Brooklyn Boulders is a solid addition to the climbing scene in Boston, and it's rapidly gained a following, especially for folks like me who live in Cambridge/Somerville and can just walk to the gym. It's also part of a fast evolving extracurricular economy blossoming in Somerville. There is a growing centre of hipness in this neighborhood, with Artisan's Asylum next door, Esh Circus Arts (check the Esh Circus Arts article) around the corner, and a new microbrewery that has opened up in the same block.
Indeed, we have to understand that Brooklyn Boulder's choice to set up show in this specific street with these specific businesses is more than a little deliberate. They are part of a neighborhood that is defining itself with edgy makerspaces, cocktail bars and other markers of the hip American zeitgeist, and BKBS is doing their best to be more than just a rock gym, but be a place for the locals to gather. There's counters and tables for people to linger, and wi-fi so that I could telecommute from here if I wanted to. Their events page is festooned with upcoming movies, parties and competition nights.
And, oh yeah, it's a pretty decent rock gym, too. They have their options of top-roping or bouldering, and there are gym apparati like treadmills and weights, but it kind of fades into the background given everything else that's occurring in the building, the neighborhood and the city around it.
Find your way with 128 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Veggie Crust" in Boston is definitely not just another pizza joint; first off it's 100% vegetarian. They even have falafel pizza, and it's actually good!
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"Rose Kennedy Greenway" in Boston was a work in progress for many years. Now it's dotted with sculptures, fountains, food trucks... a true destination!
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"Charles River Dam" in Boston, with the Musical Locks, is a great place to cross on my bike the water that separates Boston and Cambridge...
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"Sound Bites" in Boston has a reputation. I also have a personal, touching story that has made me really like this breakfast cafe. I'll share it with you.
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"Hilton's Tent City" is where the Boston outdoorsmen of yore picked up their stuff before Goretex and GPS. I like that they have modern and classic brands.
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"Flat Black" in Boston makes Australian-style espresso. These guys roast their own beans in Dorchester and make the best carving designs into the milk!
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"Puritan & Company" in Boston is a brunch spot when the day calls for luxury. The reason I go to this cafe is to indulge on their pastry basket...
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"Taza Chocolate" Boston - a chocolate factory, but I'll resist the urge to make a Willy Wonka reference. In this shop they make it in the Mexican tradition
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"Artisan's Asylum" in Boston is a former warehouse that has been taken over by a collective of engineers and craftspeople. I just think they're crazy good!
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"Clear Flour Bakery" in Boston has the best chocolate croissant in the city. Believe me, this isn't just some idle praise... Also check out the caneles!
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"China Fair" is my first stop in Boston when I need everyday tools, like cocktail spoons! Here, cooking is work, and they sell you tools for cheap.
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