Shiny & New Things for Fall

Posted by Leah Klein, guest blogger of Leah's Life: Pearls & Oysters

Welcome to “Shiny & New Things.”  Each season I’ll be sharing 5 new spots in Massachusetts: one shop, one show, one restaurant or must try seasonal menu item, one hotel, and one spa or spa treatment.  That way when you’re out and about you can be “up” on all the latest and greatest of New England.

Boston is a small city in many ways, which makes it an easy city to visit and explore even with new events, restaurants, cafés, and art exhibitions popping up all the time. Boston is deeply rooted in tradition and home to some of the country’s oldest history, but is also full of fabulous shiny new things from shows and shops to rich New England fall flavors on the menu, and swanky new hotels whichever part of town you want as your landing pad.

Here are 5 shiny and new things worth experiencing this fall in Boston.

The Godfrey Hotel, located in the heart of the theatre district, is a classic example of a pre-war building with intricate details of its gothic revival era on the exterior and a modern day hotel experience within.  All rooms are king or double queen rooms with exquisite Frette sheets.  You can check in with your phone so if you want to just head straight to your home away from home, drop your things and freshen up, then go for it.  You’ll want to come back down to the lobby later though for a cocktail or stop by one of the best coffee shops in town – George Howell Coffee – located in the grandiose lobby. George Howell’s also carries some of the best French pastries from another newcomer Praliné located across the river in Belmont. Back in your hotel room you can also expect a 55″ Samsung TV, Bose Bluetooth speakers, USB ports at your desk, and fast, free wifi. The Godfrey Hotel is located at 505 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111

This fall, Boston Ballet kicks off their season with a little “new” and a lot of “shine” in Le Corsaire.  This production is the North American premiere of Ivan Liska’s version of Le Corsaire created for the Bavarian State Ballet in 2007.  Boston Ballet also has many dancers taking on new roles for this season.  The famous, festive, garden scene in in Le Corsaire features 20 children’s roles danced by Boston Ballet School students; a shiny new début for many of these ballet students. Le Corsaire is a great alternative to The Nutcracker for the family.  The Jardin Animé (garden scene) as well as sword wielding pirates and plenty of drama will keep the whole family on the edge of their seats.  Boston Ballet’s Le Corsaire premiered at the Boston Opera House October 27th and runs through November 6^th, and The Nutcracker opens November 25th. The Boston Opera House is located at 539 Washington St.

Eris Nezha and Irlan Silva in rehearsal for Ivan Liška’s Le Corsaire; photo by Liza Voll, c/o Boston Ballet

As for shops, shop small and shop luxurious with these two newcomers and one tried and true: one for kids, one for grown-ups, one for everybody. Cou Cou is a sweet little shop in the South End with a European esthetic, so you can bring something home for the kids without going all the way to France or Spain. If you are traveling with your little ones, take a break from museums and galleries and try one of Cou Cou’s classes or enjoy a play room session. The best kept secret though, is that you can shop from your phone or laptop and do a curb-side pick up on your way to dinner (or whatever fun adventure you have planned). If a children’s store isn’t on your radar then definitely check out Montreal’s newest import m0851.  m0851 is all about beautiful materials and design.  One can never have too many bags or accessories in the closet especially with pieces of art like these.  Olives and Grace, also in the South End has been around since 2012 but everything sitting on the shelves is shiny and new.  Owner, Sofi Madison, curates an exceptional collection of just right cocktail accessories, letterpress cards, chocolates, hot sauces, jewelry and much more from local artisans. You will find something you need after a short visit to this gem.  Cou Cou is located at 24 Union Park Street in the South End. m0851 is located at 134 Newbury Street.  Olives and Grace is located at 623 Tremont Street in the South End.

Gloves on display at m0851, photo credit:  Debbie Grubstein of A Little Bit About A Lot of Things

Chef Matt Jennings is New England to the core, but he recently defected from Rhode Island and settled right downtown, near the Opera House and The Godfrey Hotel, with his newest restaurant Townsman.  This hot spot opened in 2015 and Chef Jennings has some fabulous new fall dishes for this year as well an “old” favorite returning for the season; some of the most incredible Brussels sprouts around.  The Squash and Apple Salad is a little bit of magic with two varieties of apples sliced, a smoky apple butter, some radicchio, delicious roasted squash, a sprinkling of farmer’s cheese and a light earthy curry vinaigrette.  Back in season and on the menu are the Brussels sprouts. Chef Jennings’ Brussels sprouts are crispy, creamy and tangy.  They are served with malt vinegar, croutons, and a creamy harissa aioli-type sauce.   Townsman is located at 120 Kingston St., Boston, MA 02111

Skin Spa New York isn’t new to pampering your skin, but they are new to the area.  Step just off of Newbury Street into a chic little brownstone and you enter the world of Skin Spa New York.  For fall, try out the body buff.  Spend half an hour relaxing on a warm treatment bed and your worries will drift away as you are polished from shoulder to toes with an exfoliant and then hydrated with a gentle lotion.  You will leave the spa feeling lighter, refreshed and ready to face the fallweather.  The spa is spacious and airy, streamlined and clean but still comfortable.  Although your skin will feel lighter your wallet won’t feel too empty after a treatment because prices are reasonable and since once is never enough, there are some great package deals for everything from laser, waxing, massage, facials, body wraps, to sunless tanning.  Skin Spa New York is located at 284 Newbury Street, 3rd Floor.  Note that the spa entrance is on Gloucester St.

TOPICS: Arts, Boston, Culture, Entertainment, Fall, Family Fun, Shopping