Jamaica Plain is one of the most diverse and dynamic historic neighborhoods in Boston. The oldest community theatre in the US, Footlight Club is located in this neighborhood. In the 19th century, Jamaica Plain became one of the first streetcar suburbs in America and home to a significant portion of Boston’s Emerald Necklace of parks, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. The commercial district, along Centre and South streets, reflects Jamaica Plain’s eclectic community of artists, writers, musicians, activists, young families, and indie-business owners. Fine dining and casual restaurants serve foods of Cuba, Scotland, India, Lebanon, Cambodia, Japan, and other international fare. Boutiques sell everything from kitchen gadgets to funky vintage attire to one-of-a-kind artisan crafts. This neighborhood’s dynamic diversity has caused us to choose Jamaica Plain as our next Explore Boston location!
Attractions
Jamaica Plain is just 3 miles or so from downtown, yet it has the most green space of anyplace in the city. The “Emerald Necklace” of the city was designed byFrederick Law Olmsted (also Central Park, NYC) and encompasses Franklin Park and surrounds, Forest Hills Cemetary, Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Pond and all that attaches them together. In general, JP, as the locals call it, has tons of trees. Long ago, affluent Bostonians used JP as a summer vacation spot and many had second homes in the area. A number of historic sites also dot JP. Check them out!
- Jamaica Pond– A top location to go for a run or just enjoy the green space, oh and sailing too!
- Forest Hills Cemetary– An open-air museum with Victorian architecture
- The Arnold Arboretum– 281 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds
- Loring-Greenough House– For a sense of JP colonial history
Food
Both fine and casual dining experiences are available throughout Jamaica Plain. From the famous J.P. Licks ice cream shop to fare from across the globe, you’ll be sure to find anything and everything that suits your taste!
- J.P. Licks- Located in a former Victorian fire house, and enjoy homemade ice cream, fair trade house-roasted coffee, hot chocolate, and baked goods
- The Haven– Scottish fare with a New England twist
- Tres Gatos– Tapas style food with a new American flare
- El Oriental de Cuba– The best Cuban food around
- Blue Nile Restaurant– Delicious Ethiopian Cuisine
Shopping
The shopping in JP reflects the artsy and eclectic community that makes up this neighborhood. Boutiques sell everything from the funky to the functional to the fun. Check out some of our top picks!
- Lucy Parsons Center– A local bookstore sure to have any book not found in the library
- 40 South Street– For all your all-vintage clothing needs
- Salmagundi– a full-service shop offering a selection of about 9,000 hats handpicked by the owners as well as a selection of accessories, including jewelry, handbags, dresses, ties, and gloves.
- Boomerangs– A thrift shop benefiting the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts
So hop on the Orange line and head to Jackson Square to check out these fun, delicious, historical, and beautiful locales and events while the weather is warm!
Have you been to Jamaica Plain before? Did we miss something? What is your favorite thing to do in Jamaica Plain? We want to know!
