Like a wine pairing… on your bike!
We are so excited to introduce the 3rd installation in our Boston Bike Pairings series.
For those of you joining us for the first time this week, here’s the deal. A lot of people love pairing a certain cheese, fruit, or dish with wine, right? Well, we thought we’d add a little twist.
Over the course of the next few weeks, we’ll be releasing a series of what we’re calling “bike pairings.”
We’ll introduce you to our favorite bike rides in Boston, with a twist. Each ride is mapped out to include a special treat: ice cream, doughnuts, breweries, and more. Enjoy!
This week’s pairing is a breezy ride along East Boston, or Eastie’s, Mary Ellen Welch Greenway, paired with savory and flaky pies from KO Pies.
The Mary Ellen Welch Greenway in East Boston (or Eastie), is built on an old abandoned rail line. Parts of it still run parallel to what is now the MBTA Blue line near Wood Island Station. The Greenway connects several beautiful parks in Eastie, including Bremen Street Park, Piers Park, Memorial Stadium, Constitution Beach, Wood Island Bay Marsh, and Belle Isle Marsh.
It spans 2.8 miles in length each way, beginning at Piers Park and ending at Constitution Beach, but it’s fairly straightforward to just keep biking on either end to explore more of Eastie. As for us, we turned it into a loop, going from one end to the other and back again, for an easy, breezy 6-mile ride. We started in Maverick Square, Eastie’s main hub to pick up our Blue Bikes— there are several docks there.
We were super impressed with this Greenway. It was perhaps the smoothest ride we’ve been on in the city (no bumps, broken asphalt, or tree roots), and the signage and route were super clear. Keep in mind that on your way out (if you’re biking towards Constitution Beach) the bike path will be on your left, with the pedestrian path on the right. If you’re like us and really accustomed to keeping your right, this takes a minute to adjust to.
This path can also get a bit crowded with people walking, and not necessarily keeping to the pedestrian side of the greenway. Since the path is a bit narrow, be cautious.
As you bike, enjoy the beautiful greenery, hand-painted murals, and variety of parks on either side. You’ll even likely hear a plane zooming right overhead, due to your close proximity to Boston Logan Airport! Be sure to spend some time relaxing on Constitution Beach. On a sunny day, this spot can’t be beat.
Overall, the Eastie Greenway is one of Boston’s most underrated outdoor spaces. We urge you to take a visit if you’re in the area.
Here’s a map of the loop if you go from one end to the other and back!
Once you’re ready to proceed to the treat we promised, you can dock your bike at Piers Park. It’s an easy (less than 5 minute walk) to KO Pies from here.
KO Pies is definitely different to most of the other treats Boston has to offer. KO specializes in traditional Australian fare, and when it opened in 2010 was the first Australian food business in all of New England! Primarily serving savory pies (like curried vegetables, several beef and lamb options, and a “pie of the month”), we were blown away by how flaky the crust was, and really enjoyed the KO experience. We also really liked their coleslaw, and are looking forward to going back to try other options.
Bonus: right next to KO Pies, you’ll see Downeast Cider, a local cider house. If you’re in the mood for a cider to go with your pie, definitely pay them a visit!
We recommend taking your pie back to nearby Piers Park to enjoy the views of the Boston skyline. We’ve lived here for years, and firmly believe that the views of the skyline from Piers Park are the best in town.
Lastly, Eastie is such a gem, and we recommend spending an afternoon here if you can. It’s packed full of delicious Central and South American restaurants, and its variety of breezy and lovely green spaces makes it a breath of fresh air from many other parts of town. Unfortunately, like many other parts of Boston, Eastie is rapidly gentrifying due to its proximity to downtown, with many residents who have been there for decades forced out and new luxury condos popping up seemingly by the day, which definitely puts a damper on things.
While you’re visiting Eastie, don’t miss Santarpio’s Pizza (the rival of our beloved Regina’s in the North End), the Madonna Queen of the Universe Shrine in Orient Heights, and the Temple Ohabei Shalom Cemetery (the first Jewish cemetery Massachusetts.)
Well folks, that’s a wrap for #BostonBikePairing Week 3! See you next Monday!
Remember to check out last week’s bike pairing if you missed it, or week 1!
6 comments
Cycling is the best way to see a city and Boston sounds amazing. Love all the places and detail in this article!
Thanks, Rachel! Let us know if you’re ever in town!
Bike ride and delicious Pies!! What a combo!! 😀
Gotta love savory pies!
You guys never disappoint the glutton in me:)))) Not only for food but for travel in general. I miss the USA… This is lovely, thank you!
Definitely agree that we are majorly missing travel! Hope we can all travel again soon!
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