Thursdays on the Lawn Boston

Picnics on a mansion lawn

Cris from Boston

"The Thursdays on the Lawn on Jamaica Plain make me forget I'm in Boston. This place makes me feel as if I'm in a small village. People leave as neighbors..."

It's easy to forget that Jamaica Plain is a part of the city of Boston. It feels like its own small village nestled in the heart of the Emerald Necklace, isolated by parks and water. Part of what reinforces that sense of community more than Thursdays on the Lawn of the Loring Greenough House. An old mansion that dates back to before the Revolutionary War, the Loring-Greenough House sits at the center of Jamaica Plain, and on Thursdays in the summer, they open their grounds to the public for an afternoon of music, food trucks, and games.

There's a portable Airstream trailer that anchors a new beer garden. People sometimes bring their own food from home or from the other restaurants near the area, because the food trucks that are there are great, but it's popular so the lines can be long. The crowd are mostly young families, with kids who take it as an opportunity to play with friends and run around the sprawling garden; but you'll see all sorts of folks here. And often, strangers will sit next to each other at the beer garden and ask each other where they live, and what parts of JP they love, and they'll leave as neighbors. That's part of the magic.

Relaxing

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Boston Spotter Cris

About me I was born in the Philippines, raised in Canada, but sharpened by a couple of decades of living in Boston. My tenure in this city kind of caught me by surprise, and I was tempted with moving elsewhere (Melbourne and I had a pretty serious thing going on for a bit), but I do admit to loving this place. My wife and I own a 100 year-old condo in Jamaica Plain, but prior to that I'd lived in Cambridge, Somerville, and the Back Bay, so my picks are all over the place, but I hope you agree that they're all worthwhile. Why Boston? I love the people. Bos...

About this spot

12 South Street, Jamaica Plain

US$

free

Website

Dec 9, 2025

Our Boston City Guide

Find your way with 129 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Boston guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Boston

Rose Kennedy Greenway

Elevated highway to park

"Rose Kennedy Greenway" in Boston was a work in progress for many years. Now it's dotted with sculptures, fountains, food trucks... a true destination!

Relaxing

Zac

Cardwell

Dec 9, 2025

Charles River Dam

The Musical Locks

"Charles River Dam" in Boston, with the Musical Locks, is a great place to cross on my bike the water that separates Boston and Cambridge...

Relaxing

Cris

Concepcion

Dec 9, 2025

Savenor's

Julia Child's butcher

"Savenor's" in Boston is a proper butcher that can meet my every need. They have other groceries as well, but they also have game meats, incl. ostrich!

Shopping

Snacks

Cris

Concepcion

Dec 9, 2025

Flat Black

Australian style coffee

"Flat Black" in Boston makes Australian-style espresso. These guys roast their own beans in Dorchester and make the best carving designs into the milk!

Coffee & tea

Cris

Concepcion

Dec 9, 2025

Taza Chocolate

Chocolate and nothing but

"Taza Chocolate" Boston - a chocolate factory, but I'll resist the urge to make a Willy Wonka reference. In this shop they make it in the Mexican tradition

Shopping

Snacks

Cris

Concepcion

Dec 9, 2025

Sound Bites

A kinder, gentler breakfast tyrant

"Sound Bites" in Boston has a reputation. I also have a personal, touching story that has made me really like this breakfast cafe. I'll share it with you.

Restaurants

Cris

Concepcion

Dec 9, 2025

Hilton's Tent City

Old school adventure

"Hilton's Tent City" is where the Boston outdoorsmen of yore picked up their stuff before Goretex and GPS. I like that they have modern and classic brands.

Shopping

Cris

Concepcion

Dec 9, 2025

Puritan & Company

A most indulgent brunch

"Puritan & Company" in Boston is a brunch spot when the day calls for luxury. The reason I go to this cafe is to indulge on their pastry basket...

Restaurants

Cris

Concepcion

Dec 9, 2025

Clear Flour Bakery

Best croissant in town

"Clear Flour Bakery" in Boston has the best chocolate croissant in the city. Believe me, this isn't just some idle praise... Also check out the caneles!

Snacks

Cris

Concepcion

Dec 9, 2025

China Fair

No-nonsense kitchen gear

"China Fair" is my first stop in Boston when I need everyday tools, like cocktail spoons! Here, cooking is work, and they sell you tools for cheap.

Shopping

Cris

Concepcion

Dec 9, 2025

Brooklyn Boulders

Climbing and community

"Brooklyn Boulders" is a solid addition to the climbing scene in Boston. Of course the choice to set up show in this specific street is deliberate & edgy.

Relaxing

Cris

Concepcion

Dec 9, 2025

Ward Maps

Every traveler needs a map

"Ward Maps" in Boston is a shop that completely understands the curious love for all kinds of maps. I like coming here when the wanderlust is heavy...

Shopping