I'm thrilled to share another Local Gems post today (be sure to check out the Arlington Center, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Easton, Jamaica Plain, Lexington, Medford, Watertown, and Wellesley features)! Today's Huron Village recommendations come from Leah Klein, blogger at Leah's Life, mom to Henry and Isabelle, and Boston Expert for the app and online magazine Mommy Nearest. Thanks for sharing these 15 local gems in Huron Village, Leah!
1. Sarah’s Market & Café. Sarah’s Market is like the kitchen of the neighborhood; it's where everybody gathers and catches up. The early morning crowd includes regulars getting their coffee, parents out for an early morning breakfast with their kids, and various workmen and women, police officers, and firefighters grabbing a hearty breakfast to start their day. Sarah’s Market is half café, half market and they now carry beer and wine as well.
2. Hi-Rise Bread Company. Hi-Rise is a busy neighborhood bakery that offers treats and also dinner options. After 4pm, oven-roasted chickens are ready to be packed to go with gravy, onions, and a choice of a couple of sides. During the day, professors, professionals, and students pop in and out picking up coffee, soup, salads, and sandwiches. Kids will love the hand painted gingerbread cookies, vanilla bean loaf, rich chocolate sandwich cookies, cupcakes, and cream filled cakes.
3. Majestic Yoga. Majestic Yoga is a cozy little yoga studio with classes that let mom and dad hang upside down on straps. They have classes for all levels of yoga and for those who practice different types of yoga as well. The Tuesday afternoon children’s classes are also very popular.
4. Boudreau Branch Library. A sweet little branch of the Cambridge Public Library, the staff at Boudreau is extremely helpful and will gladly encourage little ones to get their own library card, try a new series, or request a book even if they can only remember what the cover looked like. There is a weekly singalong and story time for younger future readers as well.
5. House of Chang. House of Chang is popular for takeout and dine-in; try the dim sum on the weekends! The owners are very nice and they’re happy to talk about menu items and suggest dishes based on what you like, or what they think your children might want to try.
6. Formaggio Kitchen. Formaggio Kitchen is mecca for cheese and charcuterie, but while you are sampling cheeses the kids might have their eyes on the beautiful cookies from Lakota Bakery or the shelf full of penny candy. Formaggio also has soups, sandwiches, salads, and other prepared foods for busy parents who want to eat well but have no time to cook.
7. Magic Beans. Magic Beans is one of the best toy stores in town, offering everything from baby gear to games and toys for your tween’s next birthday party. They also have a display of little toys near the checkout that makes for great party favors.
8. Fresh Pond Market. A true neighborhood market, you can stop at Fresh Pond Market for a bottle of wine and ingredients for dinner, pick up a roasted chicken, or stop in on your walk home from the local park to buy the kids a popsicle.
9. Larch Road Park. Larch Road Park (off of Larch Road) is a great little playground with swings, two climbing structures (suitable for different ages), a basketball court, and two grassy areas.
10. Full Moon Restaurant. A truly kid-friendly spot, Full Moon offers a little play space, buckets of toys that children can bring to the table, and books, not to mention a menu that pleases both little and big palates. Come early for a quiet dinner with the family. Brunch is also very popular so head in early.
11. Marimekko. Though Marimekko is a chain, this little oasis of beauty and color warrants inclusion. Marimekko's classic graphic prints can be found by the yard or on beautiful little trays, mugs, and clothing for kids and adults.
12. Susi’s. This quirky, tiny little shop is a great place to pick up unique, handmade gifts for baby showers or birthday parties. Walking into Susi’s is like opening a treasure chest. Whether you only have time to window shop or pop in quickly, it's worth a stop because you will definitely see things you have never seen before.
13. Crate Escape Too. Whether you have your own four-legged friend or a little dog lover in the family (my kids love seeing the visiting doggies!), Crate Escape Too offers treats and playtime for dogs.
14. Elizabeth Clark Photography. Elizabeth Clark captures beautiful images both in her Huron Village studio and on location at favorite family spots and city landmarks.
15. GrayMist. GrayMist is a boutique full of beautiful things. Not only can you shop for gifts, home decor, and unique jewelry, you can also take classes and learn how to make Nantucket baskets.
Do you have other Huron Village gems you love? Feel free to share in the comments below! And if you want to pen a Local Gems guest post, contact Christine at editor@bostonmamas.com to check on availability.
Image credits: all images via linked websites or associated Facebook pages with the exception of the Marimekko image, which is by Christine Koh
