Louisburg Square, Beacon Hill
As a little girl, there was no story that I loved more than Little Women. Imagine my delight, then, to find one of Louisa May Alcott’s homes right in the heart of Beacon Hill, one of Boston’s most historic neighborhoods. Louisburg Square, a cluster of Greek Revival homes and an enclosed garden, once was home to the famous author and now houses the likes of John Kerry and other notable Bostonians. At night, with the neighborhood’s iconic gas lamps lit against the dark sky, your footsteps echoing over the cobblestone streets, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Bates Hall, Boston Public Library
Fancying myself a true academic, I wrote a good portion of my master’s thesis in Bates Hall, the main reading room of the Boston Public Library. I found it most ideal for studying and writing: it’s regal, elegant, quiet, and beautiful. Stepping inside can make you catch your breath as you take in the space’s vaulted ceilings, streams of light from multiple arched windows, and handsome busts of famous thinkers. The hushed whispers and soft page turns from nearby patrons only add to the hall’s reverent tone. And while it’s inherently Bostonian, Bates wouldn’t seem out of place in any of Europe’s grand estates.
Charles River Esplanade
Boston has no shortage of green spaces (Boston Common and the Public Garden may be the most famous), but my favorite is the Esplanade, nestled between the Longfellow Bridge and Massachusetts Avenue, right at the banks of the Charles River. In summer, you’ll see the river speckled with sailboats, kayaks, and canoes; the many pathways host joggers, cyclists, roller bladers, and dog walkers. There’s also a plethora of summer concerts held at the Hatch Shell, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts seasonal Boston Pops concerts, free movies, and other lively events. It’s a perfect spot for picnicking, people-watching, or exercising.
Enjoy my city!
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