Rose Kennedy Greenway Guide

The ‘90s and early ‘00s were a time of great suffering. It was during these grim, ashen and slow-moving years that Boston embarked on the boldest beautification endeavor in modern urban history—the Big Dig. To this day, the tiny phrase retains the power to trigger shivers of rage down the spines of commuters all over town.

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But let’s put that behind us now that the formerly hideous and elevated Central Artery is hidden underground, where no one can hear it honk and screech like a wounded pterodactyl. And after years of paving and slabbing, mulching and seeding, this subterranean shift has left those of us surface-dwellers with a gift worth celebrating—space. And not just any kind of space: green space.

The stone walkways of the Rose Kennedy Greenway weave through patches of grass, manmade streams and fountains waiting to be frolicked in, plus benches and tables that simply beg to you to post up with an artisanal sandwich. Now that spring is finally springin’, let’s put on a windbreaker and take a stroll, shall we?

THE NORTH END: Between New Sudbury and North Streets
For obvious reasons, this Greenway section has been dubbed “The Front Porch.” The wide-open stretch of park spans the edge of the city, offering seating with a view. There’s a manmade canal that flows along it, spewing vertical jets in the air to keep things exciting. The canal is frolic-friendly, so you can kick back on the Porch and watch your kids run through this urban sprinkler—or join in yourself.

THE WHARF: Between Atlantic Avenue and High Street
The Wharf district is one of the most hopping sections of the Greenway. Highlights include a carousel (Sun-Thu 11am–9pm; Fri and Sat 11am–11pm) that you can ride for a mere $3 a pop. The Mother’s Walk is a pathway of inscribed stones beginning at Atlantic and Cross Streets that pays homage to various influential mamas. The Ring Fountain at Milk Street keeps with the rationale that spurting water in combination with flashing lights is the simply the best thing. The Wharf is also a prime site to host events, one of which includes an Earth Day Concert on April 22 from 12pm to 3pm. Performers include the Bodeans and Entrain, among others.

FORT POINT: Between Oliver and Congress Streets
Fort Point’s Greenway-themed claim to fame is its vibrant display of flowers. Once these April showers cease and desist, expect to see gardenscapes laden with peonies, hydrangeas and blossoming cherry trees.

DEWEY SQUARE: Between Congress Street, Summer Street and Atlantic Avenue
Just because it’s one of the smallest sections, don’t write off adorable Dewey Square. This prime spot is the stomping ground of the majority of the Financial District’s workplace heroes. Dewey also hosts a farmer’s market in the summer and fall; it’s a great place to grab a bite at spots like the healthy, vegan-friendly Clover Food Lab truck.

CHINATOWN: At Surface Road and Beech Street
This section of parks welcomes you in with the Chinatown Gate and only further immerses you in the Eastern culture from there. There’s a massive Chinese Checkerboard pattern on the ground with a river running through it surrounded by bamboo, oriental grasses and flowers. Grab some food from any one of Chinatown’s affordable and authentic restos, like the Peach Farm or New Shanghai.