Commonwealth Avenue, Boston

Emulating the grandeur of Parisian boulevards, this splendid thoroughfare is the crown jewel of Back Bay, showcasing its most majestic rowhouses. At its heart lies a 100-foot-wide green median, serving as the opening act in Frederick Law Olmsted's famous "Emerald Necklace", a green corridor stretching from Boston Common all the way to Franklin Park in Dorchester.

Kickstarting this upscale promenade is the swanky Taj Boston hotel on Arlington Street, setting the tone for what's to come. The avenue is adorned with several tastefully positioned statues, including a captivating trio featuring Abigail Adams, Lucy Stone, and Phillis Wheatley, nestled between Fairfield and Gloucester Streets. And don't miss the intriguing statue of abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, thoughtfully perched atop a book between Dartmouth and Exeter Streets.

Dubbed "Comm Ave" by locals, the avenue reaches its zenith of beauty in early May, when magnolia and dogwood trees burst into full bloom, showering the brownstone steps with fragrant pink blossoms. Among these steps, the first you encounter belongs to the Gamble Mansion at No. 5. Having recently undergone renovation, passersby once again have the opportunity to glimpse the opulent Louis XV ballroom, specially constructed for the owner's daughter's debutante ball.

A bit further down, you'll find the Queen Anne-style Ames-Webster Mansion at 306 Dartmouth Street, constructed in 1882 for railroad tycoon and US congressman Frederick Ames. It boasts a two-story conservatory, a central tower, and a commanding chimney. Continuing your journey, you'll stumble upon the Burrage Mansion at No. 314, an ornate fusion of Vanderbilt-style opulence and the French chateau of Chenonceaux. The exterior of this 1899 urban palace is a visual feast, adorned with a riot of gargoyles and carved cherubim. Continuing on, the Beaux Arts chateau at No. 355 is the Oliver Ames Mansion, great-grandfather to Frederick Ames, crowned by multiple chimneys and dormer windows. Regrettably, its interior now serves as offices and is thus off-limits to the public.

Why You Should Visit:
To enjoy scenic vistas of Back Bay's brownstone architecture, admire statues commemorating various American luminaries, and take a break from the bustling chaos of Newbury Street. The residences lining this street are truly exquisite, and you won't have to contend with the same crowds you'd encounter in the Public Garden or Boston Common.

Tip:
Split your stroll between this avenue and Newbury Street. Explore one in one direction and the other on the way back to savor the best of both worlds.