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Arnold Arboretum
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Jamaica Plain
125 Arborway
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617) 524-1717
125 Arborway
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617) 524-1717
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
133 reviews for Arnold Arboretum
Ahh this place just makes me all around happy. Especially Pete's Hill.
That reminds me...I'm due for a stroll.
I'm quite fond of the Arboretum. It's beautiful and a couple years ago, my family had a huge reunion and one of the things we like to do, since all of my relatives moved to suburban, sedentary areas, is to take walks throughout parks. Parks have always been a hit with my family (see my review for Larz Anderson Park). They're all relatively active people and walking through this park is a perfect family activity.
Only one star off because I always get lost.
On a nice fall afternoon, what could be better than walking around outside? Sometimes you just don't want to be in the city, but you don't want to take a major car trip just to be in nature - the Arboretum is the perfect place for such moods!
1. It's close!
2. There are so many awesome trees and trails and hills to climb, walk around and roll down.
3. Great dog watching! (Especially for those currently without dogs, but who want one really really bad....)
I am looking forward to spending many more afternoons frolicking in the Arboretum!
How can you not love this place? Even in winter it's so cool and you can see over to the boston skyline when the trees are bare. Summer it's lovely and shady to get away from the heat. Spring - well who doesnt love a park in spring when new life is sprouting up everywhere. Autumn well just beautiful - on fire with yellows, oranges and dark reds.
Great day - morning at arboretum then to canto 6. can't get better!
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I had heard of the Arboretum when I attended college in downtown Boston, but I never ventured out there until I moved to JP in 2005.
It's a great place to immerse yourself in nature and only a short T ride from downtown. My husband and I take our dog for walks there, and we love climbing Peter's hill for the panoramic views of the city and surrounding suburbs. Also a great spot for a picnic.
It's gorgeous in the Spring with all the flowering trees, and I'm looking forward to heading over there this Fall for some leaf-peeping.
There are paved roads througout but also lots of trails through the woods.
All-in-all a fun time -- and it's free!
One of my favorite things about Boston is being about to take public transportation to startling displays of natural beauty.
The Arnold Arboretum is a wonderful, sprawling forest that is lovingly managed and universally enjoyed. Harvard contributes much to this fine city, but the Arboretum is my favorite Crimson contribution.
You can spend the rest of your life visiting this fantastic place and it would be considered a life well-lived.
I first came here with my friend Kris and it was amazing. I had no idea this place even existed! We walked around for about 3 hours and just talked, looked at beautiful growing things, and enjoyed nature. I especially love the bonsai exhibit, even though you are not allowed to go into the gazebo. However, they are so delicate and old that I would be afraid for them as well.
The second time I came with my fiance on one of my nature kicks and he enjoyed it as well. We packed some sandwiches and drinks to fuel our energy. It is nice because while there were families there, the place is big enough to still enjoy some quiet solitude. Great place to enjoy green without having to drive far away.
One of my favorite day trip spots. So beautiful and who doesn't like to be among trees? Make sure you check out the bonsai exhibit Sara mentions in her review below, one of the only places in the US I've seen something like that.
The whole place is AMAZING. Great for kids too, memories of nature they'll never forget!
Is it possible to live in greater Boston for all of your nearly 43 years and never have been here (OK, in all fairness I've never been to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket either so maybe it's just me)? Well I spent the better part of a couple of hours wandering about here and I must say there is no prettier (a word I refrain from using much) place to be found in Boston. There really is something for everyone. The things I seemed to notice most were the restricted activities seemed to be the most prevalent; no picnics, bikes on paved paths only. We saw all walks of life, tons and tons of dogs, people with coolers, people with softball gear, people, people everywhere. The view of the city from the top of Bussey Hill (I believe) was awesome (although for my money not nearly as jaw dropping as the view from Robbins Farm in Arlington). Truly a great place IN the city to escape FROM the city
One note; to the a-holes, with kids and a dog no less, who felt compelled to smoke and leave your butts behind in this diamond in the rough may you squat to pee in a bush of ultra-potent poison oak
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It's so incredible that this place exists in the city. A couple of hundred feet past the main gate and I felt transported to the countryside, you know, like Concord or Groton.
Nothing makes me happier than strolling around on a warm, sunny day. Yes, I am that easy to please. Usually my strolling brings me face to face with sales and pubs and other disposable income-sucking institutions. But on Memorial Day, I felt a less materialistic, more peaceful, call to nature type of stroll was in order. Hence Arnold Arboretum.
Parking alongside the perimeter of the park proved no problem despite the holiday and numerous groups of people with the same mentality.
My boyfriend and I consulted the map at the entrance and were slightly put off with the estimated walk time of an hour and ten minutes to Peter Hill. However, checking in with various maps along the way we found ourselves making excellent progress and reached the hill in about 40 minutes stopping for pictures and lilac tree-huffing every couple of minutes. Lesson learned? Unless you walk really slow, the times on the map are not super-accurate.
Gorgeous, and aptly-named, paths enticed us and other walkers as we strolled towards our destination. Lindens, junipers, conifers, birches, rhododendrons, azaleas, maples, beeches, hawthorns, gingkos, tulip trees...Who knew so many variations could be jammed into such a space while maintaining a sense of fluidity?
The view from Peter Hill was pretty gorgeous as we got a great view of the Boston skyline. Just wish we had brought some water.
NOTES:
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I saw various people breaking the "no picnicking" rule and silently cursed myself for not having the gall to do the same. What is wrong with me?
Only one of the water fountains worked. I was thirsty but the fact that germs were all concentrated on this one instead of being spread across various fountains kinda turned me off.
If you have a bike, this would be a great place to ride it!
The further you walk towards Peter or Bussey Hill, the less senior citizens and children there are. There is, however, a proliferation of dudes peeing mere feet off the path. Stay classy.
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I love this place. You could spend hours here exploring the different paths and gardens.
be sure to wear walking shoes, gosh, sandals just do not cut it!
the smells, the people, the sunshine. everything is soo peaceful & beautiful here.
i highly reccommend bringing a blanket and a picnic basket!!
a nice way to escape from the hustle & flow.
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Sweet glorious nature!! I can't believe I've lived in the Boston area (Revere, to be exact) for 23 years and never managed to make it out to this not-so-little oasis. In fact, I didn't even know it existed. But as soon as I walked through the AA's gates, I fell in love with the place. It reminds me of the massive, sprawling botanical gardens of New Zealand -- acres and acres of beautiful old (and new) trees, lots of wide, ambling walkways for you and your kids/parents/friends/lovers/partners/etc to enjoy. It all made me wish I could better identify types of trees and birds, but I appreciated the experience nonetheless.
And the few folks that were there on a Wednesday morning were so friendly!! I never think of the Boston area as a place where people willfully acknowledge your humanity and greet you with a "hello!" or "beautiful day, isn't it?" just because. I'm not silly enough to think that'll always be the case, but I still can't wait to go again (and again, and again) when spring has everything in full bloom.
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Amazing Beautiful Lilacs Peaceful Serene Foreign Local Rural Country Comfortable Healthy Green Lilacs Bonsai Pretty Flowers
By all means go here when you need some time to think, reflect, dream, nap, play, smile, cuddle.
Really, it's a lovely place. GREEN. Rolling hills. Kinda like Ireland but in JP.
Lilacs Lilacs Lilacs
*Do take allergy medication if you are allergic to pollen. I do not take said medication, but I probably should have this past Sunday, as I had to leave fairly soon after arriving because my allergies were off the charts.*
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I visited the Arnold Arboretum for the first time last weekend and all I can say is Wow. This place is magnificent. It's a beautiful, peaceful park in the middle of Jamaica Plain. Who knew? Okay, apparently everyone else did, but not me.
I've lived in Boston for a year an a half now, and have never had the pleasure of walking around the Arboretum until now. Boy, have I been missing out. They have Bonsai plants from the 1700's. How crazy is that?
I wandered around here for a few hours, along with my trusty City Walks Boston map, but I did not finish and definitely did not see the whole park. What really amazed me was how many different types of gardens there were, and how you seem to walk from one completely different type of forest to another, all within a few steps of each other. Pure Alice in Wonderland craziness.
I can't wait for my next visit.
I'm not going to add anything new here, but Arnold Arboretum is such a wonderful oasis in the middle of the city.
I lived so close to it for a while, and sadly only meandered in and around the Arboretum less than 10 times.
Whether it was a stroll, part of a run, or (good god the horror) trying to learn how to rollerblade, I loved getting smooshed by the trees, plants and flowers scattered all over.
I think it's time I pay another visit. It's a shame to let something so fantastic slip out of grasp.
I grew up on the Arborway directly across from the Arboretum so for most of my childhood I considered it my backyard. I have spent so many days and nights here that I feel so at home whenever I visit again. Actually, now that I am writing this I am being flooded with hundreds of memories. I learned how to ride a bike, climbed my first tree, learned how to do cartwheels, took graduation photos, had my first kiss, pulled my first all nighter and escaped to the Arbs any time that I needed to be alone. I know all of the ins and outs, secret paths, and how to get from corner to corner via the different parts of JP and Roslindale.
They make changes to the park all of the time and it looks more and more beautiful each time I go back. My parents live very close still so we always head there for walks with the dogs and for Lilac Sunday. You could visit the Arbs many times and not see the same area twice. I am so grateful to everyone that keeps up the place since I can't imagine what my childhood would have been without it.
If you are thinking about going, just do it. Plenty of street parking, an interesting visitors center, bathrooms scattered throughout, tons of friendly happy people and you can even have a great picnic there. Go, go, go! You won't regret it.
I sure do love the Arboretum. It's an easily accessible sanctuary from the stress of city living, and I definitely need to get out there more often. A short walk from the end of the orange line (Forest Hills) brings you to this sylvan oasis. Go for a stroll with a friend or your dog. Follow one of many paths through the trees (all with name tags) up the hills and down the dales. I know you aren't technically supposed to picnic there, but I have and it's a perfect place for it (just pick up your trash). You're also not allowed to climb the trees, but I've done that too. It's just beautiful in every season. I particularly love the lilacs and magnolias in the spring, visiting the Bonsai collection, and people watching near the pond. It's also a great place to come alone to think or read a book. Definitely one of my favorite places. For an even more peaceful place check out the Forest Hills Cemetary, which is really quite lovely.
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This place is practically in my backyard. Sadly, I never spent any time here until I got a puppy. Now we're here at least once a day. It isn't uncommon to find us here 3 times a day Friday-Sunday!
There are a lot of dogs and dog owners here. If you're not a dog person, you might not be so happy here. There are a lot of dogs running about off-leash, but you won't see my puppy running loose because of the close proximity to scary roads (Arborway!).
There are benches, water fountains, and maps. As the puppy gets bigger, we go farther and farther. We find new things all the time!
Although I came during March and all the foliage was gone, the emptiness of the place had a very peaceful feel.
I can only imagine how the Arnold Arboretum must be during the spring or summer.
Felt compelled to write a review of this place after walking it through it again this morning for the tenth time. Very nice place. This takes the place of having a crummy Common trying to be too much like Central Park and not even close. This huge place is various hills, trails and streets all closed off to traffic and filled with trees and flowers and lilac bushes (mothers day they have the lilac festival). It is just a magnificent place to explore and if you have a dog, let run free. Although this one day I came across a very rude couple that was annoyed with free roaming dogs. This place even has a bonzai section which features 100 year old bonzai trees which is really something to see. The best part is it is maintained by Harvard University and the trees and bushes are all marked so you can identify them. Great place to take the family and also have a picnic!
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I dig the Arnold Arboretum, like Popeye digs Spinach, like Whitney digs Crack, like Cartman digs candy.....
I've been here so many times, I can tell you where individual trees are planted.
The only thing I really don't dig is the stupid perennials Pavillion they installed. It just doesn't fit here, and is Hella ugly. Why ? I don't get it, at all. Olmsted and EO Wilson designed a fantastic park, in a natural setting, and then this thing gets plunked in. I start making Marge Simpson noises the moment I see it. It's like Tourettes...
Listen up, kids, come early October, hike up to nearly the top of the Hill, and look on the right, tucked behind a stand of evergreens is the Holy Grail of Arboretum finds. There's a big stand of Franklinia alatamaha...
So what? Well, it will be blooming (In OCTOBER), and smells heavenly, and only blooms after the leaves turn scarlet, right in Autumn. Follow your nose, you'll find it. They smell like Camellias....
Besides that, ALL the Franklinia in the world now comes from a single botanical specimen collected by John Bartram in the late 1700's down in Georgia. That's right, it's a nearly lost species.
OK, I'm a Plant Geek. It's still wicked cool.
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I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as [the Arnold Arboretum, which is full of trees].
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
[and also pressed against the earth right near the Forest Hills T stop!]
A tree that looks at [Boston] all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair, [or hydrangeas, or cherries, or lilacs...]
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain--[especially in Novembah, am I right? Am I friggin' right?!]
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only [Boston] can make a tree [haven as wicked as the Arnold Arboretum!].
-- Joyce Kilmer (mostly)
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The Arnold Arboretum is my favorite place in Boston and I have been going there for over two decades. My folks live just a couple blocks away, it might as well be an extension of their backyard. The range of experience in this beautiful and expansive park is astounding. As a child I came here to learn to ride a bike. As a teenager we used to throw wicked keggers here, with dozens of kids gathering on Pete's or Cherry Hill when there was nowhere else to party. And when home from college for the summer, I would come here to paint and photograph or just relax. I have gone sledding, played whiffleball, fell in love, tripped balls, all within the expansive confines of the Arboretum. Oh and its a pretty good place to learn about trees too, if your into that sort of thing.
Nowadays, I cannot make a visit back home to Boston without taking a ride or stroll through the Ahbs. There are so many nooks and crannies to explore and get lost in. The Chinese path which is about 3/4 of the way to the top of Bussey Hill is an especially cool area. The cliffs in the Roslindale side of the park are also quite nice. And of course the view from Pete's Hill is unparalled from any natural location in the Boston area. Just watch out for all the broken beer bottles.
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Just a few years after their arrival in Massachusetts, Puritans from the Boston area went to fight Indians in Connecticut - the Pequot War (it's more complicated than that). For his service, Joseph Weld was given a large tract of land by the Town of Roxbury. Much of that land is now the Arnold Arboretum. During the British occupation of Boston, George Washington had Bussey HIll fortified to protect from a possible British move to march south and seize a rebel armory in Dedham. Around 1802, the Welds sold the land to Benjamin Bussey, though they stayed in the area through the 19th century. Benjamin Bussey was a Revolutionary War veteran, silversmith, wealthy business man and gentleman farmer. Presidents visited Bussey at his estate, built on what we now call Bussey Hill. Bussey bought up adjacent farmland and expanded the property, using it to experiment in agricultural improvement. Bussey left his land to Harvard for the improvement of agriculture, and the Bussey Institute (where the State Lab is now on South st above Forest HIlls) offered courses on agriculture and landscape architecture. Around the turn of the 20th century, Harvard dropped the agriculture and turned the facility into a biological lab. James Arnold - another wealthy businessman - supplied money in his will for an arboretum. Harvard combined Bussey's land with Arnold's money to create the Arnold Arboretum, and the City of Boston joined to make the land a public park as well.
Two streams run through the Arboretum - Bussey brook and Goldsmith brook. Bussey runs past Hemlock Hill and Goldsmith runs under the entrance at the Headquarters building. Both once fed into the long-disappeared Stony Brook, and both now flow underground and into the Stony Brook Conduit.
For a story of child-murder in the Arboretum woods during Victorian times, read this story:
http://www.jphs.org/vi...
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It took me a while to warm up to this place. I guess the side we entered on (the Forest Hills Gate, a touch south of the Visitors Center) wasn't very attractive, and all the trees and paths on Bussey Hill Rd were unkempt and looked like any other forest.
But we eventually got to where the goods were and stumbled upon the Bonsai Collection and the Shrub & Vine Garden. I loved the beautiful bonsai trees and couldn't believe that some of them were older than our dear old country. And the Shrub & Vine Garden didn't sound too impressive, but this is such a serene, well-kept area, and we ended up spending most of our time here, just sitting and admiring the view. The shaded pavilion was a bonus!
Any complaint I have about something that's free just sounds ridiculous: "It's too big!" "There should be golf carts I can rent!" But I do recommend bringing some mode of transportation - a bike would have been perfect. Otherwise you might only be able to see 10% of the entire Arboretum like I did.
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My version of interacting with nature is being a beach bum. My boyfriend has an REI credit card. He goes camping alone, and we compromise on places like the Arnold Arboretum. The first time, I literally whined all the way down: "Cambridge has parks! Why do we have to go so far?"
If it were just a bit closer to Cambridge (or specifically, not on the dreaded Orange line), I'd probably go there more often. I almost can't imagine what a luxury it would be for Forest Hills dwellers to have the AA in their back yard.
I love the pastoral feel so you can almost forget that Boston's so close by, the art classes busy at work, and especially the bonsai collection--simultaneously cute and ancient. I didn't grow up with huge swaths of undeveloped land around, so places like this are such a treat, like a soul refresh. Plus, I had frequent access to an on-campus arboretum (a much smaller one) in college, so seeing trees labeled was kind of a blast-from-the-past for me.
It's places like Arnold Arboretum that make me feel lucky to live in Boston, and especially to live in Forest Hills. Taking an easy hike up Peter's Hill, where you can see the whole Boston skyline and watch the sun set, or running through the redwood trees of Asia or the cedar trees of Lebanon, pretty much erases a bad day. Fortunately, for those who don't live in Jamaica Plain or Roslindale, getting to the Arboretum couldn't be easier. Just take the orange line to Forest Hills, and one of the many entrances is right across the street.
There are few things in this city that are as wonderful as watching and feeling the seasons change, and the Arboretum is a fantastic place to enjoy each part of the year--it's perhaps the most magical during the winter, when the hills and bare trees are blanketed with snow (and you can go sledding!), though fall and spring are perfect for long bike rides and (secret) picnics. And, in the summer, you can sneak into the bamboo thicket with a good book, or lay in the shade of trees from around the world. I just love it here. Arnold Arboretum also hosts great annual events, like the unbelievably fragrant Lilac Sunday in May, and the beautiful Fall Foliage Festival in October. Throughout the year, the staff offers free, educational walking tours, so be sure to check out their website!
Despite being in the middle of the city, the Arboretum gives you a chance to breath deeply and get in touch with nature, be it for a five minutes or five hours. It's vast, but inviting. Go explore.
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Jeffrey the Explorer. That's what I'd call myself after the "Hounds of Yelp" event not too long ago.
Naturally, I had crashed my car into a curb earlier and driving my Escort with a case of the shakes was not on the menu that day. I decided to take the orange line all the way out to Forrest Hills and walk my way through the hills, valleys, and woods that are the Arnold Arboretum.
Little did I know that such an overwhelming amount of nature existed merely footsteps away from mass transit and suddenly I found myself lost in the mists of a rainy day in Jamaica Plain.
Walking along the winding sidewalks that bend around various bodies of water, I was desperately searching for Yelpers and their hounds. I came across a brick building, where inside there were people reading placards to learn more about the history of the Arboretum...I on the other hand was sneaking past a group meeting in another room merely to use the restroom. Awk is my game.
I called Yelper Liz D for answers on their location and I was passed around like a newborn to Damien S and Brian D for directions. Walking up hills and grasping onto trees (the sidewalks were long out of sight my friends) I was told that I was about a 1/2 mile away and would need to find a map. A MAP?! A MAP!? I felt like I was on the Oregon Trail and had just lost my oxen to dysentery - where the H-E-DOUBLE-HOCKEY-STIX am I going to find a map!?
I stumbled (rolled) down the hill and found myself along a random sidewalk. I ran...to where I don't know...but I ran.
Suddenly I found myself along the gates and there it was, a map! And a realization. This place is gigantic and I'll need another oxen (metro cab) to find my Yelpers and their hounds. *snaps photo of map for Yelp post*
I call my fellow Pioneers to alert them of my safety and my location - I am then informed that it's time to drink some beers at The Behan. My quest is over - back to the orange line.
The Arnold Arboretum is gorgeous, gigantic, and overall a unique place in an urban setting. If you're a Bostonian looking to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown, venture over to the Arboretum and enjoy what nature has to offer.
Be sure to bring an extra wheel for the covered wagon.
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While traipsing through the Arboretum I've often found that the "dog show" theme from the old SNL sketch (fear not, references below) runs through my head.
It's not because I'm crazy - there's quite good reason for it. There are pups running everywhere here. If you're homesick for your pooch this is a great place to roam around and get your puppy fix (being considerate of their owners of course).
The Arboretum is a happily massive place - an easy spot to kill a few hours after your dog crazed self has gotten the necessary fix of fur and slobber. Go alone to contemplate the meaning of life or, like Brian, grab the object of your affection and woo them underneath the boughs of the many species of indigenous trees (just watch for dog poop).
**Dog show: http://en.wikipedia.or...
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Best place for any type of bone,
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I hate that I have to drive to the AA. But I do because I live in Somerville and I usually have too much crap with me to bike.
I love the AA because it's frigging gorgeous. It has new pockets that I discover all the time. In the winter, the sledding can't be beat-- and spring-fall I take some of my couples here for their engagement photos.
I love rolling around in the first grass of spring and reading under a 200 year old cork tree.
People watching is tops-- especially lesbo-watching because it's in JP. There are also tons of dogs. My dogs have never been to the AA- if they had an off leash area I'd trundle them on over in a heart beat. But my two get a little too excited around other dogs because they want to play and there's this rom-com moment of super tangled leashes and yapping terriers everywhere. It's not pretty.
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Q: How many pounds of CO2 does a human breathe out every year?
A: 476 lbs
Q: How many trees to absorb 1 person's exhaled CO2 at 64lbs per trees?
A: 7 Trees
Source: NOVA Science Now
Yay trees in the nearby metropolitan area that is Boston! T accessible too as it is right across the street from the Forest Hills T station.
I expected more "wowness" of colors but it was still very relaxing to walk/jog the trails here and enjoy the various families of trees, flowers, vines, and other collections.
Take the trails off the main roads to have a better feel for what this place is really all about.
Darn I forgot to get a pic of the Boston Skyline from Peter's Hill!
Stop at the visitor's center before or after for information as well as restrooms and water. There are also tours available at certain times.
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Last time was in the Arboretum is was on a second date. What a great place for a date, really, if it's a beautiful day (plus no one has to spend a ton of cash). We walked around and held hands and stole a kiss by the bonsai collection when no one was around and laid in the grass in the sun and took pictures under the magnolia trees.
Sure, the guy's long since gone. But the Arboretum stays with me.
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I love the Arboretum! It's a great spot to escape from the city, have a picnic or go on a romantic walk!
I'm giving this 4 stars because I'm a spoiled brat and I know it. I'm from nor-cal. It's very green there. I see great places like this all the time.
I went on a psuedo-date here, and the misses and I were overwhelmed by the number of people. We thought it was just a regular Sunday, but it was the big ol' Mother's Day Lilac thing. This was THE place to take yo mama. We couldn't walk at our own pace and couldn't focus on all the great greenery, dodging strollers, puppies, and small children every second. Finally we got off the main part and crafted our own trails which was way better. I like how things are labeled and things are really spread out; therefore you don't get any overkill. I don't much care for the constant change in incline. Also, more variety in neato plants? Maybe we just didn't get to explore enough and this review is premature. Ah well.
A cool place, but like I said, this is a review from a spoiled child.
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The Lilac Festival...ah the Lilac Festival. There' s nothing that marks the advent of spring quite like Arnold Arboretum's Lilac Festival, when vendors of all stripes (lemonade stands, friends of the Arboretum, baked goods, sausages, etc) and people from every corner of the greater Boston area jockey for parking and (eventually) a view of the lilac trees, in bloom for only a few short weeks.
Usually held on the first or second weekend of May, and usually coinciding with mother's day, Lilac Festival is both maddeningly crowded (don't even bother to try to find parking) and stunningly satisfying to those who are olfactorily inclined - and like lilacs. Show me a lilac hater and I'll show you a person who hates babies and puppies, too.
Arnold Arboretum is worth the trip even if the lilacs aren't in bloom. The other plants, trees, vines, and shrubs are fascinating and many are unusual in this area. Helpful cards (they look like copper credit cards) are attached to everything, so the curious can learn a little more about what they are looking at (or, in my case, smelling).
Ahhh. This is one part of the Emerald Necklace you don't want to miss.
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This place is beautiful, clean, and peaceful. It is easily accessible byway of the Orange Line (Forest Hills), and a quick walk down the street. It is big and, in my experience, not a lot of people are usually there at one time, so it's easy to have privacy with your friends or on a date.
It has become a tradition that every summer I come here at least once to have a picnic with all my friends. Because the grass is so nice, I never hesitate to kick my shoes off. There is a lot of open space, so you can bring your own footballs or soccer balls for some competition (Be careful with losing those balls! There's some tricky thorn bushes around). Or if that's not really your cup of tea, just lay out and tan.
It's also not uncommon to spot some bunnies hopping around, if you like wildlife.
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Ar-bo-ree-tum? Ar-bo-ra-to-re-um?
I've heard all kinds of pronunciations of the word Arboretum, some involving way too many syllables. It doesn't matter what you choose to call it--the Arboretum is a great place to spend a sunny day with good friends.
We brought a small picnic and sat in the grass, talking and eating. Bring a blanket to sit on--we were silly and forgot.
I love walking around, browsing the different trees, bushes and flowers. I love how each tree has its own tag with its scientific name and country of origin; you can learn a heck of a lot about trees in one afternoon visit.
For me, it's a bite-sized great escape to the world I was brought up in (minus the trees originating from Japan, not too many of those up in Vermont) and a break from the noisy, dirty, rushed city life that I still can't handle all the time. It's also a good place to bond with friends while getting a few rays of sunshine. Gotta get your vitamin D!
*Note: There is only one bathroom in the entire park, so either start there or do your business before you go. It isn't that far but with a full bladder, it can feel like 10 miles. Trust me.
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All great cities need green space. As the saying goes, they're the lungs of the city. Boston has the Common, sure, but the Arboretum is the real deal. This is the backyard and playground for the city.
On a weekend, especially on a holiday (like Mother's day), it will be very busy along the main paths. This isn't that unpleasant, though if you are looking for a bit more isolation and inundation in nature, leave the main paths and do some exploring around the hillier areas. The further in you go from the streets, the more you forget that you're in a major urban area! Deeper into the arboretum all you hear are the trees and the birds -- the sirens, cars, engines all just fade away.
The arboretum is an amazing idyll in the city borders, a true treasure.
Etiquette note: it's a wonderful place to take your dog, just please do us all a favor and remember to pick up after it. Thanks.
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I am so happy that I finally got here! It was way better than I had anticipated.
It's so easy to get lost at AA and feel like you're completely outside of the city. There are helpful maps along the way to guide you to viewing your tree of choice as well as a "scenic overlook"n that provides a nice view to the entire area.
There is so much to see and do here and it's easy to get some nice solitude. The plants and trees are unique and familiar. I loved being surprised by what was around the corner. Tiny brooks flow through the property and help to highlight some of the smaller, more colorful plants.
This is a great place to go for a walk, have a picinic, do some soul searching and learn some botany.
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