By Michael Coughlin Jr.
If you are looking for something to do, look no further than visiting these local businesses or attending some future local events. They will be sure to make good use of your time.
The Birch St. House & Garden, located at 760 South Street, is not just any old shop; it fosters a sense of community.
Elizabeth Swanson, the establishment’s Owner, bought the store in 2008. When she took over, she “wanted to make sure that the gift store is really welcoming and inviting to everyone from all walks of life and also help create a sense of community in Roslindale.”
Before the pandemic, Swanson talked about being open later on the weekends and how people would meet up at the store before or after going to dinner. She also emphasized that Birch St. House & Garden is a spot where new mothers can rest on walks.
The gift shop offers a variety of items, including candles, jewelry, furniture, pottery, garden accents, and much more. Additionally, many of the items are made locally.
For example, Birch St. House & Garden sells candles from two Dorchester women, local jewelry lines, card lines, and art.
“It’s very important to me, and part of my mission to also support the community through locally made goods and artwork as well,” said Swanson.
In addition to supporting the community through the sale of locally sourced items, Swanson offers a number of services to help out local patrons.
Swanson emphasized that parents should be aware that children are more than welcome to visit the shop to find gifts for the holiday season.
“Some of my favorite transactions are helping kids find gifts for their parents and then having them figure out their budget and how much money they have,” said Swanson.
“And, of course, if kids are a little short, we just make it work out with magic discounts,” she added with a laugh.
Regarding gifts, the store also offers complimentary gift packaging year-round. “We try to do everything to make the personal experience, the in-person experience, really positive and easy for customers,” said Swanson.
“A lot of people know that they can come in on their way to birthday parties or housewarmings, and they’ll be able to leave with the gift ready to give.”
Further, the establishment also offers local delivery and shipping options and helps people who have limited availability to visit the store pick out items.
To inquire about these services, you can email [email protected], call 617-323-3269, or message on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/birchsthouseandgarden or Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/birchsthouseandgarden.
If you are interested in visiting the shop, the hours beginning November 1st are as follows: Monday through Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Thursday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
However, it should be noted that before November 1st, the store will close at 5:00 p.m. on Fridays.
Another business that can provide a good time is The Square Root, an establishment at 2 Corinth Street that offers a cafe-like atmosphere in the morning and entertaining nightlife.
Anthony Giordano, the owner who opened the Square Root almost six years ago, indicated the establishment offers breakfast foods, coffee, and items like pizza later in the day until the kitchen closes at 10:00 p.m.
“People say that our pizza is almost the best around here,” said Giordano. “Our pizza is very, very popular, and it’s very, very tasty.”
Additionally, the Square Root hosts events almost every night. “It could be comedy, could be a pub quiz, could be live music,” said Giordano.
For Giordano, who is also a musician, he spoke about the opportunity his establishment gives to residents looking to show off their talents.
“I mean, I can’t tell you how many times in a given night somebody will commend me on opening up the place and keeping the place open, having a place for local artists,” he said.
In speaking about the Square Root’s atmosphere, Giordano said, “It’s got several different modes. Morning, it’s a little more hectic, people scrambling to get something to get themselves going, and then in the afternoon, people come in from work trying to just chill out and relax, have a beer, glass of wine, something to eat, and then hang out, maybe catch some entertainment or maybe just go home.”
As Giordano mentioned, the establishment does serve alcohol. While the Square Root does not have an all-alcohol license—something that they are working on—patrons can enjoy pre-made cocktails, beers, and more.
For those looking to visit the Square Root, its hours are as follows: Monday 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Tuesday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Wednesday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Giordano strongly recommended people come to the Square Root. He noted that music events have a cover most of the time to pay artists, there are free events, and his prices are neighborhood-friendly.
In addition to what these local businesses offer, residents should be aware of several upcoming events.
First, as always, Roslindale Village Main Street (RVMS) will hold its Farmers Markets every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Adams Park. Those who have been unable to attend so far this year will have until November 23rd to experience what the RVMS website says is Boston’s “most prominent neighborhood farmers market.”
Notably, a Trick-or-Treat event will coincide with the farmers market this Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. “We encourage kids to visit local businesses and trick-or-treat for candy,” said Steve Marcelin, RVMS Event Manager.
On November 30th, RVMS will host its annual tree lighting at Adams Park from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
“The mayor always joins us, there’s a visit from Santa, and I believe the Boston Ballet performed with us last year, and we’re looking forward to them doing it again this year,” said Marcelin.
Additionally, RVMS will have its Holiday Market on December 12th at the Emerald Society at Birch Street Plaza from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
“It’s a pretty fun night. It’s a chance for residents to gather on Birch Street and shop and get together before the holiday vacation,” said Marcelin.
Marcelin also mentioned some upcoming events that were not necessarily being put on by RVMS. These events include an exhibit and a drink and draw at the Substation this weekend. More information is available at https://thesubstation.space/calendar.
He also mentioned that Boston Police District E-5 will hold its 21st annual Halloween party tonight from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the station on Centre Street.
For more information on these businesses and to keep up with RVMS events, visit the links below.
Birch St. House & Garden: https://www.birchsthouseandgarden.com/
The Square Root: https://squarerootrozzie.com/
RVMS: https://www.roslindale.net/