Issuu

MyBoston NOVEMBER 2026

BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

MAINE COURSE

INSIDE YOUR NEXT WEEKEND GETAWAY

5 BEST

AFTERNOON TEA SPOTS

In Harmony H+H’s New CEO Lecolion Washington Jr.

0 MBB_Cover_1126_Final.indd 1

10/12/26 4:40 PM

Your Neighborhood. Your Home. Your Brownstone.

NAVIGATING LIFE’S MOVEMENT

collinbray.com Untitled-2 1

10/12/26 9:20 AM

Untitled-2 1

10/12/26 9:17 AM

MEET ME @ LYRIK

LYRIKBACKBAY.COM Untitled-6 1

10/13/26 1:02 PM

Attontron row

Thomas Russell Dunlay, Race Day, Cambridge Boat Club | Estimate $8,000–12,000 | xM>[M=~ZMJJog[>~lFg[QM=|~kogoWTo`~<d<;~

Discover the Value of Your Collection Our specialists are currently evaluating jewelry, watches, fne art, silver, rare coins, American furniture and folk art for auction consignment or immediate purchase.

Chris Barber & Kathryn Craig

uctioneers & Appraisers

DOYLE A New York

Untitled-2 1

BEVERLY HILLS

BOSTON

CHARLESTON

617-999-8254

doyle.com CHICAGO

CONNECTICÏT

F @doyle.com

IN O

NEW ÙERSEY

NORTH CAROLINA

Boston@Doyle.com

175 E 87th Street, NEw yOrk, NY 1**)8 PALM BEACH

PENNSLYVANIA

WASHINGTON D.C.

10/12/26 9:19 AM

CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2026

F E ATUR E S

In Tune

The Handel and Haydn Society’s new President and CEO Lecolion Washington Jr. has a vision for the storied ensemble: a choral work for all voices. 22

MyBoston heads north to southern Maine for dramatic coastal scenery, gallery browsing, boutique shopping, and a thriving foodie scene.

28 14

8 16

Maine Course

CO LUM N S

PUBLISHER’S NOTE A New Chapter, With Gratitude

LOCAL PULSE Community Calendar

LOCAL TASTES Deco Diva

5 BEST Afternoon Tea Spots

Q&A Endeavor Psychology

LOCAL SOCIAL Night Lights and MyBoston Fall Soiree

MY SUNDAY Suzanne Norman

COV E R Lecolion Washington Jr. Photography: Liz Linder Styling: Tara West Wardrobe: Todd Snyder Eyewear: Blink Location: Trinity Church

4 / MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

4 MBB_TOC_1126_Final.indd 4

10/12/26 3:42 PM

ART IS TRULY TIMELESS 160 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 914-656-7968 www.sitkahome.com

Untitled-3 1

10/1/26 7:38 PM

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Photography: Liz Linder Styling: Tara West Wardrobe: Anine Bing Jewelry: Michele Mercaldo Hair: Tabatha Bohmbach, Stilisti Salon Makeup: Winnie Chan, Stilisti Salon

A NEW CHAPTER, WITH GRATITUDE IN MUSIC, a change of key can create an emotional shift, signaling a new chapter in the story. Our writer and editor, Claire Vail, opens our November main feature introducing Lecolion Washington Jr., the new CEO of the Handel and Haydn Society, with this very idea. At MyBoston Magazine, we are turning the page to an exciting new chapter of our own. This November, we are proud to introduce our inaugural South End edition alongside our established Back Bay and Beacon Hill publication.

With two editions, we are expanding our reach while staying true to what matters most: thoughtful, high-quality stories that reflect the character of each neighborhood. But it’s not just our neighborhoods that are special. This month we also take a trip to Kittery, Maine, a community that delivers a bounty of experiences in every season and is just an hour from Boston. Explore dining, shopping, and small-town charm with us. Closer to home, we invite you to experience five of Boston’s best high teas, perfect for a leisurely afternoon with friends and a little indulgence. As our publications grow, so does our team. I am deeply grateful for our talented writers, the exceptional cover photography by Liz Linder, and our growing business development team, which is welcoming new partners and helping us bring more local stories to life. Most of all, thank you, our readers and partners, for your encouragement and wonderful feedback. As November invites us to gather with family and friends, I hope we also take a moment to appreciate the people, places, and small everyday discoveries that make life here so special. Every local story we share and every new connection we make reminds us how much we have to celebrate right in our own neighborhoods. Thank you for welcoming MyBoston Magazine into your homes and for being part of the story we are creating together. With gratitude,

MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

Publisher Renata Coker Renata.Coker@mybostonmag.com Editor and Photographer Claire Vail editor@mybostonmag.com Writers Lisa Mulman Morgan Vail Cover Photographer Liz Linder Advisory Board Collin Bray David Sharff John Michael Kennedy Leigh Harrington Lisa Mulman Sharin Schober Vivien Li Zach Kinnard Business Development Manager Lizzie Taylor Lizzie.Taylor@mybostonmag.com Account Executives Anne Cabot Anne.Cabot@mybostonmag.com Mason Porter Mason.porter@mybostonmag.com WAINSCOT MEDIA Chairman Carroll V. Dowden President and CEO Mark Dowden SVP, Group Publisher Thomas Flannery VP, Content Strategy Maria Regan VP, Director of Digital Media Nigel Edelshain Creative Director Kijoo Kim Advertising Services Director Jacquelynn Fischer Operations Director Catherine Rosario Advertising Production Associate Griff Dowden

Renata Coker

Publisher, MyBoston mybostonmag.com @mybostonmag

MyBoston magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Boston, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

6 / MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

6 MBB_PubLetter_1126_Final.indd 6

10/12/26 3:45 PM

Mastering the Art of You D r. D a ve L e e

BOSTON PLASTIC SURGEON

PURECOSMETICCENTER.COM (617) 826-8888

Untitled-8 1

400 COMMONWEALTH AVE BOSTON, MA, 02215

8/10/26 12:46 PM

LO CAL P ULSE

Community CALENDAR

Give thanks this November that you live in such a culturally rich city, and celebrate by attending one of these historical lectures, musical concerts, or another exciting event happening in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and beyond. BY MORGAN VAIL

November 6 to 8

48th Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair Love old books? Find your people and amazing antique tomes at the 2026 Boston Book Fair, the annual fall gathering for book lovers and collectors, featuring the top selection of items available on the international literary market. This three-day event features materials from around the globe as well as antiquarian books on a vast array of topics. Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street. Visit abaa.org for times, tickets, and details.

November 12 On display for most of November, an exquisite quilt made of memories at The Copley Society of Art on Newbury St. Photograph courtesy of the Copley Society of Art

November 1 to 21

November 5

During her residency at Newton Cemetery and Arboretum in 2025, Kasey Kaufman collected different observations that examined loss, family, love, and the act of remembrance that she shaped into a quilt of memory. Available to view from Nov. 1 through Nov. 21 at the Copley Society of Art, 158 Newbury Street.

Enjoy this incredible assortment of awardwinning experimental and animated short films from Germany, with media including but not limited to drawing, puppeting, rotoscoping, collaging, mixed-media, and more. This program will explore historical, personal, and natural themes. 7 to 9 p.m. at the Goethe-Institut Boston, at 170 Beacon Street.

Copley Society of Art: The Memory Quilt Project—What Remains

Goethe-Institut: Animated Beyond

State House: 25 Years of Strategies for Children The Massachusetts State House will celebrate 25 years of Strategies for Children, an organization that works to connect people to their government and their peers with a focus on helping young people empower themselves. This special reception will recognize the contributions of Strategies for Children. This free event will run from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Massachusetts State House, Room 428, 24 Beacon Street.

8 / MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

8,10 MBB LocalPulse_1126_Final.indd 8

10/12/26 2:24 PM

Untitled-2 1

10/5/26 9:30 AM

LO CAL P ULSE

November 20

The Henry Purcell Society of Boston: The Loves of Mars and Venus Travel back in time to Restoration London with “The Loves of Mars and Venus,” one of the period’s most beloved musical entertainments. With a libretto by Peter Anthony Motteux and music by two of England’s most celebrated composers, this witty and sensuous work became a sensation of its time. 7 p.m. at Cathedral Church of St. Paul at 138 Tremont Street. For tickets, visit bostonpurcell.org.

November 20

Congregational Library and Archives: Children’s Literature Collections Tour Swing by the Congregational Library and Archives and join Dr. Kyle Roberts to witness a tour of Congregational literature created for children. The collection of 250 years of literature explores changing American ideas about growing up, the meaning of childhood, and what pieces of literature were deemed appropriate for children to read. This event will run from noon to 1 p.m. at the Congregational Library and Archives, 14 Beacon Street.

November 24

November 27 to 29

Join historian and Revolution 250’s CoChair Robert J. Allison for a lecture about the dashing French playwright and spy Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, who persuaded Louis XVI to support a secret operation helping the American rebels. From 6 to 7 p.m. at The French Library at 53 Marlborough Street.

Come attend this three-day event featuring a varied marketplace of collections from local makers, vendors, artists, and small business owners. Walk rows of handmade goods, jewelry, wooden decorations, ceramic pots, and seasonal items. This free event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street.

The French Library: Beaumarchais— Playwright, Secret Agent, Revolutionary

Hynes Convention Center: New England Makers Showcase

Top right: View the Congregational Library’s collection of children’s literature, which spans 250 years, on display Nov. 20. Photograph courtesy of the Congregational Library and Archives Bottom left: Experimental and animated German films debut at the Goethe-Institut Nov. 5. Photograph courtesy of the Goethe-Institut Bottom right: This Nov. 20, channel Restoration London with Purcell’s “The Loves of Mars and Venus” at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul. Photograph courtesy of the Henry Purcell Society of Boston

10 / MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

8,10 MBB LocalPulse_1126_Final.indd 10

10/12/26 2:24 PM

Classic Beauty CENTER FOR

ANNA PETROPOULOS MD, FRCS

Experience Matters ! With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Petropoulos and her team will help you achieve a younger, fresher, and healthier appearance while maintaining your natural beauty. WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM

HAIR RESTORATION SOLUTIONS

AESTHETIC INJECTABLES

PRP Hair Smart Graft FUE Aquafirme Derive Hair Viora Hair Infusions Digital AI Hair Metrix GetHairMD

Botox Fillers Sculptra Threads PRP for Face

SKIN TIGHTENING

SURGERY

RF Morpheus8 SylfirmX Scarlet Thermage Thermismooth

Rhinoplasty Blepharoplasty Liposuction Endoscopic Mid Face Lift Endosopic Brow Lift Stem Cell Face Lift

Semaglutide & Tirzepatide Retatrutide GLP2 IV Vitamins & Shots Skin Tightening Peptides

80 Lindall St., STE 2 Danvers North Shore

Untitled-8 1

FEMALE WELLNESS

BODY CONTOURING & MUSCLE TONING

Emsella ThermiVa MorpheusV V-Tone V-Fit

CoolSculpt Elite

978-739-9500 info@classicface.com

EmSculpt Neo InBody

396 Commonwealth Ave. Boston Back Bay

10/7/26 2:00 PM

The-Pilates-Lab_Full-Page_Ad.pdf

8/6/26

2:08 PM

Your body is unique. Your Pilates should be too. Private sessions at The Pilates Lab are built entirely around you. Expert instructors guide you through our bespoke 1:1 method. You'll build functional strength, mobility, mindfulness, and resilience through our therapeutic approach. Experience the joy of movement in our serene, light-filled studio located in the heart of Back Bay.

CMY

Explore The Pilates Lab

Untitled-5 1

376 Boylston Street, Suite 301, Boston, MA 02116 www.thepilateslab-boston.com Call/Text: 508-443-1263 hello@thepilateslab-boston.com

8/7/26 8:36 AM

Coming this fall to Beacon Hill

A proper pub. An improper amount of anticipation.

Harry Hare ’s A little British charm. A new Beacon Hill address.

Your next pint, date night, and ‘just one more’ await. Be first through the door.

Join the opening list at harryhares.com.

Untitled-11 1

10/12/26 11:06 AM

LO CAL TA STES

DECO DIVA In its five years on Beacon Hill, neighborhood favorite 1928 has built an enviable reputation as the fashionable set’s go-to place for drinks and dinner.

BY CLAIRE VAIL ASK ANY RESIDENT of Beacon Hill— especially the under 45-crowd—where they go for cocktails after work, and they’ll tell you: 1928. Not quite tucked away on 97 Mount Vernon, this speakeasy-style restaurant feels cozy and insider-ish, a step down off Beacon Hill’s storied streets into a warm, inviting space that evokes the past while serving up a present-tense menu of upscale comfort food and cocktails. This year marks 1928’s fifth anniversary, and its success has led to a second establishment of the same name in Rowes Wharf. Owner Kristen Jenkins says the food and unique atmosphere resonate strongly with a loyal crowd. “Guests tell me 1928 feels intimate, glamorous, and different from other restaurants. People say they notice something new every time they visit. A lot of people in the community consider 1928 ‘their place,’” says Jenkins. Named after the year her grandfather was born, the restaurant is filled with antiques and furniture Jenkins has sourced from her other business—Leonard’s New England—to create a sensual Art Deco feel. The ambience is dark and opulent, with

Above: Smoked Absinthe Oyster Rockefeller, served under glass with a dramatic tableside reveal. Below: The entrance to 1928 on Mount Vernon Street. Photograph by Claire Vail

tufted leather seats, lush greenery, and antique paintings on the walls. Jenkins says she was inspired by a period that looked forward to a bright future. “I kept coming back to the spirit of 1928. It was a moment in history associated with prosperity, optimism, glamour, beautiful interiors, cocktails, music, entertaining, and a wonderful sense of being carefree.” Several menu items also nod to a more decadent time: Oysters Rockefeller sauced with louche absinthe perch on mounds of hot pink salt, deviled eggs are topped with beluga caviar, and there’s plenty of vintage-inspired frothy cocktails, such as the popular Pornstar Martini, a sweet vodkabased concoction with passionfruit

14 / MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

14-15 MBB_LocalTastes_1126_Final.indd 14

10/12/26 2:26 PM

The Library room at 1928, with a ceiling of pages from paperback novels, is a favorite with diners. Photograph courtesy of 1928

and vanilla under a crown of champagne foam. The past matters, especially on Beacon Hill, and Jenkins, whose love of old things runs deep, made sure to preserve as much as she could of the building’s history. Sections of old wallpaper from the 1920s are deliberately left exposed on columns, and she refurbished a mid-century mural of a coat

check boy that was concealed behind a wall for decades, a souvenir from Au Beauchamp, the French restaurant that occupied the space in the ’40s and ’50s. Jenkins says that 1928’s ambience has naturally evolved over time, and that she still swaps pieces in and out to delight and intrigue diners. “Beacon Hill has so many layers of history, architecture, art, and personality. I never wanted 1928 to

feel like a restaurant that could have been placed anywhere. It belongs in Beacon Hill.” 1928 is located at 97 Mount Vernon Street and is open for dinner Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m. Weekend brunch is available from 11 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. 1928 has a second location in Boston Harbor on Rowes Wharf. For more information, visit 1928-restaurants.com. NOVEMBER 2026 / 15

14-15 MBB_LocalTastes_1126_Final.indd 15

10/12/26 2:26 PM

Tune

The Handel and Haydn Society’s new President and CEO Lecolion Washington Jr. has a vision for the storied ensemble: a choral work for all voices.

BY CLAIRE VAIL

IN LONGER MUSICAL compositions, a key change creates an emotional shift that signals a new chapter in the story. One of Lecolion Washington Jr.’s major key shifts happened in 2013, while performing at an international chamber music festival in South Africa since 2006, at a university that had been notably slow to desegregate after apartheid ended. The concert featured a narration by Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu. After the concert, a long receiving line formed to shake hands with Tutu. When Washington Jr.’s turn came, to his surprise, the Archbishop paused for a tête-à-tête with the American. “He reached up and put a hand on my shoulder, and said, ‘You’re the bassoonist, right? These young people have never seen someone who looks like you on this stage. You don’t understand how important you

are for the future of this country.’” Greatly moved, Washington Jr. recalls walking away in tears. “I thought, if playing the bassoon can do that, what else can I do that might have an even greater impact? That was the beginning of my transition out of performing and into leadership roles.” Only a few weeks into his new job as President and CEO of the Handel and Haydn Society (H+H), Washington Jr. is already demonstrating why he was the board’s choice. A relatable and inspiring speaker, his passion for the beauty of Western classical music is matched by his enthusiasm for reaching larger audiences through music’s transcendent power. Washington Jr.’s role is to steer the strategic, business, and artistic vision of H+H, including performances by the H+H

Orchestra and Chorus at Symphony Hall and NEC’s Jordan Hall, all touring, and educational activities, including oversight of eight youth choruses, community outreach, and business development. It’s a big job, but Washington has the chops. In his nine-year stint as head of the Community Music Center of Boston, he doubled the net worth of the nonprofit and found it a permanent home in Roxbury. He’s also an

16 / MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

16-21 MBB_H+H_1126_V6_KK.indd 16

10/12/26 3:08 PM

Handel and Haydn Society’s new President and CEO Lecolion Washington Jr. Photograph by Liz Linder

experienced professional musician and teacher—he was a tenured bassoon professor at the University of Memphis and helped create and run the PRIZM Ensemble and the PRIZM International Chamber Music Festival in Memphis. H+H was founded in 1815 by middleclass Bostonians who, like Washington Jr., wanted to share their love of music with more people. Named for two of the world’s most renowned 18th-

century composers, George Frideric Handel and Joseph Haydn, H+H ensured Bostonians could experience master choral works performed by professional musicians, the way Europeans did. In its first year, H+H presented the American premiere of the euphoric “Hallelujah” chorus from Handel’s “Messiah.” American premieres of important works followed: Haydn’s “Creation” (1819), Verdi’s “Requiem” (1878), and Bach’s NOVEMBER 2026 / 17

16-21 MBB_H+H_1126_V6_KK.indd 17

10/12/26 3:08 PM

Left: H+H’s annual Baroque Christmas concerts showcase the H+H Chorus with members of H+H’s period instrument orchestra in the intimate setting of NEC’s Jordan Hall. Photograph courtesy of Hilary Scott Bottom: Washington Jr. with the Handel and Haydn Society’s Artistic Director Jonathan Cohen at Symphony Hall in October 2026. Photograph courtesy of Taylor Rossi

“St. Matthew Passion” (1879), as H+H assumed a spot on the center stage of Boston’s musical scene, even performing at an 1863 Grand Jubilee in celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation, and two years later at Boston’s official civic memorial service for Lincoln. By the 20th century, American music was evolving in exciting new directions, and technology was bringing great performances directly into people’s homes. As

the century waned, audiences for public performances of classical music increasingly tended to be older, middle- or upper-class, and generally, though not exclusively, white. Across the world, symphonies and ensembles performing music written mainly in previous centuries have had to scramble to stay relevant and expand their reach while remaining faithful to their mission, a challenge that H+H is meeting head-on.

SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE Washington Jr. grew up in Denton, Texas, a small but lively college town famous for its annual arts and jazz festival. Music was always part of life. His mother’s family made up half of their church’s choir, and his father tinkered with the guitar and trombone. Washington Jr.’s sister Saundra, whom he describes as “the coolest possible kind of second mother” to him, played the clarinet in band, and Washington Jr. assumed he’d do the same. But when middle school band director Bud Wis asked him to consider the bassoon, Washington Jr. said sure, he’d play whatever instrument Wis handed him. “He told me to blow into it. A noise came out—it wasn’t a musical noise— but Wis said, ‘now you’re on your way’.” Washington Jr. describes himself

18 / MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

16-21 MBB_H+H_1126_V6_KK.indd 18

10/12/26 3:08 PM

back then as a “middle of the road player,” whose interest in band was mainly social. When he had an opportunity to play with a string ensemble, he was dubious. Classical music didn’t resonate with him much. The string players were the best in the region, and in this group he ranked low, the fourth bassoonist out of five. But he accepted the challenge. “We played Stravinsky’s ‘Firebird’ and the Brahms ‘Academic Festival Overture.’ I remember thinking, ‘What is this?’ The cells in my body just opened up. It changed everything for me.” At the University of Texas in Austin, Washington Jr. declared as a chemical engineering major, and also tried out for one of the college’s prestigious orchestral musical ensembles. He showed up at the audition with a borrowed bassoon from his old high school, not realizing all the other musicians had received personal invitations. “I start playing this really fast tonguing piece. And the folks on the panel immediately start shuffling

papers around. They were like, ‘Who is this?’” Washington Jr. played another piece, this one by Tchaikovsky at twice the written tempo, but the panel of judges was already smitten. He scored higher than any candidate, many of them classically trained and members of the all-state band. The experience convinced him to switch his major to music. He then immersed himself in playing in chamber ensembles and studying the history of Western classical music. MUSIC OF HIS MIND What most people call classical music is really divided into several periods. Baroque, composed between 1600 and 1750, is ornate, grand, and stately, with pieces often composed for official occasions, music defined by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach and Handel. The Classical era, marked by witty, elegant structures, is dominated by Mozart, Haydn, and others, and stretches from 1750 to 1820. Beethoven defines the 19th century and Romantic

period, with its sweeping, emotive power and dynamic extremes, which required larger orchestras and more varied instruments. While all these types of music sound dramatically different to the sensitive listener, they’ve been grouped under one label: classical. Like jazz or rock, to the knowledgeable, these are blanket, almost meaningless terms. Washington Jr. says his relationship with classical music wasn’t love at first sound. In college, music theory was taught through Western European compositions—Mozart piano concertos and Beethoven string quartets. While he appreciated the beauty of the music, Washington Jr. became frustrated with the rigid approach to teaching theory. “A Stevie Wonder album like “Songs in the Key of Life,” which I knew well, could have taught me everything that I needed to know about theory, but it wasn’t presented to me in that way,” he says with a wry smile. Gradually, after a career of professional performances alongside some of the best musicians in the NOVEMBER 2026 / 19

16-21 MBB_H+H_1126_V6_KK.indd 19

10/12/26 3:08 PM

world, Washington Jr. did fall in like, and then in love, with the music. He says it’s hard to choose a favorite piece. “All four of Brahms’ symphonies, especially the third. Beethoven’s ‘7th symphony,’ Shostakovich’s ‘7th symphony,’ Shostakovich’s ‘10th,’ Stravinsky’s ‘Firebird,’ Haydn’s ‘Creation,’ Purcell’s ‘Dido and Aeneas’” he says, sighing for what he’s leaving off the list. He muses further. “There’s also Zelenka. He was a Baroque-era composer who wrote a lot of beautiful

Washington Jr. with Archbishop Desmond Tutu in 2013.

chamber music for bassoon. It’s very virtuosic, but it’s also very well written for the instrumentation.” As for non-classical music, he cherishes Stevie Wonder. “I’m an empty nester now, and ‘Overjoyed’ was the song I used to sing to my sons at bedtime, so I get pretty emotional when I hear it.” Washington Jr. says the experience of being a musician shaped his attitude to work and to life. “The reason I wanted to get really good was that I realized the best seats

in any orchestra—the best seats in the house—are in the middle of the bassoon section. You’re surrounded by sound. The violas are in front of you, the cellists are here, the brass are there, the percussion is here, the horns are there. And you only get access to those seats if you’re a quality player.” He points out that because musicians in an ensemble aren’t playing the whole time, they can focus on listening to others. “You know who has improved over time; you hear their progress. You’ve heard someone in rehearsal, and you’re thrilled to be there when they share their performance with everyone.” He has been able to draw on lessons learned through performing music to guide his roles as a teacher and administrator, which he describes as nurturing. “We’re all a part of something bigger than our individual selves. We have to marvel at those around us while also doing our part.” IN SQUARE CIRCLE Handel and Haydn are astonishingly accomplished masters of their art. They are also dead white men, which describes nearly all composers of classical music’s traditional canon. Conscious of the need to engage a

20 / MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

16-21 MBB_H+H_1126_V6_KK.indd 20

10/12/26 3:08 PM

Clockwise from top left: H+H has performed Handel’s “Messiah” annually since 1854, including a televised broadcast in 2020. Photograph courtesy of Robert Torres

Jonathan Cohen has served as Artistic Director since 2023. Photograph courtesy of Robert Torres Washington Jr. leading his high school band. H+H supports eight youth choruses for singers ages 7 to 18. Photograph courtesy of Kat Waterman

changing world and motivated by a desire to keep the music of the past alive, H+H has incorporated new ideas into concerts by programming consultants such as African American countertenor Reginald Mobley and bringing in talent in the form of resident conductors such as Dr. Anthony Trecek-King. H+H has also expanded its repertoire by featuring historical works by less well-known composers, such as by the female French composer Louise Farrenc, African American abolitionist Ignatius Sancho, and others. H+H’s eight youth choruses introduce music into Boston public schools, and the organization’s commitment to DEI has resulted in real action, including the development of bilingual music instruction materials, digital streaming initiatives, and other activities done to reach as many members of the Boston community as possible. While this expansion precedes

Washington Jr., he is fully on board. “I think that we show the breadth of our blind spot if we don’t acknowledge that with history comes built-in bias. I think it’s important for institutions to be very honest about that. Anyone can go to a Black church, but a Black church is honest and transparent about who they are and the culture they’re built around. Institutions don’t have to change what they do. But they can acknowledge, name it, and find ways to evolve and welcome everyone,” he explains. “When you create a house, you consider how people will enter it. If we want more members, we want a door that’s both wide and visible. If we

have a door that’s narrow and hidden, we are essentially a secret society, and that’s shirking our responsibility.” Washington Jr. is excited about the upcoming season. He talks about premiering a new work this year, something not many Baroque institutions are doing, and sees no limits for the future. “We’re the Handel and Hayden Society—not just the Handel and Haydn Symphony or Chorus. We’re not solely performing music written in a specific period, though we may be inspired by it. That changes the scope of what’s possible. We have a beautiful opportunity to stretch beyond any boundaries.” NOVEMBER 2026 / 21

16-21 MBB_H+H_1126_V6_KK.indd 21

10/12/26 3:08 PM

Christina Lehman, general manager of the Foreside Inn in Kittery. Photograph by Claire Vail

Maine Course

22 / MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

22-25 MBB_Maine_1126_Final.indd 22

10/13/26 11:45 AM

MyBoston heads north to southern Maine for dramatic coastal scenery, gallery browsing, boutique shopping, and a thriving foodie scene.

W BY CLAIRE VAIL

WHENEVER BOSTON traffic snarls have you cursing a blue streak and the city seems too busy to give you the time of day, try heading north for a change of tone and scenery. Take Route 1 past the concrete jungle of body shops, fast food joints, and Kowloon, then keep on going through Portsmouth, New Hampshire, until you emerge in Kittery, Maine. Then stop, park, slow your roll, and stroll the streets of this charming town.

SMALL-TOWN DELIGHTS Kittery is ancient by America’s historical timeline, first settled in 1623 and incorporated as a town roughly two decades later. The English named it after Kittery Court, the family home of Alexander Shapleigh, one of the town’s founders, but local Indigenous people called the area Amiciskeag, meaning “fishing point,” and fishing would remain a regional trade for a long time. Shapleigh and others,

including the Pepperrell family—a name still much in circulation in these parts—established fisheries along the banks of the Piscataqua River to catch and salt fish to ship home to England. For decades, the reason out-oftowners came to Kittery was the much-vaunted premium shopping outlets and the kitschy Kittery Trading Post. They’re still there, and worth a stop if you’re in the mood for a bargain, but today there’s much more to see and do. Military buffs and photographers will enjoy the forts. Fort Foster Park is an 88-acre site with a historic waterfront, four beaches, ruins, a playground, and stunning views. Fort McClary, created as Fort William in 1720, served as a lookout in the Spanish-American War and WWII, and offers military history lovers close-up views of 19th-century fortifications. On the New Hampshire side, there’s Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on Seavey’s Island, the U.S. Navy’s oldest continuously operating

Top: Fresh ahi tuna and watermelon at Anju Noodle Bar Photograph by Claire Vail Left: The Foreside Inn has considered every amenity a traveler needs. Photograph by Kevin Edge Photography

NOVEMBER 2026 / 23

22-25 MBB_Maine_1126_Final.indd 23

10/13/26 11:45 AM

Roasted oysters at the Ski Club at Pepperell Cove Photograph by Claire Vail

shipyard, employing 6,500 people who are mainly focused on overhauling and repairing submarines. The Foreside neighborhood in Kittery’s downtown is just a few streets away, but it’s a gem—a vibrant, hipster-ish, food-centered scene that recalls the Jamaica Plain or Somerville of years past. Locals and tourists in the know start the day at Lil’s Café, named after Lilian Mangos, a muchbeloved local cashier who worked the order window at Bob’s Clam Hut in Kittery. Patrons form lines out the door for the crullers, which they claim are so good they should be under lock

Crullers at Lil’s Cafe. Photograph by Claire Vail

and key to keep them safe, but there’s also a decently sized menu featuring fresh breads, bagels, and sandwiches. In a back corner, behind the feetthick steel door of an old bank vault, you’ll find The Vinyl Vault, a curated selection of vintage records for sale. If you can’t get into Lil’s, you can cross over the bridge into Portsmouth and have a cappuccino and pastry at Elephantine Bakery, a cozy café with lovely indoor and outdoor seating. Nestled between a few shops are standout restaurants and bars, all local favorites. A converted post office from the 1950s lends the gastropub

The Black Birch memorable ambience. Nearby, small but mighty Anju Noodle Bar serves flavorful noodles and other innovative Asian dishes that bring diners from all over. Pork buns that melt in the mouth, fresh ahi tuna, and fragrant duck yakisoba are all reasons to linger until you’re hungry enough to order more. One diner mentioned that she had moved from California and had tried Asian food all over New England, but that Anju was the only one that made the top of her list. Just around the corner from Anju is their bar, a charming speakeasy called The Wallingford Dram, a gorgeously appointed spot for a craft cocktail or two. If you’d rather cook for yourself, you can buy from Maine Meat, a specialty butcher shop offering whole animals, house-made provisions, and curated wines. While Kittery can be enjoyed in an afternoon, it makes an ideal base for exploring the larger town of Portsmouth and heading further up the coast to Ogunquit and York. Kittery doesn’t have a wide range of places to stay, but it does have the newly built Foreside Inn, a boutique hotel that’s down the street from Foreside’s café, restaurants, and shops. The inn is self-service, though there is on-site security. Unlike an Airbnb, however, there’s an experienced management group behind the scenes. Real humans are available via text and email 24/7, and the response (we tested it) is instant, friendly, and efficient. The owners have anticipated travelers’ needs, including closets that contain extra pillows, bedding, a corkscrew, coffee and tea K-cups, silverware, plates, glasses, and cookware. The beds are dreamy, and the mid-century style décor—glam but subtle in a bronze and navy palette—features velvet blackout drapes for a perfect sleep, retro light fixtures, and locally inspired coastal scenes created in custom wallpaper. About two miles away from

24 / MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

22-25 MBB_Maine_1126_Final.indd 24

10/13/26 11:45 AM

MyBoston’s

RECOMMENDATIONS: SLEEP

• Foreside Inn 207-405-0191 29 Wentworth Street, Kittery

EAT & DRINK •W allingford Square - Lil’s Café - Anju Noodle Bar and - The Wallingford Dram - The Black Birch • E lephantine Bakery 10 Commercial Alley #2, Portsmouth, New Hampshire • P epperrell Cove 88 Pepperrell Road, Kittery Point

SHOP •A bacus 213 Main Street, Ogunquit Top: Lobster roll and a view from Frisbee’s Wharf Bottom: A view of Perkins Cove, a working historic fishing village

• On the Main 234 Main Street, Ogunquit

Photographs by Claire Vail

Foreside, Kittery Point is home to the First Congregational Church of Kittery, completed in 1730. It’s the oldest continuously operating church in Maine. The Old Burying Yard, a one-acre cemetery dating from 1650, is also worth a stop. Further north, there’s coastal Maine charm in Ogunquit. Restaurants and cute shops line Main Street, and the town is so popular that traffic can get congested, even into the fall, but the experience of strolling the streets and browsing the wares in stores like Abacus, which features stunning work from jewelers and craftspeople from all over the country, is not to be missed. The historic fishing village (still a working harbor) of Perkins Cove offers more shopping and dining options and several art

galleries. Here you can enter the southern end of Ogunquit Marginal Way, a 1.25-mile paved footpath that winds along the coastal cliffs and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic, which somehow seems more a saturated shade of blue in Maine than anywhere else. In warmer months, Ogunquit and Main Beach are ideal for families, with their wide arcs of white sand and friendly vibe. Or you can join the locals at Long Sands Beach and Seapoint Beach, quiet, scenic spots with dark gray sand, ideal for a contemplative picnic. For multiple upscale dining options on the water all in one building, head back to Kittery to Pepperell Cove. On the first floor, Bistro 1828 offers the most formal of

the dining experiences, with a terrific menu shared by the third-floor Ski Club, still elegant but slightly more casual, with an outdoor terrace that overlooks the cove below. Executive chef owners Eides and Henry Ares supervise an outstanding menu starring daily catches off local fishermen’s boats, along with plenty of traditional meat options. Dishes are simply and exquisitely prepared, and imaginative cocktails complement the views. Diners can get up even closer to the water at Frisbee’s Wharf, which offers panoramic views of the stunning cove, and an excellent place to have a drink and fish and chips or a lobster roll while you watch yachts glide by under the setting sun. In any season, Maine delivers beauty and a bounty of fun, one hour from Boston. NOVEMBER 2026 / 25

22-25 MBB_Maine_1126_Final.indd 25

10/13/26 11:45 AM

We offer residential construction work from the minor repairs up to major renovations. Specializing in high quality residential and small business renovations • remodels • additions • kitchens • bathrooms • decks  (857)-888-5032  john@martinsbuildersinc.com  martinsbuildersinc.com

MartinsBuilders_1-2H_MBB_gd1126.indd 1

10/5/26 10:48 AM

WHEN THE OCCASION MATTERS, SO DOES THE VIEW. Make Boston Harbor yours. Host your next event with Navy Yard Hospitality Group. From intimate dinners to large corporate gatherings, every detail is designed to make a lasting impression. This winter, experience The Rink at The Tall Ship. Featuring heated private spaces, ice skating, bumper cars, and an expansive menu with something for every palate. Make your next winter celebration unforgettable on the waterfront.

PLAN YOUR NEXT EVENT WITH US!

Untitled-1 Untitled-4 1

10/12/26 4:54 AM PM 9/30/26 8:29

18th Century Louis XVI Desk with Marquetry Decor H 30.71 in, W 33.07 in, D 20.47 in

781.777.5002 | styylish.com silke@styylish.com Local Delivery in Boston!

Styylish_1-4P_MBB_gd_1126.indd 1

10/12/26 10:03 AM

Let your Home be my Stage

TIMELESS DESIGN: ARTISTRY & FUNCTION

Based in the Back Bay

BOSTON | METROWEST NEW ENGLAND

508-934-9773

Untitled-1 1 DKHome_1-4P_MBB_gd_1026.indd 1

Davidsharffarchitect.com 508.359.5737

www.dkhomestaging.com

9/10/26 12:18 AM

10/12/26 5:01 PM

5 B E ST

Afternoon

TEA SPOTS

Pop by these tea spots to enjoy a relaxed and refined afternoon. BY LISA MULMAN

COOLER DAYS call for a cozy, comforting rendezvous over steaming cups of tea and perfectly paired sandwiches and cakes. Steeped in tradition (pun intended), the ritual of afternoon tea is an essential part of the winter experience in Boston, and there is no shortage of delicious options in Back Bay and environs, each with its own unique ambience and flavor. Add some delight to a chilly afternoon and reserve a spot at these fabulous venues.

FOR THE CONNOISSEUR

The Buttery features a proper English tea in an exquisite space. Photograph courtesy of The Buttery

The Courtyard Restaurant at The Boston Public Library 700 Bolyston Street Since 2018, visitors have enjoyed elegant afternoon tea in the exquisite Courtyard Restaurant—a hidden gem nestled inside the Boston Public Library. Everything about the experience here is lovely, but the little touches—such as menus tucked between the covers of a book—make it special. Tea lovers will appreciate the carefully curated selection of black, green, white, and herbal teas, as well as tea lattes and sparkling beverages and cocktails. Scones and clotted cream are exceptionally tasty, but the entirety of the traditional three-tiered tray is a delectable indulgence.

28 / MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

MBB_5Best_1126_Final.indd 28

10/12/26 2:27 PM

Top left: The views from Long Bar and Terrace, on the 17th floor of Raffles Hotel, plus exquisite treats and service, make this tea a memorable occasion. Photograph courtesy of Raffles Top right: The stunning open-air courtyard at The Beacon Hill Bookstore Café. Photograph courtesy of The Beacon Hill Bookstore Café

Bottom left: Delicacies for tea at The Silver Dove. Photograph courtesy of The Silver Dove

FOR THE LUXURY LOVER Sky Lounge at Raffles Boston 40 Trinity Place Come for the breathtaking views from The Long Bar and Terrace, on the 17th floor of Raffles, but stay for the five-star service, exquisite pastries, and truly fine tea. Everything is baked in-house by world-class pastry chefs and is equal to or superior to the finest European bakeries (if you have time, drop by Café Pastel on your way out for a sourdough loaf to take home); you will feel as if you have dropped into a rarefied world of elegance. Ever

seeking the superlative leaf, Raffles has recently partnered with Metz Tea, an elite, small-batch grower whose blends can only be enjoyed here. The quintessential experience for a luxury tea.

FOR SOME LOCAL FLAVOR The Tea Room at The Buttery 14 Shawmut Street Beloved South End café The Buttery has just converted what was previously a Brick Street Bagel pop-up (Brick Street is in a permanent space just one block up on Tremont) into an adorable, properly English tearoom. Bone china, lace napkins, and a captivating view of quaint Shawmut Street and the local pedestrian activity make this a uniquely Boston experience. Currently only offered on Thursday and Friday from 10 to 3, this space is available for private events and is well suited for a special occasion or just a cozy gathering of good friends.

FOR THE BOOK LOVER The Beacon Hill Bookstore Café 71 Charles Street Just off Charles Street, there’s a cobblestoned path leading to the Beacon Hill Bookstore café courtyard, where gas lanterns flicker, and an antique armoire filled with exquisite antique china tempts. More delights await in the café itself, including

custom-blended teas, Prosecco, and homemade Ginger Mint lemonade. A tiered tray offers fabulous nibbles: cucumber sandwiches, a memorable egg salad nestled in a filo cup, and scones, notably a plum ginger version that pairs perfectly with fruit jam. Service is warm, friendly, and absolutely in sync with the cozy ambience. Reservations required.

FOR THE PURIST Silver Dove Afternoon Tea 24 Tremont Street If you are interested in an authentic afternoon tea experience, Silver Dove is a must. From the meticulously selected array of teas to the scrumptious homemade sweets and savories, the personal touch of the local proprietors Patrick Brewster and Lee Morgan sets this traditional tearoom apart. Eminently welcoming, the kitchen is entirely gluten-free, and the staff is always accommodating of other dietary restrictions. Open Tuesday through Sunday, Silver Dove brings Boston flair to the beloved tradition of British teatime. Lisa Mulman is a dog (and book, and tea)loving former literature professor who has, for the past five years, been pursuing a passion project: re-imagining dog grooming as an opportunity for community engagement. A cofounder of Onyva Dog Spa, she resides in the South End with her husband, Merritt, and her 101-pound St. Bernadoodle, Satchel. NOVEMBER 2026 / 29

28-29 MBB_5Best_1126_Final_REV1.indd 29

10/13/26 12:55 PM

Q &A

Endeavor PSYCHOLOGY

My Boston sits down with Dr. Brad Spickard and Jen Dowd, LICSW of Endeavor Psychology, an outpatient psychology practice serving individuals, couples, children, adolescents, and families in Boston and the surrounding area, to learn more about their work. BY MYBOSTON STAFF

INTERVIEW WITH

DR. BRAD SPICKARD AND JEN DOWD, LICSW What concerns bring people to Endeavor Psychology? Jen Dowd, LICSW: Clients reach out for many reasons: anxiety, burnout, depression, relationship strain, parenting concerns, grief, life transitions, and questions about identity or direction. We work with people who may look successful from the outside but feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck internally. Dr. Spickard: We also provide psychological and neuropsychological assessment for children, adolescents, and adults with questions related to ADHD, learning differences, autism, executive functioning, mood, and other cognitive or emotional concerns. A comprehensive assessment can help individuals and families understand patterns more clearly and make informed decisions about support, treatment, school, or work. 30 / MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

30-31 MBB_Q&A_1126_Final.indd 30

10/12/26 2:32 PM

Opposite page: Dr. Brad Spickard; Jen Dowd, LICSW; Mathew Goodnow, PsyD; and Melanie Almaguer, PhD Right: A room where clients and therapists meet at Endeavor Psychology Photographs courtesy of Endeavor Psychology

What led each of you to this work? Dr. Spickard: I have always been drawn to helping people better understand themselves, particularly when they are navigating stress, life changes, relationship challenges, or questions about attention, learning, mood, or identity. Psychological work can be deeply clarifying. Whether through therapy or assessment, I value helping clients make sense of their experiences and identify practical next steps. Jen Dowd, LICSW: I’m drawn to the opportunity to form meaningful therapeutic relationships and to help people feel more capable, connected, and understood. Many clients come to therapy feeling exhausted, uncertain, or alone with something they have been managing privately. Creating a confidential space where they can speak openly and make real progress is powerful. Back Bay residents often manage full, high-pressure lives. How can therapy help? Dr. Spickard: Many people in demanding careers or complex family lives are accustomed to carrying a great deal. They may be capable and accomplished, but still feel depleted or unsure about what needs to change. Therapy can provide time and structure to examine patterns, strengthen coping skills, improve relationships, and make decisions with more clarity. Career success and emotional well-being do not always move in parallel. Therapy can help people address perfectionism, chronic stress, work-life boundaries,

imposter feelings, difficult workplace dynamics, and questions about purpose or next steps—without losing sight of the strengths that helped them succeed. Jen Dowd, LICSW: We often remind clients that seeking support isn’t a sign that they are failing to manage. It’s actually an intentional investment in their health, relationships, and ability to live in alignment with what matters to them. Can couples therapy be helpful even if a relationship is not in crisis? Dr. Spickard: Yes. Couples often seek support because they want to communicate more effectively, navigate different expectations, reconnect after a demanding season, or make important decisions with more care. Therapy can create space for conversations that are difficult to have productively on one’s own. What distinguishes Endeavor Psychology? Dr. Spickard: We combine the resources of a multi-clinician practice with a personal approach to care. Jen and I provide active clinical leadership, and we are intentional about helping

clients access the right level and type of support. Jen Dowd, LICSW: We also value therapy that is both empathic and useful. Our aim is not simply to offer a place to talk, although being heard is essential. We want clients to leave with greater insight, stronger tools, and a clearer sense of how they want to move forward. What would you say to someone who has been considering reaching out? Jen Dowd, LICSW: You don’t need to wait for a crisis or a diagnosis. If something has been weighing on you, affecting your relationships, or making daily life feel harder than it needs to be, that’s a great time to seek support. Dr. Spickard: An initial conversation is the first step. It can help you understand your options and decide whether Endeavor Psychology is the right fit for you or your family. Readers can visit endeavorpsychology.com or contact Endeavor Psychology at 617207-4124 to inquire about psychotherapy, couples or family services, and psychological assessment. Endeavor Psychology is located at 10 Newbury Street. on the 4th floor.

NOVEMBER 2026 / 31

30-31 MBB_Q&A_1126_Final.indd 31

10/12/26 2:32 PM

Ringing in YEAR TWO!

A heartfelt thank-you to our readers and advertisers for an outstanding second year. We can’t wait to continue sharing our community’s wonderful stories in year three!

To become an advertising partner, contact the publisher, Renata.Coker@mybostonmag.com. 32 / MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

32 MBB_Anniversary_1125_Final.indd 32

10/12/26 2:35 PM

Untitled-24 1

10/6/26 3:13 PM

Yourbest besthealth health is within reach. Your best health is within reach. Your is within reach. Your best health is within reach. Your best health is within reach.

Expert concierge nutrition care, personalized to you. Newbury Street Expertconcierge conciergenutrition nutritioncare, care,personalized personalizedto toyou. you.Newbury NewburyStreet Street Expert Expert concierge nutrition care, personalized to you. Street Nutrition’s four registered dietitians specialize inNewbury heart and gut health, Expert concierge nutrition care, personalized to you. Newbury Street Nutrition’s four registered dietitians specialize inheart heart andgut guthealth, health, Nutrition’s four registered dietitians specialize in and Nutrition’s four registered dietitians specialize insupport, heart andand gut health, medical nutrition therapy, pediatrics, GLP-1 longevity, Nutrition’s four registered dietitians specialize in heart and health, medical nutrition therapy, pediatrics, GLP-1 support, andgut longevity, medical nutrition therapy, pediatrics, GLP-1 support, and longevity, medical nutrition therapy, pediatrics, GLP-1 support, and longevity, creating sustainable, evidence-based plans that fit your medical nutrition therapy, pediatrics, GLP-1 support, and longevity, creating sustainable, evidence-based plans thatfit fit your life life creating sustainable, evidence-based plans that your life creating sustainable, evidence-based plans that fit your life creating sustainable, evidence-based plans that fit your life

Skylar Griggs Julie Hersey Anna Maynes CocoOcker Ocker CameronRohan Rohan Skylar Griggs Julie Hersey Anna Coco Cameron Skylar Griggs Julie Hersey AnnaMaynes Maynes Coco Ocker Cameron Rohan Skylar Griggs Julie Hersey Anna Maynes MS, Coco Cameron MS, RDN, LDN MS, RDN, LDN RDN, LDN MS,RDN, RDN, LDNOcker PracticeManager Manager Rohan MS, RDN, LDN MS, RDN, LDN RDN, LDN LDN Practice MS, RDN, LDN MS, RDN, LDN RDN, LDN MS, RDN, LDN Practice Manager MS, RDN, LDN MS, RDN, LDN MS, RDN, LDN Rohan Practice Manager Skylar Griggs Julie Hersey Anna MaynesRDN, LDN Coco Ocker Cameron MS, RDN, LDN MS, RDN, LDN RDN, LDN MS, RDN, LDN Practice Manager

newburystreetnutrition.com (978)-590-0640 newburystreetnutrition.com newburystreetnutrition.com||(978)-590-0640 (978)-590-0640 newburystreetnutrition.com | (978)-590-0640 Schedule your discovery call today! Schedule Scheduleyour yourdiscovery discoverycall calltoday! newburystreetnutrition.com |today! (978)-590-0640 Schedule your discovery call today! Schedule your discovery call today!

Untitled-1 1 NewbSt-Nutrition_1-2H_MBB_gdrev_1126.indd 1

10/12/26 4:55 9:31 PM AM

LO CAL S O C IAL

Night Lights

ON SEPT. 19, longtime and new friends of The Lenny Zakim Fund came out to support the Zakim Light, LZF’s annual fundraiser. Guests were treated to a whiskey and chocolate tasting by Rhonda Kallman of Boston Harbor Distillery and Tom and Monica Rogan of Goodnow Farms Chocolate while enjoying music provided by Entertainment Specialists. Special thanks to Zakim Light lead sponsors Alex and Lianne Leventhal and Sam and Jessica Slater for their generosity and to The Grand for their hospitality. Photography by Stay Gold Images

Top: Zakim Light event planner Heidi Price of Heid Price Design with Zakim Light Co-Chairs Lisa Flores and Jessica Hennessy. Middle: Colleagues and friends from Crestwood Advisors. Bottom: Chocolate tasting from Goodnow Farms Chocolate.

Top left: The Lenny Zakim Fund staff: Carla Beaudoin, Claire Molinich, Allison Picott, Tiffany Lau, and Tory Shepeluk. Top right: Rhonda Kallman, Founder and CCO of Boston Harbor Distillery, offering up a whiskey tasting. Bottom left: Sam and Jessica Slater (far right) with their guests. Bottom right: Members of the Lenny Zakim Fund board.

34 / MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

34,36 MBB_LocalSocial_1126_Final.indd 34

10/12/26 3:02 PM

WALLCRAFT BOSTON, INC. Expert Wallpaper Installation

Every project tells a story. Let’s bring yours to life. Fine Wallpapers, Grasscloth & Fabric Wallcoverings. Expertly installed on walls and ceilings. Serving Boston & New England

 Scan to explore our work on Instagram.  @wallcraft.boston email: info@wallcraft.boston

Wallcraft_1-2H_MBS_gd-1126-V4.indd 1

10/7/26 3:04 PM

PRODIGY REBEL MISFIT PLAYER The musical career of Paula Kelley, captured by Liz Linder Photography. Book your portrait session. STUDIO@LIZLINDER.COM OR CALL 617.232.3202

Untitled-1 Untitled-3 1

10/12/26 4:55 PM 6/1/26 12:24

LO CAL S O C IAL

MyBoston

Left: The MyBoston magazine team: Anne Cabot, Alexandra Upton, Renata Coker, Claire Vail, Lizzie Taylor, Tara West Right: Daniel Lewis and Celina Doucette

Fall Soiree

GUESTS GATHERED at the Massachusetts Historical Society for MyBoston’s fall soiree on Sept. 22. Cellists from the Handel and Haydn Society provided the beautiful music, and guests were treated to tours of the Massachusetts Historical Society’s current exhibition. Winners of the history trivia quiz received prizes, and all guests were given free tickets to an upcoming performance of the Handel and Hayden Society’s new season, as well as a performance at the Boston Lyric Opera. A huge thank you to all our talented and generous sponsors, including Rosa y Marigold, Soul Dog Wines, Royce Chocolates, and Annote. Renata Coker wore a red ensemble from Matsu on Beacon Hill. A special thank you to Handel and Hayden, Boston Lyric Opera, and the Massachusetts Historical Society. Photography by Claire Vail Photography

Top left: Lisa Krassner and Susan Baranyi Top right: Jan Devereux and Matt Martinez from BSO Bottom left: Talia Don, Susan Widell, Anne Cabot, and a guest

Top: Liz Linder and Mary Beth Johnson Middle: Handel and Haydn musicians Sara Freiburg and Colleen McGary-Smith Bottom: Georgia Bellafas and Sharin Schober

36 / MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

34,36 MBB_LocalSocial_1126_Final.indd 36

10/12/26 3:02 PM

Over 120 years of Guidance. Insight. Results.

Kate Flores is a Financial Planner with Baystate Financial

who believes financial planning should feel personal, approachable, and built around what matters most to you. Kate and her team work with individuals, families, and business owners to bring clarity and confidence to their financial lives. Through comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and protection strategies, they help clients build and preserve wealth. For business owners, Kate connects personal and business goals through retirement planning, employee benefits, and succession strategies—creating a financial roadmap for the business, family, and future.

Kate Flores

Schedule a Meeting Today!

Financial Planner Eflores@baystatefinancial.com | C: 978.382.3357

Kate Flores is a registered representative of and offers securities and investment advisory services throughMML Investors Services, LLC. Member SIPC. 1 Marina Park Dr., 16th Floor. Boston, MA 02210.

BaystateFin-KateFlores_1-2H_MBB_gd1126-V3.indd 1

10/9/26 12:19 PM

Fine Garden Design | Installation | Maintenance

Trusted guidance for Boston’s most discerning buyers and sellers. ELEVATED SERVICE Personal attention. Clear communication. Every detail considered.

THOUGHTFUL STRATEGY Tailored advice informed by market expertise, data, and experience.

EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS Skilled negotiation. Unwavering advocacy. Outcomes that matter.

Experience The Herringbone Standard.

Urban Garden Design Studio in the Heart of Boston

Daniel Lewis 617-366-9446 daniel@herringboneboston.com

Celina Doucette

bungertdesigns.com

617-285-0348

 @bungertdesigns

celina@herringboneboston.com

508-789-6857 | ben@bungertdesigns.com

www.herringboneboston.com

Untitled-1 1

Untitled-1 1 BungertDesigns_1-4P_MBB_gd_0526.indd 1

4/9/26 12:30 PM

9/15/26 7:42 AM

10/12/26 4:59 PM

Personalized Nutrition, Tailored to Your Life

ALISON KANE NUTRITION

BOOK YOUR FIRST CALL

www.alisonkane.com (617) 302-6188

Untitled-12 1

10/12/26 12:14 PM

There’s Something Special About the Holidays at Blackstone’s Whether you’re preparing a favorite family recipe, setting the table for friends, decorating your home, or searching for that perfect gift, you’ll find a little bit of everything at Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill. From beautiful cookware and kitchen essentials to festive décor, party supplies, and thoughtful gifts, we’re here to make the season a little easier—and more enjoyable. We’ll even help get your knives ready for holiday cooking with professional sharpening right here in our store. Since 1982, we’ve been part of the neighborhood, and there’s no time we love more than the holidays. We look forward to welcoming you to Charles Street this season.

40 Charles Street Boston, MA | 617-227-4646 blackstonesboston.com

Untitled-1 1 Blackstones_1-2H_MBB_GD_1126.indd 1

10/13/26 10/12/26 8:31 5:10 AM PM

DISCOVER THE KINGSLEY DIFFERENCE

Join us for an Open House!

I left a large brokerage to create a brand where my clients are the priority, not a corporate playbook. Considering your next move? Let’s do it with intention and care.

Annie Youssoufian Your Neighborhood Realtor 18 Fairfield Street annie@bosbrown.com

bosbrown.com (609) 933-5280 WWW.KINGSLEY.ORG TODDLER–GRADE 6

Boston Brownstones Realty, PLLC is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity Laws.

BostonBrownstone_1-4P_MBB_GD_1126.indd 1

STILISTI

Twenty Years 2006 • 2026

9/30/26Untitled-10 9:56 AM 1

As we celebrate 20 years of Stilisti, our hearts are filled with gratitude. To our incredible clients who have trusted us, supported us, and grown with us, and to every team member who has shared their passion along the way, thank you. You are the reason Stilisti is what it is today. Cheers!

116 Newbury Street, Second Floor, Boston • 617.262.2234

Untitled-2 1 Stilisti_1-2H_MBS_gd-1126.indd 1

10/6/26 10:39 AM

• stilistiboston.com •

info@stilistiboston.com

10/13/26 11:51 AM 10/7/26 10:14

MY SU N DAY

Suzanne NORMAN A day spent on a bike is a day well spent. BY SUZANNE NORMAN HELEN KELLER famously said that “nature has the power to renew and refresh our minds, our bodies, and our spirits,” and I couldn’t agree more. One of my favorite things about Boston is the wide range of green spaces we all have, right outside our doors. I am fortunate to live across from the Public Garden, the first public botanical garden in the U.S., and I enjoy its changing scenery. But my love for biking inspires me to explore places further afield. I’m a lifelong cyclist, and riding is still a magical experience. One of my favorite Sunday rides is down Commonwealth Avenue (great shade and a safe bike lane!) to one of Boston’s

Representing the Beacon Hill Women’s Forum

Right: A view of the Fenway Victory Gardens

hidden gems: The Fenway Victory Gardens. With over 500 gardens and over 7.5 acres, this space is a real oasis. It’s also one of two remaining World War II Victory Gardens in the U.S. Walking down the dirt pathways and peering into these incredible fenced gardens is fascinating. Each one is different and a reflection of the current caretaker. Some are ordered, some are a beautiful chaos. No matter the season, I always find something special here. After this immersion in nature, I head next door to the Museum of Fine Arts to get lunch in the New American Café. With its huge, light-

filled space and imposing lime-green glass Chihuly sculpture, I feel like I’m still outside. Boston has over 100 miles of bike paths and 4,797 acres of public parkland and open space. My hope is everyone can find a place that helps them renew and refresh their mind, body, and spirit! Suzanne Norman spent three decades in the investment industry. Now, in what she calls her “rewirement” phase, she is CoPresident of the Beacon Hill Women’s Forum and devotes herself to helping women as an executive coach, speaker, and writer focused on empowerment issues, including financial fitness, mental fitness, and life purpose.

40 / MyBoston BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

40 MBB_MySunday_1126_Final.indd 40

10/12/26 4:21 PM

y o s u e r o do D c t ? or e b ir p ra cs c er t i c py e eht t a h w Lutanen

™

health

Untitled-6 1

10/7/25 3:35 PM

IF YOU’RE BUYING OR SELLING, PETER CAN GIVE YOU ONE MORE THING TO BE THANKFUL FOR. If you’re thinking about taking a real estate journey, here’s your guide. Peter Hill is smart, savvy and has the kind of personality that makes working with him not only successful, but also fun. (Yes, fun!) Not only does Peter have extensive experience, a list of vetted resources and connections and a commitment to providing over-the-top personal service, he also knows the intimate details of South End, Beacon Hill and Back Bay. And as part of the MGS Group Real Estate family, he has the support of 12 of the city’s best agents behind him. So, whether you’re interested in downsizing or upsizing, moving to the city, or out to the burbs, give Peter a call at (508) 353-9721. You’ll be grateful you did.

Call (or text!) Peter at (508) 353-9721, or email him at peter@mgsgrouprealestate.com. B EYO N D B RO K E R AG E

Untitled-3 1

10/8/26 8:00 AM