I meet my friend Drew outside Artisan's Asylum, and I hand over an old smartphone. "The screen is cracked," I say, "batteries are losing charge, and I think the power connection is going wonky."
"Nothing I can't fix," he says, "and besides that it's perfect."
Drew tells me about his ideas for a project. He has a used ambulance and he's planning on turning the inside into a mobile art house, with the phones intended to display visuals.
As he talks, he walks into the Asylum, a former warehouse that's now been taken over by a collective of engineers, metalworkers and craftspeople, and he shows me around.
"You know SCUL, of course." He waves at a den of hand-welded bikes that belong to a gang that friends of mine have ridden with. They're a menagerie of tall bikes and choppers, less bikes than human propelled metal sculpture.
"Over here is wood shop. Machine shop next over. That's our new plasma cutter." He points at a squat, metal apparatus that uses electrical arcs to superheat gas for precision slicing of metal. Basically? A lightning knife.
There's more, of course - welding stations, paint shops, 3D printers, jeweler cubbies. Artisan's is a makerspace, a communal workshop for dreamers, artists and inventors, a place where wild ideas become reality. They teach classes, and they're open for tours for the curious, the inventive, and the creative.
"You mind if I write about you guys?" I ask.
"Not at all," he says, "the more, the madder."
Find your way with 128 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Don’t miss Schlesinger Library on Harvard’s campus, a hidden gem in Boston, for an enriching experience of women’s works. Look for original manuscripts!
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Union Park, located near downtown, was designed in the mid-19th century, inspired by English-style residential squares. Come for a tranquil retreat!
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Sip of Joy, a cozy family-run café in South End, blends Turkish and American flavors, offering flawless coffee, pastries, and a peaceful retreat.
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Arlington Street Church in Boston houses the world's largest themed collection of Tiffany stained glass windows — an unmistakeble artistic marvel.
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The Harvard Museum of Natural History's Glass Flowers exhibit showcases 4,300 stunning glass plant models, crafted by the Blaschkas between 1887 and 1936.
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Step into Boston’s Puppet Free Library on Newbury Street, where over 200 vibrant puppets await, spreading joy through lending since 1976.
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Rouvalis Flowers in Beacon Hill charms every season with stunning blooms, dried arrangements, and gifts — perfect for adding beauty to any Boston day.
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Cacao in Boston, run by a Dominican couple, offers rich hot chocolate, spicy cocoa, and delightful truffles — sweet haven for reading or writing.
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Escape the rush at Zuzu’s Petals in Cambridge’s Inman Square — a cozy, screen-free haven for fondue, wine, conversation, and homemade delights.
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Gypsy Place in Cambridge offers a bohemian vibe, fresh juices, vegan treats, and great coffee. Try the Azurite Bowl or Tiger’s Eye Truffles for a delicious energy boost!
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Zinneken’s in Harvard Square serves authentic Liege waffles with indulgent toppings. Cozy vibes, rich coffee, and the perfect sweet treat near Harvard University!
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Regina Pizzeria in Boston’s North End has served legendary pizza since 1926. The white pizza is a must-try! Expect a wait, but it’s worth every bite.
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128 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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