Boston North End Food Tour
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We recently offered our residents the opportunity to participate in the North End Boston Food Tour. This comprehensive walking tour carved a path through the streets of the North End. The excursion combined the history of the North End with the best Italian food in Boston! The neighborhood was first settled in 1630 and is filled with authentic cuisine, culture, and plenty of history.
Residents walked through Boston's "Little Italy" neighborhood and explored pizzerias, restaurants, bakeries, pastry shops, and more. There were, of course, many samples had along the way, including a "fan favorite" of pizza for breakfast! Residents could also go "behind the scenes" in many shops to see the inner workings of the businesses.
Notable sights included:
- The Paul Revere House: Built-in 1680, this was the colonial home of Paul Revere and is now the oldest house in downtown Boston. It is located at 19 North Square and is now a nonprofit museum.
- Old North Church: Established in 1723, Old North is the oldest church building in Boston and is deemed a national historic landmark.
- Copp's Hill Burying Ground: This site serves as the final resting place and burying ground of merchants, artisans, and craftspeople who lived in the North End.
- Mike's Pastry: Founded in 1946 by Michael Mercogliano, this well-known pastry shop creates one-of-a-kind cannolis that are enjoyed by Bostonians and tourists alike.
- A. Parziale and Sons Italian Bakery: This Italian Bakery has roots in Boston, dating back to 1907 when the family arrived from Napoli. They were one of the first bakeries to introduce pizza to the New England Area.
- Café Vittoria: Established in 1929, this café is world-renowned as the first Italian Café in Boston.
- Salumerias: This store is home to some of the finest foods from Italy and has been open for almost fifty years. Residents, visitors, tourists, and chefs shop at Salumeria and rely on the quality and authenticity that they provide.
- Polcari's Coffee: Anthony Polcari started the business in 1932. The coffee shop has been his dream since he came from Italy at the age of twenty. The shop still offers an old-world flavor and unique spices, meats, candy, pasta, nuts, tea, and of course coffee!
"The residents fell in love with the tour guide Bobby, who grew up front and center in an apartment in the North End. He knew many of those running the restaurants and locals around the neighborhood," said Melissa Boisvert, Programming Manager. "He combined history and personal experiences to create an exciting and engaging experience."
The walking tour lasted under three hours and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. The RiverMead programming department offers activities and leisure pursuits for every level and interest. Whether you love art, sports, lectures, music, or anything beyond, a full lifestyle is at the heart of our community model.