Bundle up for a seasonal stroll through the burgeoning Boston seaport.
Dewey Square Park
Hop off the Red Line at South Station and pop over to Dewey Square Park. Mehdi Ghadyanloo’s awesome trompe l’oeil Spaces of Hope currently holds court over the park – and is definitely a site worth seeing. Plus there are food trucks, weather permitting.
Dewey Square Park is between Congress Street, Summer Street, and Atlantic Avenue
The prolific artist has introduced us to the realm of public art possibilities…
The Huffington post
Pop into the Boston Society of Architects Space and enjoy eight gingerbread designs from teams of architecture and landscape architecture firms. (Then vote for your favorite!) Now in its fifth year, the Gingerbread House Design Competition is a fun and tasty way to highlight the delicious talents of Boston landscape and architecture firms. While challenging designers to explore a new medium, this sweet event also raises funds for community design programs of the BSA Foundation.
BSA Space is at 290 Congress Street, Suite 200
Fort Point Channel
A jaunt across the Fort Point Channel bridges (on Summer Street and Congress Street) gives a glorious view of the Boston Harbor, the city’s skyline, and Claudia Ravaschiere and Michael Moss’s fluorescent and jewel toned plexiglass work Shimmer activates the Congress Street Bridge spanning Fort Point Channel and changes the public perception of a familiar urban environment. The work was comissioned by FPAC.
Snack Time
Need an excuse to warm up? We understand. The noted (and ICA staff fave) Flour Bakery is right around the corner and offers just the thing, their award-winning “fiery hot chocolate.” Rich chocolate with a pinch of chile powder and cayenne pepper makes for the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. Plus daily specials and irresistable treats are always available if you’ve worked up an appetite. (Cinnamon cream brioche, apple snacking spice cake, ginger molasses cookies, the list goes on…)
Flour Bakery is located off Congress at 12 Farnsworth Street
Impeccable espresso more up your alley? Barrington Coffee Roasting Company is less than a block away and at your service. Their menu is simple, their coffee is prepared fresh each day, their beans are sustainable, and the quality is incomparable.
Barrington Coffee Roasting Company is located at 346 Congress Street
SHOP LOCAL
A foolproof spot to find last-minute gifts – or reward yourself for making it through 2016 – Made in Fort Point provides art and crafts by local artists. Offerings range from paintings and ceramics to jewelry and clothing, all made hyper-locally in the Fort Point neighborhood. Nothing like guiltless gifting.
Made in Fort Point is located at 315 A Street. The store is run primarily by volunteers, so hours may vary.
Daily Dose of Art
Of course no Seaport stroll is complete without a trip to the ICA/Boston. Whether you’re trying to work off those wintry treats, get your holiday shop on, entertain the family, or opt for art – stick with us this season:
Holiday Vacation Week Programs – Explore the galleries and create art together in the Bank of America Art Lab with art-making activities for visitors of all ages, children and adults, to enjoy. Pop-up art investigations related to works on view will also be offered on select afternoons.
Tue, Dec 27–Fri, Dec 30 | 10 AM–4 PM
First Light: A Decade of Collecting at the ICA – 10 years of collecting. 5 curators. More than 100 works. The ICA’s most ambitious collection exhibtion is now on view. Discover the work of Louise Bourgeois, Paul Chan, Shepard Fairey, Cornelia Park, Kara Walker, Andy Warhol, and more.Through Jan 16, 2017
The Artist’s Museum – Check out the ICA’s newest exhibtion, The Artist’s Museum. How do artists work with other artists’ work? Come find out. Through Mar 26, 2017
Material Matters – See how contemporary artists transform our experience of found and everyday materials with a knowledgable tour guide. OR explore on our own terms with our new Mobile Guide. Thursdays at 6 PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 1 PM
And of course, be sure to the waterfront view from the John Hancock Founders Gallery while you’re here!
The ICA/Boston is located at 25 Harbor Shore Drive
SHOP LOCAL REDUX
Before you leave the ICA, don’t forget to visit the ICA Store for the perfect present or accessory you never knew you desperately need: we’re talking special products designed in collaboration with ICA exhibited artists, the best selection of art and photography books in New England, and home items intended to improve – and beautify! –everyday living. Bring the delights of contemporary art home. Admission is not required to shop at the ICA store. But, proceeds from the ICA store DO support the ICA’s exhibitions and programs. Give back while you give!
Explore the ICA store within the ICA at 25 Harbor Shore Drive.
Chow Circuit
There are too many incredible restaurants in the area for us to recommend just one. Here are a few of our favorites for a mid-walk meal, whether you’re looking for a feast, snack, or something simple.
Pastoral: Stunningly good artisanal pizza in a lovely setting (or to take out).
Pastoral is located at 345 Congress Street
Shake Shack: Something delicious for everyone – even your pickiest eaters. We’re partial to the classic ShackBurger with fries. Pro tip: Get the Seaport Salt & Malt concrete, made with dark chocolate chunks from Taza.
Shake Shack is located at 77 Seaport Blvd
Yo! Sushi: Brand new to the neighborhood, this is conveyor belt sushi at its finest, with both hot and cold offerings. Try one of everything.
Yo! Sushi is located at 79 Seaport Blvd
Legal Harborside: A spectacular view of the harbor with three floors of dining that each offer a different menu. (Psst…the 3rd floor has sushi, a fireplace, and a fully enclosed glass-walled space.)
Legal Harborside can be found at 270 Northern Avenue
Row 34: Oysters. Beer. Repeat. You’ll be tempted not to stray from the raw bar, but the entire menu is top-notch.
Row 34 lives at 383 Congress Street
Blue State: Perfect for a quick bite (think sandwiches, scones + soups) AND they donate a percentage of sales to local nonprofits.
Blue State is located at 155 Seaport Boulevard
The Barking Crab: You might know it only from the summer outdoor party scene, but the Crab also has a cozy indoor section that feels like an escape in wintertime. Sit by the wood-burning oven and sip on a seasonal brew.
The Barking Crab is located at 88 Sleeper Street