The Brick 'n Blooms of Comm Ave

One of the best things about Boston is its architecture. A wonderful day about town can simply be had by strolling through the neighborhoods. (Possibly made more fun with a road soda, #justsayin.) 

Back Bay's Commonwealth Avenue has no shortage of beautiful brownstones that flank the grassy, tree-lined mall which divides it. This mall, filled with trees and statues, forms the narrowest link in the "Emerald Necklace" of Boston. The historic plan, hatched in the late 1880s, connects more than 1,100 aces of park space from Boston to Brookline. How very before-their-time green of Boston.

As the three day weekend approaches, plan to take some time to get out ya walkin' shoes, get outside to get moving and enjoy the city.

-xo-

eb

Park ya heart at Union Park

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sweet spring is your

time is my time is our

time for springtime is lovetime

and viva sweet love

e.e. cummings
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So my little park, Union Park is waking up from it's New England hibernation. And, let me tell you, I couldn't be happier. The fountains have been turned back on and this year's flowers have been planted and are joining the perennials. Nothing is quite as relaxing is sitting on my stoop or up in my apartment with the windows open, listening to the sound of the fountains. One of my most favorite New England things. 

The only issue with Union Park is that you can't get it in. Enter one giant collective waaaah waah here. Well, technically, I lied. You can enter the park a few times a year. And it's actually pretty great when you can. The neighborhood association throws concertes four times a year where you can bring a blanket, wine and snacks and listen to music in the park. Pretty stellar, indeed, right? 

But you know what? A little rebel in me is thinking that four times a year is not enough. Yesterday morning, I saw a couple had jumped the fence and were laying on a blanket, relaxing in the sun. It looked awesome. So if you can't find me and my Instagram feed is blowing up with photos of grass 'n fountains 'n flower 'n sunshine, you'll know where to find me. Breaking the rules, soaking up goodness right in the middle of my own little park. 

-xo-

eb

Homes of New England

I love exploring the city via foot and bike. It's a perfect way to appreciate the unique architecture. 

People say that Boston is a London lookalike. Low, brown and brick, the streets twisting and turning, I can see why they say that. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I'm in US. Sounds silly, but the West is a total 180 from here. It's vast, gridded and weirdly, light. San Francisco has always amazed me  in how light it is. All the buildings are a mixture of white, lights pinks, yellows and light concrete. Breathtaking when viewed from the Bay...

But Boston is gorgeous, too. Very old world. Very fun to explore. Except more Homes of New England posts. They're too pretty not to showcase.

xo, 

eb

P.S. Also! I saw my first "hilly" street last night in Boston! It's so flat here - such an adjustment after climbing the hills of SF daily. It made me a little homesick - funny what a hilly street can make ya feel after living in the city by the Bay.

See that slight angle of the sidewalk - a hill!

My favorite alley in Boston thus far. 

Cobblestoned and quiet, complete with an American flag.

Union Park by night.

South End fleurs.

Sunny Friday

Brick by Brick

The longer I live here, the more I'm coming to love my neighborhood.

The faces are starting to get familiar, the spring showers are causing some awfully gorgeous blooms and the food is still the best in Boston.

Enjoy some South End snaps.

xo,
eb

Every 'hood needs a cathedral. 

Faces of the Vine.

Red and Blue.

My park.