My New Favorite Boston Spots

Day trips need not be far or pricey or take a lot of time. Sometimes you don’t have a full day, sometimes you are sick of driving, and sometimes you just want to get the most out of the time and money you have. One of the reasons we bought the condo that we did was because of its proximity to some beautiful areas of Boston.

Over the years, walking around South Boston’s Castle Island has been our most favorite activity, year round, but of course especially in summer. We are both water signs, and being near the ocean brings out a calm in us like nothing else. So, through job stresses, condo association nightmares (I have STORIES, my friends!), and in happy times, we have made our way around what is known as the Sugar Bowl, a beautiful loop that juts out into the bay.

From our walk, you can see the harbor islands, and stop for an ice cream or fried clams at Sully’s, a South Boston landmark that, because of government funding, is able to keep its food very affordable for everyone. This makes Castle Island the perfect place for anyone; you don’t need to be rich to get away down here.

Once we get to Castle Island, we never want to go inside again. Last Saturday, when the sun was shining bright and it was *hot* for the first time, we decided that after our walk, a picnic was in order. After such an enjoyable visit to the JFK Presidential Library recently, I suggested that we head there for its views and uplifting sense of calm. And there I discovered my new favorite place for picnics.

It reminded me of this, one of my favorite JFK quotes:

“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.”

Brilliant blue skies are almost hard to distinguish from the water, and a large expanse of stones provides the perfect place to soak up some sun. The wide, flat stairs were toasty warm, providing the perfect place for a rest after lunch.

We could have easily stayed there for hours. After such a long winter, I wanted to get a sunburn. That’s bad, isn’t it?

We will be returning for picnics outside the JFK Library all summer long. I can’t think of a better place to enjoy a quiet meal and some of the best views Boston has to offer.

If you had to pick one favorite spot, what would it be?