"A great place to take a ride on your bike or go for a stroll. Fishing is available for those with a MA fishing license, and sailboats and rowboats are available for hourly rent in the summer months." Read more.
The oldest public arboretum in North America, this spot offers stunning landscapes in every season. With over 15,000 plants spread over 265 acres, the Arnold Arboretum is a sprawling gem in JP. Read more.
Designed as a place to mourn the dead and also to contemplate nature, the Forest Hills Cemetery is an ideal destination for strolling and observation. Read more.
The zoo is home to more than 220 species of animals in a variety of habitats. The zoo is open year-round and also has one of the world’s best indoor gorilla exhibitions and a tropical rain forest Read more.
Possibly the best Cuban food in Boston, this no-frills places offers a variety of Cuban classics and unique rice dishes. From braised oxtail to mashed green plantains, the food consistently pleases. Read more.
Known as the Behan, this pub is known for its vast selection of bottled and draft beers. You won't find TVs or arcade games here, but you may see dogs! Canines are welcome. Read more.
A superb example of Georgian Colonial architecture, the Loring-Greenough House is one of the oldest structures in JP. Built in 1700, it's open to the public Sundays from noon to two, April-December. Read more.
Founded in 1877, it's the oldest community theater in the country. It still provides "pleasant and useful entertainment" to the community with performances by local, nonprofessional actors. Read more.
Still housed in its original 17th-century structure, The Eliot School offers courses for children and adults in woodworking, sewing, fiber arts, drawing and painting, photography, and bookbinding. Read more.
The husband and wife team who own this shop believe there is a perfect hat for every person - and they have over 7,000 to choose from! They also have a great selection of other fine accessories. Read more.
For a wide variety of second hand clothing and the satisfaction of helping a good cause, shop at Boomerangs. All sales benefit the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. Read more.
A great place to shop for a unique gift, the Fire Opal has a beautiful selection of glassware, pottery, tiles, furniture, and textiles. Read more.
The guacamole is absolutely superb. The closest thing to fast food in JP, this place offers fresh, low-fat Mexican classics that are very high in flavor. Read more.
Their motto “Buy Fresh, Buy Local,” emphasizes its commitment to sustainability and locally grown or prepared foods. The selection of sandwiches and baked goods is great, as is the fair trade coffee. Read more.
A JP institution, Centre Street Cafe has a line out the door every weekend during brunch hours. Dinner is quieter (no cells allowed), but the food is just as delicious and creative. Read more.
Another JP landmark, JP Licks now has 10 locations in and around Boston. For the best ice cream, hard and soft yogurt, egg creams, frappes, and a large coffee selection, you can't go wrong Read more.
From timeless pieces to hip looks from local clothing companies, Caramelo carries an extensive collection of men’s wear and accessories: the selection of ties, wallets, belts, and rings is fantastic Read more.
This store is a must-visit for any gaming fan! It also holds an open comic forum every other Saturday, Dungeons & Dragons encounters every Wednesday, and game nights every Thursday. Read more.
A welcoming atmosphere and a seasonally-changing menu are both great features of Ten Tables. The also serve wines from vineyards that practice organic or biodynamic winemaking, and unique cocktails Read more.
With an emphasis on local meats and fish, Tres Gatos is based on the belief that “sharing good food, music, and books is essential to a happy life.” Read more.
A wildly inventive cocktail menu is Canary Square's trademark. Our favorite is the Centre Street, featuring bourbon, rosemary-orange syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a dash of ginger ale. Read more.
Monumental Cupcakes offers some of the most scrumptious cupcakes in town. The inventive flavors change daily, but classics like red velvet are mouthwatering fixtures, as are the shop’s vegan options. Read more.
With both a dining room and pub, Canary Square is big on comfort foods like shepherd' pie and fish and chips. An inviting atmosphere makes this Irish pub a friendly, homey destination. Read more.
This sleek café, which resembles a renovated warehouse, offers ample space to enjoy a cappuccino, pastry, artisan sandwich or ice cream from Cambridge-based Christina’s Homemade Ice Cream. Read more.
"Pastry heaven" is what one devoted fan calls Canto 6. Of special note are the cannelés, small confections with a crème brûlée–like outer shell and a deep vanilla custard inside. Read more.
In business since 1882, Doyle's cafe is like a time machine. Devoted to all things Boston, it also has one of New England's largest selections of draft beers. Read more.
Bella Luna is a great place for pizza, calzones, and live music! It's one of the neighborhood's most popular destinations for good reason. If you don't want to wait for a table, they offer take out! Read more.
Fair trade coffee, loose leaf tea, and a variety of pastries and salads are all tasty treats at Ula Cafe. Read more.
Since its 2013 opening, Sanctuary has become one of JP’s most popular eateries, offering a wide selection of appetizers, grilled meats, and fish, and selected dishes created by chef Steve Adan. Read more.
This small gem of a gift shop offers a small, but select choice of clothing, handbags, jewelry, kitchen appliances, paper supplies, and other housewares. It’s the perfect place to find a quirky gift! Read more.
Featuring a variety of 100% grass-fed beef burgers, fries, hotdogs, sandwiches, & milkshakes, as well as beer and wine, this unpretentious eatery offers a "neighborhood vibe" at appealing prices. Read more.
7 Pond is designed for people who want get a great cup of coffee on the go. The knowledgeable & friendly baristas specialize in made-to-order “pour-over” coffees made from single-source beans. Read more.
A knowledgeable and friendly staff can help you find whatever you're looking for from an ever-expanding selection of over 15,000 titles. Summer film screenings in the backyard on Thursdays Read more.
This children’s boutique offers a huge selection of organic fiber children’s clothing (ages newborn to 8 years), as well as eco-friendly creative toys. Read more.