Frequently Asked Questions – Exploring the Area

Village B&B is located approximately 9 miles west of downtown Boston in Newton Highlands, making it perfectly positioned for easy access to the city while offering a peaceful suburban setting.

By car, the drive takes approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic. Using the MBTA Green Line (D Branch), the train ride takes about 25-30 minutes to reach downtown Boston stations like Copley or Park Street and shorter for Fenway Park, or the hospital area on Longwood.

You have several convenient transportation options: 

By MBTA (Green Line): Walk just a block from the B&B to Newton Highlands station on the Green Line D Branch. Take the inbound train toward downtown Boston. The station is right in the village center, making it incredibly convenient. 

By Car: Follow Route 9 or take I-95/Route 128 to I-90 (Mass Pike) eastbound into Boston. Street parking and garages are available throughout the city. 

By Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are readily available in Newton for direct trips to Boston destinations. 

Newton Highlands has a wonderful selection of restaurants just steps from Village B&B: 

Buttonwood – A neighborhood favorite serving rustic American cuisine with a focus on local craft beers, classic cocktails, and small-production wines. Perfect for a relaxed dinner with seasonal dishes.  https://www.buttonwoodnewton.com/ 

O’Hara’s Food & Spirits – Classic American pub fare in a friendly atmosphere. Great for casual dining and drinks. http://wwww.oharas.us 

57 Lincoln Kitchen – Specializing in South Shore Bar-style thin crust pizza, delicious subs, and fresh salads. Perfect for a quick, casual meal. www.57lincolnkitchen.com 

Anna’s Taqueria- Local counter serve Mexican food, eat in or take out.  https://annas.com/newton/ 

Otake Sushi Bistro-Japanese with full menu. Asian fare in a laid back environment  https://www.otakeonline.com/ 

Shiva’s Kitchen Casual venue with a variety of Indian fare, vegetarian and vegan options, beer and wine  https://www.shivaskitchenma.com/   

Grape Leaf Mediterranean Grille-Counter serve eatery offering classic Mediterranean fare in a contemporary setting  https://www.grapeleafnewton.com/ 

Rox Diner-Open for breakfast and lunch–fresh made to order meals in family friendly environment  https://www.roxdinernewton.com/ 

Sichuan Gourmet House-Modern Chinese, with hot pots a specialty.  https://www.sichuangourmethouse.net/ 

Lakin Paris Patisserie-Creative and traditional croissants and coffee cafe  https://lakonparis.com/ 

All of these restaurants are within easy walking distance in the charming Newton Highlands village center, making it convenient to enjoy a meal without needing to drive.

Newton Highlands is a charming, walkable village with boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes housed in historic 1800s buildings. You can stroll through the picturesque neighborhood, enjoy Mediterranean eateries, browse local shops, and experience authentic New England charm right outside your door.

Yes! The area offers several beautiful outdoor spaces including Cold Spring Park, Hemlock Gorge, which features scenic walking trails along the Charles River. There are also paved multipurpose trails perfect for walking and biking throughout Newton. Cutler Park Reservation offers bird-watching, hiking, fishing, and canoeing opportunities. Nahanton Park, and canoe/kayaking in the Charles River at two Newton locations. Tennis courts are abundant and sprinkled around Newton. Crystal Lake offers a place to swim walking distance from the B & B.

Newton Highlands has a wonderful selection of restaurants, from Mediterranean cuisine to American fare. The walkable village center features numerous dining options within easy walking distance of the B&B. For even more variety, Boston’s world-class restaurant scene is just a short trip away. In the 13 Villages of the City of Newton, numerous restaurants other than the one’s mentioned in the Highlands neighborhood abound, especially in Newton Centre, and Newtonville.

Boston offers an incredible array of attractions including: 

• Freedom Trail: A 2.5-mile walking trail through 16 historic Revolutionary War sites 

• Faneuil Hall Marketplace: Historic market with shopping, dining, and street performances 

• New England Aquarium: Home to penguins, sea lions, sharks, and marine exhibits 

• Museum of Fine Arts: (MFA) One of the world’s most comprehensive art collections 

• Boston Common & Public Garden: America’s oldest public park and beautiful botanical garden 

• Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum: Interactive historical experience 

• Fenway Park: America’s most beloved ballpark and home of the Red Sox 

ICA-Institute of Contempory Art, set in the Seaport District, has modern artist exhibits and a boat to East Boston so see their new warehouse which often hosts an exhibit. 

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, walking distance from the MFA, the lovely building and courtyard has art directed by Isabella Garner when she donated the building and her art collection for the public. The famous art heist, still unsolved, took place here, with blank frames that indicate the places the stolen art once inhabited. 

Beyond Boston’s famous museums (Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum), Newton has its own cultural offerings including the Newton History Museum with exhibits about local history and the Underground Railroad, the Jackson Homestead,and Boston College’s McMullen Museum of Art and in close by Waltham, the Rose Art Museum houses contemporary art at Brandeis University. 

The B&B is ideally located near several prestigious institutions: 

• Boston College 
• Brandeis University 
• Bentley University 
• Wellesley College 
• Babson College 
• Lasell University 
• Olin College 
• Hebrew College

This makes Village B&B perfect for visiting parents, prospective students on college tours, and university-related events. 

Absolutely! Beyond Boston’s many family attractions, Newton offers parks, walking trails, and seasonal events. The area is safe, walkable, and perfect for families. Boston’s New England Aquarium, Boston Children’s Museum, and Duck Tours are especially popular with kids. 

The Shops at Chestnut Hill, a premier shopping destination, is nearby as are The Street, an outdoor mall, and the Wegman’s shopping area with its own shops and restaurants, all located on Rte 9. Newton Highlands village, Newton Center, and Newtonville have charming boutiques, and downtown Boston offers everything from Newbury Street’s fashionable shops to historic Quincy Market.

Yes! Newton hosts craft fairs, free summer concerts, and community events throughout the year. Boston offers year-round festivals, including summer concerts on the Esplanade, First Night on New Year’s Eve, and numerous cultural celebrations. The Harvest Fair in October, has a panoply of vendors and music performances, the third Sunday in October.

The area is rich in American history. In Newton, you can visit Echo Bridge and the Newton Cemetery with historic monuments. Boston’s Freedom Trail connects you to pivotal Revolutionary War sites including Paul Revere’s House, Old North Church, USS Constitution, and Bunker Hill Monument. Nearby Concord and Lexington, with Walden Pond, and Minuteman Park are historic importance in the Revolutionary War. Nearby in Lincoln, don’t miss strolling through the sculpture gardens of the DeCordoba museum. Many guests also travel to Salem, north of the B & B, accessible by car or rail.

Yes! Village B&B is housed in a beautiful 1894 Queen Anne Victorian home, offering guests an authentic historic New England experience with modern amenities.

An Uber or Lyft ride from Newton Highlands to downtown Boston typically costs between $20-30 for a standard ride, depending on traffic and time of day. During peak hours or surge pricing periods, the cost may be higher. The MBTA Green Line offers a more budget-friendly option at around $2.40 per person for a one-way trip, making it an economical choice for groups or those watching their budget. Three day or week long tickets allow the traveler to go on and off as much as desired for that one fare.

Not necessarily! The Newton Highlands MBTA station is steps from the B&B, providing easy access to Boston and Brookline via the Green Line. However, having a car gives you more flexibility to explore the greater Boston area, nearby towns, and attractions outside the subway system.

Village B&B provides parking for guests. If you’re driving into Boston, there are numerous parking garages available, though public transportation is often more convenient for downtown visits given the city is not on a grid, and parking tends to be quite expensive.

Newton Highlands is very walkable with shops, restaurants, and the train station all within easy walking distance. Boston’s downtown neighborhoods and the Freedom Trail are also highly walkable once you arrive.

We recommend at least 2-3 days to enjoy both Newton Highlands’ local charm and Boston’s main attractions. A longer stay allows you to explore different Boston neighborhoods, visit multiple museums, and take day trips to nearby destinations like Cambridge, Lexington, Concord, and Salem or even day car or boat trips to Cape Cod.

Each season offers something special! Spring and fall feature beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures. Summer is perfect for outdoor activities and events.