I’m yet to be disappointed by a visit to Beacon Hill. This historic neighborhood in Boston has given me a reason to rejoice upon each of my visits. Two years back, the city was submerged in snow. Far from being deserted, the sloping streets of Beacon Hill played host to cheerful little snow tubers residing in its pockets. I forgot my longing to see cobblestone streets and braved the slush for a first glimpse of the federal style row houses. Adorned with ornate iron work, the symmetrical style of the brick houses spoke of stories from another era. I’ve returned ever since. To late rosy sunsets in the summer. To red and yellow leaves on narrow sidewalks. To pumpkins and holiday decor on the doors in Acorn Street. My jaunts have been accompanied by detours to Tatte Bakery or Cafe Bella Vita.
What makes Beacon Hill so attractive? I’ve often wondered. I probe into history for answers. A former hill and grassland, it was used for military drill and livestock grazing. Sailors and soldiers frequented the area’s north slope, earning the neighborhood an unattractive title. When the city could no longer accommodate a growing population, Beacon Hill was one of the chosen spots for development. The future saw likes of Louisa May Alcott, Robert Frost and Slyvia Plath making Beacon Hill their home. For a newbie to Boston, Beacon Hill is a warm hug. At its core, it remains a humble settlement. Take a walk around. You’ll feel at home.