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Neighborhood in Boston
Photo: Snutter, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Jamaica Plain and Mission Hill are two distinct neighborhoods within the City of Boston. They are grouped together here due to their shared border and transit options. Jamaica Plain—or "JP"—is one of the first streetcar suburbs in America and is surrounded by many parks. JP has undergone significant urban renewal since the turn of the century, with scores of fine shops and restaurants. North of JP, tiny Mission Hill was named quite literally, when a large church was built atop a hill. This small neighborhood is more urban feeling and has a high student population.
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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 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.
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.
Basilica and Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
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.
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.
Eliot Hall
America's oldest community theatre features a new program every other month or so.
Local donut shop where the old guys still go to get their coffee and catch up. Old school institution.
Pretty place sit with sandwiches and espresso/coffee, also to pick up (expensive but convenient) local produce and groceries.
Dominican restaurant specializing in empanadas.
Flagship location for local chain that serves homemade ice cream and coffee roasted in-house. Features several different blends of fair trade coffee. In 2006, JP Licks was named the Best Coffee Shop in Jamaica Plain by Boston Magazine. Free Wifi connections available.
Delightfully authentic little Cuban restaurant. A hundred framed pictures of Havana line the walls.
Lots of good beers and thin pizzas at this friendly spot frequently on "best of" lists. The mugs on the ceiling belong to patrons who "drink around the world", imbibing a beer from every country.
Upscale pub food with an effort to source ingredients locally. Excellent cocktail list, but the food is overrated. Gets very crowded at peak times on weekends but the atmosphere is lively and pleasant.
Seafood place specializing in sushi. Also serving a variety of Japanese and Korean specialities, like bibimbop, teriyaki, and stir fries.
A Southern restaurant serving "low country" food found along the coastline of the Carolinas. Order the "low country boil" to have your tablecloth replaced with newspaper and filled with andouille, shellfish, and potatoes.
One time book and record store turned Spanish tapas restaurant & wine bar. Vestiges of its previous life are still for sale, but the food is really the star today.
French/American cuisine with an emphasis on local organic ingredients. Vegetarian-friendly. The tasting menus are a little spendy, but they are an amazing value considering the quality of the fare.
Local coffeeshop in the Sam Adams Brewery Complex which also serves breakfast and lunch, in addition to the usual coffee and pastries and some highly praised popovers. Free wifi connections available. Perfect to visit after the Sam Adams Brewery tour.
Shop for a new bike, or pick up some spare parts for your current one. You could even volunteer at this charitable organization that helps get bikes to both local youths and people in developing nations.
Hat store that also stocks a lovely assortment of accessories, some of which are locally made. Very friendly and helpful staff make this a fun destination in its own right.
Independent local woman-owned owned bookstore. Has special events and a podcast.
The last remaining video rental store in America? Specializing in independent, cult and foreign films. They also offer all kinds of tea, coffee, smoothies, candy and snacks.
Clothing, home decor, jewelry and more. One other location in Brookline.
Gumshoe
A vintage clothing store with a focus on the Punk Rock Scene
By bicycle
The Southwest Corridor Park, which begins at Back Bay Station, stretches all the way to Forest Hills. It's one of the best bike paths in the city.
By car
Like most other areas of Boston, driving in these neighborhoods is not a great idea. Only consider driving if you're visiting the Arboretum or Franklin Park, and strongly consider the T even then.
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