Coolidge Corner
This month’s Boston travel guide involves all the most important things in life: a little bit of history, a bookstore, and brunch.
Coolidge Corner is one of my favorite neighborhoods to spend the afternoon in if I don’t feel like braving the green line to get into town. I’m fortunate enough to live within walking distance to Coolidge Corner and it’s many restaurants and shops. If you feel like stepping outside of Boston proper for a day, here’s what I recommend:
As always, we’ll start with coffee. There’s a Tatte on Harvard Ave just a few doors down from another great option, Bakey Babka. You could pick up a latte and then a piece of chocolate Babka if you want to really treat yourself.
On warm days, with a good podcast in my ear or a phone call to a friend, I walk all the way down Beals Street to soak in a bit of history. At 83 Beals Street is the childhood home and now historic site of John F. Kennedy. It’s temporarily closed so you can’t walk through the site until May of 2024 but walking through the neighborhood and by the house still feels like a really cool and unique experience. Normally, when the site is open, you can call to arrange a 30-minute tour, free of charge. I like to just walk by and feel close to history, it’s part of what makes Boston so great. There’s history all around.
Continue down Harvard after your historic detour and head to Brookline Booksmith. There are two floors to this independent bookstore so be sure to check out the used, discounted classics downstairs. On the main level, the staff pull so many great recommended books - new and old, fiction and nonfiction. They also have a great gift section. I recently bought my Aunt and her boyfriend two cute Boston diner mugs. Adorable.
After you spend what I’m guessing will be hours at Brookline Booksmith, grab some brunch at Zaftigs just a few doors down. Get a reuben. And the potato pancakes. The tuna melt is my friend’s favorite. Oh and the challah french toast is amazing! Ugh but I also love the eggs benedict. The Monte Carlo is great too. Don’t forget coffee! Arrive hungry and enjoy, ok?
Across the street and a few doors down is the independent nonprofit Coolidge Corner Theater. They frequently feature independent films, classic movies, and they’ve been known to host other cool community events and classes. Now I will admit that I really love a modern movie theater. I love the food and beverage options. I love the reclining seats. I only want to sit for 2.5-3 hours in a plush comfy chair. BUT, I will also admit that the character and charm of this theater make it special. Before you leave the neighborhood, be sure to catch a movie here.
