have been buying books from this store since 1825. Doubtless, the inventory isn't identical, however the shop does carry 150,000 used, rare, and out-of-print books, many of them from past decades and even centuries. Brattle Book Shop is located at 9 West Street in Boston.
There's something reassuring about the distinctive, curved façade of the Jacob Wirth building. Although Boston's second oldest continuously operating restaurant is currently on the market, hopefully its tradition of serving German food and beer will continue long into the future. The restaurant is located at 31 Stuart Street in Boston.
Which places in Boston strike you as being perpetually frozen in time? Let us know in the comments.
If you’re feeling nostalgic, you may also be interested in this rare footage of Boston from the 1950s.
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