Author: WalkMassachusetts

Lexington Walking Map

Lexington Walking Map

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The extraordinary events of April 19, 1775 took place along a single dirt road between Boston, Lexington, and Concord. British troops, whose leaders were convinced that colonists had stores of arms in the area, planned to march on this road from Boston. Paul Revere and William Dawes traveled this road before dawn to warn the colonists. The “shots heard ’round the world” were fired early in the morning on a spring day in Lexington. On that day the American Revolution began.

As you stroll in and near beautiful Lexington, you’ll visit the sites of troop movements, skirmishes, and battles. The walk’s centerpiece, the Lexington Battle Green, is lined with many of the original buildings that witnessed the opening of the war. Interspersed among historic sites along the way are 19th- and 20th-century buildings that reflect Lexington’s development into a commercial center, and later a suburb.


Click here for “WalkBoston’s Lexington Walking Map” on Google Maps

The Hull Peninsula Walking Map

The Hull Peninsula Walking Map

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One of Boston’s best-kept secrets is the pleasure of walking the Hull peninsula–a long stretch of shoreline and flat, sandy public beach that welcomes discovery. The town’s relative isolation has contributed to this status: it’s out of the way, exposed to the elements, and virtually an island. Another factor might be the town’s dual personality. It’s called “Nantasket” when the topic of discussion is the old summer resort, with its grand hotels and sweeping verandas, or the contemporary, Styrofoam-cooler-style refuge for day-trippers, surfers, and sun worshippers. (The summer population can swell to more than 30,000 residents and 150,000 daily visitors.) But “Hull” describes the quieter, year-round town and its approximately 11,000 eclectic winter residents.

You can catch a blazing sunrise over the ocean and one-of-a-kind sunsets over the bay. In summer you’ll feel the luscious cool ocean breezes; in winter, the rich aroma of salt water and seaweed, sweetened by the cold.

Click for “WalkBoston’s The Hull Peninsula Walking Map” on Google Maps

Dedham Walking Map

Dedham Walking Map

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In Dedham the charm and grace of the early 1800s are still in evidence. Its center holds the town’s oldest houses and community buildings and still has bustling activity connected with the Norfolk County Courts. It stands distinct and removed from other parts of town, where farms became subdivisions and local industries once produced everything from shovels, boot to cigars.

Founded in 1635, Dedham was strategically located on the great highway of foot, horse, and wagon travel that ran from Virginia to New Hampshire. In its prime Dedham hosted presidents and political leaders, the nation’s first free public school, and notable events such as the trial of Sacco and Vanzetti.

The town lost much of its economic primacy before the twentieth century, however, and the automobile hastened its conversion to a suburban community whose boundaries blurred with those of its neighbors. This walk takes you on a loop around an oasis of history in a modern suburb.


Click for “WalkBoston’s Dedham Walking Map” on Google Maps

Hills of Somerville Walking Map

Hills of Somerville Walking Map

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Like an east coast San Francisco, Somerville’s street grid is imposed on its hills without regard to steep grades. Architects have capitalized on the city’s dramatic views with two- and three-family houses densely built in straight rows climbing the hills.

The city’s glacial hills and deep valleys were first settled by colonial farmers. Their roads—which followed crests or valleys—still exist in the form of modern-day Broadway, Somerville Avenue, Elm Street, Main Street, Washington Street, and others. The crosstown streets were once paths between farmers’ lands. The curious street grid may have helped guide the later grid layout of Midwestern and Western cities.

Early development followed the colonial roads; the unpaved range-ways were too hilly for horses. In the 19th century railroads, thoroughfares, and streetcars were all laid out, allowing Somerville to become both an industrial center and, at one point, the most densely populated city in the country.


Click for “Hills of Somerville Walking Map” on Google Maps

West Cambridge Walking Map

West Cambridge Walking Map

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The pathways of Cambridge spread far beyond its famous education centers. Some areas, such as the Charles River, are well known to present and former students. Still, the secrets of the leafy residential areas west of Harvard Square are likely to remain unseen until teased out by a journey on foot with an advisory text in hand.

As a whole West Cambridge presents many contrasts of natural beauty and architectural landmarks. The quality of the built environment is exceptionally high. Landscaping is mature and well-maintained. Views vary from close-up to several miles. The Brattle Street and Coolidge Hill neighborhoods and Mount Auburn Cemetery are enclaves, quiet and distinct, yet very close to Harvard Square. This tour through one of Boston’s most exquisite neighborhoods will reveal its marvels–known and unknown.


Click for “WalkBoston’s West Cambridge Walking Map” on Google Maps