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Neighborhood of Boston in Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States
Photo: Pi.1415926535, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood is named after Kenmore Square, and after the Fens, both of which it encompasses. Kenmore Square is the area's dynamic urban center. This is where trains arrive and shops light up in an effort to entice passing customers. High above, the Citgo sign (now a historical landmark) keeps a watchful eye on new arrivals as they make their way through these congested crossroads.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
MFA
As the fourth largest museum in the US, the Museum of Fine Art is known for its impressive assortment of French Impressionist paintings as well as its extraordinary collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art. The MFA also has one of the largest collections of Japanese art outside of Japan. A new modernist Art of the Americas Wing was completed in 2010, architected by Norman Foster. A visitor could simply rush through the highlights in a few hours, or linger all day and take it all in properly. The museum also has a great collection of early American art, including the portrait of George Washington used on the dollar bills you might find in your wallet right now.
Not your typical museum experience. Modeled after a 15th-century Venetian palazzo, the museum displays Mrs. Gardner's evocative home as it was when she lived here. She collected many masterworks, unappreciated at the time, and displayed them in a most unconventional manner. The juxtaposition of artworks from different cultures and time periods still delights visitors today. While the museum contains works by famous artists like Rembrandt and Velazquez, the main attraction is not in any particular work, but in how each room is laid out: not only the paintings and tapestries, but also the furniture and architecture in every corner of the building are valuable works of art. Gardner's will stipulates the works of art must remain in her original arrangement. This is the reason one wall remains blank, after an unbelievable art heist in early 1990. Thirteen pieces were stolen, valued at over $500 million dollars; the works of art remain missing to this day.
MHS
Founded in 1791, the Massachusetts Historical Society is the nation's oldest historical society. The collections of the MHS bring alive the stories of America's past through a series of changing exhibitions and public programs that are free and open to the public. Thomas Jefferson's handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence is a particularly significant piece in their collection. Many famous people sit on the board of directors, including professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, and director Ken Burns.
Countway Library of Medicine
This small exhibition is tucked away on the 5th floor of Harvard Medical School's Countway Library of Medicine. It was designed by Mr. Warren in the mid 1800s to teach his medical students about anatomy. The real highlight here—among the charts, specimens and 19th century medical instruments—is the skull of Phineas Gage. Phineas improbably survived 12 years after a large iron bar was driven through his brain.
Hotel Commonwealth
Founded in 1971, Panopticon Gallery is one of the oldest galleries in the United States dedicated solely to fine art photography. The gallery specializes in 20th century American photography and emerging contemporary works. Check their calendar for up to date information on their current exhibition. They also carry many interesting, hard to find, fine art books in their store.
Symphony Hall
One of "The Big Five", an evening at the Boston Symphony Orchestra (or BSO) will be a treasured memory for any visitor. Attending one of these highly acclaimed, if somewhat formal performances, is a must for any lover of the finer things in life. If you think you might prefer something lighter, however, try the Boston Pops. Comprised of BSO musicians (but usually not their first-chair players), The Pops plays more familiar classical and popular music. The building, Symphony Hall, was constructed in 1900 and is considered to have the finest acoustics of any concert hall in the United States. In 2006 the BSO renovated the building and was worried about preserving the quality of the sound. They decided to spare no expense, using only craftsman capable of building with the same methods and materials as the original construction.
Shattuck Visitor Center
Offering walking and cycling tours throughout The Fens, the Muddy River, and other points of interest along this section of the Emerald necklace. See the calendar of events for specifics.
See all types of live concerts and special events at this popular entertainment chain. The first HoB opened in Harvard Square in the early 90s, but moved to this much larger location in 2009. They play host to bigger name national performers like The Flaming Lips and Run the Jewels. They also serve several southern inspired dishes, if you feel compelled to eat here.
Jordan Hall
Catch a performance at the oldest independent school of music in the United States. The New England Conservatory of Music is renowned for its instruction in string, woodwind, and brass instruments. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994, Jordan Hall—along with Symphony Hall—are considered two of America's most acoustically perfect performance spaces. Often used as a concert hall for NEC students and faculty, the BSO will perform in this space as well.
Jillian’s
Not into classical music, and the finer "intangibles" a bowstring might provide? No problem. Head here for an evening of bowling, billiards, and ping-pong. An attached dance club bills itself as "52 weeks of spring break", if you're up for that. The entertainment is spread out over several floors so you may find something to your liking. All areas serve alcohol and are 21+.
BU Astronomy
Spend a few hours learning a little astronomy, and looking through Boston University's not very powerful telescopes. You won't be seeing much of anything if the lights are on at Fenway Park. Tickets are free, but you still have to "buy" them online in advance, because space is limited. The stairwell to the Observatory is on the fifth floor just to the left of room 520.
Your basic giant urban multiplex theater, gets all those first run films. Pretty clean, concessions, popcorn, games, the works. Some parking in the attached garage, discounted with a valid movie ticket from that day.
Offers vegetarian and health-conscious veggie burgers with great fixings, like salsa and guacamole, and sides of tasty steamed veggies. The fries are air-baked and taste like real potatoes!
This establishment has been a hit with the student crowd with its complex menu of create-it-yourself Thai fusion at reasonable, if not quite insanely cheap prices. Try the special buckwheat noodles or the Noodle St. soup.
A student favorite for years, this little Thai jewel is delicious. Tucked away below street level this place is easy to miss but worth searching for. The food is fast, cheap, and some of the best in Boston. Their pad thai is perfect and their yellow and green curry dishes are fantastic.
Amazing Thai food, amazing value. Walking by it, you might not be impressed, but when you eat you will know why there are so many Zagat stickers on the door.
The Verb Hotel
Get full and drunk at this loud and hip space frequented by cool kids who have a little money that night. Try the fun sushi roulette dish (one of the six pieces is loaded with spices). Served with a little baby's bottle filled with a cooling tonic to sooth your burning mouth.
Hotel Commonwealth
A unique bar in that it is built under the Fenway Park bleachers in right field, with a large glass window overlooking the game. Even the urinals in the men's room offer a view of the field! You don't need a ticket to get in, but the place does fill up quickly.
This is the original location, opened in 1992. It opened as one of the first microbreweries in the area, and serves 15 microbrews on tap at any given time. May open early during game day and other special events.
Arguably the most famous sports bar in Boston, located right outside Fenway Park. Raise a glass with the Fenway faithful from around the world. This bar is always wicked packed on game days, if the Sox are losing it might be time to leave.
Opened in 2005, this bar has made a name for itself as a worthy competitor to Cask n' Flagon. Plenty of televisions to catch the game on, and even indoor batting cages.
This chain was launched in South Korea in 2008, modeled after the finest European cafes. There's a bunch of these in New York, but this is the only one in New England for now. Offers the requisite coffee alongside light sandwiches and fancy Belgian waffles.
Fenway Location
The bagels are homemade at this miniature chain with a handful of Boston only locations. The owner hails from Chicago, but was drawn here by the local universities and made bagels and coffee his passion.
By far the cheapest accommodations in the city, books out far in advance. Don't expect much. Shared bathrooms.
Oasis Guesthouse
Deluxe hotel within easy walking distance to Fenway Park. Red Sox game packages available.
Take a moment to browse this once prominent national chain. It defies the odds and remains open, mainly because BU owns it and requires students to purchase schoolbooks here. Additionally, the famous Citgo sign sits atop this 6 story building.
Buy a mug or sweater for yourself, or do one better and buy toys, jewelry, or books for patients in residence. Lots of little pick-me-ups too, like magazines, toiletries, candy and drinks.
T-shirts and hats run about $30. Peruse the array of other novelty items, ranging from pennants to baseball cards to bobble head dolls. Other more expensive items are also for sale, such as game jerseys and sweatshirts. These guys don't run the tours of Fenway Park, but they do start in the store.
By car
As a newer neighborhood, Fenway-Kenmore is arguably the best area of central Boston to drive in.
By bike
From Allston Brighton, there are dedicated bike paths along Comm Ave. From Jamacia Plain or Roxbury, the Southwest Corridor bike path takes you much of the way to Ruggles.
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