There’s a living art gallery hiding just off Mass Ave in Cambridge, and you may have passed right by without even realizing it was there. Modica Way is far more than just an alley — it’s an homage to street art. This under-appreciated attraction is the perfect sight when winter has bleached the landscape of color.
This humble route joins City Parking Lot 5 on Bishop Allen Drive with Massachusetts Avenue. That may not sound like an inspiring spot for art, but that’s part of what makes this open-air gallery so special — you don’t expect it.
The bright hues of a plastic canopy provide the artwork — and pedestrians — with some protection from the elements. The play of light through the colored panels often enhances the work below.
You’ve probably encountered the "Obey" clothing line or the Obama "Hope" poster. Well, those cult images were created by Shepard Fairey, a renowned street artist. And guess where Shepard Fairey’s art was once displayed? Right here in Modica Way. So the creations you view today may be the early work of tomorrow’s biggest street artists.
If a simple alley can provide such a rich canvas, just think of all the other under-utilized spaces out there. You’ll find Modica Way next to Central Kitchen. The closest address is 565 Massachusetts Avenue.
Does this spot appeal to you? Then also check out the facade of the Museum of Modern Renaissance in nearby Somerville. When you know where to look, Boston is brimming with creativity and color — year round.
One person's kooky is another person's cool, and Boston certainly has some unique buildings and attractions. There is simply no way to get bored when you live in or visit Boston! You will find something to be amazed by in our vibrant city no matter what type of attraction is your favorite. From abandoned buildings to tiny and quirky museum offerings, you'll discover lots of one-of-a-kind spots tucked away in our city. If you find the offbeat alluring, add the weirdest places in Boston to your bucket list.
You expect to encounter the odd eccentric professor at a prestigious college, but an eccentric building? That's not usually what you would think you'd find, and yet here it is! The Ray and Maria Stata Center seems like the architectural version of a Salvador Dali painting, and it's one of those places you either love or loathe. To me, this Frank Gehry-designed building is wonderfully whimsical and rebellious. Every other building sticks with its normal lines, but this place has an identity all its own. Head to building 32 on the MIT Campus map and form your own opinion!
If you're into weird things to do in Boston, check out the Mapparium. There's nothing like this spot anywhere else, so you'll be sure to have a one-of-a-kind experience when you visit here. Walk into the center of the earth in The Mapparium, a three-story high, stained glass orb that depicts the world as is appeared in 1935. If you ever wondered what it would be like to stand inside a globe, you can find out at this unique attraction. The Mapparium is inside the Mary Baker Eddy Library.
This spot in the North End is essentially one man's private shrine that can be viewed from the street. Peter Baldassari has adorned the alley between 4 and 8 Battery Street with figurines and artwork, all relating to saints. It's quite the sight to behold, and has become a favorite of tourists looking for an interesting experience in Boston.
We're used to spotting these vehicles trundling past Boston landmarks but, if you stop to think about it, they're pretty weird - and I'm not just referring to the random quacking. A jacked-up vehicle that can transition into a boat is an oddity in a civilian setting. Sure, these amphibious landing vehicles made sense in World War II, but whoever first thought of using them for tourism was a kooky genius. Do yourself a favor and, the next time you have out-of-town guests, hop on board with them. Tours through the Boston Duck Tours run from several different locations throughout the city. You can't go wrong with any of them!
Ducks aren't the only quirky creatures in Boston. If you happen to walk - or get turned around - in Long Crouch Woods, you may stumble upon abandoned bear dens. The bears used to be part of Franklin Park Zoo and, after the attraction closed, the cages were left behind. It's weird but awesome that the bears had such ornate stonework to appreciate, but the rusted bars and remote-feeling setting make this spot a little creepy, too. If you like some mystery in your travels, this site is something you will definitely enjoy. You'll find The Old Bear Cages inside Franklin Park, a little ways off Seaver Street.
Welcome to Boston's very own spite house. The Skinny House is what happens when one sibling betrays the other - and vice versa. According to the story, two brothers inherited their father's land. While one son was serving in the Civil War, his brother constructed a home on almost the whole lot. When the other son returned from the war, he was furious and built this tiny house in order to block light from his sibling's home. This spot is one of the most fun weird Boston attractions. The Skinny House is a classic Boston sight.
This museum is known for medical oddities, including one skull in particular. Phineas Gage was a railroad employee who lived through an accident during which an iron rod went right through his head. His case study provided doctors with new information about how the human brain works and you can see his skull inside The Warren Anatomical Museum. If you like the slightly spooky or creepy, make your way to this museum!
Speaking of skulls, the baby heads at the Museum of Fine Arts can certainly catch visitors off guard. Don't worry, there are no actual skulls here! The Giant Baby Heads are unique sculptures that you certainly won't forget anytime soon. These sculptures are around eight feet high, weigh 1.6 tons, and give the appearance that infants are sprouting from the ground. Now there is an interesting sight! Spanish sculptor Antonio Lopez Garcia crafted the works, which many consider innocent and playful. If you are an art lover, be sure you stop by and check out these cool works.
What has to be the tiniest museum on the planet can be found in Somerville, a city with the second-highest number of artists per capita in the whole nation! This teeny museum features local art, and one of its goals is to make art accessible for all. When you visit, you will see that they are quite successful in their efforts. You won't find art like this is other museums, as all of the artists are located nearby. You'll find the Tiny Museum in Somerville.
Have you gotten to visit all of these wacky places? Do you have a favorite one where you like to visit or take out-of-town guests? What weird places in and around Boston would you add to this list? Please let us know in the comments section!
As convenient as large supermarket chains can be, they lack the charm and personal touches you find at mom ‘n’ pop markets. Independent grocers are tucked away in all corners of Boston and these eight shops are well worth a visit:
When it comes to markets, this one proves that size is overrated. This store claims to be Boston’s best Italian grocery and, if you’ve ever stood outside and inhaled deeply, you’re likely to agree. Salumeria Italiana has been going strong for almost 50 years and it’s the perfect spot to pick up authentic Italian cold cuts, cheese, olives, and freshly-baked bread. Follow your nose to 151 Richmond Street in Boston!
This Polish market makes its baked goods fresh every day. This is a great spot to pick up anything from pierogi to sausages and condiments. DJ’s has earned loyal customers with its sandwiches and homemade soups. It is located at 120 Boston Street in Dorchester.
If you’re looking for homemade food that you don’t have to actually make in your home, you’ll love the prepared offerings at this Italian market. There’s also a full-service butcher shop and the bakery items are made in-house. While you’re here, grab breakfast or a sandwich for lunch. The first J. Pace & Son opened in the 1960s and there are now three locations: 1 Park Lane in Boston, 75 Blossom Court in Boston, and 190 Main Street in Saugus.
The 35 vendors within this incredible marketplace include specialty producers of coffee, ice cream, chocolate – basically, all of the important food groups! As you browse through the market, you can gather up anything from fresh seafood and produce to handcrafted home goods. Boston Public Market
This Chinese supermarket is bigger than you might expect from its exterior and it offers a broad array of fresh seafood, produce, and tough-to-find ingredients for Asian recipes. Plus, the prices are very reasonable. Check it out at 1102 Washington Street in Boston.
Eataly is a multilevel Italian wonderland that sends gourmands into rapture. With over 400 types of cheese, mushrooms, fresh pasta, and condiments galore, there is no end to the delights awaiting shoppers here. In fact, at 45,000 square feet, this place is so large that you may need to refuel mid-shopping at one of Eataly’s on-site restaurants. This store is tucked inside the Prudential Center at 800 Boylston Street in Boston.
This neighborhood market has been around since 1939 and it has gained a reputation for excellence in meat. The store carries heritage pork, naturally raised poultry, and exotic meat, along with produce. Renowned (and hilarious) chef Julia Child was so impressed that she used Savenor’s as the supplier for her show The French Chef. Savenor’s has locations at 160 Charles Street in Boston and at 92 Kirkland Street in Cambridge.
This is one dark alley you should definitely enter because scrumptious sandwiches lie within this market. Load up on homemade sauces, bags of extremely fresh pasta, and whatever other Italian delicacies catch your eye. Bricco Salumeria and Pasta Shop is hidden away at 11 Board Alley in Boston.
Which neighborhood markets in the Boston area do you like best? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Bon appetit!
