April showers aren’t uncommon at all here in New England. As many sunny and bright days as we’ve had these last few weeks, we’ve had just as many cold, dreary and soaking wet ones, as well. While torrential downpours can and often do interrupt outdoor activities or ideas- it’s why I always try to have a backup plan for my days off and weekends so that I can still experience something fun and unique so that I don’t feel like my time has been wasted.
Case in point, this past Saturday when the “partly cloudy” forecast turned into “nonstop rain,” instead. Knowing I’d be heading into Boston for the day to do some gift shopping, I made the best of it and booked myself a table-for-one to enjoy a light breakfast, a latte, and some browsing at Beacon Hill Books & Café. This five-story brownstone in, you guessed it, Beacon Hill- has been lovingly transformed into a book store/gift shop and restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating. Naturally, because of the rain – I opted for an indoor seat.
I enjoyed a petite English breakfast and a lavender latte (and both were superb!) before heading upstairs, and up more stairs, and up even more stairs- to check out floors upon floors filled with all sorts of books and beautiful gifts. The shop is unbelievably gorgeous and well-organized- and I found so many great presents for my friends and family for some upcoming celebrations. I easily could have spent most of my day in there- which would have been perfect given the weather outside at the time!
I had to stop at a few more shops in the area after I left the bookstore, but I also made it a point to walk down towards Commonwealth Avenue to snap some photos of the Magnolia blossoms while they’re at peak pink-ness this season- something I hadn’t had the chance to do in the past couple of years because of my schedule. Although I had resigned myself to the fact that I was going to get drenched in the rain- the sun actually came out (and stayed out!) while I was making my way over!
I had wanted to close out my day with a stop at the Museum of Fine Arts to check out a new fashion-inspired exhibit that opened up earlier this month, but the place was absolutely packed– so I opted to postpone that visit for a later date this Spring. I’ll probably stop by on one of my weekday half-days at work soon so that I can take the time I want to see and read about everything.
Overall, it was such a great day- and one I’m so grateful I got to experience in a city I love. A little later on this week, I’ll be sharing some photos and a recap of the rest of my weekend- which was spent in Connecticut amongst sea lions and jellyfish.
It’s always an adventure!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 