MyBoston
BACK BAY & BEACON HILL
A MODERN HOME WITH HISTORY
ARCHITECT DAVID SHARFF
ROAD-TRIP SEASON
INSPIRATION FROM TRAVEL INFLUENCER ALAINA PINTO
Green-Space Guru
Liza Meyer PRESIDENT, FRIENDS OF THE PUBLIC GARDEN
MY FAVORITE THINGS
iIN ANOTHER LIFE, I might have been a gardener or a florist. Growing up, helping my family in the garden was just part of daily life. I’ve always loved growing things, partly because I love to be outside all day long! During the pandemic era, while living in Manhattan, I literally learned all the trees and bushes strolling daily in Central Park, which became my extended “living room.”
Architecture and design could have been another career path for me. And, of course, I’ve
always been an explorer at heart—I love to travel! So, the June issue of MyBoston features stories about a few of my favorite things.
We had the privilege of speaking with the new president of Friends of the Public Garden, Liza Meyer, and photographing her for our cover on her very first day in the office. We also explore the history and design of Back Bay brownstones with architect David Sharff and take you on some classic New England road trips.
The June issue marks a special milestone for us—it was exactly one year ago that MyBoston was founded. We are tremendously grateful for your support and for all the positive feedback we’ve received along the way. Please keep sending us your stories and ideas—we love hearing from you! And of course, we are thankful for our advertisers and partners; without them, we wouldn’t be able to publish this magazine. So, if you stop by one of their establishments, please let them know MyBoston sent you.
With gratitude,
Renata Coker Publisher, MyBoston
www.mybostonmag.com @mybostonmag
Publisher
Renata Coker
Renata.Coker@mybostonmag.com
Editor
Claire Vail
editor@mybostonmag.com
Contributing
Celina Colby
Alaina Pinto
Writer
Lead Photographer
Ben Flythe
Creative Director
Kijoo Kim
Advisory Board
Collin Bray
Robert Dimmick
Leigh Harrington
Lisa Mulman
Sharin Schober
David Sharff
Cindy Sullivan
WAINSCOT MEDIA
Chairman
Carroll V. Dowden
President and CEO
Mark Dowden
VP, Group Publisher, Regional
Thomas Flannery
VP, Content Strategy
Maria Regan
VP, Director of Digital Media
Nigel Edelshain
Art Director
Rosemary O´Connell
Associate Editor
Sophia Carlisle
Advertising Services Director
Jacquelynn Fischer
Operations Director
Catherine Rosario
Production Designer
Chris Ferrante
Print Production Manager
Fern Meshulam
Circulation Manager
Kathy Wenzler
Advertising Production Associate
Griff Dowden
MyBoston
Consign in Boston, Sell in New York!
Estimate
At DOYLE, we tell the stories of objects and people. Our bespoke consignment process begins with expert insights and meaningful conversations, ensuring that every item’s unique history is shared with neighbors near and far.
Contact DOYLE’s specialists today to evaluate your Fine Art, Furniture, Silver, Jewelry, Watches, and more for auction consignment or direct purchase.
INFORMATION & APPOINTMENTS
Kathryn Craig & Chris Barber Boston@Doyle.com 617-999-8254
290 Dartmouth Street, Boston Opening Summer 2025!
Louis Comfort Tiffany Gold, Star Sapphire, Moonstone and Enamel Pendant-Necklace, circa 1907–1914.
$30,000–50,000. Sold for $254,500 in Important Jewelry, April 30, 2025.
Community CALENDAR
June is jumping with art exhibitions, author talks, concerts and other community events happening in Back Bay and Beacon Hill.
June 1
Beacon Hill Art Walk
View and purchase original artwork from local and regional artists as you stroll amid the private gardens, alleyways and courtyards of Beacon Hill’s North Slope, listening to live music and sipping a latte. The walk is noon to 6 p.m., rain or shine, and starts at 135½ Charles Street and the corner of Cambridge Street and West Cedar Street. Call 617-227-1922 for more information.
June 1-8
Boston Ballet: Roméo et Juliette Swoon along with the star-crossed lovers in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s contemporary adaptation of one of the most famous stories ever told. A minimalist set, ethereal costumes and graceful choreography underscore the characters’ passion and turmoil. For tickets, call 617-695-6955.
June 1
First Church in Boston: Arneis Quartet
Enchant your ears with a free classical program of Mozart, George Walker and Brahms by Boston Symphony Orchestra Principal Violist Steven Ansell and the Arneis Quartet. From 4 to 6 p.m., 66 Marlborough St., 617-267-6730
June 1-30
Krakow Witkin Gallery: Allan McCollum
View an exhibition by American artist Allan McCollum, whose works explore the tension between unique handmade works and objects of mass production. Free. 10 Newbury St., 617-262-4490.
June 4, 11, 18, 25 Wednesdays
Kundalini Yoga Class
Practice mindfulness through breathing and chanting, learn poses, and get some exercise at this Wednesday evening yoga class in a beautiful space at Arlington Street Church, 351 Boylston St. A $10 charge goes toward the church; 617-536-7050.
June 5
Central Library in Copley Square: The Boston Red Stockings Superstars
Join author Jeffrey Orens for a vivid discussion of baseball’s beginnings, focusing on two men whose friendly rivalry popularized the game and shaped the professional sporting world. 6 to 7 p.m., Central Library, Copley Square, 617-859-4115.
June 6, 13, 20, 27
Boston Public Library:
Concerts in the Courtyard
Treat yourself to a free concert during your lunch hour each Friday in June. Relax in the BPL’s lush courtyard while you listen to a diverse range of talented local musicians perform. Every Friday in June from 12:30 to 1:30 pm.
June 8
Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
An homage to an ancient Chinese celebration and the oldest dragon boat race in the U.S., this colorful event features food vendors, performing artists, arts and crafts, and, naturally, dragon boat races. Join the festivities from 12 to 5 p.m. on the Charles River and Memorial Drive at John W. Weeks Foot Bridge.
June
8
Walking Tour of Jewish Beacon Hill and Vilna Shul
Explore how the Jewish residents of Beacon Hill’s North Slope neighborhood created a thriving community in the early 1900s, a time of momentous cultural change. Learn how they worked, lived and worshiped, and take a closer look at the sites of three different synagogues, all in one area. Also get a tour of the Vilna Shul. Meets at 11 a.m. in front of the Vilna Shul at 18 Phillips St. For tickets, call 617-367-2345.
June
9
The Twilight Garden Party
Join The Garden Club of the Back Bay and its supporters for its annual fundraiser and the announcement of this year’s Magnolia Award winner. This recognition is given to a person or organization in Back Bay whose civic activities enhance the beauty of local parks and green spaces. From 6 to 8 p.m., The Newbury Boston, 1 Newbury St.
Opposite page: Ji Young Chae and Jeffrey Cirio soar onstage in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette, being performed by Boston Ballet June 1-8.
Photograph by Liza Voll, courtesy of Boston Ballet
Right: June 12-July 13, view Pat Keck’s latest sculptures, including “Aching Head,” at Pucker Gallery.
Photograph courtesy of Pucker Gallery
June 4
French Library: Wine Seminar–Rhone Valley
Learn about bold reds and elegant whites from the legendary Rhone valley from Jo-Ann Ross, Wine Master Educator and Director of Education for the Boston Sommelier Society in the beautifully appointed French Library’s Victorian Founder’s Room. From 6 to 8 p.m.
June 12 (to July 13)
Jaeok Lee at the Boston Sculptors Gallery
View an exhibition of work by Jaeok Lee, who draws on Korea’s cultural traditions, reconnecting with rituals and symbols to bring them into her contemporary pieces. Boston Sculptors Gallery, 486 Harrison Ave. 617.482.7781
June 13
Concert: Ethan Tasch and Samantha McKaige
Twenty-five million people can’t be wrong. That’s how many have streamed Ethan Tasch’s music since 2020. The artist recently released a debut album (Got Him!), and has been heralded by New Music Daily,
Rolling Stone and the Zane Lowe Show as a significant new talent on the indie folk scene. 7:00 p.m., Red Room at Café 939, 939 Boylston St. For tickets, call the box office at 617-747-2261
June 14
Boston Pride Parade and Festival
Celebrate the diversity, culture and intersectionality of Boston’s LGBTQ+ community with the largest pride parade in New England. It begins at 11 a.m. in Copley Square, winds through the South End and Back Bay, and ends on the Boston Common in a festival and concert for all ages. A 21+ block party will follow at City Hall Plaza later that afternoon.
June 19
Underground Railroad Tour of Beacon Hill
What role did Bostonians play in the fight to end slavery? Find out on this 2½-hour walking tour with stops along the city’s Black Heritage Trail, which includes Beacon Hill’s African Meeting House and the Lewis and Harriet Hayden House. This Hub Town Tour provides historical context along the way, explaining how early 19th century abolitionists fought to bring an end to slavery. Limited space. Starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Boston Common, near 139 Tremont St. For more information, email help@ hubtowntours.com.
June 21
New England Film Orchestra at the Hatch Shell
Bring a blanket or chair and the entire family, gaze at the heavens and enjoy an evening of music from your favorite films. Free. Starts at 7 p.m. at the DCR Hatch Shell at 47 David G Mugar Way.
June 24
Special Collections Open House: Queer Artists
In honor of pride month, the Central Library in Copley Square will showcase items from its collection created by LGBTQIA+ artists. Central Library in Copley Square.
June 25
Orchid Reed Band
Find a shady spot behind the Shaw 54th Memorial and join the Friends of the Public Garden as they celebrate the organization’s free summer concert series with the Orchid Reed Band, a group of Berklee alumni musicians who keep the party going with pop and rock stylings. From 12:10 to 2:10 p.m.
June 28
Fine Choices 2025: Featuring Pat Keck
Visit Pucker Gallery for the opening reception of local artist Pat Keck’s newest sculpture exhibition. Keck draws inspiration from carousels, cigar stores and wood carvings to create captivating figures that delight the eye and inspire the imagination. Pucker Gallery, 240 Newbury St., 3rd floor.
Top left: Boston Public Library’s magnificent courtyard offers both shade and sun in which to relax and enjoy the afternoon.
Photograph by Claire Vail
Bottom left: On June 5, author Jeffery Orens will discuss baseball’s beginnings at Central Library in Copley Square.
FARMTOTable Fare
Chef Daniel Kenney prioritizes local sourcing at Willow & Ivy, the newest restaurant in the Lenox Hotel.
BY CELINA COLBY
Top: Executive Chef Daniel Kenney’s clam chowder, a New England staple
Above: Chef Daniel in the Willow & Ivy kitchen
Bottom left: Beef carpaccio with aioli medallions
Opposite page: Willow & Ivy’s abundant greenery lends the space a lush feel.
Photographs by Claire Vail
AN 18-FOOT TREE IS flourishing in the entryway of Willow & Ivy, the newest restaurant in the Lenox Hotel on Boylston Street. The lush greenery adorning the space, and the menu served in it, pay homage to the historic willow trees and brownstone-climbing ivy around the Back Bay neighborhood.
For both Executive Chef Daniel Kenney and President Daniel Donahue, the details are essential to the Lenox dining experience. Donahue points out ornate gas lanterns on the exterior of the restaurant and a mural by Lucy Wegerif on the far side of the restaurant.
“We’re very much in the heart of Back Bay, and we wanted to replicate Back Bay,” says Donahue. “You’re in a very urban setting, but we wanted to bring in that greenery as well.”
EMBRACED BY LOCALS AND VISITORS
Willow & Ivy opened in mid-April and serves breakfast, dinner and brunch for hotel guests and Bostonians. Catering to both demographics was important; Donahue says locals account for 50 percent of traffic to the onsite restaurant on any given day.
The menu has a French touch with dishes like seared foie gras dressed
with morello cherries and brioche and an orange blossom honey glazed duck breast. Julia Child was an early influence on Kenney’s love of food. But New England still shines through with Maine lobster pie, New England clam chowder and local meats and cheeses on charcuterie boards.
ROOTED IN NEW ENGLAND
For Kenney, local sourcing is an essential way of making the restaurant feel like a Boston eatery rather than a hotel stopover. Morning pancakes are smothered in maple syrup from the husband-and-wife-run sugar shack Republic of Vermont, appetizers are dotted with honey from the bees that live on the roof of the Lenox, and the lucky diners who have Thanksgiving supper at the hotel may taste cranberry sauce made from the cranberry bogs in Kenney’s own neighborhood in Carver, Massachusetts.
“I come from a farming community where the right to farm and the right to community farming is very important,” says Kenney. “We’re part of New England; we’re even part of micro–New England at this corner of Boylston Street and Exeter Street. So we love to support our local friends and family.”
Many of these local products, including that small-batch maple syrup and morning blends from Share Coffee Roasters out of Hadley, Massachusetts, can be found in the Lenox Mercantile, the hotel shop that emphasizes hyperlocal offerings.
The Lenox Hotel has three food and beverage outlets, all of which were previously run by external management. Over the last year, they’ve been updated and brought in house under Kenney’s management. The Irish bar Sola’s became Sweeney’s; City Bar became The Irving, a chic lobby bar with its own menu of bites; and City Table became Willow & Ivy.
Kenney and Donahue hope that the strong regional connections and hyperlocal details will ground the new restaurants more specifically in Boston and Back Bay.
“We’re family owned and have been for going on five generations,” says Donahue. “This is a special place, and we want that to come through in the dining experience.”
Celina Colby has been covering the food and beverage scene in Boston for over a decade with bylines in Eater Boston, The Bay State Banner and others.
People enjoying summer weather in the Public Garden.
Photographs by Claire Vail
GreenSpace Guru
Liza Meyer takes the helm as the newest president of Friends of the Public Garden.
BY CELINA COLBY
BBoston’s beautiful parks and urban green spaces are a second home to Liza Meyer, the newest president of Friends of the Public Garden. She’s taken countless strolls through the Pinebank Promontory on Jamaica Pond, admired the ever-changing decorations on the Make Way for Ducklings statues in the Boston Public Garden and cheered her children on at sports games hosted on public fields.
Now Meyer will devote her love of the outdoors to the three parks under Friends of the Public Garden’s purview: the Boston Common, the Public Garden and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.
“It will be wonderful to focus on these three parks, not just in one dimension, but across all the ways the organization supports these spaces, ensuring people have the fullest experience using and enjoying them,” she says.
Meyer came by her love of horticulture gradually, first by cultivating her own plants and interning at the Missouri Botanical Garden and later earning a master’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Washington.
The Needham native returned to the Boston area in 2002, first working in the private sector as a landscape architect for Sasaki Associates and then joining the City of Boston Parks and Recreation Department in 2008. She worked with the city until taking the helm with Friends of the Public Garden in May.
STORIED LEGACY, BRIGHT FUTURE
Meyer is only the third president of the organization, following in the footsteps of Henry Lee, who founded Friends of the Public Garden in 1970, and longtime president Liz Vizza. The organization works closely with the city’s parks and recreation department to maintain the horticulture and landscape of the parks as well as care for the public artworks and facilitate public programming in these spaces. Meyer says part of her role also will be to usher in a new
generation of friends to the organization in preparation for future leadership.
Although Meyer has worked on all the parks and urban green spaces in Boston during her tenure with the city, many projects have already overlapped with Friends of the Public Garden, including the restoration of Boston Common’s Brewer Fountain, an 1868 sculpture by Michel Joseph Napoléon Liénard. Meyer worked with Friends of the Public Garden to repair the infrastructure of the previously
nonfunctioning fountain and improve the plaza around it. Now the gentle trickle of water from the striking sculptural fountain is a sign of warm days in Boston.
Meyer also worked extensively on the Boston Common Master Plan, a detailed strategic plan for deploying $28 million to renovate and enhance Boston’s most historic gathering space. Meyer now hopes to be able to cross some of the plan’s elements off the list.
AN AMBITIOUS AGENDA
“This new role will be an opportunity for me to try to identify ways where we can pick up the pace and start to see not just capital improvements, but operational, maintenance and programming opportunities, all of which can come out of those plan recommendations,” says Meyer.
Those recommendations include things like developing the plaza around the Park Street MBTA stop, infrastructure improvements at Frog Pond for better seasonal functionality, the introduction of basketball courts to the Common and more.
Boston residents are particularly
A willow tree in early morning light in the Public Garden
Bottom: Liza Meyer talks with Senior Parks Care Manager Cody Jennings.
Photograph by Ben Flythe
rich in green space. In 2018, the city marked the milestone of ensuring that every single resident living in Boston is within a 10-minute walk of a park, according to data from the Trust for Public Land. The three parks championed by Friends of the Public Garden represent ways for Bostonians to connect with nature, the seasons and the city’s rich history.
“Great parks are a reflection of a city’s values,” says Meyer. “When a city is investing in its green spaces, it shows that the city cares about civic life, believes in the importance of the public health benefits that green spaces provide, and believes in the importance of communities being able to come together around these shared spaces.”
Equity and inclusivity were pillars of Meyer’s work with the city and will continue to be an essential part of her mission. For the Boston Common, a large piece of that is making sure residents of Chinatown, one of the closest residential neighborhoods to the park, feel welcome and well served by the space.
Meyer looks forward to seeing the parks be well utilized and well loved by all Bostonians, from picnicking and
riding the Swan Boats in the summer to sledding down the Boston Common hill in the winter.
“How do we do a better job of inviting everyone in and inviting people to stay and spend the day?” asks Meyer. “I think the ultimate goal is not just for people to pass through, but to feel like there’s a reason to linger and that they feel welcome to linger.”
Celina Colby has been writing about culture, art and community in Boston for more than 10 years for The Bay State Banner, Eater, BrooklineHub and many others.
Top: Local residents appreciate the beauty of the Public Garden in all seasons.
Bottom: The restored Brewer Fountain, an 1868 sculpture by Michel Joseph Napoléon Liénard, on the Boston Common.
A Modern Home With History
An architect and his wife pour their love of history and design into a personal renovation project in Back Bay.
BY DAVID SHARFF
SSEVERAL YEARS AGO, my wife and I decided we were ready to create our dream home. As a professional architect with nearly 30 years of experience restoring and renovating historic homes, I wanted a place with genuine historic character. I also wanted to learn as much as I could about its origin and evolution.
We searched for a property in Back Bay that would allow us to mix modern architecture and interiors into a historic structure, with the goal of restoring the exterior and renovating the interior to suit our living, working and entertaining needs. In 2018, we found the perfect structure: a four-story brick townhouse with windows on three sides and a courtyard between it and the next brownstone. The house had abundant natural light and magnificent views of Boston from the roof deck.
As part of our preparation for the restoration, which required a review of the project by the Back
Bay Landmarks Commission, I researched the history of the property and became fascinated by how the building had changed over a century and a half.
My source was the website BackBayHouses.org, which draws from the ultimate source on houses in Back Bay: Bainbridge Bunting’s “Houses of Boston’s Back Bay: An Architectural History, 1840-1917,” published by the Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, Cambridge, in 1967. The book, which was still in print as of 2015, is accurately described as “required reading for anyone interested in Back Bay houses and architecture.”
DISCOVERING THE BACKSTORY
Our house had an intriguing history. It was designed by Ware & Van Brunt Architects and built by contractor George Martin Gibson in 1872 as a three-story townhouse with a mansard roof and turreted bay. Ware & Van Brunt was active from 1863 to 1881
Opposite page: In the living room, the original plaster and wood moldings were preserved and now serve as a contrast to the owners’ modern fixtures and furnishings.
Above: The original living room had good architectural details but needed work.
Top right: Architect David Sharff
Photographs by Michael J. Lee
and was known for High Victorian Gothic designs, which contributed significantly to the architectural landscape of the Boston area.
The firm’s notable projects include Memorial and Weld Halls at Harvard University and First Church in Boston, as well as the Ether Monument— also known as The Good Samaritan— located in the Boston Public Garden. This monument was completed in 1868 and is considered the oldest in the garden.
George Martin Gibson was a builder and contractor active in the early 1870s as Back Bay was being developed. In 1871, he purchased land on Marlborough Street and constructed 11 contiguous houses for speculative sale. These homes were designed to be symmetrical and identical in facade, contributing to the cohesive architectural character of the area. Architects Ware & Van Brunt designed seven homes for Gibson.
The first series of renovations
of our building occurred from 1910 to 1911, when the original mansard roof and turret were removed, and a fourth floor was added to include staff quarters.
FROM HOMES TO SCHOOLS AND BACK
The next evolution took place in the mid-1950s, when the property was acquired by the Newman School and used for classrooms. Originally known as Newman Preparatory School, it was established in 1945. Classes are still in session in another structure in the neighborhood today.
From 1968 to 1988, the Northeast Broadcast School leased the structure as a space to hold its classes. Floor plans archived at Boston Public Library show a series of walls that would be removed to allow for the creation of larger spaces. Our demolition prior to renovations exposed steel beams, asbestos tile floors and the remains of plumbing for multiple sinks in what might have been a common restroom. I also believe the original entry with leaded glass sidelights was altered to install a wider door. An archival photo shows the original, and we were able to recreate it.
The last renovations before we put our stamp on the house took place in 1996 when the property
Left: The dining room as reimagined by David and his wife—it’s now a lush space for entertaining.
Above: The original dining room design was standard but dull.
was converted into three condominium units. One of these owners left behind an album documenting the mostly cosmetic work that had been done. Fortunately, many of the original details had been preserved. One surprise was that the kitchen and dining room had been one large drawing room with beautiful paneling, dentil molding and an impressive fireplace and mantel that stood at the far end of the great space. Though left intact, much of this detail was obscured by the kitchen cabinets that had been installed in front of it.
PRESERVING ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS
Excited to begin the renovation, we started by researching how to restore the front door and paneled entry to its original form. The brick exterior punctuated with large double-hung windows, a distinct copper eave and balustrade was repaired and restored, while the interior was demolished to the studs and rebuilt. What was left of the original, traditional interior details was stripped away to accommodate pared-down, minimal detailing. My wife and I identified the architectural details that felt most important to us; we preserved the original plaster and wood moldings in the kitchen, as well
as in the living and dining rooms. They now serve as a contrast to our modern fixtures and furnishings.
Our most significant architectural change is the addition of unexpected curving elements such as the sculptural staircase that winds its way through the main floors in opposition to the brick and limestone orthogonal facade. I designed minimal detailing and trim around the doors, windows and baseboards so that the beauty of the new wood and metal finishes as well as the contemporary art could take center stage. Several family heirlooms, including 19th-century French tables, are interspersed to reinforce the integration of old and new. We chose a de Gournay wallpaper with custom colors in the living room that covers a “secret” doorway leading to the former butler’s pantry, now a back hall with a closet and powder room.
Now, our house is a showcase for my architectural design work and a comfortable, beautiful living space for us.
David Sharff heads a small, award-winning architectural firm—David Sharff Architect— that has been working with clients for 25 years to deliver timeless, individualized designs for new homes, whole-house renovations, additions and interiors.
Left: A modern staircase with a sensuous curve adds an element of surprise in the traditional setting.
Above: The original staircase
Road Trip Season
Make the most of the nice weather by visiting these unique destinations, each no more than two hours from Boston.
BY ALAINA PINTO
RREADY TO UNLOCK the best season of New England? June offers the perfect blend of pleasant weather, and the reemergence of seasonal businesses. Here are five unique day trips within two hours of Boston. They all promise an unforgettable adventure to one of our region’s lesser-talked-about destinations. Each location is good for all types of day-trippers: couples, families, best friends and groups. Your packing inspiration includes a refillable bottle of water, car snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, car-friendly phone charger,
small notebook and pen, binoculars, camera, picnic blanket, hat and beach chairs. Have fun!
Four Corners, Tiverton, Rhode Island: Historical Elegance and Charm (1:20 south of Boston)
Step into the 18th century while visiting the historic town of Four Corners, Tiverton. It’s a beautifully preserved town near the ocean, and it’s on the National Register of Historic Places. There’s a free walking guide you can find online detailing the architectural gems and history of the
area. Find boutiques, antique stores and a cheese shop all within walking distance.
Check out the sculpture garden at Four Corners Art Center and get lunch at Groundswell Table + Provisions, a Parisian-inspired café with a patio. For those seeking a nature walk, Fort Barton’s trails have great views and Weetamoo Woods has a historic stone bridge.
There’s wine nearby! Check out Westport Rivers Vineyard in the town of Westport, Massachusetts. If it’s a warm enough day, you’ll be close to many beaches—pack accordingly!
exploring.
Bottom
Opposite page: Get a dose of history at Fort Taber Park in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
This page, left: Westport Rivers Vineyard in Westport, Massachusetts, is the perfect ending to an exciting day of
Top right: Four Corners in Tiverton, Rhode Island, is a great locale for treasure hunting at antique shops.
Photographs by Alaina Pinto
right: Nothing says a New England day trip like a fresh lobster roll.
Photograph by Serena Folding
New Bedford, Massachusetts:
Maritime Legacy and Artsy Vibes (1:15 south of Boston)
New Bedford’s downtown is charming and rich with maritime heritage. Cobblestone streets, preserved buildings, art murals, diverse restaurants, shops and ocean views—this town will win your heart. Definitely visit the New Bedford Whaling Museum, with rotating exhibits, a huge ship to climb aboard and many stories of the sea. Visit the Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens for the flowers or go to Fort Taber Park for history. Restaurants with vibes: Cisco Brewers Kitchen & Bar, New Beige, No Problemo, Tia Maria’s
European Café or Play Arcade. New Bedford is 25 minutes east of Four Corners—you could potentially visit both spots in one day!
Portland, Maine:
Coastal Haven for Food and Culture (2 hours north of Boston)
Portland’s reputation as a culinary destination is well earned. The historic Old Port district is iconic, with cobblestone streets and an eclectic mix of restaurants, breweries and boutiques. You’ll start your day at the Portland Head Light before treating yourself to Maine lobster. It’s the best! Go to Highroller Lobster Co. if you like different sauces or make
a reservation at Eventide for the raw bar. Dessert is a doughnut. Get a Holy Donut to go and take it to the Eastern Promenade to enjoy it with a view of Casco Bay.
Activity options: Take a ferry ride to the Casco Bay islands, tour the town atop an old fire engine, or visit the Portland Museum of Art or the Children’s Museum.
Lincoln, Massachusetts:
Farms, Historic Homes and Ponyhenge (30 minutes west of Boston) Escape to Lincoln for rural charm and fun on the farm(s). Explore the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, where art and nature
For experienced hikers, Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire is a beautiful and rewarding day trip.
Photograph by Dave White
merge. Pack a picnic to bring here or simply wander and connect. Schedule a tour at the Gropius House or Codman Estate—both offer a unique story and hold design history. Flower lovers: Wisteria blooms in late May and early June in the Codman Estate’s garden. Enjoy lunch at Verrill Farm, technically in Concord but very close and so good.
For a quirky detour, go to Ponyhenge, a whimsical collection of rocking horses. Visit Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm to see the animals or Codman Community
Farms for the farm stand. If it’s not dark, stop at Wilson Farm in Lexington for tulip picking on your way home.
Monadnock
Region, New Hampshire: An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise (1:45 northwest of Boston)
Mount Monadnock is the best hike close to Boston, offering breathtaking, panoramic views at the summit. On a clear day you can see the city in the distance. There are many trails ranging from 4 to 6 miles, all rated hard in difficulty. For a gentler experience try Ted’s Trail
at Wapack National Wildlife Refuge; it’s 5 miles and rated moderate. There’s also a beautiful walk around the Ponemah Bog that’s rated easy and is less than 1 mile.
Take a scenic drive to a quaint town nearby and stop into whatever antique store you pass on the way—there are many! Endless Treasures in Jaffrey is massive. Visit Keene for the breweries and shopping or go to Peterborough for the Bagel Mill. For wine lovers, stop at Fulchino Vineyard in Hollis; there’s outdoor seating, and it’s on the route back to Boston.
Alaina Pinto is a former TV news reporter turned content creator. She shares New England travel inspiration and itineraries on social media (@alainapinto), fueled by her passion for hiking, museums, charming downtowns, beaches and a variety of other attractions.
The Portland Head Light is an iconic coastal spot in Maine. Photograph by Lauren Peters at Visit Portland
SCOOPS OF ICE CREAM
Get the scoop on the best spots for ice cream and gelato in Back Bay and Beacon Hill.
BY CLAIRE VAIL
ICE CREAM RANKS high on the list of life’s simple pleasures. A reported 97% of Americans agree that, however you style it, the milk-sugarcream-based concoction is pure joy in dessert form. While Vermont’s Ben and Jerry are the most famous New Englanders to capitalize on unique flavors with interesting backstories, more than a few successful chains began in or near Boston. Two local innovators—Emack & Bolio’s and J.P. Licks—now have multiple locations in and around the city that offer creative twists on the centuriesold treat. There are also a few new
spots on our list sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Grab a few extra napkins and enjoy!
THE BITTERSWEET SHOPPE
Nostalgic for an authentic root beer float? Craving an old-fashioned malted milkshake? Look no further than this sunny Newbury Street café, which also serves breakfast, soup, sandwiches, hot dogs and other gourmet treats. The menu is delightful, and the imaginative ice cream treats, such as the orangesoda-based Dreamsicle, will surely conjure happy memories of
A cone with gelato in Amorino Gelato’s signature rose shape.
Photograph courtesy of Amorino Gelato
summers past. Owner Tracy Casavant founded Bittersweet after many personal trials, determined to become “better, not bitter” and to turn lemons into lemonade, which is also on the menu.
BEACON HILL CHOCOLATES
Fine artisan chocolates sourced from every corner of the globe are the main draw at this charming, award-winning shop, though you’ll also find a small but very popular selection of gelato flavors, including chocolate, raspberry and mint chocolate chip. Owner Paula Barth travels around the globe selecting extraordinary chocolates from masters of the trade, and her taste has won Beacon Hill Chocolates the title of “Best Chocolatier” by Boston Magazine in 2009, 2010 and 2012.
J.P. LICKS
Popular local favorite J.P. Licks has a location at the top of Beacon Hill, and residents and tourists line up early (starting when it opens at 11 a.m.) for a wide range of ice cream and hard yogurt in intense, addictive flavors, such as Black Raspberry Chip, Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Boston Cream Pie. J.P. stands for Jamaica Plain, Boston’s artsy enclave to the south,
where self-described oddball
Vince Petryk founded his local ice cream empire in 1981 on a strong value system that solicits feedback from employees and treats them like family. Today, there are 17 stores, all within 20 miles of Jamaica Plain, so you’re never far away from the sign of the pink-and-black cow.
EMACK & BOLIO’S
Founded in Brookline in 1975 by music lawyer Bob Rook as a place where rock musicians, such as Aerosmith, Boston, Al Green and others, could eat and hang out after gigs, this ice cream franchise has become a big hit, with locations across the U.S. and Asia. The many awesome flavors have musicinspired names (Deep Purple Chip, anyone?), and several come in vegan versions. The Newbury Street location’s most popular flavor is S’moreo, a melodic mouthful of toasted graham cracker and melted marshmallow. A variety of cone formulations makes for great pairings (try vegan coconut in a pretzel cone for a rockin’ sweetand-salty experience).
AMORINO GELATO
A French franchise started by childhood friends determined to bring the finest traditional
Opposite page, top: A classic banana split sundae at J.P. Licks is hard to beat!
Above, left: The Bittersweet Shoppe serves up old- fashioned malted milkshakes and floats on a sunny patio.
Above, right: Beacon Hill Chocolates’ irresistible gelato
Italian gelato to Parisians, Amorino Gelato is now genuinely global, with stores stretching from Cancún to New Caledonia. The menu offers cold and hot drinks, cakes, macarons and, of course, creamy gelato made from organic ingredients in a variety of elegant flavors, such as Bourbon Vanilla, Tiramisu, Dulce de Leche and Ecuador Pure Origin. Buy a cone and watch the servers meticulously sculpt the gelato into Amorino’s signature petaled rose, topped with a perfect French macaron.
Claire Vail is a Boston-based writer and photographer who loves coffee ice cream in all seasons.
Soirée 2025
MORE THAN 300 GUESTS gathered in April at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport for Soirée 2025, Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s annual scholarship fundraising gala. Guests enjoyed amazing performances by Boston Conservatory students and special guest alumni. More than $615,000 was raised for the Richard Ortner Thrive Scholarship Fund—the most money ever raised in the history of the event!
Top left: From left, Brian Gerhardson, Larry Post, and Valerie Post
Bottom left: From left, Michael Shinn, Boston Conservatory at Berklee Executive Director and Chad Smith, Boston Symphony Orchestra President and Chief Executive Officer
Top right: From left, Paul Kastner, Renata Coker, Publisher of MyBoston magazine, and Wayne Gaffield
Center right: From left, George Krupp, Cindy Curme, and Tim Stockert
Bottom right: From left, Chris Perry, Sylvia Perry, Debbie Dean, and Tania Zouikin Photographs by Dave Green
GREEK WEEKS: BOSTON’S HELLENIC EVENTS
A GREEK NETWORKING event put on by the Greece Foundation, a division of Greece Media, brought guests together at La Padrona Boston on March 20. And on April 17, the 2025 Boston Marathon Wreath Ceremony celebrated its 41st anniversary at View Boston at the top of the Prudential, where the Consul General of Greece in Boston, Alpha Omega Council and 26.2 Foundation presented the Boston Marathon’s winners’ wreaths to Boston Athletic Association. On April 27, the 29th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade of Boston in Back Bay featured Hellenic groups marching in front of thousands to commemorate Greece’s independence from Ottoman rule in March 1821.
Top left: Representatives from Alpha Omega Council, WMUR-TV, the Consulate General of Greece in Boston, and 26.2 Foundation hold gold wreaths at the 2025 Boston Marathon Wreath Ceremony.
Top right: New England Evzones marching on Boylston Street during the 29th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade of Boston hosted by the Federation of HellenicAmerican Societies of New England
Photographs by John Deputy
Center right: Attendees at Tony Kariotis’ Greece Media and iamgreece Boston Greek Networking event with Kleos Mastiha Spirit.
Bottom right: Realtor Anna Efthimiadis, Realtor Georgia Balafas, pharmacist Dionisia Katsaros, publicist Dena Skeadas Panagopoulos, and accountant Alexis Metropoulos. Photographs by Maria Liakop Photography
SPEAKEASY AT THE ATHENAEUM
ON APRIL 25, members snuck behind the Athenaeum’s iconic red doors for an unexpected (and gorgeously swanky) 1920s-themed party. The secret soirée featured incredible live music, delectable bites, flowing libations and dancing “under the stars.” The evening started with a scavenger hunt through the library’s collections and ended on the jaw-droppingly beautiful fifth floor, where members danced surrounded by stunning views of Boston’s skyline. What a night!
Guests in their finest Jazz Age threads, enjoying champagne cocktails and cotton candy and dancing to the swingingest band ever!
Photographs by Dave Green
FINE DINING GUIDE
ROCHAMBEAU
Bonjour, patio season.
There’s no better place to soak up spritz season than the patio at Rochambeau. Aperitif in hand, sunshine on your face, and the buzz of Boylston Street setting the scene—this is your Parisian escape in the heart of Back Bay.
BACK BAY SOCIAL
Patio season is officially on at Back Bay Social.
Sunshine, cold drinks, and great company—what more could you ask for?
Our Boylston Street patio is the perfect spot for after-work cocktails, weekend brunch, or spontaneous happy hours. Grab a seat, sip something refreshing, and soak in the city buzz.
SONSIE
LUNCH BUT MAKE IT CHIC.
Spritz into something fabulous with lunch at Sonsie on Newbury Street. Crisp Caesars, golden fries, and the perfect afternoon spritz—because your midday break deserves style, flavor, and a little relaxation - only $25.
Join us daily for lunch on the sunny side of the street, starting at 11:30am.
The fiesta has landed in the heart of Back Bay—El Barco has brought its bold, flavor-packed Mexican soul food from Martha’s Vineyard to Boston!
“The birria was honestly the best I’ve ever had… the smash burger tacos and carnitas? Absolute standouts.” -Bianca Fantoni
Whether you’re craving crispy, cheesy birria with rich broth, next-level tacos, or just looking to vibe with fresh energy and fast, friendly service—this is the spot!
Scan to Order Now and bring the fiesta to you—no passports, no waiting.
7 days a week starting at 11:30am.
THE PULSE OF SUMMER
As the sun lingers longer and the days grow lazier, these books recommended by Common Reads are summer’s best companions.
COMMON READS BOOK CLUB began as a viral TikTok post and has since grown to over 4,000 members in a broadcast channel on Instagram. Founded by Elie Delaney, the club brings women together, offering a mix of monthly book club meetings at local spots, including Boston Common and Time Out Market, and curated social events, such as book swaps, group fitness classes and paint-and-sips, loosely tied to the book of the month. Common Reads is redefining what a modern book club can be: inclusive, social and deeply meaningful. These novels were curated by Common Reads to be the perfect page-turners, whether you’re lounging on the Common or by the seaside.
GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL LIFE
by Emily Henry
Two writers are invited to a remote island to compete for the chance to tell the story of a reclusive heiress—each
getting a different version of her past. It’s a layered, emotional read about love, legacy and the stories we choose to believe.
THE GOD OF THE WOODS
by Liz Moore
A haunting literary thriller about a wealthy girl who vanishes from summer camp in 1975—14 years after her brother disappeared from the same place. As secrets unravel across timelines, the novel explores family trauma, class divides and the eerie grip of the past.
JUST FOR THE SUMMER
by Abby Jimenez
Two self-proclaimed “dating curses” agree to a temporary fling, hoping to break their unlucky romantic streaks. But as their lighthearted plan turns into something deeper, they’re forced to face past wounds, family surprises and the possibility of real love.
FUNNY STORY
by Emily Henry
In the charming town of Waning Bay, Michigan, two heartbroken strangers pretend to date to get over their exes but soon find their connection turning into something real.
BAD SUMMER PEOPLE
by Emma Rosenblum
Local book clubs! Would you like to recommend favorite books to our readers? Reach out to editor@mybostonmag.com.
A group of wealthy summer residents in a secluded Fire Island community are forced to confront their darkest secrets when a tragic event disrupts their luxurious lives. As relationships fracture and tensions rise, the novel explores the dangerous consequences of privilege, betrayal and the pursuit of power.
Above: Elie Delaney (@eliedelaney) launched Common Reads Book Club on social media. It has grown to over 4,000 members. Bottom left: Common Reads members enjoy a novel together on Boston Common.
Brought to you by Lara Shuqom, Principal of The Collective
The accuracy of the statistical data in this table is not guaranteed by MyBoston magazine. The listings broadly represent the local real estate market rather than the listings of any single agent or agency. MLSP in condo and single-family sales in Beacon Hill and Back Bay from 4.1.25-4.30.25.
Sincerely, Lara
JENNA GALLETTI
Beacon Hill resident Jenna Galletti shares the beauty of her typical Sunday in the neighborhood.
BY JENNA GALLETTI
Top left: Jenna Galletti enjoying the spring weather
Right: Acorn Street in Beacon Hill features the most photographed cobblestones in New England.
Bottom left: A perfect cappuccino makes the morning brighter.
SUNDAYS IN BEACON HILL move at a slower, more relaxing pace. I usually wake to soft light spilling through the shutters of my apartment—those tall, skinny windows that are practically a personality trait in this neighborhood. After a quiet start, I lace up my sneakers and head out for a walk, taking the scenic route just because I can.
There’s something so charming about the cobblestones underfoot and the sight of ivy climbing its way up historic brick. I usually make my way down West Cedar and cut across Mt. Vernon to Louisburg Square. I’ll pause for a beat, letting myself soak in the quiet elegance of the townhouses and the iron-fenced garden, then wander over to Acorn Street—arguably the most photographed spot in Boston, but still it somehow never gets old.
My next stop is Tatte on Charles Street. I rotate between a vanilla oat latte and a cappuccino, depending
Top: Spring blossoms rain down petals on Beacon Hill. Bottom: DeLuca’s Market, the tiny store that seems to have everything Photographs by Jenna
on my mood, and I almost always get an almond croissant. It’s flaky and buttery and feels like a small luxury. I’ll grab a seat near the window if I’m lucky or take my order to go and stroll through the Public Garden, just down the hill.
A QUIET WARMTH
On the way back, I swing by DeLuca’s Market for a few essentials—maybe fresh bread or tulips if they have them. It’s a tiny place, but that’s what I love about it. The aisles are narrow, the shelves packed, and the cashier almost always recognizes you if you’re local. There’s a quiet warmth to Beacon Hill that makes the neighborhood feel like home—even if you’re just passing through.
Back at my apartment, I’ll put on music—something soft and a little nostalgic— and take time to reset my space for the week. Beacon Hill has a way of slowing me down, reminding me that beauty lives in the little details. Sundays are when I feel that most.
Jenna Galletti is a photographer, marketer and social media guru based in Beacon Hill who is passionate about capturing small everyday moments. From creating content for brands to wandering the cobblestone streets with a coffee in hand, she finds endless inspiration in the neighborhood she feels lucky to call home.
Galletti
SLEEPING IS BELIEVING
Mattress maker Naturepedic prioritizes health and the planet’s future with safe, sustainable materials.
WITH COURTNEY ZWERVER
Why pick Naturepedic over other mattress brands?
At Naturepedic, we’re focused on organic sleep. While other brands may highlight comfort or convenience, we go deeper, prioritizing your health and the planet’s, with materials that meet the highest standards for safety and sustainability. Our Boston store experience reflects the same level of care, because we’re not just here to sell you a mattress. Our team takes the time to understand your sleep needs, explain materials and certifications and help you find the right fit for your lifestyle. It’s a low-pressure, high-comfort kind of place—just like the beds we make.
Why is choosing organic so important?
You spend about a third of your life sleeping—why would you choose materials that could harm your health when there’s a better way?
Organic mattresses avoid toxic chemicals commonly found in other mattresses, including flame retardants, synthetic pesticides, fiberglass, formaldehyde and phthalates, just to name a few. They’re healthier, they support better indoor air quality and they’re simply comfier.
What does Naturepedic offer besides mattresses?
We’re known for our mattresses, but we carry much more. From organic sheets, blankets, pillows and duvet sets to crib mattresses, kid beds and even organic pet beds, Naturepedic has your whole family (furry members included) covered. We also offer giftable lifestyle items like organic stuffed animals and organic meditation cushions. And stay tuned—furniture is coming soon.
How does Naturepedic accommodate different sleep preferences and price points?
Comfort is never one-size-fits-all, and organic doesn’t have to mean out of reach. We offer customizable products like our Adjustable Organic Latex Pillow and modular EOS Series mattresses to provide a bespoke sleep experience, as well as simpler models at a friendlier price point. And for those looking for a comfort upgrade without investing in a new mattress, our topper collection is a great middle ground. Plus, with seasonal sales, risk-free trials and financing available, we make better sleep more accessible without sacrificing the things that
matter most to us, like ethical sourcing, fair labor and quality craftsmanship.
Where is the Naturepedic Boston store located?
You’ll find us on the ground floor of 252 Newbury St., in the heart of Back Bay. We’re just steps from the Copley T stop, and nearby garages make parking surprisingly easy for Boston. Our knowledgeable Boston team is on hand to help you find the sleep of your dreams, so stop in and feel the difference for yourself—sleeping is believing, as we like to say.
Courtney Zwerver is Naturepedic’s Director of Corporate Retail, overseeing store sales and operations companywide. She loves educating people about the organic mattress world and helping them get a good night’s rest!
The Naturepedic store at 252 Newbury St., in the heart of Back Bay Photo courtesy of Naturepedic
Boston's Exclusive Performance Based Physical Therapy – Specializing in Racquet Sports and Injury Prevention
Serving Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and Lexington
Dr. Megha Bhatia, PT, DPT, CTPS 264 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02116 meghab@stick2itpt.com (413) 224 - 8303 Experience expert care led by Dr. Megha Bhatia, PT, DPT, CTPS, a Certified Tennis Performance Specialist with a passion for sports rehabilitation.
At M&T Bank, supporting small business owners isn’t just what we do—it’s what we’re passionate about. As your dedicated Relationship Manager, I take the time to understand your business, your goals, and the challenges you face. With a strong background in financial analysis and a hands-on approach, I’ll work with you to find solutions that make sense for where you are—and where you want to go. Let’s move your business forward, together.
The Splendor of the Esplanade
MILLIONS OF VISITORS flock to Boston’s iconic riverside park each year to walk, run, skate, sail, sunbathe, picnic or just take in the natural beauty of the place. Open dawn to dusk, the park offers beautiful waterfront gardens, historical monuments, recently renovated playgrounds, multiple walking and biking trails, and an abundance of local flora and fauna. Bostonians are rightfully proud of this lovely stretch of green along the Charles.
Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to editor@mybostonmag.com.
View through lilies on the Esplanade, 2024
Photograph by Becky Davis. Courtesy of Esplanade Association
WHEN’S THE LAST TIME YOU
Meet Peter Hill, an experienced, energetic, smart agent who knows how to buy and sell as well as he knows how to create a relationship with his clients. See, Peter knows that the more he gets to know his clients, the better chance he has of finding them a perfect new home or marketing their existing home to just the right audience. Plus, he just loves people, so he makes friends all over the place! Peter knows the area, like a GPS, is a hard and tenacious worker and a tactful and skllled negotiator. And Peter’s part of MGS Group Real Estate, where astonishingly attentive personal service is natural, and a list of vetted resources and connections is available to help clients before and after the buying or the selling. So, if this is the year you’re ready to make a move, call Peter. And although we predict you’ll have a relationship with him, we promise it won’t be the kind where he insists, he move in with you.