Explore Boston: Neighborhoods
This week in our Explore Boston series, we’re heading back to the north of Boston to check out Medford, Malden and Revere. These cities cover a large stretch, on one side bordering Somerville and Arlington and, on the other, Winthrop, Everett and the Broad Sound. Each town is so distinct in itself, so let’s start the tour with Medford!
Medford
The name Medford originates from “the ford by the meadow” or “Meadford”, highlighting importance of the fordable part of the Mystic River just west of Medford Square. While it has developed to have more of an urban feel, there are still many historical landmarks, houses, and monuments. One example is the Royall House and Slave Quarters, a Colonial mansion house and what are believed to be the only surviving freestanding slave quarters in the Northeast. Medford also boasts a lot of natural beauty with the Middlesex Fells, Mystic River State Reservation, and Wright’s Pond. In terms of food, Medford has got you covered from breakfast at Donuts with a Difference or Magnificent Muffin and Bagel Shoppe to dinner at one of the abundant Italian restaurants like Nappi’s or Bocelli’s. Finish off your day with some delicious ice cream at Colleen’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop, which has been a staple of Medford Square since 1990.
Malden
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Bordering the Mystic River and the Middlesex Fells, Malden was originally settled by Puritans and was considered part of Charlestown. They eventually established themselves as a separate town and have grown into a diverse and developing community. If you’re looking to spend the day on puzzles and games, grab a group of friends head to Boda Borg or 8D Escape Room to put your mind to the test. Afterwards, you can grab a bite to eat at one of Malden’s many incredible ethnic restaurants – try All Seasons Table for modern Pan-Asian cuisine, Exchange Street Bistro for Spanish-French fusion tapas, or Habesha for Ethiopian. For some quality time in nature, head out to the Fells or Pine Banks Park to enjoy the beautiful hiking trails.
Revere
Revere was originally inhabited by Native Americans who belonged to the Pawtucket Tribe, but was taken over by Colonial settlers who established as the town of Revere in 1871, in honor of Paul Revere. The Revere Society for Cultural and Historic Preservation operates a museum that documents the city’s history from its origins in the early Colonial period to the present. If you’d rather do something outdoorsy, you could do some bird-watching at Rumney Marsh Reservation or walk the trails and see the last remaining salt marshes at Belle Isle Reservation. If you just want to relax on the beach, Revere Beach is a 3-mile stretch which hosts a yearly International Sand Sculpting Contest with some incredible submissions. And if you need to grab a bite, there is no shortage of amazing seafood and seaside restaurants, including Hook and Reel Cajun Seafood, Kelly’s Roast Beef, and The Marina Restaurant and Bar.
