My love for vintage travel posters runs deep! My collection includes framed copies of Chamonix-Mont Blanc, Cote d'Azur and a large Japanese Railway poster. Even a gallery wall in our bedroom boasts frames displaying postcards collected on our trip to France (Paris, Marseille, Cassis and Nice) in 2009. 
Yes, my apartment is basically a hodge-podge of vintage posters! Once I discovered that the Grand Circle Gallery existed I knew I had to pay them a visit.
What peaked my interest was the current Vintage Winter Sports Exhibit. Displaying among artifacts and memorabilia from the early days of skiing in New England and Europe are 30 vintage skiing and Winter Olympic posters. The posters are originals that pre-date WWII and most are on loan from the New England Ski Museum. 
My favorite sport showcased in the adored vintage poster form, plus a little bit of history? This made for a fascinating not to mention free afternoon. The posters truly capture the spirit of adventure and the beauty of the sport. I could not photograph them due to copyright issues, but I did snap a few photographs of the vintage paraphernalia.
If you have similar interests in travel or vintage posters, I urge you to check out the gallery. If you're particularly interested in the skiing aspect, the Vintage Winter Sports Exhibit runs through March 18th. Admission to the Gallery is free and the hours are as follows: Wednesday & Friday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm / Thursday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm / Saturday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
After exploring the exhibit I headed to Flour Bakery + Cafe located at 12 Farnsworth Street, which intersects Congress and is almost directly across from the gallery. 
I have been meaning to try Flour all these years, can you believe I had never set foot in one? For my non-Bostonian readers or those readers who are still unfamiliar, Flour is well-known for mouth-watering pastries, specialty sandwiches, and ownership under acclaimed local chef Joanne Chang. 
Since its debut opening in the South End ten years ago, Flour now boasts locations at Central Square in Cambridge and here in Fort Point Channel opened in 2007. 
Now I can proudly attest to the impeccable food, gracious service and warm atmosphere that Flour is so consistently praised for.
The Fiery Hot Chocolate was excellent - smooth and rich with an easy kick of cayenne pepper. I feasted on a sandwich of Roast Chicken, Avocado and Jicama ($7.95)
The chicken strips were sliced to an ideal thinness and the soft whole wheat bread generously loaded with fresh avocado, crunchy jicama slaw and crisp lettuce. 
In my opinion the more avocado the better and it is evident the folks at Flour tend to agree. 
For dessert I chose the Sticky Bun Bread Pudding figuring if I couldn't have the famous sticky bun I would get the next best thing. It was heavenly!
A decadent sticky caramel and toasted pecan treat, I definitely could not finish it all in one sitting and had plenty leftover for breakfast on Sunday. 
The service I received from the staff here in such a busy and bustling counter environment was not only attentive and courteous, it felt personalized and relaxed. I really appreciated how genuine everyone was and I look forward to trying more of Flour sandwiches and baked goods in the future!
In the mood for exploring I meandered into the Made In Fort Point Gallery where I enjoyed checking out local art work (some of which is for sale) exhibited in various forms including paintings, photography, jewelry and pottery. 
Not a bad afternoon! While we're on the subject, I'll let you know that Fort Point Channel has even more to offer than the small galleries I experienced today with the Institute of Contemporary Art (pictured below) at 100 Northern Avenue and The Children's Museum situated on the channel at 308 Congress Street.
The Boston Harborwalk offers panoramic cityscape and waterfront views - a stroll I very much enjoy - especially on a warmer day (when the below photos were taken!) These shots make me excited for green grass and warm weather! All in good time. I'm never one to rush the seasons.
Always up-and-coming in this neighborhood is the restaurant and bar scene that began with the likes of Sportello and Drink and have grown in variety and price point with places I'd very much like to visit including Sam's on Fan Pier and Menton for prix fixe fine dining. Long gone are the days when Lucky's Lounge was the cocktail den that alone defined the block! But I've loved Fort Point all the same ever since and will continue to look forward to days and nights of returning to explore this hip artistic Boston neighborhood.
If you have similar interests in travel or vintage posters, I urge you to check out the gallery. If you're particularly interested in the skiing aspect, the Vintage Winter Sports Exhibit runs through March 18th. Admission to the Gallery is free and the hours are as follows: Wednesday & Friday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm / Thursday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm / Saturday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
After exploring the exhibit I headed to Flour Bakery + Cafe located at 12 Farnsworth Street, which intersects Congress and is almost directly across from the gallery. 
I have been meaning to try Flour all these years, can you believe I had never set foot in one? For my non-Bostonian readers or those readers who are still unfamiliar, Flour is well-known for mouth-watering pastries, specialty sandwiches, and ownership under acclaimed local chef Joanne Chang. 
Since its debut opening in the South End ten years ago, Flour now boasts locations at Central Square in Cambridge and here in Fort Point Channel opened in 2007. 
Now I can proudly attest to the impeccable food, gracious service and warm atmosphere that Flour is so consistently praised for.
The Fiery Hot Chocolate was excellent - smooth and rich with an easy kick of cayenne pepper. I feasted on a sandwich of Roast Chicken, Avocado and Jicama ($7.95)
The chicken strips were sliced to an ideal thinness and the soft whole wheat bread generously loaded with fresh avocado, crunchy jicama slaw and crisp lettuce. 
In my opinion the more avocado the better and it is evident the folks at Flour tend to agree. 
For dessert I chose the Sticky Bun Bread Pudding figuring if I couldn't have the famous sticky bun I would get the next best thing. It was heavenly!
A decadent sticky caramel and toasted pecan treat, I definitely could not finish it all in one sitting and had plenty leftover for breakfast on Sunday. 
The service I received from the staff here in such a busy and bustling counter environment was not only attentive and courteous, it felt personalized and relaxed. I really appreciated how genuine everyone was and I look forward to trying more of Flour sandwiches and baked goods in the future!
As I wandered out I noticed another art gallery next door.
In the mood for exploring I meandered into the Made In Fort Point Gallery where I enjoyed checking out local art work (some of which is for sale) exhibited in various forms including paintings, photography, jewelry and pottery. 
Not a bad afternoon! While we're on the subject, I'll let you know that Fort Point Channel has even more to offer than the small galleries I experienced today with the Institute of Contemporary Art (pictured below) at 100 Northern Avenue and The Children's Museum situated on the channel at 308 Congress Street.
The Boston Harborwalk offers panoramic cityscape and waterfront views - a stroll I very much enjoy - especially on a warmer day (when the below photos were taken!) These shots make me excited for green grass and warm weather! All in good time. I'm never one to rush the seasons.
Always up-and-coming in this neighborhood is the restaurant and bar scene that began with the likes of Sportello and Drink and have grown in variety and price point with places I'd very much like to visit including Sam's on Fan Pier and Menton for prix fixe fine dining. Long gone are the days when Lucky's Lounge was the cocktail den that alone defined the block! But I've loved Fort Point all the same ever since and will continue to look forward to days and nights of returning to explore this hip artistic Boston neighborhood.
I never knew there was so much in this neighborhood. I've only been to the ICA. I'm definitely headed there for a Saturday when the weather is warmer. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBret works in the Fort Point Channel area so he's always hesitant to hang out there on the weekends. You look like you've found some great hidden gems in the city!
ReplyDeleteWait what? You had never been to Flour?! Wow! I used to work next to that one. It was always VERY tempting to walk past in the morning and at lunch!
ReplyDeleteThis area is really up and coming. I was down there for the Tall Ship event a couple summers ago and was so surprised by the hustle and bustle. I am also in love with that spicy hot chocolate from Flour!
ReplyDeleteThat sticky bun bread pudding looks amazing! Perhaps even better than, or at least equal to, the original sticky bun.
ReplyDeleteNice post! I used to work in that area and kinda miss it. I do love Flour and Sportello, and next week I am going to Menton so I am super psyched!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic post! Fort Point is without a doubt one of my favorite neighborhoods in Boston. When my mom visited last winter we hit up Made in Fort Point as well. I love the galleries there. It might not seem like it on the surface, but FP is actually a little dessert mecca (in my mind). In addition to Flour, the Sportello bakery is amazing and Channel Cafe has some really good pastries. Gorgeous photos, I need to get back there asap.
ReplyDeleteI have heard so much about Flour! So much that I cannot wait to visit that place when I finally get to Boston one of these days. I hear their granola bars are out of this world - and the sticky bread pudding is on my list now too!
ReplyDeleteOh my word! I love the sound of the Gallery! Ive never heard of it before- and it sounds fantastic! Ill have to check it out soon! Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteYes, I need to get out of Cambridge more and explore!
ReplyDeletelooks like a lovely afternoon! i looove Flour's tuna, I think it's curried tuna. SO good. well basically anythign/everything is so good. that bread pudding looks right up my alley. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you had never been to Flour before! Sounds like you had an awesome first experience. When I worked there, my guilty pleasure was the BLT with cheese and avocado. So bad! But sooo good!
ReplyDeleteThat sticky bun bread pudding must have been a special... or a new thing. I've never seen it before.
i just want that entire meal including hot chocolate to magically appear before me right now...could you make that happen :)
ReplyDeleteI live in Southie and love that Fort Point keeps on growing. I love Fort Point Arts! The best place for gifts and inspiration. :) Next time you'll have to check out Twelve Chairs? It is the coolest gallery and shop. Lots of fun finds there!
ReplyDeletethat pecan treat looks amazing! you should write a book on boston restaurants!
ReplyDeleteThe art museum's location is just too cool!
ReplyDeleteAnd Flour and its logo look just plain awesome.
The gallery looks incredible...I need to go there for a fun half day trip! I've also yet to go to Flour...which is a total sin. I've been dying to go!
ReplyDeleteDid you buy anything more to adorn your walls? Love the vintage ski gallery...so YOU...you must have had such a great afternoon! I have been to that art gallery next to Flour. The art made from old books are AMAZING, so unique! I totally forget what its called but they had one of Fenway. The woman who owns the place is SUCH a sweet heart. Her and Matt talked for like an hour about her dentist. ha!
ReplyDeleteLooks like such a great day, packed with good stuff. I also think I may have had those bindings on my old skis!
ReplyDeleteYou always seem to find the coolest things going on in the city! And I can't believe you had never been to Flour before.......so freaking good!!
ReplyDelete