Strolling through the Back Bay

Luckily Court isn't on the other side of the country because we forgot a few 'college dorm' items at home (but that's okay... it gave me another chance to see her tonight!!) This time, my sister and I took a little walk through the Back Bay after having dinner with Courtney... So come along if you'd like.... I just can't get enough of these beautiful old homes, brick sidewalks, and tree lined streets!

The sun was setting as I took most of these photos, so I apologize for the quality of some...


The doors are all so beautiful, all so unique!


Intricate wrought iron gates and railings are everywhere...


It was dark enough that foyer and front porch lights were being turned on as we walked around...


Beautiful staircases lead to the front doors of most of the homes...


I love the tall, oversized windows in so many of the homes...


Many of the doors are painted black, which is so striking...


There are so many carved and intricate details on the homes...


This little tree is in a courtyard between two sets of entryways... This is one...


And this is the other...


Each home has its own distinct personality...


Another beautiful wrought iron fence...

This front entryway and courtyard were so pretty... I love all the glass around the entryway...

Even the simplest of fences look elegant...

I'll bet there's a beautiful view from the rooftop garden of this home...

This home had beautiful vines climbing up to the second story...

This courtyard had beautiful roses in bloom... My photo does not do it justice.

I just loved this garden and fence...

So many beautiful old homes in Boston....

But it really is starting to get dark...

So it's time to make our way back to the car and bid farewell to Boston for now... But we will be back soon... Of that I am certain...

Donna

Boston: Student Move-In Day

Labor Day weekend marks the return of college students to Boston, and that's where we spent Monday afternoon... getting Court settled in her dorm room and then taking a little stroll around her new neighborhood...


Not having seen her actual dorm building before today, we were thrilled to find that she'd be living in this beautiful brick Victorian townhouse in Boston's Back Bay...


Everything about the building was just perfect!


We were very organized this year and Court was unpacked in no time...


Here are she and Amanda right before we headed out to do some exploring...


This is what Courtney gets to look at while going to sleep each night... a gorgeous, huge medallion on the ceiling of her room... Nope, they definitely don't make houses the way they used to!!!


We walked down Commonwealth Ave., which I think is one of the prettiest streets in Boston...


The center of the divided street is lined with walkways, trees, and benches - great for people watching (or working on a school paper!!!)


Commonwealth Ave is lined with the most elegant homes, each with a distinctive facade and garden area... I loved the intricate front door and unusual awning in front of this home...


The gardens, wrought iron gates, and green patina of this second story bay window were spectacular!


Every house has the lushest gardens and/or window boxes...


Every wrought iron fence is a work of art in itself. Each one is a bit different... I think someday I want to try to photograph all of the different styles...


But these are all the photos I got today... The girls were anxious to get to the Boston Public Gardens and grab a bite to eat, and I was holding us up by "oohing" and "aaaahing" and taking pictures every step along the way!!

So next time, I may just take off on my own and get some great photos to share with you! I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Donna