Jamaica Pond or ‘Pondside’
My base in Boston. Jamaica Plain, a lovely historic neighbourhood outside Boston, was founded by Quakers. It’s now home to professionals, political activists and artists. Here’s Jamaica Pond, which is near the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. This large park is an inspiration for plein air artists, and their work is frequently on display at the Visitor Centre there.
I love Jamaica Plain. It’s got a friendly main street with Post Office, Fire Hall, Public Library, lots of independently owned shops like the one above, and many good restaurants.
Home away from home at Taylor House. Affable owners, Daryl and Dave, are the creative forces behind this beautifully restored Victorian era Italianate B&B in the Monument Square Historic District of Jamaica Plain. It’s just down the street from Jamaica Pond.
Taylor House is filled with contemporary art and ceramic pieces. With a schedule of jazz and classical music concerts in the large drawing room, Taylor House has become a cultural mainstay in the community. JP has plenty of artists. Painter and Printmaker Nancy Marks small piece, above, is one of many outstanding original paintings by Boston area artists on display throughout the house.
www.nancymarksartist.com
In the parlour a mix of old and new. Breakfast is my favorite time at Taylor House. Daryl is a talented chef and does extraordinary things with eggs. And he does this amazing thing with bacon…
www.taylorhouse.com
On my way to the Green Street ‘T’, a pleasant few blocks walk from Taylor House. It takes about 15 minutes to get to Downtown Crossing station in Boston on the Orange Line train.