North End, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

The city of Boston is made up of almost two dozen distinct neighborhoods, each with a particular ethnic and/or cultural emphasis or heritage.  After my recent trip to Italy (type "Italy" in the search box at right to see all thirty blog posts), I wanted to go back to the North End neighborhood in Boston to relive the experience. The green exterior on the corner building above is aged copper.

The City of Boston says, "Home to American patriot Paul Revere, the North End is one of Boston's most historic neighborhoods. Traditionally a first stop for immigrants arriving in Boston, the North End is most well known as an enclave of Italian immigrants. Today the North End is populated by a mixture of Italian Americans and young professionals who are attracted to the neighborhood's tight-knit feel and access to downtown. Tourists come from near and far to sample authentic Italian cuisine, enjoy a cannoli or a cappuccino, and explore its narrow streets. In recent years, a number of boutiques have opened in the North End specializing in everything from trendy clothing to jewelry. The North End also offers access to Boston's waterfront along Commercial Street. Residents and visitors can enjoy strolling and relaxing in the newly renovated Christopher Columbus Park, and during summer evenings the park is host to a performing arts series." (Source: City of Boston.gov website)

Hanover Street is the North End's main thoroughfare with many shops and restaurants lining the walkway. Workers have been stringing the lights and decorations in preparation for an upcoming festival.

Paul Revere's  former house is down this street and just around the corner. The red brick line on the sidewalk is the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile walking route that winds through sixteen historic sites in Boston.

Unlike some places around the world, dogs aren't permitted inside restaurants in the United States as this forlorn pooch demonstrates while his human friends sit inside and enjoy lunch.

Since 1926, Regina Pizzeria has been feeding Boston's hungry diners their signature brick-oven pizzas.  If you are there before opening, there is no line - how profound of me to observe that.

While the architecture is more New England than Tuscany, it was great to see and visit the restaurants and businesses and hear spoken Italian and the associated gesticulating speakers converse in this vibrant area of Boston.