To Do This Summer: Charlestown Navy Yard

While I'm off enjoying the Southern Louisiana heat I prepared a post that both reminisces on a warm summer day and hopefully inspires a visit to check out the historic charms that lie within a favorite Boston neighborhood. Whether you're or a local or a visitor, if you are looking for something to do around here this summer, why not explore the Charlestown Navy Yard?
Adam and I make it a point to visit this highly regarded tourist destination at least once a summer, if not more, for a stroll along the piers and a drink at Tavern on The Water or Max & Dylan's. Last year, one drink lead to another and and before I knew it, a field trip esque tour of the USS Constitution was underway. I had never been on the grand naval ship until last summer (something of a travesty when you grew up in MA and work in Charlestown) and as a result Adam documented my travels aboard the ship every step of the way. The Charlestown Navy Yard was established in 1800 and proudly served the fleet - especially during our nations wars, where men and women built some 200 ships and maintained and repaired thousands. It closed down after 175 years in 1974 and in that same year became a National Historic Park. The USS Cassin Young is a destroyer ship located at Dry Dock 1 - pictured above and below. I think it's fun to take in the various docks, cannons, anchors and buildings as you stroll along the wharfs. I love that each building and dock have a number. Fun Fact: Before my company's Finance department moved to our current location at The Schrafft Center, we were located in various buildings throughout the Navy Yard. My department was located in building 33. (Which has since been turned high rent apartments!)Above: Outside the The USS Constitution Museum.
Behind this facade of a building are some lovely parks and an interactive Korean War Memorial.And finally, the star of the Navy Yard: The USS Constitution, nicknamed infamously as "Old Ironsides" is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. It is operated by the US Navy in cooperation with the National Park Service. Admission is free and narrated tours are provided by Active Duty US Sailors every half hour from 10 am to 5:30 pm. This worked out nicely for a spontaneous afternoon tour. While a guide leads you to four stations on three decks of the ship, I assure you there is plenty of time in between to explore the deck among yourselves. We had a blast!
Oh sunny blue skies, when will you return? (If I recall this day was almost 90 degrees and sweltering!)To the lower decks!The ship details clearly fascinated me. Adam was into the cannons. After all that walking around in the hot summer sun, more drinks are most certainly in order! Consider the sailing communities favorite cocktail - and an all time favorite of mine The Dark-n-Stormy. Max & Dylans just around the corner at City Square pours a generous pint size portion.
I'm also a big fan of their sliders ranging from Kobe Beef with lemon dressed greens, gouda, balsamic + onions to the Filet Mignon with Great Hill Bleu, romaine + red onion. In the opposite direction lies Main Street in the picturesque residential section of town. You can beat the heat with a crisp glass of prosecco and a wood fired artesian pizza at Figs.One of my favorites is the Bianco made with Mozzarella, sweet onions, fresh red and yellow tomatoes, arugula, olive oil and balsamic. Consider exploring the Charlestown Navy Yard on your next adventure day in the city or something to do if you ever visit Boston! Hope you enjoyed the tour!