With 281 acres of winding paths, some paved (great for strollers) and some made of dirt or stone that meander through forests and along brooks, this park is truly worth the trip out of downtown. Plus, it's close to the next Emerald Necklace gem...

Right near the Arboretum sits a shining jewel of the Emerald Necklace: Jamaica Pond. This body of water is about 1.5 miles to walk or jog around the paved path. From every angle, you get a different beautiful view -- especially at sunset! Boats are also available for rental. Oh, and it's near awesome food options, too!

This is Olmsted's biggest park in the Emerald Necklace and sprawls 527 acres, boasting a zoo, lots of forest paths and playgrounds, mystical-looking ruins (photo-shoot, anyone?), a stadium, and even a golf course. Just be careful not to get lost, as this greenspace goes on and on.

Walk for miles along this tree-lined pedestrian median to end up in the Boston Public Garden! Comm. Ave. (as it's sometimes nicknamed) is particularly stunning in spring when all the trees become a riot of pink blossoms. Magenta rain!

This greenspace, along with historic Boston Common, is the most well-known part of the Emerald Necklace, and is the green heart of downtown Boston. You can't really visit our city without posing near the Washington statue, but scroll down to see some other spots to snap photos.

See some of the park features that were best for modeling dresses from my friend's wonderful fashion company in the Arnold Arboretum.

While working with a company famous for reversible dresses and stretchy dress pants, I, too took to the Arboretum for the photos. I may or may not have done some awkward costume changes behind a towel.

Get ideas here for how to use the Public Garden's willow trees, reflective pools, and bridge for great photos. Oh, and while you're getting ideas... consider that that bridge (the smallest suspension bridge in the world) is where we got engaged!

Not to be outdone, my husband also descended upon the Arb for his jaunt showing off travel clothes for guys. We attempted as ridiculous as possible juxtapositions between his macho manliness and the pink flowers of the park.

Pregnancy and flowers go well together, and the Emerald Necklace has its share of blossoms for flowering motherhood. Just watch out for ticks!

The pond was a good backdrop for my giant pregnant belly (back when I was "with child" with my now kindergarten-aged son).

Of course, who could miss the swan boats in the Public Garden? They are every bit as lovely as they seem. Nearby is the "Make Way for Ducklings" statue.

Every Mother's Day, the Arnold Arboretum celebrates Lilac Sunday: when riots of purple, pink, and white lilacs appear in the park and fill the air with fragrance. One tip is to visit the day before or after the festival instead of the actual day, as it gets mighty crowded because it's so great!