A neat park and playground, this spot has a good sized jungle gym, some basketball courts and even…read morea sharply painted hopscotch grid. On a weeknight, there were quite a few parents here with their kids. There is plenty of shade but no visitor parking.

The Paris Street Pool is amazing! I have been swimming here for a few months, during the adult lap…read moreswim allotted time. The facility is immaculate, the staff super friendly and professional. The locker rooms are cleaned multiple times a day. The pool itself is crystal clear and perfect temperature for exercising. I haven't had time to try the aquacise class yet, but I can't wait to.

You can do Bed and Breakfast at The Beacon Hill Friends…read moreHouse which is a Quaker Residential Community of 20 people that was founded in the 1950s. It is located 100 yards from Boston Common and a 7 minute walk to the T. Beacon Hill is a wonderful historic neighborhood. 6-8 Chestnut Street (Beacon Hill Friends House) is a mansion built in 1805 with a music room with a Steinway Grand Piano and a 5,000 volume library and a lovely outdoor deck. All these resources are available to visitors staying in one of the 2 bedrooms devoted to Bed and Breakfast. The residents were very friendly to me when I stayed there for 4 nights. Parking is available in the Boston Common garage 7 minutes away. You have to be a little self-reliant as the bathrooms are shared and you have to make your own breakfast in the spacious kitchen, cereal, eggs, toast, oatmeal, tea. There is a library of Boston handbooks to borrow. The only drawback is that there no air-conditioning so avoid July and August unless you can take it hot. For a small fee, you can join the residents for a staff prepared dinner Monday-Thursday if you give 1 day notice.

I stayed at Beacon Hill Friends House for 3 nights in November. It was terrific. Thank you to…read moreJeff, resident manager, who was so helpful and friendly, always willing to answer questions. He does need to come and go so isn't on a 9-5 schedule. Worked well for me. The old (1805) house is in a residential area, on a hill, in close proximity to the beginning of the "Freedom Trail". The house itself is several stories high but with an elevator (important to me with a heart condition). I was in an airy good sized room in a double bed (I think but not positive...maybe queen). The bathroom was shared and down the hall. Only once did a resident and I arrive at the bathroom door at the same time. He was a lovely gentleman in his 80s, whose comment was, "Never mind, I'll use the one downstairs." I met 5 of the residents. They ranged in age from 80s to early 30s. All were friendly, interesting to talk with and helpful. One gal even shared some of the applesauce she was making while I was eating breakfast. (Such a treat on a cold November day). You are in charge of making your own breakfast and cleaning it up. Food stuff is supplied. Boston is a wonderful, walkable city with this home in a good location. I walked all day, came home and crashed. I never ate at the house since I didn't know what my schedule would be and they naturally had to know prior to dinner at 6:30 p.m. But, for a very modest fee, you could share dinner with the group. Wish I could have. I would stay here again in a heartbeat. This isn't a hotel! It's a residence. People live here and they aren't meant to serve your every need. They just happen to be willing to share their space with you so you can enjoy the area at a very modest price. Thank you Beacon Hill Friends forj a wonderful stay.

I've lived in five cities in the past three years and have visited even more churches, but my four…read moremonths with King's Hill were unbelievable. If you are a young adult in Boston seeking Christ-centered community, this is the place to be. King's Hill is full of people truly doing life together all throughout the week. Sunday mornings are theologically deep and Gospel-focused. They are also serious about discipleship and helping their members grow in their faith, and truly seek to serve the city of Boston. King's is an amazing church to be a part of. In Boston, which can be a lonely and busy city, I found instant friends at King's and was immediately made to feel at home. When it became clear that I live too far away to become a member (tragically), King's encouraged me towards a partnering church closer to home. Their graciousness speaks volumes to the type of church they are.

Have you ever been to a church where you walk in awkwardly and no one really engages in…read moreconversation with you? Then you sit down alone in a row of empty chairs and no one sits next to you? And once the service is over you walk out wondering if anyone even noticed you were there? Well, I have. A few times. It's difficult finding a church and I've been on the hunt for one for a while. I went to King's Hill today, making this Sunday, a special one. When I got to the doors and admitted I was new, a lovely young woman said "let me walk with you!" and escorted me in. Once there, multiple people came to talk to me--and it wasn't forced, it wasn't fake. The worship music has two stunning female singers. Most importantly, the message was so good! Connected directly to the word, to us the congregation, and to our daily lives. It wasn't hard to follow, but it was full of scripture at the same time. The pastor runs an honest and passionate ship of believers. Imma get myself onboard. For logistics: service takes place on the first floor of the Hilton hotel. Parking is next door in a garage. The church will give you a ticket to validate your parking (you won't have to pay). They set out bibles for you to take home. No tea or coffee, but a whole lot of conversation.

St. Francis House is unique in the Boston area in that it offers continued training and education…read moreprograms as well as transitional facilities for individuals moving ahead from trauma, addiction or homelessness. Because it is a day shelter, most of the guests are day boarders who come in for breakfast/lunch service, art therapy, to use the walk-in clinic, clothing center, the woman's shelter or shower facilities. As a secular establishment, it is partly funded by the state and private donors. Unlike other shelters in the area and partly due to its day shelter status, St. Francis House does not boast a large patronage. As a regular volunteer, I can't say enough about the quality of service and dedication that the staff provides and their continued upbeat attitude day-in and day-out. There are some genuine characters but you'll come to love them all like a close knit family. There are many opportunities for volunteerism at the shelter and only a few key staff managing the process. Fill out the form online, it may take a few weeks but they will get back to you.

Most Boston shelters are quite full at all times of the year. This shelter allows people who are…read moretraveling at the Boston South Station to shower during their travels. Since this is a day shelter it is open as early as 7:AM allowing people who have been sleeping outside or otherwise to be as clean as they should. I personally am quite grateful yet ask for better. What issue striking the shelter's use is the weekend schedule having no showers available.

A beautiful facility. Lots of books and they have a connection with all the libraries of Boston…read moreMA . Incase they don't have the book you need at this location . They can call another location . The staff is super friendly. The vibe is welcoming and attentive. They have tables if you want to sit outside. It is also attached to breman st park . Incase you want to relive so stress after some studying .

I love the atmosphere! The East Boston location has a great selection of books, movies and other…read moremedia.

The Nazzaro Center is a great service to the North End. It is located in the heart of the…read moreneighborhood and provides a free(?) meeting space for all sorts of non-profit organizations. The variety of functions held here is wide. Charities hold meetings and fundraisers at the Nazzaro Center--especially groups having to do with the North End (such as the North End Historical Society). Politicians of both parties visit the center, and if you are involved in local politics you will eventually find your way to Nazzaro. It's also a space for community celebrations, like graduations and successful local youth. In fact, youth programing is a focus of the center. For more examples, check out the events tagged on NorthEndWaterfront: http://northendwaterfront.com/tag/nazzaro-center/ Finally, it's an incredibly convenient location for voting in the North End (although I admit I feel kinda bad for Charlestown residents who sometimes have to schlep here; they're not gonna find parking).

Perfect park tucked away under the Zakim bridge and by Education First. This multi-use park is…read moregreat for bikers, walkers, runners, a playground for families, a skatepark, to come picnic, or to walk to Bunker Hill in Charlestown underneath the bridge. You see TD garden across the river and a nice shot of the bridge. It's quite peaceful and a nice hideaway from the city while still being in it. There is parking but limited, and you pay during the day.

North Point Park is another decent park for photographing the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial…read moreBridge. The park is not big, but well maintained for walking and jogging. Due to the limited parking spots nearby, it may not be a favorable place for tourists. It is popular with residents nearby, which gives a quiet place for recreation. The park is connected with Paul Revere Park by walkways. Visitors can take pictures from both sides of the Zakim Bridge. The lights along with the walkway are usually on in the evenings. If the metered parking spaces are occupied, some additional spaces are available on the north side of the building of the Education First (EF). Enjoy this neat and quite place for summer.

I've been a member of the Boston living center since 2002 when I was diagnosed with HIV I love this…read moreplace it's educational for everyone I learned a lot there and met a lot of friends arts and crafts everything computer classes I love the living center it really helped me out unfortunately I moved away but now I'm back and I'm coming back thank the living center for everything I couldn't have made it without the counseling the friends the loving support thank you again

You can tell the employees care about what they do here and see the direct impact on those in need…read more I've volunteered here a few times through One Brick but you can also volunteer directly and the staff are so friendly and helpful. There is downtime so be ready to ask what else you can do because there is always something else. The people you serve to are really sweet and always say thank you in a heartfelt way.