Finding the perfect condo or apartment in Boston entails many things, especially if you want to avoid rental regret. Several questions come up:

• Is the kitchen big enough?
• Is there enough closet space?
• Are the bedrooms sufficient?
• Do I need a deck or back yard?
• Will I enjoy the neighborhood?

With the holiday season quickly approaching, one of my favorite Boston annual moments is the lighting of Commonwealth Avenue in the Back Bay and the Boston Common Gardens.  Both of these beautiful green-ways are fully lighted and make for a wonderful winter walk.  Once fully bundled, a leisurely stroll down Commonwealth Avenue – taking in the wonderfully lighted trees and making stops at each of the historic statues – you will build up an appetite by the time you reach the Public Garden.  Bistro Du Midi, located right between the Four Seasons and Arlington train stop, makes for a great dining experience….and especially to warm up and fill up before wandering through the gardens.

Bistro Du Midi

You will be awed by the walls of eclectic mirrors and band run ceiling fans, complimented by a wonderful and seasonally inspired French Mediterranean menu.  With options ranging from a gorgeous seared duck breast with croquettes, blood orange, almonds, and Au Jus to a more dense goat cheese gnocchi with fresh cauliflower and pumpkin, you are sure to find that any palate can find itself quite satisfied here.  They also offer a selection of house infused liquors and spirits with knowledgeable suggestions available from the bartender if your interest is not piqued by any of the hand crafted cocktails.

jm Curley 

Once warmed and filled with a delicious dinner, a casual stroll through the gardens reveals a beautifully lit winter wonderland.  After strolling over the Duck Pond Bridge and entering the Commons, a lovely backdrop of music can be heard from the Frog Pond’s ice skating rink on the way to jm Curley’s for a delicious dessert and after dinner apéritif.  Offering several twists on classic cocktails, such as their own stylized Manhattan, Collins, and whiskey smash (or over 40 options of hand crafted brews), the nostalgic dessert menu is easily complimented.  Offering options such as an adult banana split with roasted nuts, strawberries and topped with banana liquor or Berkshire Bourbon then finally soaked with blueberries atop cookie dough, these sweet treats will surely leave you smiling and wanting more.

The Thinking Cup

For a well rounded evening, stop by the Thinking Cup, just around the corner by the Lowes AMC theater.  Offering Counter Culture Coffee made to perfection by some of Boston’s best baristas, there is no doubt that a cappuccino or hot chocolate to go will be just the thing to stave off the winter chill until returning to your home.

 More than just food

Clearly food is important to me, but enjoying what each neighborhood has to offer is one of the special add-ons sometimes forgotten when appreciating the true value of a home or apartment in Boston.  Taking advantage of the special treats each community supplies is what makes living in a neighborhood of Boston so special, and also, what entices people to go and explore their surrounding areas.

So get out there, find the neighborhood activities going on by either visiting the City of Boston website or stopping by a local café or library to see what community events are happening around you. And definitely check out our 365 Things to Do in Boston Facebook page, which features new events in Boston daily.

Also, be sure to attend the Boston Common tree lighting Thanksgiving evening and the Copley Square tree lighting ceremony the Tuesday after Thanksgiving Day.  Both events promise to be evenings of song and merriment!