New Souvenir Shop Opens in Charlestown

A new Charlestown business offers Freedom Trail travelers a place to stop off between the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument for a cold drink and a few trinkets to commemorate their visit.

The Bunker Hill Souvenir Shop, 26 Common St., opened on June 22 in the building that formerly housed Bunker Hill Barber Shop and, before that, a penny candy shop known as "Rosie's."

Owner Di Owens and her husband Pat grew up in Charlestown and now live in Reading, but they have remained an active part of the community.

“My husband had his barber shop here in Charlestown for 11 years in this same spot, and then he moved to Main Street next to Zume’s and we decided to keep this spot and open up a souvenir store,” Owens said.

The shop sells cold drinks and souvenirs—magnets, mugs, T-shirts, keychains, photographs and other items featuring Boston and Charlestown images.

“There’s so much foot traffic with the Freedom Trail and there’s really nothing in between the Monument and the Constitution, so we just wanted to do something and support local vendors,” Owens said.

She is hoping soon to open a penny candy counter as well and is looking to build up the shop’s stock of items with new additions, such as Boston and Charlestown ornaments.

“I’ve got things coming in within the next two weeks, and I’ll switch items out and do new items when I see things going,” Owens said.

The shop is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed Mondays, similar to the Constitution hours.

The new business also has a website, bunkerhillsouvenirs.comcastbiz.net.