JAMAICA PLAIN

 

 

Just on the outskirts of Boston Proper lies the most beautiful and historic suburb of Boston: Jamaica Plain. Locals call it "JP," and it's graced by a classic streetcar that has made it one of the most exciting places to visit and live. This 4.4-square-mile neighborhood is surrounded by Arnold Arboretum, Emerald Necklace, Jamaica Pond, and Franklin Park.

The central hub of activity and thoroughfare is Center Street. It has an assortment of independently owned shops, restaurants, and occasional activities. Despite the lively Center Street, the Jamaica Plain community is committed to the environment, with the Emerald Necklace Preserve covering most of this neighborhood.

 

Jamaica Plain residents are known for their social activism and commitment to preserving its heritage. It features the perfect mix of urban and suburban life due to parks, restaurants, and bars that locals can explore. This makes it the perfect neighborhood for young families, activists, and artists.

The community is home to America's oldest community theater, Footlight Club. It's part of Jamaica Plain's cultural fabric with the performance it has been producing every year since 1877. The JP Open Studio events also showcase residents' love for culture. It's an annual celebration of Jamaica Plains art that allows local artists to connect and showcase their work. Another community event that demonstrates Jamaica Plain's love for art is the Wake Up the Earth Festival. This festival encourages creativity and preservation of the greenhouse and community garden locals saved from a proposed Highway construction.

Jamaica Plain is the hidden gem of Boston’s culinary scene. It's packed with delicious places to eat, perfect for satisfying all kinds of cravings. El Oriental De Cuba is a rare destination for Boston's Caribbean, South American, and Central American food. You'll be amazed by its ambiance and unique dishes, like its signature shredded beef dish served with plantains, beans, and rice.

Excite your taste buds with Ethiopian flares at Blue Nile Restaurant. Don't miss out on injera, a spongy pancake bread stuffed with stewed meat, vegetables, and lentils. You should also order a glass of tej or Ethiopian honey to pair with your meal.

Breakfasts are best served from The Haven. This Scottish bar has the best burgers in town and serves an unbelievable breakfast combination of porridge, sausage, and fried eggs.

 

Jamaica Plain has plenty of things to do. Jamaica Pond offers a remarkable place to take your furry friend for a walk. It's also a fishing spot for locals with a Massachusetts fishing license and an excellent place to sail or row during summer.

If you're looking for a stunning place to spend your Sunday evening, there's no better place than Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. As a historic 281-acre landmark, America's oldest public arboretum has over 1.3 million plants that create the best outdoor scenery. You can also catch up with the annual Lilac Sunday, an event to showcase its lilac trees.

If you're looking for an excellent place to take your kids, head to Franklin Park Zoo. This zoo is home to animals from various habitats, including kangaroos, Masai giraffes, zebras, wild beasts, and gorillas.

 

Boston Public Schools serve the community of Jamaica Plain. Some of the top schools in the area include: