I stepped out of my car on Charles St. feeling pretty lucky to find a parking space. Not only did I find a parking space, but I landed one right in front of a shoe store. How appropriate, since we came to Boston this day to do a bit of walking. Spring has sprung, and nowhere is it any prettier than in Boston… those boots, yes, were made for walking, and that is just what we’ll do for the next three days. . For today, though, we are walking the streets of the Hill and the Boston Public Gardens. Slip into your boots and follow me for a bit of spring fling.
Charles St. never disappoints. It is usually where I start and end my time in Boston when I am visiting the Boston Common, Public Gardens, and shopping or shooting on Newbury St. and Beacon Hill. We are usually fortunate also to find a parking space here. Today was a lucky day. First, a stroll on Charles St. New since my last time here is this amazing window dressing of flowers and greens. Although the flowers are not real they are gorgeous. Reminding me a bit of London I stop and check out the window dressing. Hmm, I’ll have to come back here on a day when Jim and Daisy aren’t with me. A girly shop for sure.
As we continue on down Charles St. Daisy becomes a big hit. My husband likes taking care of her on our walks because he gets to talk to all the people who are enchanted with her. The ladies on the bench are waiting at Tatte’s for their order. This is my favorite tea and pastry shop in all of Boston and it was a beautiful day so everyone was sitting outside. The window boxes along the street are just stunning.
We didn’t get very far before Daisy became the center of attention again. It makes me happy that she brings so many smiles and such joy to people wherever she goes. Our Gracie was a shy dog. This one is quite different. It’s crazy how the people want to pick her up and hold her.
The flowers and trees were just starting to bloom in the Public Gardens. It really lifted my spirits to be out and about, in the sun, people enjoying the spring weather and the signs that surely spring and summer would come again after our long cold, windy winter.
As we walk along the garden paths our eyes delight in so many beautiful visions. A photographer’s paradise today. Flowers, people brightly dressed, and magnolias starting to pop against a bright blue sky. You can always count on the squirrels to entertain you. They are very people friendly and of course, Daisy leads the show, this time getting away without getting picked up. She sure is a great travel companion already.
Then there are always picnic’s in the park. Young love, music, and the warmth of the sun. I remember picnic days like this both as a young girl and then we picnicked with our kids and recently with the boys. It’s a beautiful, relaxing, and humbling experience to be amongst nature as things start to come back to life after their winter hiatus.
All around the pond, you will find so much to see. Trees of many colors bloom. Ducks, turtles, and of course the squirrels who think they are humans running all around. Waterfalls, reflections, and of course the famous swan boats traveling back and forth.
Before you know it, it is lunchtime and we stopped in at our favorite restaurant on Charles St., the Paramount Diner. Daisy was even able to work her way into sitting at the table with us. She is such a good girl. No worries, the window behind Jim was open so while we were eating she was people watching.
It is starting to get late now so we finish up our walk just strolling at our leisure and enjoying the early spring flowers in all the window boxes outside of the beautiful shops. Daisy continues to entertain all who take an interest in her. Honestly, she is the most friendly dog we have ever had. I couldn’t believe this lady got down on the sidewalk to cuddle her. At the end of Charles, we take a little trip down one of the side streets because I just love looking at all the brownstones and cobbled streets.
Always, last on my list before leaving Charles St. I have to stop in at Tatte’s Cafe and Bakery. Doesn’t it all look so delicious? Today I got a sour cherry and almond scone and a walnut brownie for Jim. I was really wanting to try that gingerbread with all that frosting dripping off of it. I talked myself out of it. If you like Matcha tea, my very favorite treat, they make the best matcha latte here. I am always in heaven when I leave.
It’s time to take Daisy home. Today it is just a short trip. We are staying at my son’s apartment in Cambridge for a few days. That is a beautiful city also. I will take you on a house tour over there in my next travel blog post. Just stunning. We were fortunate today that the weather was on our side. There was a lot of luck in that as our spring so far has not been great. I love living in my little sleepy town of Wenham but I am also really fond of the energy I find in big cities. It just makes you come alive and breathe in the beauty more deeply. Boston is a favorite for sure. So much to see and do and lots of it is done on foot.
Thank you for joining us on Daisy’s first trip to Boston. She is doing quite well for a little one…first in New York City and now in Boston. I wonder where else you might find her going forward.
Happy Spring …get out and enjoy it. Be a vacationer in your own hometown.
“Hello, Boston your lights are the fireflies n my heart.”
“My mother drove me to Boston and bought me a beautiful blue dress that touched the floor, spilling out in waves; I wore the ocean in the shape of a girl.”
