Allston, named after Washington Allston, an American painter and poet, appropriately became Boston’s countercultural headquarters of the arts of the 21st century.

The neighborhood looks much the same as other areas of Boston. The buildings along the main drag are brick apartment buildings, but wooden triple-decker houses and Victorian homes can also be spotted. What sets Allston apart is the sheer variety of cuisines it offers. Restaurants along Brighton Avenue have menus inspired by Italy, China, Korea, Japan, Thailand and Afghanistan at Ariana’s, in addition to those that are more traditionally American.

Also, conveniently located for new residents to the area, is a selection of stores that carry items up for resale. You can pick up some furniture for the new digs, and some trendy vintage threads at a thrifty price in Allston.

As I mentioned, Allston is the countercultural headquarters for the arts. Music is at the center of this scene. Great Scott and O’Brien’s Pub are two local music venues that don’t suffer from a lack of quality entertainment on their stages.

If you visit Allston, grab a bite, hear some up and coming musicians jam, and swing by 1325 Commonwealth Avenue where Aerosmith wrote their first song for a music history stop.