Charles St Antiques Hunting (Self Guided), Boston

Beacon Hill is a classy neighborhood with a lot of history and where some of the city's most high-profile personalities have their homes. It is one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in the city with stately brownstones and Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian architecture.

Among the beautiful houses, restaurants and bistros are some superlative antique stores. If you are in the market for a curio from times past or a valuable piece for your collection, make your way over to Charles Street. One of the first things you will notice is that it is lined with real gas lamps. Then browse the antique stores, including some selling antique hardware, such as door knobs and cabinet handles that are more than 100 years old. Perhaps you want an old map to hang up on a wall, an exquisite item of jewelry or some period furniture. There is a good chance you will come across it here.

Also on the street is an antique silver shop, galleries and jewelry stores. When you are feeling hungry or thirsty, stop by one of the nearby restaurants or inns. If you don’t have time to sit down, grab a coffee and a snack from a bakery and continue with your antiques hunting. Even if you have no need for antiques in your home, come to Charles Street for the charming window displays of objects from times past.