I was in Boston recently, and of course, I went to my favorite street. I was hurrying to get out of the car and into Tatte’s Bakery and Cafe because it was raining cats and dogs. I had a seven am doctor’s appointment right around the corner, so it was only natural to need tea after finishing up there. Honestly, a mocha tea latte from Tatte’s cures all my worries from the early trek into Boston on this very rainy morning. As I wrapped up my to-go bag and stepped out, once again into the rain, I casually glanced across the street and noticed a new store. I had heard of this store but did not realize it was so close. All thoughts of my test and the rainy day vanished in an instant. For here, on Charles Street, my favorite Boston Street, at the foot of Beacon Hill, was a wonderful new bookshop. Now, what could be better than that for cheering me up? A cozy-looking bookshop for me to check out. It was like the “sun” came out just for me, and the shop's name was just perfect. Beacon Hill Books and Cafe. Be still my heart. Come, let’s go have a peek and see what we find.
Just stepping through the front door, I knew I was in a new and unique bookshop. It was pristine in every way yet not intimidating at all. It smelled fresh and new. They just opened in October of 2022, and whoever designed the shop had a magical eye for detail and enlightenment. Above is the first room you enter…candles burning and happy light music filling the air. Such a welcome feeling when coming in from the cold, damp rain. This first room is on the street level and holds all of the memoirs and biographies. I love how some were stacked on the counter, and the rest were neatly placed on the shelves with so many turned out so that it was easy to access them. I wasn’t in there five minutes before a bright turquoise book with orange print on the cover jumped out at me. Pring’s Photographer’s Miscellany…Stories, Techniques, Tips & Trivia. It was a small book. I opened it to the first page to check it out. This is the quote on the inside cover page. “I drifted into photography like one drifts into prostitution. First, I did it to please myself, then I did it to please my friends, and eventually I did it for the money”. Philippe Halsman…The book came home with me.
In a bookshop as interesting as this one, it is always nice to find a place to sit and relax while checking out the back cover or inside flap of any book that catches your fancy, like this book titled, Come Back In September by Darrel Pickney There was something about that woman’s stance that made me want to check out the rest of the story. Comfy chairs and little benches were throughout the bookshop, inviting you to stay awhile and enjoy your visit. I also loved all of the artwork hanging on the walls. It reminded me both of a bookshop and a gallery all in one spot.
I also appreciated their warm, glowing fireplace on this cold, damp, rainy day. I do think they thought of everything. The children's room also has a fireplace on the third floor. Speaking of which, let’s take a walk upstairs.
We see Charles Street at the bottom of Beacon Hill from the second-floor window. My favorite street in all of Boston. I love the sign that the bookstore had made for their shop. Squirrels are such an intricate part of the landscape of Boston, especially in this area, which encompasses The Boston Public Gardens and Boston Common. And, of course, the old gas street lantern.
On the second floor, we find ourselves in the fiction section. Each section of fiction is broken down into different categories. The same attention to detail that we saw on the first floor is carried through on the second floor. Big bright windows that look out to back alley’s never seen from the street. Beautiful seating areas. Lovely choices of lighting, carrying a theme of red throughout the second floor. There is also a cooking section, art and photography section, and little areas tucked into corners up here. Beacon Hill buildings are built up instead of out. Mostly all of the buildings are narrow and close together. It has a certain charm, reminding me of many of the old buildings in London and Paris. A very European feel to them. Most of us have never seen the “upstairs,” but now, because of this bookshop, we see the upstairs and the backyards and terraces. A true Bostonian experience right here. Wander on this second floor. You will find the most unusual books.
We are on our way up to the third floor. Might you guess what could possibly be up here? There is a hint at the top of the stairs. The stairs are very old…narrow, and winding, with that little shelf right at the top. Hold on…
Look at this lovely space with its warm glowing fireplace. This, dear friends is the children’s room. What a delight. It makes me smile just to walk through the door. This main room is set for tea with bright-colored chairs and a couch just oversized enough for little ones. Books are low on the shelves with intention. Children are encouraged to choose a book, sit and look at it and tell stories to anyone who would love to listen to them. They know this space is just for them because everything in it suits them and their size.
This little guy was wondering what I was doing out on that stairway with my camera. I don’t think he actually knew that I could see him, but I couldn’t resist the shot of his happy face as he wandered around the upstairs room. Perhaps that bright and shiny alphabet caught his eye, or was it the tiny doorway made just for the “littles” to come and go? It is a brilliant room so creatively designed. Such a unique experience for the children to know that this was all made just for them. Charming and quaint. Old and new blended together. Books for little hands. Vivid colors and cozy chairs, and, of course, stuffed animals for friends. I wish this store had been there when my boys were little; how we all would have loved that. You can be sure that I will be bringing them here soon.
I think this is my favorite room. I would love it just for me. Not for the books that are here but for the chair and the coziness of this room and, oh, that view out the back. Tucked away from the “littles” room is this well-thought-out room. Specially set aside, an out-of-the-way room just for young adults. A room of their own. Chairs, books, and privacy. What every young adult is seeking these days. Bookcases are full of their favorite books and series. A window of their own for people and rooftop watching. A view from the third floor. Neatly tucked away so you can easily forget that you are missing someone when you leave the shop. I love this idea because this is the kind of room my oldest grandson would love. No distractions, no conversations. Just him and a mess of good books.
So there you have it. The new bookshop in town is waiting for you. I know many of you are book lovers, always on the prowl for a new bookstore. This is so much more than a bookstore. When you come, plan to spend a few hours on Charles Street. My guess is you will probably get lost for most of that time amongst the stacks…but one more surprise.
Remember how I told you that the buildings in Boston, especially on Beacon Hill, are tall and thin, and we went up three floors in the bookstore. Well, now we are going down one floor to the lower level where you will find a wonderful, small cafe. They do it right. As you enter the area around the bookshop, you get the aroma of freshly baked pastry. We were there early, and so we inhaled all the flavors and smells of breakfast. They also serve lunch, tea, and dinner. Reservations are necessary, so plan in advance, especially in the upcoming summer months. And need I say, it is just as cute as the bookshop, and yes, there are books down there also. Treat yourself to a wonderful day and begin it or end it here at the Beacon Hill Books and Cafe.
I hope you enjoyed this little walk to the newest bookshop in Boston. It’s not often that something takes me by surprise as much as this delightful shop did. There are many lovely shops on Charles St. Unusual and unique…so come, visit, walk and shop and don’t forget to bring your camera…so many snaps waiting for you.
“I love walking into a bookstore. It’s like all my friends are sitting on shelves, waving their pages at me. ~Tahereh Mafi”
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