I love maps. I love pulling out my old map of Stockholm, marked up with Xs and arrows, and how that will remind me of afternoons wandering between the islands of the city. I love looking at my maps of the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire, remembering all of the peaks that I've seen and the ones that I have yet to explore. Maps can be an inspiration, they can be a journal in geographic form, and they can be a snapshot of a place in a certain time.
Ward Maps is great because that shop understands this curious love. In the same way that record stores have bins and bins of rare and interesting vinyl, Ward Maps has bins of antique and vintage maps -- everything from street maps of 18th century Montreal to railroad surveys of early 20th century India. They also traffic in all manner of gifts for the geographic nerds that we all know and love. Globes, coasters, vintage transit memorabilia -- they're a great place for that sort of indulgence.
But, really, I just like coming here on days where the wanderlust is heavy, but the timing is inconvenient. I may not always have the time to jet off to Istanbul, but I can go to Ward Maps and look at a map of Constantinople and let my mind wander for a bit.
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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"Brooklyn Boulders" is a solid addition to the climbing scene in Boston. Of course the choice to set up show in this specific street is deliberate & edgy.
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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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128 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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