You go for the atmosphere.
You go for the view.
Do you want the good news or the bad news?
Good news is the brunch is pretty damn good.
A surprise of sorts! When the menu lists home fries these little nuggets of herb crusted hash browns are the last thing you expect to see on your plate.
They were absolutely delightful. The entire plate was a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed the addition of lemony fresh greens to the standard 2 egg, sausage, english muffin breakfast.
Bad news is, the bloody marys were awful.
I've had a lot of bloody marys in my life. I know when they taste good. I know when they taste bad.
They look awesome. I look so excited to drink them. They even have a golf tee holding the garnishes in place.
Ironically, Tavern On The Water offers a make your own bloody mary bar. As fun and inviting as that sounds, we were too lazy and tired to make our own after walking all the way to the Charlestown Navy Yard in the 90 degree heat. We opted for the bartenders batch. I was in the kind of mood that if I wanted to make my own, I would have. At home.
Surely, the bartender can make a better drink than us. Also, Adam never orders a bloody mary. I have no idea why he did today. I guess he wanted to try something new. Good for him. Or not so much. 
The taste was exceedingly more awkward with every sip. We kept making faces inadvertently whilst drinking but didn't discuss it until afterwards. I guess it was as painful to admit defeat as it was to drink! As we walked down the pier toward home, Adam was perplexed how anyone could like these, and chalked it up to lack of booze in the mix. I reassured him that was not the case. I'm just saying' - it did not taste like spicy tomato juice sans vodka. It tasted more like a stale drink mix of sorts. Honestly, I have no idea where they went wrong. I have no idea if this was just a fluke batch, but it definitely left me feeling disappointed.
Be wary the Bloody Marys.
But definitely stop in for a beer or two.
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. 
Warning: picture heavy post to come.
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 10am to 5:30pm. 
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 amongst 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. 
And back up again....
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 and onions to the Filet Mignon with Great Hill Bleu, romaine and red onion. 
In the opposite direction, just down Main Street in the picturesque residential section of town you can beat the heat with a crisp glass of prosecco and a specialty artisian pizza at Figs.
One of my favorites is the Bianco made with Mozzarella, sweet onions, fresh red and yellow tomatoes, arugula, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. 
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!
