Footlight Club

This mid-Georgian mansion was built in 1760 as a country residence and farmstead for a wealthy British naval officer. Well preserved, this large colonial structure rests on property that includes sweeping lawns, historic flower beds, handsome trees. Call ahead to take a tour of the house and view the large collection of historical artifacts. Or just swing by in the warmer months, when the grounds are often host to festivals, markets, and other special events.

The jewel of Jamaica Plain, Jamaica Pond is the largest body of fresh water in Boston. Surrounded by 1½ miles of footpath, and connected to a series of other parks and ponds known collectively as "the Emerald Necklace." It's an extremely popular destination for walking, jogging, fishing, rowing, and sailing. Investigate the boathouse, where boats are available for rent during the Spring and Summer months. Due to the incident in 1929, ice skating is no longer permitted on the pond.

All ages welcome for one hour tours (21+ for the tasting portion) departing every 40 minutes. No reservations, first come first serve. There is also a "Morning Mash-In" tour at 9:40AM, if brushing your teeth gets you in the mood to drink. There is of course a shop featuring exclusive t-shirts, hats and hoodies, as well as one-of-a kind beers brewed only at this location. Proust!

Outdoor ice skating rink.

Almost 15,000 different species of plant live in this gigantic park, covering 281 acres! Swing by the office for the particulars if you're interested, or just start exploring. Don't miss the bonsai collection, some are over 250 years old. If you want to have a picnic in this gorgeous place, make sure to do it on "Lilac Sunday", the only day picnics are allowed. It doesn't look it, but this is actually an active research facility, staffed by 20-30 people year round. Harvard University founded the Arboretum in 1872 by combining two large country estates after their owners passed. It's still owned by Harvard today. The land was deeded to the City of Boston in 1882, and leased back to the university for a thousand years. How's that for long-term planning?

The Mission Church broke ground in 1874 and was constructed in the Romanesque style. Built chiefly from Roxbury puddingstone quarried just across the street, in what is known today as Puddingstone Park. The stained glass windows were made by Franz Mayer and Co. from Munich, Germany. After the church opened, an icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was moved here. Members of the Mission began to report many cures and healed ailments. As reputed cures continued, crutches, braces, and other devices were left as votives at the shrine. The church was elevated to basilica status in 1954 when Pope Pius XII paid a visit. Senator Edward Kennedy's funeral took place here in 2009. All living presidents were in attendance, along with most of the leadership from Congress.