The Jamaica Plain neighborhood in Boston is home to parks and natural landmarks that are part of the Emerald Necklace. It is a diverse community that is the home to many college-educated professionals, artists, and political activists. With such an interesting population and geographic location, there are plenty of ways to keep busy in Jamaica Plain.
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Exploring Jamaica Pond
Jamaica Pond was first included in Boston’s Emerald Necklace, a 1,100-acre chain of linked parks, in 1892. Watergoers can rent rowboats, kayaks, and sailboats from the Jamaica Pond Boat House to explore the pond, which is an average of 25 feet deep. It’s also possible to fish off boats in Jamaica Pond, making it the perfect family destination. All in All, Jamaica Pond, is a Central Park in the middle of Boston, and a great way to get your nature fix in the city.
Tres Gatos
Tres Gatos – the bookstore/cafe turned tapas bar – was rated among Boston’s Top 50 Restaurants by Boston Magazine. The book and record store in the back of the restaurant gives it an artsy, quaint atmosphere. Service is superb and the food served is very creative, ranging from spicy dill pickles to soft shell crab and vegetarian paella. This charming tapas place is the perfect place to go for any occasion ranging from a nice birthday dinner to curling up – gato style! – with a glass of red wine and a book.
Forest Hill Cemetery
In addition to being a cemetery, the historic 275-acre burial ground is also a greenspace, arboretum, and home to a beautiful sculpture garden. It is the final resting place of author e.e. cummings, poet Anne Sexton, and suffragist Alice Stone Blackwell, as well as containing several famous statues and memorials including the Firemen’s Monument by renowned Nova Scotian sculptor John Wilson. With dozens of walking tours available every season, it’s easy to delve into the rich history of this splendid cemetery garden.
Ten Tables
Serving locally sourced, fresh food from New England farms that is handpicked by the Ten Tables team and chosen with sustainability in mind: that’s the Ten Tables way. In accordance with the organic and fresh ingredients, the menu changes regularly as new foods come into season. The Chef’s Table section of the restaurant is a particularly great spot – customers can see the kitchen staff, and Chef Eric himself, in action.
Arnold Arboretum
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead in 1872 and is part of Boston’s Emerald Necklace. It consists of 281 acres of greenery – its mission, to increase knowledge of the biology and evolution of woody plants. To shine a spotlight on one of the Arboretum’s highlights, the second Sunday in May is ‘Lilac Sunday,’ and the only day of the year that picnicking is permitted. All in all, the Arboretum is a scenic way to explore the nature side of urban Boston.
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South Street
40 South Street has had a reputation as being a hidden gem in Boston for the past three decades. The store offers customers an eclectic rotating collection of clothing and accessories from the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s. Although stuck in the past with its stock, the store itself is perfectly technologically up-to-date: its website is top-of-the-line and its Etsy sales are incredibly popular.
J.P. Licks
Enjoy the legendary ice cream, frozen yogurt, and coffee at its original location in Jamaica Plain. J.P. Licks is as well known for its sweets as it is for the unique atmosphere it provides customers: service always comes with a smile! The continued excellence of the café led it to be chosen as the Small Business of the Year by the Boston Chamber of Commerce in 2006.
Hallway Gallery
The Hallway Gallery, located on a narrow strip of commercial property, somehow manages to be simultaneously modern and vintage. The yellow and red paint job enhances the old-fashioned tin ceilings, while also creating an interesting, comfortable environment to view local art. The gallery space hosts quality shows from local artists, and is easily accessible to a wide variety of audiences ranging from serious artists to curious passer-bys.
Sam Adams Brewery Tour
Boasting intelligent, witty tour guides, the Sam Adams Brewery Tour provides a chance to view the brewery process first-hand. Afterwards, visitors are encouraged to sample the speciality malts and smell the amazing whole-leaf noble hops. In addition, customers have the opportunity to learn about the Sam Adams: brewer, patriot and cousin of President John Adams.
Brendan Behan Pub
Established in 1988, the Brendan Behan Pub has a well-deserved good reputation – it boasts superb customer service, incredibly fair prices, and a very impressive selection of beer. Customers can bring their own food to the bar and eat a home-cooked meal while talking to the incredibly knowledgeable bartenders and enjoying delicious craft beers and ales.
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