Neighborhood guide: Fort Point

Once a swath of marshland (since filled in with rubble from the great fire of 1872), Fort Point is best known as the site of the famous Boston Tea Party. But venture east of the Congress Street bridge and its famous Milk Bottle—once a Drive-in along the highway—and you’ll discover a former industrial district fast evolving into a modern-day artists’ enclave.

SEE

Boston Fire Museum

Among the numerous firsts that Boston boasts is the first fire engine, built by Paul Revere (who else?) in 1792. It’s little more than a wooden wagon, but it’s a pretty awesome piece of work. You’ll find plenty of such curiosities here, including a hollowed-out log that was once a portion of the city’s original water mains, a spectacular collection of fire helmets from around the world and remarkable photos from the early 1900s. 344 Congress St at Farnsworth St (617-338-9700, bostonfiremuseum.com)

 

Grand Circle Gallery

A recent addition to the neighborhood, Grand Circle Gallery sits below Grand Circle Travel—the entrance of which is a site in itself, plastered with hundreds of postcards from around the world. The gallery displays vintage travel posters ranging in date from the early 1900s to the 1940s, augmented by rotating exhibits. On view through Jan 15 is “Going Places,” a group show by youth artists in the Artists for Humanity program. Hand-painted recycled luggage, Keds sneakers and messenger bags are the canvases on which the kids paint visions of where they want to go in the world. 347 Congress St between A and Farnsworth Sts (617-346-6459, gct.com/grandcirclegallery).

 

FPAC/Channel Café

The lower level of the Fort Point Arts Community houses two small gallery spaces, featuring work ranging from paintings to highly conceptual installations. Take a stroll through and see the latest, then take a seat in the adjacent Channel Café at the galleries’ entrance, grab a beer or a coffee and discuss. If you’re looking for something more substantial, Channel has a menu stocked with fresh, veg-friendly choices—including an impressive range of daily specials. 300 Summer St at A St (617-426-0695, fortpointarts.org, channel-cafe.com)

 

FPAC outdoor installations

The work of the nabe’s resident artists isn’t restricted to displays within galleries; you’ll see installations dotted throughout the ’hood all year long. If you head south on A Street under the Summer Street Bridge to Melcher Street and turn around, you’ll see “We Will Imagine,” a work made of florescent painter’s tape adorning the bridge and descending stairway. The piece pops up again further down A Street on the east side, along a fence adjoining a vast parking lot. It’s almost imperceptible when you’re upon it, but cross the street to see it come into view.  Further south on A Street at the corner of Binford Street, you’ll discover a double-sided fountain. (617-423-4299, fortpointarts.org)

 

SHOP

Bob’s Your Uncle

Native Brits Michele and Martin Yeeles, a former shoe designer and graphic designer respectively, are the proprietors of this funky gift and greeting card shop, which now also houses a gallery space. Utilitarian items such as mouse pads, placemats and planners are imbued with bold colors and clever graphics, such as the 8-Days-a-Week planner ($18), luggage tags inscribed with the oh-so-descriptive Schlep ($14) and notebooks helpfully emblazoned with Note to Self ($12). 25 Channel Center St (617-670-3782, bobsyouruncle.com)

 

Twelve Chairs

Eschewing the trend toward sleek, homogenous design, Roisin Giese and Miggy Mason have stocked their airy store with timeless, eclectic furnishings and accessories—all of which are ecologically friendly. Reclaimed wood-and-metal Christophe Badarello tables sit atop antique kilim rugs. Handmade Beekman 1802 soaps and Linneas Light candles mingle on shelves with recycled-paper notecards and stationery, while sumptuous throws and pillows are piled high on plush Cisco Brothers upholstery. Prices generally aren’t for those on a tight budget, but you can consider your purchases heirlooms in the making. 319 A St at Melcher St (617-701-3496, twelvechairsboston.com)

 

Chimera Lighting

If you’ve ever endured the seemingly endless hunt for the perfect light fixture, prepare to hit pay dirt at Chimera. The shop offers an exhaustive selection, from modern globes by Flos and ethereal pendants by Terzani to period reproductions by Classic Illumination and flush mounts by Kane Shrader. Stock up on energy-efficient bulbs: You’ll want to leave these beauties on. 327 A St at Melcher St (617-542-3233, chimeralightingdesign.com)

 

Made in Fort Point

This artist-run cooperative features a wealth of art, ceramics, paper goods, lighting, and other ephemera conceived right in the neighborhood. You’ll find rough-hewn, spun-twig lanterns and hand-painted ceramic ware; Laura Davidson’s die-cut dioramas of Boston scenes and painterly playing cards are also among the covetable finds. 12 Farnsworth St at Congress St (617423-1100, fortpointarts.org)

 

EAT

Sportello

Chef Barbara Lynch's sleek iteration of the classic diner offers up supremely tasty trattoria-inspired Italian cuisine. Choose a seat at the large communal counter for an experience that showcases the action in the kitchen. Alternatively, grab a bite to go from the bakery counter's rotating selection of pastries, soups and sandwiches and find a bench along the channel for a waterside picnic. 348 Congress St between Farnsworth and A Sts (617-737-1234, sportelloboston.com)

Papagayo

The newest addition to the slowly-coming-to-life area is this wildly colorful Mexican restaurant and tequila bar. An oversized mural of toucans greets you as you enter the cavernous space. Beyond the feisty Marilyn Monroe-esque chica lies the front and back dining rooms, with a lengthy bar in the center. Feast on Mexican specialties until late in the night or stop by for brunch on Sunday. Leave a little extra time so you can sample the spot’s extensive tequila menu. 283 Summer St at A St (617-423-1000, papagayoboston.com)

Lucky’s Lounge

This well-worn, subterranean speakeasy has been a destination for neighborhood denizens for ages. Grab a booth up front or a table in the side dining room and dig in to burgers, mac and cheese, Reubens and other diner favorites. If you’re feeling social, take a seat at one of the two bars (yes, the game is on TV). Lucky’s is known for its Sinatra Sundays brunch, when live renditions of the Chairman’s tunes fill the joint. Get in the mood with Lucky’s signature sidecar, made with Tuaca. 355 Congress St at A St (617-357-5825, luckyslounge.com)