ATHLETIC FACILITIES / BICYCLE PATHS / GARDENS & PARKS / SPORTING EVENTS / YMCA

Revel in Olmsted's park system - the Emerald Necklace. Plus first-class athletic facilities, the Red Sox, Fenway Park, and more.

The Emerald Necklace, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted,

HIGHLIGHTS

Back Bay Fens
Park Drive, The Fenway
617-635-4505
HOURS: Daily 7:30am-dusk
Back Bay Fens is considered an oasis of peace by many Bostonians. Beautiful plants and trees liven its landscape year round and in May, flowering dogwoods offer truly spectacular scenery.

Matthews Arena / Northeastern University
238 Saint Botolph St
617-373-2691
It's a gem in the history of Boston sports and politics. The walls have echoed with the words of five presidents. Heavyweight champions Jack Dempsey and Joe Louis fought here. Figure skating champions from Sonja Henie to Nancy Kerrigan have performed at this ancient arena.

YMCA of Greater Boston
316 Huntington Ave/Avenue of the Arts
617-927-8060

complements the Muddy River which weaves it way through the Cultural District.

Within the park, one can visit the lovely Rose Garden and its dozens of varieties of roses. Nearby is the Garden of the Heart of Heaven next to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. A block away is the breathtaking Central Courtyard of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Nearby are the Victory Gardens, made famous by the public broadcasting show of the same name.

Baseball lovers can enjoy afternoon and evening games at Fenway Park, home to such past greats as Ted Williams, Carl Yastremski, Luis Tiant, and Tony Conigliaro. Matthews Arena at Northeastern University hosts college sports events and other related sports events year round. If you love to work out, visit the YMCA of Greater Boston on the Avenue of the Arts.