Founded in 1868, Allston is aptly named for painter Washington Allston, a Harvard graduate and the pioneer of American Romantic landscape painting. His spirit lives on; Allston is a living palette of colors, aromas, sights, and sounds. Every day in Allston is a gift to the senses.
When you explore Allston, MA you will be amazed by how much activity, retail, green space, art, and music is packed into only 2 square miles. Allston is amazing! Its borders consist of Brookline, Fenway/Kenmore, Brighton, and the Charles River. So everywhere you turn, there are terrific entertainment, food, and art venues.
Boston neighborhoods have many facets, and Allston proves that with the neighborhoods within neighborhoods. One such area is designated as Allston Village. This enclave centers on part of Harvard Avenue and is home to many small businesses and a variety of ethnic restaurants. People come to dine and then are enthralled by the vibrant street art.
Shopping
Touring Allston’s streets is like engaging in a treasure hunt. Trendy, vintage, and thrift stores line the streets and entice shoppers to browse using their imaginations without breaking their budgets. This is a great place to dress up, dress down, and have fun with clothes, jewelry, and decorations. Many consider Vivant Vintage to be the best thrift store in Boston. But if you don’t find what you want there, Groovy Thrifty and Raspberry Beret are close by. And when you are done digging for treasures for yourself, check out Ritual Arts for a special gift that you can’t find anywhere else.
Dining
Travel the world without leaving Allston by sampling the flavors that the world has to offer. When you live in Allston, every night can be a taste-treat to transport you to another country. Choose from Korean, Thai, Chinese, Italian, Turkish, Middle Eastern, Latin American, traditional American, and more. Whether you are in the mood for noodles, vegetables, or a juicy steak, don’t leave the neighborhood. It’s all right there.
Music & Nightlife
Rock City is a title bestowed upon Allston for a good reason. Boston might be the cradle of liberty, but Allston Is the cradle that rocks. Choose a night, choose your passion, and dive in. Enjoy the variety of music presented at Brighton Music Hall and laugh with their stand-up comedy acts. When you are in the mood for traditional Irish, there’s no better place than O’Briens Pub. Intimate jazz and soul is on tap at the Scullers Jazz Club. On any given night, you can enjoy some traditional Irish music, local bands, heavy rock, stand-up comedy, and some poetry mixed in. Allston is a feast for the ears so savor the variety.
Rental Options
There are many wonderful apartment rental options in Allston. Among the Victorians, triple-deckers, and many brick apartment buildings are luxury apartment buildings with amenities such as roof decks, gyms, panoramic views of Boston, and entertainment options such as media rooms and lounges. The architectural variety is another reason to tour the neighborhood before moving in.
Transportation and Services
Allston also has the necessities of life covered too. Public transportation makes coming and going a breeze. The MBTA Green Line stops at the Allston Street station and there are several bus routes. There is even a free shuttle that connects residents with the Red Line and the Commuter Rail. Groceries are always close with Allston Market, Trader Joe’s, Bazaar on Cambridge, Stop & Shop, and Neighborhood Market. And being a neighborhood with an international flare, there’s Hong Kong Supermarket for imported Asian foods and Mayfair Foods to satisfy your Latin cravings.
Green Spaces
By now, it’s obvious that Allston is a neighborhood that is lively, fun, and always interesting. However, it is not without its green space when a break from activities is called for. Bordering the Charles River, the river views in Allston help you relax with the flow of the water and the sounds of the lovely birds that fish and nest there. Along the river, peruse the nature paths of Christian Herter Park and let the geese wish you a good morning. Sit near the docks, pack a picnic, and listen to the sounds of nature. Put a canoe and kayak into the river and float into the serenity of the water. When you feel like playing, Ringer Park is waiting with a playground, a ball field, and tennis courts framed by lush trees. Amble along the Paul Dudley White Bike Path and tour the Charles River from a different perspective.
Every inch of Allston will provide unique discoveries that should not be missed. There’s a surprise around every corner; take the opportunity to explore, listen, and taste this incredible Boston enclave.
