In a couple weeks I'm going with a group of students from school on a Transcendentalist America Trip. We'll be staying in Lexington and visiting Concord, Boston, Sleepy Hollow Cemetary, Walden Pond, etc.
We're supposed to have an afternoon in Boston all to ourselves and was wondering what to check out and what to expect. I've never been to Boston and need your help!
Also, what should I expect the weather to be like in that area in a couple weeks?
OMG -- A Transcendentalist vacation? I am so jealous.
I love Boston. I am not an expert on the area, but I loved hanging out around Boston Common, and visiting the historic cemetaries. And you have to do the Freedom Trail. I think it's a couple of miles, but there's sooo much history. I went during the summer, and there were all sorts of outdoor performers around Faneuil Hall, but I don't know if they do them this time of year.
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manhattanmonkey - I'm from the area and know Boston pretty well. I don't know what you are interested in doing for the day. There is Newbury Street which a pretty popular street to go to for shopping and tons of restaurants. There is also Harvard Square which is fun - with lots of restaurants and shops also - also Harvard University. Just a few places that I think are funky and cool.
I'm not a huge Boston fan, but my favorite area is Harvard Square. It's cute with lots of good shops and restaurants, but not as expensive as Newbury Street. Though Newbury street is also cool. I also like the Museum of Fine Arts and the aquarium.
As for the weather, we've had quite the range. It could be anywhere from the 10s - 40s.
I'm really not a fan of Boston but I go to school here. It's cold. Really cold. Make sure you bring a lot of layers and a scarf and gloves and probably a hat if you're going to be outside a lot.
Newbury Street is pretty cool (I live right near it too!) but everything is outside, and as I mentioned, it's cold. If it's your first time, I'd go to Fanueil Hall and maybe the Aquarium (which are near each other). The Aquarium has penguins, which is why I love it.
I'm really not a fan of Boston but I go to school here. It's cold. Really cold. Make sure you bring a lot of layers and a scarf and gloves and probably a hat if you're going to be outside a lot. Newbury Street is pretty cool (I live right near it too!) but everything is outside, and as I mentioned, it's cold. If it's your first time, I'd go to Fanueil Hall and maybe the Aquarium (which are near each other). The Aquarium has penguins, which is why I love it.
So I guess it will still be pretty cold even in another couple weeks, right?
I do plan on dressing in layers and have my scarf, gloves, windband (for my head) and down coat.
Anxious to see what that afternoon in Boston will bring me!
I live in Boston, and I love it! There's always things going on. I love walking on Newbury Street, as others have mentioned -- lots of people there and it's a great place to shop, or just to stop at a cafe and people watch! I also love the Fanueil Hall area. Great food to be found here, comedy clubs, street performers, etc. The T will take you anywhere you need to go. I'd go to mbta.com and check out their maps, then plan your afternoon so that if you plan on going to a couple of different places, you can have enough time.
It will probably be pretty cold when you're here. Although we've had an extremely mild winter so far, so who's to say? My guess is that it will be between 30-40.