Thursday, May 19, 2011

The Mission & Arnold Arboretum

After taking in the Chihuly Exhibit at the MFA on Sunday morning we walked up the street to The Mission Bar & Grill for brunch and then took the 39 Bus to the Arnold Arboretum. The Mission offers a cozy beer bar ambiance with dark woods and black ceilings. It's a casual spot, an easy place to come as you are and relax. The Basil Bloody Mary ($8) loaded with fresh muddled basil and spicy horseradish hit the spot. Pretty sure this herb will be making it into my next homemade Bloody Mary, if I can remember to have some fresh leaves on hand!The Vegetarian Eggs Benedict ($10) with pan seared spinach and tomato got the job done even if my runny poached eggs were not served as piping hot as I would have liked. Service was spot on, the host and waitress both easy going and friendly. Oh and I finally got to make good use of a $25 gift card I've had in my wallet for quite sometime now!

724 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115

We decided not to let a little rain get in the way of our plans to explore the vast outdoor Arboretum, home to 265 acres of land in the Jamaica Plain and Roslindale neighborhoods of Boston. The Arboretum was endowed to Harvard University under an agreement with the city. As a trustee the University is directly responsible for the development, maintenance, and operation while the City retains responsibility for water fountains, benches and roads. The grounds are open free of charge to the public 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset.
It was an exciting debut trip, even if I was being drizzled on the whole time. I heard then that it was going to be raining for the next week straight (truth, we haven't seen the sun in 5 days) so might as well get out and about regardless.
The lilacs trees in bloom were a major highlight. Boasting colors from deep purple, to bright purpley-pink to lighter pastel shades, the flowers were absolutely gorgeous. All the while their sweet fragrance wafted along the trails. It was a delight for the sense of sight as well the sense of smell.
We were sure not to miss the Japanese Bonsai trees.
How amazing are these little guys?! Indeed the Bonsai is a work of art. The start dates of some of these trees date back to the mid 1860s if you can believe it! Other highlights of the Arboretum included: The grape vine trellises along a massive stone wallHot pink flowers that matched Mom's pants!A Colorado Blue SpruceThis gorgeous Wisteria TreeAnd an unphotographed deer who was spotted a mere 20 feet away! He or she stopped to stare at us for a long moment before darting back into the forest. It is amazing how the Arboretum transports you out of the city while being smack dab in the middle of it. Deer in Boston? Who knew. We boarded the Orange line train at Forest Hills Station making it an easy straight shot home for some warm dry clothes, hot tea and cupcakes.


It was quite a day. I love that there is always something or somewhere new to explore in this city. The Chihuly Exhibit being the something and the Arboretum being the somewhere; granted Chihuly is legitimately new and the Arboretum is only new-to-me, the prospect of adventure at every turn never ceases to amaze.

16 comments:

  1. Yes! The arboretum holds such a special place in my heart. I wish the lilacs could stay around longer. They're so beautiful, and you got great photos of them! And that is so crazy you saw a deer.

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  2. Beautiful day! I am now jonesin for a Bloody Mary :)

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  3. Amazing pictures in the arboretum, it looks like the rain just made everything shine!

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  4. you had me at basil bloody mary! i've never been to the arboretum. i really must go this summer...if it ever stops raining :(

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  5. Beautiful. I want to go walking there this weekend if it stops raining.

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  6. Looks beautiful!! I've never been there but have heard great things!

    Also love your mom's pants! Want some!!

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  7. I am so jealous of the lilacs. We don't have them here and I miss them so much.

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  8. what a beautiful garden, the blooming flowers look so very pretty and how hot are your mamas pants?!?

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  9. Oooh, I love the sounds of the eggs benedict! Looks delicious!

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  10. This sounds like such a great way to spend a day around here. Where is the sun already?!

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  11. Ahh, spring at its finest! Love the lilac and wisteria!

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  12. Such pretty flowers there! The brunch looks awesome.

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  13. You got some really awesome pics this day!! Too bad the deer didn't hang Around long enough for a photo! Also, Tray is very disappointed you did not mention all the umbrellas we found haha.

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  14. Sounds like the perfect day! The Mission is right by where I work and is great for lunch too!

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  15. Even on that rainy day you managed to photograph the beautiful flowering azaleas, wisteria, lilacs, rhodies & my hot pink pants! HA! Thanks for a great day!

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  16. I've only just discovered your blog (I'm new to Boston - and a new employee at the Arboretum). Your pictures of the Arboretum are lovely, and I can't wait to experience the lilacs and wisteria in bloom once it's "really" spring. I'm also excited to check out these killer Bloody Marys!

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