Arnold Arboretum (125 Arborway)
The Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain, MBTA accessible, is a reservation that preserves breathtaking nature. Only a short walk from the Orange Line, the arboretum is a sanctuary within city limits. Trees and flowers contrast a view of the Boston skyline. Numerous trails wind through the trees named on plaques and maps, so the visitor can navigate with ease. The Arboretum contains unharmed forest, a pond and two hills called Bussey and Peter. This Jamaica Plain haven is a great place to engross yourself in nature, have a discrete picnic (discreetly) or walk your dog. Visiting the arboretum is free and enjoyable in any season. A gem in JP, this serene spot is worth visiting on a beautiful autumn day.
Fiore's Italian Bakery (55 South Street)
Fiore’s, located near the Arnold Arboretum, is a favorite to Jamaica Plain locals and perfect for lunch or desert. The bakery is well known for its Italian baked treats and vegan goods, a surprising menu item in an otherwise traditional bakery. The danishes and croissants are particularly good at Fiore’s, and the coffee is appropriately priced and tasty. Fiore’s also sells locally produced goods like tea and jewelry. The employees are friendly and obliging, the food is fresh, and the vibe is cozy, with minimal seating and fresh cut flowers on the tables.
Boomerangs (716 Centre Street)
An easy walk from the Green Street Station, Boomerangs is a thrift store that sells clothing, DVDs, books, records and CDs at very low prices. The store offers a funky selection of home goods as well, like vases, dishes and mugs. The clothing is color coordinated, and often designer items hang among more worse-for-the-wear items. Boomerangs’ large selection of records is, if outdated, impressively organized, and more notable for funky album art than for actual music. Furniture for sale, scattered around the store, gives the store its somewhat cluttered appearance. Though Boomerangs is hardly a polished or decorated store, the great staff, selection and prices make it one of the best spots to hit in JP.
