JM Walking Tours Reviews

Janine’s tour is excellent- fun, informative, engaging… perfect length. I learned a ton, even as a Boston native. Definitely recommend whether you live nearby or are just visiting!

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JEFF S.  |  SEPTEMBER 2025

We thoroughly enjoyed our Commonwealth Avenue tour! Janine knows so many interesting facts about the history of the neighborhood and injects her talk with humor. I hope to take one of her other tours in the future!

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AMY A.  |  SEPTEMBER 2025

Janine was knowledgeable, friendly, and flexible. I learned so much and enjoyed the pace and the incredible beauty and history of Boston’s Commonwealth Ave.

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MICHAEL H.  |  SEPTEMBER 2025

Janine was fantastic! She's so knowledgeable about the history of Boston's Back Bay. We loved learning about the buildings and statues along Commonwealth Avenue, our favorite street in Boston. We highly recommend JM Walking Tours!

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KRISTIN B.  |  JUNE 2025

History, architecture, statues, trees and anecdotes were expertly presented. Photos, stories and local knowledge augmented a well researched and comprehensive tour. Given by a resident who truly loves the area Janine ensured we didn't miss any details right down to the treat buckets for dogs and the stories behind them. She brought the neighborhood to life with her lively and engaging style. Highly recommend this outstanding tour. Looking forward to signing up for more.

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BRIAN L.  |  MAY 2025

My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed the Comm Ave tour with Janine. She gave an interesting and very informative tour and is very passionate about the area. I look forward to touring with Janine again!

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ALICIA K.  |  APRIL 2025

Janine was very well informed. She was attentive, and answered all of our questions! It was clear that she was passionate about Boston's history and loved sharing it! I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the Back Bay and see some gorgeous architecture.

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ANNA A.  |  APRIL 2025

I highly recommend “Good Morning, Newbury Street,” one of the Back Bay tours offered by JM Walking Tours. I have walked up and down Newbury Street hundreds of times and had no idea about the street’s rich and varied history. One couldn't ask for a more knowledgeable and engaging guide to Newbury Street’s past and present than Janine. I especially appreciated how she advised us to “look up” as she pointed out the unique architectural details of the buildings that are so easy to miss when one is walking by at street level. I learned so much about what Newbury Street has to offer and look forward to visiting the art galleries, shops and restaurants Janine introduced us to on this tour.

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RELAX02333928343  |  APRIL 2025

A wonderful maiden tour of Newbury Street. Janine was knowledgeable and gave a wonderful prospective of the historic buildings and made your eyes look up and appreciate the incredible architecture of the street vs. the window shopping the street is know for. Would highly recommend you take the tour.

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DENISE R.  |  APRIL 2025

We jumped in kinda last minute on a Comm Ave tour this past weekend. The Magnolias are in bloom along the Mall and one of my local friends makes a point to go enjoy them every season :)

So, when this tour came up on my radar, we made a plan! Sometimes the best part of living in a tourist destination is 'playing tourist' ;)

I have walked this stretch so very many times over the past 30 years. I've heard stories and done a little research and built up my own set of memories and experiences. But having Janine narrate the walk was just... well, Awesome :)

It's her neighborhood - and she's clearly invested in it - so you'll learn things you won't really find online or in a guidebook. She's so kind and personable and happy to share her knowledge and personal experience. And she'll even recommend spots for coffee/ lunch/ etc. I'd absolutely recommend booking with JM Walking Tours as a visitor to the city. You'll get a slice of Boston that you just don't find sticking to larger tours. And you'll learn enough to feel 'in the know' ;)

I'd also recommend it to anyone who just wants to 'be a tourist in their own city'. Because there is ALWAYS more to learn about Boston!

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CRYSTAL-GRACE S.  |  APRIL 2025

Great and informative tour of Commonwealth Ave! I live locally and was looking for something to do with family who were in town visiting. The Magnolia's in Bloom Commonwealth Ave Walking Tour did not disappoint!! As a local, I loved learning about the statues and architecture I see on Commonwealth everyday. My family loved the tour for the Boston history and great stories. Janine is an excellent tour guide who really knows her stuff. The tour was informative and fun. I highly recommend!

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JUSTINE B.  |  APRIL 2025

I just enjoyed Janine's wonderful tour up Newbury Street and down memory lane. As a Boston native, I've walked this street hundreds of times, but nothing has brought it to life like Janine's passionate and detailed enlightenment of the countless views and attractions this 200+ year thoroughfare provides. Fun awaits for visitors and townies alike!

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JOSEPH L.  |  APRIL 2025

The "Good Morning, Newbury Street" tour was just terrific. Janine gave a fascinating behind the scenes tour taking us from the street's origin to present day. Along with extensive architecture and historic facts, she had fascinating insider tidbits: a great place for a grab and go lobster sandwich, the secret ingredient in Dirty Water Dough pizzas, and friendly art galleries along the way. Price includes a cup of coffee. I had taken her Commonwealth Avenue tour before which also was excellent.

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HEATHER C.  |  APRIL 2025

I have lived in Boston for over 30 years. I have participated in multiple guided tours throughout Boston and Massachusetts. This tour was different. It Included history, architecture, information on Boston’s early days and not just from a military perspective. I found the information quite interesting. The tour was informative, educational and definitely fun. This isn’t a reenactment. This is a quick 90 minute journey to the past to learn about the men and women who would shape and influence not only MA and the United States, but other countries as well. I highly recommend this tour.

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KAREN W.  |  OCTOBER 2024

JM tours is definitely a to do when in Boston, we did the common Ave tour and you get to learn so much history about how the backbay area started from Gilman to Wheatley its truly amazing. I love the fact that she has lived around different areas in the backbay so have all the history you need to know.

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TIESSION L.  |  OCTOBER 2024

JM Walking Tour presented a well researched history of Commonwealth Ave in Boston. Janine covered the art, architecture, key leaders and important stories that led to the development of this part of Boston. My group of people laughed, strolled and enjoyed the tour in a well shaded area. Benches are available for sitting when you’re tired and the area provides many photo opportunities.

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RELAX 691706  |  SEPTEMBER 2024

We thoroughly enjoyed the walking tour in the Back Bay with JM Tours. Janine is a fabulous guide who loves the history of Boston. We invited a couple of history buffs who said they learned many things they didn't know about Boston's history, and we learned so many interesting facts about our own neighborhood. We highly recommend this tour. Don't miss it!!

 

HELEN RIESS  |  JULY 2024

Great walking tour with interesting historical and local information and insights. I've lived in the Boston area forever and never new some of these fun facts and historical details. And it's an easy stroll through a gorgeous part of the city. Highly recommend!

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WANDER731240  |  MAY 2024

I began work in the neighborhood last summer but knew little of the history of the Commonwealth Mall. The tour greatly deepened my appreciation for the stories of the statues as well as residents (past and present) along the Mall. Our guide Janine was knowledgable and engaged, relaxed and not rushed as we made our way. Now when I walk the Mall with friends or colleagues, I catch myself saying, "Did you know...".

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STEPHANIE M.  |  APRIL 2024

What a delightful way to spend an afternoon - strolling down the center of Comm Ave, Boston among beautiful greenery, architecture and history. Janine is a friendly, engaging tour guide who provides so many new insights about how the Back Bay came to be and the significance of each of the statues encountered along the way. Janine's love for and knowledge of the area shines through. And, as a bonus, she can give you a tip or two on where to dine or grab a snack. Looking for a different way to experience a slice of Boston - contact JM Walking Tours!

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DIANE C.  |  APRIL 2024

I can’t speak highly enough about our Comm Ave. walking tour with JM Walking Tours! It was a lovely start to our day and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We met Janine near the Public Garden where she led us along the tree-lined mall sharing the history of the Back Bay, its architecture, and the compelling stories behind its monuments and statues. Our pace was perfect and I learned so much. I had looked forward to our morning walk, but this tour exceeded my expectations. Janine is a fabulous ambassador for this unique neighborhood; she has a clear passion for the area and for sharing her vast knowledge. She even left us with a listing of nearby restaurants and coffee shops around the corner on Newbury Street — where we went for lunch and shopping. It was a great time!

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EMILY H.  |  APRIL 2024

This tour brings Comm. Ave. alive. A love of Boston and history create a vivid experience of this iconic tree-lined passage through the heart of the Back Bay. Very enjoyable way to learn more about this beautiful boulevard while walking from Arlington to Hereford.

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FREEDOM800186  |  MARCH 2024

Terrific in-depth coverage of Commonwealth Mall. Tour leader was very personable and knowledgeable, presenting lots of lively information.

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HEATHER C.  |  MARCH 2024

After taking this small group tour with Janine I am more acquainted with the statues on the commonwealth mall. I always love learning more about Boston's quirky history.

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MARGARET M.  |  MARCH 2024

JM Tours offers a unique look at Boston's beautiful Back Bay with an emphasis on the Legacy of some of New England's greatest Historical figures as seen in the Statues along Comm Ave. It's a short walk from there to the Restaurants on Newbury Street for outdoor dining!

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JOHN C.  |  APRIL 2024

The walking tour up Commonwealth was a great time. Being the history fan I am it was extra fun because Boston is such an historic town and I learned more than just the American Revolution part of Boston's history. Our host, Janine Mudge, was very engaging and very entertaining. She new her stuff and it was delightful to share the experience with her. I'd recommend this tour to anyone wanting to learn more about Boston's ripe history!

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JOSEPH J.L.  |  APRIL 2024

I've visited Commonwealth Avenue multiple times and have always enjoyed walking through the greenery, especially at night with all the lights. But I never took a deeper dive into understanding the history of the area. I'm so happy we went on this tour - I learned so much about architecture, culture, dog treats, Tom Brady's former home, poetry, I mean the list goes on and on. Gorgeous views, gorgeous buildings, gorgeous dogs...I can't adequately describe how awesome this tour was. Thank you Janine, I'm excited to take the other tours!

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BARBARA H.  |  APRIL 2024