Fenway-Kenmore: More than a Ballpark and a CITGO Sign
March 2, 2007
An effective remedy for the winter blues for me has always been an afternoon adventure in the city. This weekend, I ventured into Kenmore-Fenway, a neighborhood in Boston best known for Fenway Park and the famous CITGO sign. But Kenmore-Fenway is also home to more than five of Boston’s myriad universities, including Boston University and Northeastern. As the home to a large market of college students, one would assume that this neighborhood would have more than cultural landmarks. And, as I found out, it does. There are restaurants, bowling, and of course, shopping. During my adventure, I ate at Ferretti’s, browsed through Commonwealth Books, and shopped in Jasmine Sola. Thankfully, this afternoon of leisure did a lot to relieve my restlessness.
Kenmore-Fenway is a neighborhood of college students and public transportation is a more than sufficient mode of transportation. In fact, the green line in this neighborhood is so heavily traversed by college students that it used to be free to travel outbound (above ground). In order to get to the Kenmore-Fenway neighborhood from Tufts, take the red line to Park Street and transfer to the B line on the green line. You can also take the D line, but the B line gives more opportunities to stop and explore. I got off at the Boston University East stop and headed over to Feretti’s Sandwiches and Coffee.
Feretti’s is a good place to go if you’re in a hurry, on your way to a Red Sox game, or eager to explore other aspects of the neighborhood. It’s actually attached to Warren Towers, a large BU dormitory, but it is popular among college students all over Boston.
Feretti’s is a small eatery that boasts a menu full of bagels, sandwiches, and coffee. It looked promisingly cheap and, thankfully, it was. I bought a tomato and mozzarella cheese sandwich on focaccia bread with basil pesto and a bottle of root beer for $6.98 (including tax). In the inclement weather, Ferretti’s hit the spot, especially because they offer to grill your sandwich or bagel for free. The restaurant, however, has only a single counter at which only three people can comfortably sit. So, if you plan to go, prepare to order your sandwich, bagel, or coffee to go.
After my meal, I made my way to Commonwealth Books, which was recently named Boston Magazine’s “Best Used Bookstore.” This place—warm, cramped, and dimly lit—reminded me of my grandfather’s study. Here, books are both arranged neatly in shelves and stacked in erratic piles all over the store.
For the most part, Commonwealth Books sells leather-bound and hard-back books on the subjects of history, classic literature, and biographies. The subjects of travel, gardening, and self-help, among others, appear to be missing. In their stead, however, Commonwealth Books sells antique and old prints like maps, etchings, and wood engravings. In a bin full of prints covered in individual plastic wrappings, I found a fascinating drawing of South America from 1860 available for $125.
Despite my intense attraction to the ancient, almost magical, map, I resisted the urge to stock my room with trinkets and classic novels and decided, instead, to shop at Jasmine Sola.
I love the façade of Jasmine Sola, which has always attracted my attention with display windows that feature the most vibrantly colored scarves, purses, and high-heeled shoes. The store in Kenmore-Fenway was no different and everything for sale is of the best brand, material, and color. Unfortunately, everything for sale is also beyond my budget.
In addition to its display windows, Jasmine Sola is known for its selection of jeans, which includes the trendiest designer labels, such as AG, Seven, and Joe’s Jeans. The average prices of these jeans range from $150 to $200 (a standard price). But if you’re like me, you’ll have a lovely time fondling the cashmere scarves, alligator skin purses, and plastic shoes.
After my trip, I cannot imagine a more relaxing afternoon for someone on a strict budget. For a neighborhood that is best known for its historical landmarks, I was able to find student-friendly destinations. Feretti’s was inexpensive and quick, and both Commonwealth Books and Jasmine Sola offered enjoyable shopping and browsing. Fenway-Kenmore is a good alternative to Davis or Harvard Square, and is just as saturated with college students. And although it seems a little out of the way, it is certainly worth the transfer to the green line.