Emerald Necklace, Boston

Boston has a ring of parks woven throughout the city, the most famous parks being the Fenway and the Boston Commons. They are difficult to miss, both being extremely large and always, always populated in warm weather by lounging and recreating people.

Autumn evokes conflicting emotions. On the one hand, you're looking forward to the fantastic display of colors. On the other hand, you feel a lingering sadness, perhaps in contemplating the unstoppable passage of time, or perhaps in mourning for the end of beach season?

Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain is the best place to experience the autumn in Boston. It's almost as if you've entered into a different world. Tranquility pervades here, the only sounds being the cracks of falling leaves.

Arnold Arboretum is the terminus of the Emerald Necklace, a chain of parkland which begins at the Public Garden. The Emerald Necklace is best experienced on a bicycle. Begin at the Public Garden, ride along the Mall on Commonwealth Ave. Cross into the the Fens before you get to Kenmore Square. Ride along the Fens, passing the Museum of Fine Arts and many stately buildings. At the end of the Fens, cross over Rte 9 to Leverett Pond. Ride through Olmsted park, there are many hiking trails here. Cross into Jamaica Ponds, one of the nicest body of water in Boston. From Jamaica Pond, it's only a short ride to the Arnold Arboretum. You can ride in the Arboretum, or if you're in the mood, Franklin Park is another 15 minute away.