An Insider’s Guide to Your Best Summer Yet: Boston Edition
Whether you’re cycling along the Emerald Necklace or sampling global bites, Compass agents invite you to partake of New England’s seasonal best.
Editor: Hannah McWilliams
Illustrations: Ping Zhu
Dine like a local
For a taste of Boston, Back Bay agent Lara Shuqom suggests these three distinctive eateries.
The Dive
“Don’t miss Delux Café, a kitschy South End gem. Order the diner-style burger and delight in the Elvis memorabilia, Schlitz-can décor, and year-round Christmas lights.”
The Raw Bar
“The Seaport District’s Row34 is affectionately known as a ‘working man’s oyster joint.’ Snag a seat with a view of the kitchen and watch as shuckers prepare your New England platter.”
The Bistro
“Frenchie, South End’s newest addition, serves up share-friendly small bites such as escargot and cod croquettes. Best nook in the house? The romantic solarium in back.”
Explore New England’s nature
For a bit of exercise, bike along the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Emerald Necklace, a seven-mile network of public spaces connecting the Boston Common, the Public Garden, and Franklin Park. Start along the Muddy River in Brookline, heading toward Jamaica Pond.
Up for a day trip? A longer route takes you from Brookline to Lincoln, site of the family residence of noted 20th-century architect and Bauhaus founder, Walter Gropius. Wend your way through Newton, continuing along the back roads of Weston, before reaching your destination.” — Compass Chestnut Hill agent Julie Bell
Enjoy entertainment al fresco
Breathe in every minute of the region’s gorgeous summer months with these open-air options, courtesy of Back Bay agent Kevin Caulfield.
Free Friday Flicks
The annual series takes place at Back Bay’s Hatch Shell amphitheater on the Esplanade. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and watch a classic, family-friendly movie against the Charles River backdrop.
The Lawn on D
This South Boston space offers bocce, pingpong, and super-sized Jenga as well as Swing Time, an interactive, illuminated playground designed by area architects Höweler + Yoon. (Go at sunset for the most Insta-worthy pics.)
Blue Hills Pavilion
In Boston’s Seaport District, this 5,000-seat amphitheater is slated for shows by such diverse acts as John Legend (6/19), Idina Menzel (7/8), and Foreigner (7/17). Enjoy the summer breeze as you rock out.
Escape into Boston’s history
“Constructed in 1935, the Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Museum is a three-story globe based on Rand McNally maps published the previous year. Enter the stained-glass orb and stand on its 30-foot glass bridge to view the world from the inside out.”
— Compass Back Bay agent Alan Duggan
Sample the best global eats
Among the city’s most diverse communities, East Boston has welcomed many waves of immigrants. As a result, it has one of the region’s most exciting food scenes. Here, agent and neighborhood resident Andrew Pike shares a few stops:
For authentic Mexican
Angela’s Cafe’s eponymous owner Angela Lopez was born in the Mexican state of Puebla and has perfected its regional dishes during her 50-year culinary career. Order the mole poblano!”
For inspired South American street food
If you’ve never had a pupusa (the El Salvadorean version of an arepa), La Hacienda is the place to try one. Go for the cheese with loroco, an edible flower native to Central America.”
For a taste of Tuscany
The line at Rino’s Restaurant often extends out the door of this no-reservations, 12-table eatery. It’s worth the wait, and whatever you do, order the incomparably sweet lobster ravioli, handmade by owner and chef Anthony DiCenso.”
Make the most of your morning
For a great cup of fresh-roasted Equator coffee, visit South End Buttery. At this cozy neighborhood joint, indulge in their salted-caramel or pineapple-studded hummingbird cupcake, er, muffin.
From there, head to the reflecting pool at the 14.5-acre Christian Science Plaza in Back Bay. A registered landmark and profound place to contemplate the day’s plans, it was designed by I.M. Pei and Araldo Cossutta to reflect the neoclassical façade of the nearby church.
Lastly, on Tuesdays and Fridays, the Copley Square Farmer’s Market in Back Bay sells fresh offerings from local purveyors like Crystal Brook Farm and Hamilton Orchards. Pick up a loaf of homemade banana bread from the Cook’s Farm stand to sate any just-woke-up-but-don’t-want-to-leave-my-hotel-room cravings.” — Compass Back Bay agent Jeannemarie Conley
