Oyster Blog

Beacon Hill

Acorn Street in Boston's Beacon Hill is one of the few remaining true cobblestoned streets

Acorn Street in Beacon Hill is one of Boston's few remaining true cobblestoned streets

[Flickr/aminaspi]

Boston is noted for its cobblestone streets, but, truth be told, most of them are not really made of cobblestones, at least in the traditional sense. The term “cobblestone” actually derives from the Old English word “cob”, meaning a rounded mass or lump that had to be dug out of Boston’s soil. These cobs were then used as paving materials for streets, leading to uneven surfaces, broken wheels, and, of course, massive complaints. Most of these traditional cobblestones were replaced in the 19th century with ‘”setts”, granite stones that were cut into (more or less) regular shapes and used to make the pavement much more even.

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A wintry Faneuil Hall in Boston, MA

A wintry Faneuil Hall in Boston, MA

[Flickr/LI Refugee]

There’s a reason it’s so inexpensive to travel to Boston December through February; the bone-numbing temperatures and random snow squalls are enough to keep even the heartiest tourists at bay. But there’s no reason to hole up in your hotel the entire time – just dress warmly and remember to bring an extra pair of socks! Here are five fun things to do around Beantown even when the temperature has dipped below freezing:

1. Museum of Fine Arts/Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: The MFA Boston is one of the best museums in the city, and features new exhibits and shows throughout the year. Nearby, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum will treat you to scenes from centuries ago in the mansion’s various rooms. If you’re staying at nearby hotels like The Eliot, the Hilton Boston Back Bay, or The Colonnade, you can definitely brave the walk to the museums. 465 Huntington Avenue /280 The Fenway

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