Tag: Commonwealth Avenue Mall

Save These “Shadow Hearings Dates,” Boston’s Historic Parks Need Your Voice

There are two hearings scheduled in the busy weeks ahead on the City's attempt to allow a developer to construct buildings that will cast additional shadows on the Boston Common, the Boston Public Garden, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

Plan to speak up for our precious, historic parks at one of the two scheduled meetings.

6:30 PM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 5TH:

Suffolk Law School, Moot Court Room, 4th Floor, 120 Tremont Street (map)

6:30 PM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 19TH

290 Congress Street (near South Station) in the Fort Point Room (map)

Here is a statement from the Friends of the Public Garden on this topic.

The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay has taken a strong stand on this issue, saying: "It is critical that citizens attend these meetings and voice their concerns about the project and the importance of protecting our open spaces. Even if you can't attend the meeting, please express your concerns in writing (by letter or email) so that they are received by the BPDA (formerly the BRA) by January 2nd, the new deadline the BPDA has established for public comments. Your comments should stress the importance of protecting the parks by retaining the existing shadow laws, and should be sent to:

Christopher Tracy, Senior Project Manager

Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA)

One City Hall Square

Boston, MA 02201

christopher.tracy@boston.gov"

Here at BostonZest, we'll continue to show you photos of sunlight in the parks to remind you of what's at stake.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

December 2, 2016
Sunday Is Leif Erikson Day, Discover his Boston Statue!

October 9th has been the official Leif Erikson Day since Congress declared it so in 1964. If Hurricane Matthew allows us to have a nice day on Sunday, we suggest you take a walk along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall to the corner of Charlesgate East (map) and discover Boston's Memorial to this Viking explorer.

At the moment, many details of the monument are hidden by tropical plants.

In this photo from the Boston Public Library Collection, you can see that he stands above a dragon-headed boat and that boat would have been the basin for a fountain rather than a planter.

According to an 1887 Boston Globe article, the memorial's dedication was originally located on a traffic island at Commonwealth Avenue and West Chester Park, the former name of Massachusetts Avenue. We are still trying to confirm when it was relocated.

Here's a photo that Penny took a few seasons ago with more of the monument showing in the setting sun.

Plan a return visit!

Be sure to come back in winter to discover all the lovely details that sculptor Anne Whitney incorporated into this work of art. A few years ago, we interviewed Sarah Hutt, the Friends of the Public Garden Collections Care Manager. She admitted that this is her favorite statue on the Mall. “I just find that so playful,” she said. “I’ve had the opportunity to go up on the scaffolding [during a restoration] and look at it. There is so much interesting detail… It has all these little stories of his voyages engraved in it.”

How Do You Spell It?

Back in 1000, when this man was said to be sailing up the Charles, people were not as fussy about spelling as we are today. References to him include the following spellings: Leif, Leifur, Leiv, Erikson, Ericson, Ericsson, or Ericksson. As you can see on the information plaque attached to the statue, the city has gone with the Leif Erikson version so we are following their example for now.

Our research files on this monument contain many more interesting tidbits that we'll share at a later date. For now, enjoy the fall weather and take a walk to see this piece of Boston public art.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny Cherubino, historic photo by Moulton Photograph Co. courtesy of the Boston Public Library.

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October 7, 2016
Sunday Is Leif Erikson Day, Discover his Boston Statue!

October 9th has been the official Leif Erikson Day since Congress declared it so in 1964. If Hurricane Matthew allows us to have a nice day on Sunday, we suggest you take a walk along the Commonwealth Avenue Mall to the corner of Charlesgate East (map) and discover Boston's Memorial to this Viking explorer.

At the moment, many details of the monument are hidden by tropical plants.

In this photo from the Boston Public Library Collection, you can see that he stands above a dragon-headed boat and that boat would have been the basin for a fountain rather than a planter.

According to an 1887 Boston Globe article, the memorial's dedication was originally located on a traffic island at Commonwealth Avenue and West Chester Park, the former name of Massachusetts Avenue. We are still trying to confirm when it was relocated.

Here's a photo that Penny took a few seasons ago with more of the monument showing in the setting sun.

Plan a return visit!

Be sure to come back in winter to discover all the lovely details that sculptor Anne Whitney incorporated into this work of art. A few years ago, we interviewed Sarah Hutt, the Friends of the Public Garden Collections Care Manager. She admitted that this is her favorite statue on the Mall. “I just find that so playful,” she said. “I’ve had the opportunity to go up on the scaffolding [during a restoration] and look at it. There is so much interesting detail… It has all these little stories of his voyages engraved in it.”

How Do You Spell It?

Back in 1000, when this man was said to be sailing up the Charles, people were not as fussy about spelling as we are today. References to him include the following spellings: Leif, Leifur, Leiv, Erikson, Ericson, Ericsson, or Ericksson. As you can see on the information plaque attached to the statue, the city has gone with the Leif Erikson version so we are following their example for now.

Our research files on this monument contain many more interesting tidbits that we'll share at a later date. For now, enjoy the fall weather and take a walk to see this piece of Boston public art.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny Cherubino, historic photo by Moulton Photograph Co. courtesy of the Boston Public Library.

Related articles

Russet May Be the Color of Autumn 2016 in Boston – BostonZest

Boston Area Commencement Dates for Spring Impact Hotel Prices, Availability, Restaurant Reservations and More

Lucy Stone and a Leaf (Part 2)

October 7, 2016
Summer in the Back Bay: Then and Now

Today, in summer, green is the color of the Back Bay. Trees form canopies of shade to protect walkers from the heat of the sun. Glorious gardens add a back beat of color to the scene. But all that green is a 20th Century addition to a 19th Century neighborhood.

From the Boston Public Library Collection, this is the "Residence of C. H. Dalton" on Commonwealth Avenue. Notice the lack of garden or trees except on young sapling on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

As Barbara W. Moore and Gail Weesner wrote in their book, Back Bay a Living Portrait,

“By the 1870 summering had become fashionable, and most Back Bay houses were used only as winter residences – from nineteenth-century reminiscences, one senses that the seasonal Bostonian often considered his country house the family's true home; the town house was merely a snug accommodation during the fall weather of the social season.”

Today the streets of the Back Bay are lined with carefully designed and cultivated gardens.

Street trees add cooling shade as we walk along the sidewalks.

Even in this rare summer photo circa 1878 – 1910, from the BPL Print Department, only the park is planted.

Plantings like this Kousa Dogwood are treasured as neighborhood amenities.

Annuals add accents of color and variety to even small, narrow spaces.

This 1880 photo of Marlborough Street taken from the Public Garden shows few trees and a much barer park. From the Boston Public Library Collection.

These days we walk Marlborough Street to enjoy the lush gardens. And, while some of the residents of the Back Bay relocate to summer homes, many stay here and enjoy the quieter months in the city. This June has been an ideal month to enjoy this wonderful neighborhood.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino and Boston Public Library collection as noted in the captions.

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June 30, 2016
Summer in the Back Bay: Then and Now

Today, in summer, green is the color of the Back Bay. Trees form canopies of shade to protect walkers from the heat of the sun. Glorious gardens add a back beat of color to the scene. But all that green is a 20th Century addition to a 19th Century neighborhood.

From the Boston Public Library Collection, this is the "Residence of C. H. Dalton" on Commonwealth Avenue. Notice the lack of garden or trees except on young sapling on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

As Barbara W. Moore and Gail Weesner wrote in their book, Back Bay a Living Portrait,

“By the 1870 summering had become fashionable, and most Back Bay houses were used only as winter residences – from nineteenth-century reminiscences, one senses that the seasonal Bostonian often considered his country house the family's true home; the town house was merely a snug accommodation during the fall weather of the social season.”

Today the streets of the Back Bay are lined with carefully designed and cultivated gardens.

Street trees add cooling shade as we walk along the sidewalks.

Even in this rare summer photo circa 1878 – 1910, from the BPL Print Department, only the park is planted.

Plantings like this Kousa Dogwood are treasured as neighborhood amenities.

Annuals add accents of color and variety to even small, narrow spaces.

This 1880 photo of Marlborough Street taken from the Public Garden shows few trees and a much barer park. From the Boston Public Library Collection.

These days we walk Marlborough Street to enjoy the lush gardens. And, while some of the residents of the Back Bay relocate to summer homes, many stay here and enjoy the quieter months in the city. This June has been an ideal month to enjoy this wonderful neighborhood.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino and Boston Public Library collection as noted in the captions.

Related articles

Then & Now: Filene's Corner Holiday Decorations #Throwbackthursday

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June 30, 2016
The Boston Puppy Class of 2016 Adds Joy to Our Walks

There is nothing like watching a puppy bound through the park discovering the world and the people and dogs around him or her.

We keep running into these two little pups on our walks on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. Their antics are sure to make you smile.

They circle and sniff one another and then take notice of all their human admirers and dash away to get some smiles and pats from their fans.

This youngster jumped for joy when he saw our friend Greer. She is very tolerant of puppy play and will only give a silly little growl when the kids get out of hand.

Lilly, the Westie pup, was visiting Boston. Her person stopped us near the Public Garden to ask suggestions for a great place to buy a hostess gift. (We sent her to Blackstone's Beacon Hill on Charles Street where we knew the well-mannered Lily would be welcomed and the selection would result in a perfect gift.)

You met Guinness in a post last month but he is such a cutie and was quickly surrounded by a gathering of fans as he walked down Columbus Avenue in the South End that we had to include him in this post too.

Thanks to all the people who allow us to enjoy their new pups. But, just one reminder, if someone is keeping that puppy away, it may be because he or she is not ready for the meet-and-greet scene. The little dog might be in the "window of susceptibility." More about that in this post about another adorable puppy.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs. (This post will be first in the group, so scroll down to meet more of our canine pals.)

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend

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April 3, 2016
Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend

Whether you're coming to run or watch the 2019 Boston Marathon or just want to log some miles, it's an exciting time to visit the city. And, we hope this piece will help all the runners who are new to the city, here for vacation, or a business trip.

Right onto Hereford Street – Less Than a Mile to Go!

I remember my first Boston Marathon as a spectator. Penny and I booked a hotel room for the weekend and left the car parked. We took in the runners' expo, pasta supper, and other pre-race activities, then watched a spectacular Boylston Street finish.

As an out-of-state runner staying near Faneuil Hall, I still wanted to get in a run or two, but wasn't sure where to head.

Now, as a Boston resident, I can recommend a couple of my favorite routes.

Charles River Run …

If you're a visiting runner staying anywhere near the finish line, you can't beat a daytime run along the Charles River. It offers great views and a more open course without having to constantly cross roadways. This multi-use path is shared by bikes, blades, skate boards, dogs, and walkers. It can get congested as the day wears on but, who knows, you may find yourself sharing the trail with some famous, elite runners. It's easy to make any number of loops between the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river by using the many bridges along the way.

From Back Bay, you can access the Charles River Esplanade from Massachusetts Avenue, Fairfield, Dartmouth, and Arlington Streets. If you head west from the Massachusetts Avenue ramp, you can also use the parcourse workout station that's located just up-river. Click here for photos and details including a map to find it.

Morning Run Along the Esplanade

Parks in the Heart of the City

For a tree-lined route, try the Commonwealth Avenue Mall – not a shopping center, but a park – that runs down the center of this residential street. At Commonwealth and Arlington, you can enter the pristine Public Garden for a slower pace. Moving through the center of the Garden will lead you across Charles Street to the Boston Common.

Inside tip: Local-isms

Mass Ave = Massachusetts Avenue
Comm Ave = Commonwealth Avenue
And, it's Boston Common (singular) not Boston Commons

Related Posts:

What's Open on Patriots Day in Boston, Plus MBTA, Trash & Other Changes

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

Photos from past Boston Marathons:

The View from Hereford Street

Marathon Kisses

Other Resources:

Here's a great site. You'll find dozens of local running routes, including along the Charles River.

For more places to run, Bostinno has a post on this topic – How to Train For the Boston Marathon: Where the Runners Run.

Details:
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photos: (Top) 2011 Boston Marathon, (Bottom) Esplanade Run ©2013 Penny Cherubino

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Related articles

Charles River Run on a Crisp Saturday Morning

Lost Boston: Bicycle Club at 152 Newbury Street

March 31, 2016
Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend

Whether you're coming to run or watch the 2019 Boston Marathon or just want to log some miles, it's an exciting time to visit the city. And, we hope this piece will help all the runners who are new to the city, here for vacation, or a business trip.

Right onto Hereford Street – Less Than a Mile to Go!

I remember my first Boston Marathon as a spectator. Penny and I booked a hotel room for the weekend and left the car parked. We took in the runners' expo, pasta supper, and other pre-race activities, then watched a spectacular Boylston Street finish.

As an out-of-state runner staying near Faneuil Hall, I still wanted to get in a run or two, but wasn't sure where to head.

Now, as a Boston resident, I can recommend a couple of my favorite routes.

Charles River Run …

If you're a visiting runner staying anywhere near the finish line, you can't beat a daytime run along the Charles River. It offers great views and a more open course without having to constantly cross roadways. This multi-use path is shared by bikes, blades, skate boards, dogs, and walkers. It can get congested as the day wears on but, who knows, you may find yourself sharing the trail with some famous, elite runners. It's easy to make any number of loops between the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river by using the many bridges along the way.

From Back Bay, you can access the Charles River Esplanade from Massachusetts Avenue, Fairfield, Dartmouth, and Arlington Streets. If you head west from the Massachusetts Avenue ramp, you can also use the parcourse workout station that's located just up-river. Click here for photos and details including a map to find it.

Morning Run Along the Esplanade

Parks in the Heart of the City

For a tree-lined route, try the Commonwealth Avenue Mall – not a shopping center, but a park – that runs down the center of this residential street. At Commonwealth and Arlington, you can enter the pristine Public Garden for a slower pace. Moving through the center of the Garden will lead you across Charles Street to the Boston Common.

Inside tip: Local-isms

Mass Ave = Massachusetts Avenue
Comm Ave = Commonwealth Avenue
And, it's Boston Common (singular) not Boston Commons

Related Posts:

What's Open on Patriots Day in Boston, Plus MBTA, Trash & Other Changes

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

Photos from past Boston Marathons:

The View from Hereford Street

Marathon Kisses

Other Resources:

Here's a great site. You'll find dozens of local running routes, including along the Charles River.

For more places to run, Bostinno has a post on this topic – How to Train For the Boston Marathon: Where the Runners Run.

Details:
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photos: (Top) 2011 Boston Marathon, (Bottom) Esplanade Run ©2013 Penny Cherubino

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Related articles

Charles River Run on a Crisp Saturday Morning

Lost Boston: Bicycle Club at 152 Newbury Street

March 31, 2016
Charlie and Smokey Are Most Polite Park Pals

One of our walking companions Sky introduced us to her distant relatives Charlie and Smokey a few weeks ago as we all reached the Vendome Fire Memorial on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

As you stroll the parks and other popular dog walking places in Boston, you meet playful puppies bounding up at every dog and person in sight. You avoid snarling beasties with more attitude than a mountain lion. You greet old friends with the usual rounds of hellos and sniffs. And you come upon very nice polite pups like Charlie and Smokey.

While you might think the darker of the two is Smokey and the lighter Charlie, it is just the opposite. They are both sweet pups who seem to get along with everyone they meet on their walks.

Maybe they're just responding to the way the people in the group are admiring their adorable expressions.

You two are becoming a highlight of our walks. See you soon.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

March 27, 2016
Charlie and Smokey Are Most Polite Park Pals

One of our walking companions Sky introduced us to her distant relatives Charlie and Smokey a few weeks ago as we all reached the Vendome Fire Memorial on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

As you stroll the parks and other popular dog walking places in Boston, you meet playful puppies bounding up at every dog and person in sight. You avoid snarling beasties with more attitude than a mountain lion. You greet old friends with the usual rounds of hellos and sniffs. And you come upon very nice polite pups like Charlie and Smokey.

While you might think the darker of the two is Smokey and the lighter Charlie, it is just the opposite. They are both sweet pups who seem to get along with everyone they meet on their walks.

Maybe they're just responding to the way the people in the group are admiring their adorable expressions.

You two are becoming a highlight of our walks. See you soon.

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

March 27, 2016