My bed and breakfast was at the east end of the Back Bay neighborhood, less than one block from Boston Public Garden. I returned the rental car I used for my week in Cape Cod to Logan Airport, took the free shuttle to Back Bay, and walk, walk, walked around Boston from that central location. I had three full days and decided I would devote them to a history day, an art day, and a waterfront day.
Adjacent to Public Garden is Boston Common. It seems like one huge park since the two expanses of lush green border one another. Arriving at my lodging mid-afternoon on Monday, it was a good time to explore those inviting green spaces.
The west entrance to the Garden looks formal with an imposing black gate leading to a famous bronze statue of George Washington on horseback by Thomas Ball, dedicated in 1869. Delightful, lively floral displays adorn the Garden, earning its name. I could feel the calm setting in, strolling the paths through colorful flora, after the drive to the airport, lugging my luggage from the shuttle stop, and getting my lodging figured out.
Stopping on the ornate Lagoon Bridge, I watched the Swan Boats swim around the ponds, a popular ride for tourists. Happy to be asked, I snapped a photo of an attractive, young Pakistani couple. A sculpture, in successive pieces, of a mother duck and her family following behind honors the children’s book, Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey.
Boston Common is a larger green space with trails crisscrossing in every direction. I was moved by the sculpture The Embrace, a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, in the city where he and his wife met. It was inspired by a photo of King and Coretta, also active in the civil rights movement, embracing. The creation sits in the tiled 1965 Freedom Plaza, commemorating civil rights and social justice activists from 1950 through 1975, many of whom marched with King.
Boston Women’s Memorial commemorates three women: Abigail Adams, Lucy Stone, and Phillis Wheatley. According to the website, “Each of these women had progressive ideas that were ahead of her time, was committed to social change, and left a legacy through her writings that had a significant impact on history.”
Most fun in Boston Common were the cows! CowParade New England, a fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund, named for a child, supports Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Facing my B&B was Commonwealth Avenue Mall, a park space down the center of the street.
Back Bay is home to high-end shopping (not my thing), restaurants, lots of church spires, and imposing buildings. I would guess it’s a prestigious place to have an apartment.
More to come…
Boston Common & Public Garden, Freedom Trail, Boston art day, Boston waterfront
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Ruth Rosenfeld 
I’ve heard of Boston Common but didn’t realize it was so large. The Embrace looks like a very powerful piece. As usual, beautiful photography. Maggie
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Thanks so much, Maggie!
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A history day, an art day and a waterfront day: this is a great idea. I might borrow it!
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You are welcome to do so! When I looked, geographically, at what I wanted to see in Boston, it easily fell into those groupings.
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Looks amazing. Wonderful photos and words that took me there
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Thanks so much, Miriam!
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Boston Commons looks different than what I imagined it to be. It’s quite lovely.
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It’s just a nice big park. A couple of days later I caught a free Shakespeare play in the Common. A wonderful surprise!
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Really beautiful – and I absolutely love the cows!!!
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I did too! There were a few more around town, but quite a collection in the Common. I had to visit each one.
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I like how you’ve decided to split your time in Boston between history, art and the waterfront. Boston Common looks like a great spot to take a stroll and enjoy nature in the city.
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It just worked out that way, since each was in a different part of town. I was so close to those parks that it was a delight to walk them each day
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This looks like the perfect place to unwind after driving! I love the little ducks, the Embrace is moving and also that Back Bay area looks very nice with some beautiful buildings. I look forward to hearing more about your Boston stay!
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I loved being so close to those parks and walked them each day. So many interesting places to explore in Boston.
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I only had a day in Boston and only saw the main highlights (as well as enjoying a lobster roll). Your three days look like the perfect pacing of checking out the harbor, as well as the gardens and historic architecture. Glad you had fun!
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I had been to Boston once for a day many years ago. Spending a few days getting to know the city was the right amount of time to explore further.
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I love the building facades. Boston is on my must-see list, largely for the history. Actually, the whole of the East Coast would make a great history trip, but it may have to be one piece at a time. Thanks for the ride through one part of Boston!
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You’re welcome! More to come…
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I’ve never been to Boston. It looks absolutely lovely!
Alison
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It was a fascinating city! More to come…
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Forgot to mention – what a sweet public sculpture the ducks are, and I absolutely love The Embrace. So many public sculptures are really dreadful, but these are both winners.
Alison
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I agree about uninspiring, uninteresting public sculptures. These two touched my heart.
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An awesome city tour Ruth. I often thought of visiting Boston, but never made it. Thanks for showing me what I have been missing. Happy Thursday. Allan
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Thanks for your visit, Allan. .More Boston to come in the next few weeks.
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