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
Craving seafood in Boston? Head to Red’s Best at Boston Public Market for fresh clam chowder, lobster rolls, and local catch you’ll love!
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Caffé Vittoria, Boston’s first Italian café since 1929, serves rich espresso, tiramisu, and affogato in a charming, old-world setting. A must-visit in the North End—cash only!
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Enjoy fresh pastries from Bakey any morning and take it to the Public Garden. Don’t miss their irresistible chocolate babka and burekas!
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Greystone in Boston’s South End is a charming café with great coffee, fresh pastries, and a no-laptop vibe. Come here for a relaxed morning or lunch break!
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128 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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