After a long grueling winter, a prediction about the end of the world and the recent severe thunderstorms, let’s all take a collective deep breath and finally enjoy spring!
Spring in Boston often takes a backseat to the other seasons. Summer seduces with the sea and sun. Autumn amazes and astounds with fiery colors ablaze from backyards to the Blue Hills. Winter simultaneously paralyzes and provides powdery pursuits. Spring, however, is generally more subtle and underappreciated. The joy surrounding its arrival tends to lose prominence to the flurry of final exams and graduations, or is bemoaned over potholes and between pollen-induced sneezes.
Nonetheless, we, the fortunate and privileged who live, work and play in Roxbury, have so much to look forward to every spring. Being situated at the crossroads of the city gives us unparalleled access to every corner of Boston by foot or along numerous new bike routes under baby blue skies and through crisp air. As we move about, our brownstones, single-family homes and former mansions vie for our attention and affection with their Colonial, Victorian, Greek revival, Italianate and modern appeals now released from their previous icy confines. Best of all, Mother Nature imbues every section of Roxbury — from windowsills on Mass. Ave. to the forest in Franklin Park — with the soft colors of flower petals and the intricate and ephemeral patterns produced by the shadows of tree leaves.
Like the other seasons, spring offers numerous opportunities for enjoyment and exploration. Begin by joining Discover Roxbury on two garden tours: the Highland Park Garden Walk and the Roxbury in Bloom trolley tour. Meet the greenest thumbs in the neighborhood, learn their secrets for success and explore backyards sheltering honeybees, flowering trees and a hidden waterfall. Cycling enthusiasts will find the annual Eliot Square to Franklin Park bike tour more their speed. Led jointly by the Franklin Park Coalition and Discover Roxbury, the tour chronicles Roxbury’s 380-plus years of history along tree-lined roads and past homes once occupied by some of Roxbury and America’s most famous residents.
If you prefer having spring served to you instead, opt for the Berries in the ‘Bury afternoon tea, a new spring tradition at the Shirley-Eustis House. Guests are invited to dress smartly (with ladies in hats) for a guided tour of the grounds, carriage house, and mansion. Upon completion of the tour, chef Nadine Nelson will use seasonal berries and herbs to create a light meal that delights the senses, providing a taste of spring both literally and figuratively.
With so much richness around Roxbury, let’s get out and soak up the sights, sounds and sensations of spring. The great urban outdoors are calling!
