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Helen's Leather Shop, Charles St., Boston, Ma.
Flat of the Hill, Charles St., Boston, Ma.
Beacon Hill Chocolates, Charles St., Boston, Ma.
Moxie, boutique on Charles St., Beacon Hill, Boston, Ma.

Ice Skating & Shopping on Beacon Hill in Boston, Ma.

Ice skating on Frog Pond in Boston on a winter day is a perfect way to enjoy Boston's Beacon Hill. Views of beautiful architecture, townhouses and the state house are what you gaze upon as you round the ice skating pond on the edge of the Boston Common. Skaters under 58" tall skate free (otherwise, $5.00 per person.) Rental skates and sharpening are available, and there is free WiFi. Enjoy a hot chocolate or soup, mac & cheese, Belgian Waffle, sandwiches and more at the rink snack bar. If the snow has melted enough, the Frog Pond playground next to the rink provides more fun for young companions. Walk down Beacon Street and take a right onto Charles Street, the main shopping area for Beacon Hill. Many kinds of stores await. There are clothing boutiques, antique stores, gift shops and a great antique map shop. Cafes and restaurants are here too so no reason to leave the area to find a snack, lunch or dinner. The Charles (More)

Frog Pond Ice Skating Rink, Boston Common near Beacon St., Boston, Ma.

River and the Esplanade are at the far end of Charles Street. The Esplanade is a tree filled promenade that extends for three miles along the Charles River. On Beacon Hill, historic townhouses line the narrow streets. If you don't mind the hills, take a self-guided walk or a guided tour of the area. The Public Garden is a beautiful park at the corner of Charles and Beacon Streets. In the spring and summer, visitors can take a swan boat ride in this lovely setting. The Make Way for Ducklings sculpture is at the Charles and Beacon Streets side of the Public Garden. The Frog Pond Ice Skating Rink is in the Boston Common close to Beacon Street, a short walk from the Charles Street shops. Follow Park Street to historic graveyards and more points along the Freedom Trail.

 

The Charles Street shops are fun to browse and of course, there's the occasional sale. Flat of the Hill has wonderful candle aromas that greet you as you enter the small shop packed with gifts, jewelry, household and bath items. Blackstone's has a collection of upscale brands such as Vineyard Vines, Byers' Choice and Vera Bradley. Unique stationery, paper goods and decorations can be found in this friendly store. Moxie, Wish, Crush, Dress and Holiday are cute boutiques not far from Beacon Hill Chocolates. Eugene Galleries has a wonderful collection of antique maps, engravings and etchings.

When you need a break from exploring Charles St., there are many cafes and restaurants for a meal or a refreshing snack. Paramount is great for a quick delicious lunch. Pancakes and eggs are served all day. They cook up paninis, sandwiches and burgers on the grill. Just order and pay at the counter and your meal is brought to you at your table. Cafe Bella Vita has a full lunch menu plus Italian pastries for dessert. The cafe has Wi-Fi and lots of tables. Chef Todd English's restaurant, Figs serves pizza and pasta. Panificio Bistro has baked goods, lunch and brunch. It is easy to grab a quick bite or have an elegant dining experience on Beacon Hill.

Charles Street is home to interesting boutiques, antique shops and gift shops. Historic Boston, Frog Pond ice skating, three parks and Charles River views are a few steps away. For more information on Charles St. and the Charles St. shops and boutiques, click here.

 

-M.A. Barrett (January, 2012, updated January 2015)

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Wish, boutique on Charles St., Beacon Hill, Boston, Ma.
Make Way for Ducklings sculpture, Boston Public Garden, Boston, Ma.
Charles St. shops, Beacon Hill, Boston, Ma.
Frog Pond Ice Skating Rink, Boston Common near Beacon St., Boston, Ma.
Charles St. townhouses, Beacon Hill, Boston, Ma.