Nestled in a once underdeveloped and forgotten area of the historic Fort Point area of Boston is one of the newest artist communities in the Northeast, the Boston Seaport. As one of the more historically iconic cities in America, Boston has been often referred to as a center of academia and finance, but native Bostonians want visitors to know more about their arts, food, shopping, and nightlife scenes and a cool combination of all of these things can be found in this one newish neighborhood.
During a recent cab ride from Boston’s Logan Airport, I passed the Seaport, a waterfront community with a mix of industrial, repurposed shipping containers and modern buildings. The driver watching me look at all the newness from my window informed me, “25 years ago...there was nothing here but abandoned warehouses and parking lots. You see all this (waving his finger addressing the new additions to the skyline), this is new. Nobody even came down here before. And barely anyone lived down here.” According to him, Bostonians are in awe of what the Seaport has become and seem proud of how well the area is being used now.
The Envoy Hotel, located only 10 minutes from the airport, is one of the premier properties within the very walkable Boston Seaport. The pet-friendly hotel’s decor is designed to appeal to city dwellers. The preferred harbor-view rooms can be essential to planning your day within the Seaport, as rooms and suites on the higher floors allow the eye to scan almost the entire neighborhood.
The Envoy’s signature restaurant, Outlook Kitchen, run with love by Executive Chef Tatiana Rosana, showcases her desire to design New American comfort foods a staple in a gourmet, luxurious setting. Easily recognizable to foodie travelers from Food Network’s Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay, Chef Tatiana makes sure her menus always have a nod to Boston. New England-y dishes of mussels and chowders share the kitchen stage with buttery monkfish and Maine-raised chicken. The wines selected to accompany the chef’s entrees are lovely and easily drinkable, while the specialty cocktails and local beers continue to keep Boston in the fold.
While it could be viewed as an isolated city within an expansive city, the Boston Seaport is actually a modern version of how Boston sees itself in the future. With rotating visual art installations and permanent exhibits at The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), the Seaport is becoming the go-to area for creatives looking for inspiration. The popular exhibit from Yayoi Kusama called Love Is Calling is just one of many installations that are not only bringing Bostonians to the Seaport, but travelers from all over the East Coast.
Traveling pet owners looking to bring home unique, Boston-centric snacks should check out Seaport’s Polkadog Bakery. With treats like cod chips, haddock skin, or Clam Chowda sticks, this Boston-based chain of stores is dedicated to making gourmet treats for dogs with elite tastes. Next door to Polkadog is a place that sells treats for your dog’s human. TAIYAKI NYC, a New York-based ice cream shop that is famous for their fish-shaped cones, recently opened its only Boston location in the Seaport, to the delight of many visitors to the area.
L.L.Bean, synonymous with the outdoorsy, New Englander, hosts their Outdoor Discovery Program at their Seaport location for those that want to learn and experience navigating the local waters. Whether experienced or not, the Outdoor Discovery Program provides locals and visitors alike, lessons for beginners and novices, kayaks, and the accompanying equipment for only $25. For those traveling to Boston for business, L.L.Bean will customize sessions for corporate, team-building outings.
After your kayaking experience, you cannot travel to Boston without enjoying the cocktail culture. A few blocks up from the waterfront is Drink, a crafty cocktail bar that celebrates the classics. Located in a former wool warehouse, Drink hosts a massive cocktail list and your favorite is bound to be on the list. Whether you're looking for an Old-Fashioned, a Moscow Mule, or a local, craft beer, you’ll find it here.
Whether you travel to Boston for a sports event, college visits, or even just a quick weekend getaway, the Boston Seaport is a lovely place to anchor your trip due to the walkability, location, and proximity to many of the areas and neighborhoods that are so quintessentially, Boston.
Vibrant art installations line the streets of the Boston Seaport, making even the gray days inviting to the creatives in the area.
The harborview rooms at the Envoy Hotel showcase the walkable and easily accessible Boston Seaport.
The Seaport views from the Lookout Rooftop at the Envoy Hotel are some of the best in the entire city of Boston.
Known for its delicious ice cream inside of a fish-shaped cone, Taiyaki NYC recently opened their first location outside of NYC inside of Boston Seaport.
ICA located in the Boston Seaport has become a favorite for travelers to enjoy their visual, and often interactive rotating exhibits.
Dimly lit and cozy, Drink is the go-to bar for travelers to the Boston Seaport to end the evening with one of the classic cocktails.
Dog-loving travelers visiting the Seaport will enjoy bringing home unique treats from Boston-based, Polkadog Bakery.
The Lookout Rooftop at the Envoy Hotel give travelers a year round view of the Boston Seaport, while having sunset cocktails and seasonal bites.
