Boston, Old & New

I was in Boston last week for the first time and while the highlight was connecting with old friends and making new ones, the city also offered some delightful interiors. It being one of the country’s earliest cities, I was not surprised to find old churches with original furnishings, but I was surprised to find that they still held services! The King’s Chapel was my favorite. We encountered it as one of the landmarks on the Freedom Trail, which did not turn out to be as touristy as people warned us. (This was probably because as haters of tourist traps, we opted for the self guided version rather than the type led by an overzealous dude in over-the-top colonial garb. If you ever happen to be in Boston, own an iPhone, and want to check out the tour, the best way to do it is to download the free Freedom Walk app and enjoy a great walk. The market at Faneuil Hall is probably the most touristy stop, but is not a bad place to break for lunch and grab some clam strips or a lobster roll). Designed by America’s first architect, Peter Harrison, and completed in 1754, the King’s Chapel is considered the finest example of Georgian church architecture in North America. Now I’m no expert on Georgian church architecture, but man is it a beauty! The original high-walled pews (intended to help keep out the harsh New England cold) retain many or the original furnishings and are still used today for Sunday services, as well as weddings and other events. The cushions have been recovered many times throughout history, but still have the original horsehair filling!

Then our friends took us to Chill Tart for some FroYo. Because it’s really yummy and –I’m thinking- because the interior is fab. I’m used to most yogurt places being really contemporary and cool in a Pink Berry-ish fashion, but this one I especially loved for the ingenious use of material. Spanning the entire length of the store was a dimensional wall that was basically different sized MDF-type panels applied to the wall in two layers and painted in a crisp and glossy white.

It was simple and brilliant and dramatic all at once. Or maybe it’s just that I have favorable opinions of interiors when I’m eating something delicious.