Shop Small: Beacon Hill Boutiques
At the heart of historic Beacon Hill lies Charles Street, a lovely, lamp-lit boulevard lined with an eclectic mix of galleries, shops and restaurants. Though its charming antique stores and well-curated boutiques draw visitors from near and far, this bustling commercial thoroughfare also boasts numerous cafes, salons, and variety shops where one can procure just about anything that might be needed while supporting local businesses all year round. With an increasing number of Charles Street's stores offering online shopping, many signature dry goods, gifts and sundries can now be enjoyed by those living further afield.
Gifts and Accessories...
Founded in 2015 by childhood friends Rebecca Hall and Laura Macris, Whitney + Winston offers a distinct collection of gifts and accessories for a fashionable lifestyle. Named after Rebecca's daughter and Laura’s Corgi puppy, the shop offers everything from luxe and feminine cashmere wraps by Minnie Rose to preppy needlepoint accessories from locally owned Tucker Blair, as well as gifts for children and pups.
Blackstone's of Beacon Hill is a much beloved specialty gift boutique carrying a distinctive selection of local products, Blackstone’s exclusives and Boston mementos such as Make Way for Duckling themed gifts, home decor, and books by local authors. Flat of the Hill is known for its gifts and accessories, ranging from Mariposa home decor and cookbooks to Lauren Merkin clutches, TKEES sandals, Sailbags, Nest candles and more.
Home and Hardware...
Since at least 1943 (and likely many years prior) Period Furniture Hardware has provided homeowners, furniture makers and builders with distinctive and quality trimmings. Carrying a full range of builders and decorative hardware, the densely packed racks of this tiny nook of a store spill over with every imaginable sort of knobs, pulls, hooks, hangers, rods, and other trimmings. When we installed custom built-in closets in our bedroom, we purchased lovely bronze pulls and handles which lent a touch of Federal elegance to an otherwise classic design.
Apparel and Accessories...
A go-to of mine for fancy frocks and baubles, Holiday Beacon Hill is a whimsical women's boutique offering pieces from its two private lines ("Pretty Little Thing" and "Pretty Little Sister") as well as small designer labels such as Kirribilla, Bell by Alicia Bell and Erin Fetherston.
A few of my other favorites for clothing and accessories include North River Outfitter, which carries classic preppy wear from designers such as Sail to Sable, Vineyard Vines, Tory Burch, Saint James and Holbrook, and Soodee, an upscale boutique offering timeless fashion for the sophisticated woman.
This Fate faux-suede dress from Holiday can be layered over a blouse for day or paired with an elegant chunky necklace and heels for a more formal evening look.
For the Children...
For children's gifts and apparel, there are few places more adorable than The Red Wagon. Their signature roll-neck sweaters are offered in a variety of classic designs and may also be purchased online.
North River Outfitter also operates a children's store on Charles Street (NRO Kids); Flat of the Hill, Whitney + Winston and Blackstone's of Beacon Hill all carry a lovely assortment of children's gifts and clothing as well.
Gourmet Gifts...
At the cross-section of Charles and Mount Vernon Streets lies Tatte Bakery and Cafe, (pronounced like "latte") where locals and visitors alike line up to sample exceptional tartes, cakes and pastries as well as partake in a hearty selection of breakfast, lunch and brunch items. I was tasked with bringing dessert for Thanksgiving this year, and as time constraints precluded baking, delighted my family with a selection of pies and galettes from their seasonal catering menu.
Tatte's online selelection of gourmet gifts is presently limited to cookies, coffee and canteens; however a number of Beacon Hill shops carry a large selection of treats that can be shipped anywhere across the country. Fastachi offers a delectable election of fresh-roasted nuts, handmade chocolates, dried fruit assortments and beautiful, elegant gift baskets. Beacon Hill Chocolates sources small batch, artisan chocolates from around the globe presented in signature, handmade keepsake boxes.
