By: Kary McCafferty
The rolling hills and cow farms of Durham, N.H. are pretty enticing; however the occasional change of scenery is a must. Traveling to the bustling city of Boston for a day trip offers up an array of options for day and night. While it may appear a sure way to burn a hole in your already dwindling college student pocket, there are plenty of cheaper ways to enjoy the city.
Things to do-Day:
MIT’s List Gallery
(20 Ames Street, Cambridge)
Rotating exhibits are available for free at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s List Gallery, designed by alumnus I.M. Pei. A collection of contemporary art and sculptures is also free for viewing along the Charles River. A self-guided tour can be found for the outdoor exhibit at the List Gallery. The site is open 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Tuesday-Wednesday and Friday-Sunday and 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Thursday.
AXIOM
(141 Green Street, Jamaica Plain)
The AXIOM Center for New and Experimental Media has found its unique home at the Green Street station on the MBTA’s orange line. AXIOM features sculptures, installations, and live performances with a particular interest in technology. Unlike some of Boston’s bigger name galleries, AXIOM is free. During exhibitions the location is open 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday and 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Harpoon Brewey
(306 Northern Avenue, Boston)
Like beer? How about free beer? Then try out the Harpoon Brewery for one of their daily tastings or weekend tours. Learn about the brand and enjoy a few two-ounce samples of the IPA for a free buzz.
BosTix
(Copley Square and Faneuil Hall, Boston)
Care to take in a show while visiting the big city? Visit one of BosTix’s two booths for ½ off day of show tickets to Broadway shows, Improv Asylum performances, and the Blue Man Group. BosTix also sells passes to attractions like the New England Aquarium and Boston Duck Tours. The price is the same but you can avoid box office lines this way.
Sowa Vintage Market
(460c Harrison Ave., South End. Parking is available at 540 Harrison Ave.)
Boston’s weekly destination for antiques, vintage, collectibles, art and other bric-a-brac, Sowa Vintage Market is a hidden gem for thrifty visitors. If great secondhand finds aren’t your thing maybe the sangria, mimosas and pie will entice you. The market is open every Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and first Fridays 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. monthly.
Nightlife:
The Pill (at Great Scott)
(1222 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston)
Every Friday night, dive bar Great Scott turns into a 21+ dance party for hipsters and British pop lovers everywhere. The Pill has been running its dance nights every Friday in Allston since 1997. If you’re in the mood to kick back with a drink and listen to some music from jolly old England, then definitely make Great Scott a stop on your trip.
Brighton Music Hall
(158 Brighton Avenue, Allston)
If taking in a concert suits your fancy check out the Brighton Music Hall. The venue features an array of musical groups from lesser-known to mainstream. Shows are offered most nights of the week with upcoming acts like Oberhofer, The Wedding Present and Cloud Nothings.
The Phoenix Landing
(512 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge)
Find yourself in Boston on a Thursday night? Try journeying to Cambridge for an evening of underground electronic music courtesy of the Elements crew. This Drum’n’Bass night brings a slew of DJs from around the world. The evenings typically get going around 10:30, but arrive before 9:30 and avoid paying a cover charge. Ages 19+ are welcome.
Where to Eat:
Sweet Caroline’s
(1260 Boylston St. in the Fenway, Boston)
One of Fenway’s newest restaurants in a growing row of hot nightspots, the space is just as unforgettable as the food. The restaurant’s main focal piece is a vertical garden, with greenery creeping up the wall. The menu is full of comfort food classics, with specialties like Sweet Caroline’s “two handed burgers” featuring 9 oz. of Angus beef with a number of variations, how can you go wrong? The establishment also has Trivia on Tuesday’s and is open Sunday-Wednesday 11:00 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Thursday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Saus Boston
(33 Union Street, Boston)
This Belgian-American fusion café provides Belgian style fries with various dipping sauces like curry ketchup and bacon parmesan. Belgian waffles, standard salads, sandwiches and Poutine-fries topped with gravy and cheddar cheese curds-rounds out the menu. Saus Boston is open until 8 p.m. Sundays, 10 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays, 12 a.m. on Thursdays and 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Gourmet Dumpling House
(52 Beach Street, Boston)
While the restaurant’s small facilities typically makes for a long line, the wait is worth it. Gourmet Dumpling House offers a wide variety with dumplings being their main selling point. Dumplings vary from pork, vegetarian steamed, and chicken with cabbage options. The dumpling house is open daily until 1 a.m.
Otto Pizza
(1432 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge)
Located in Harvard Square, this quirky take on a pizza joint serves up slices loaded with mashed potatoes, cranberries, white beans and pulled pork-besides the standards: cheese and pepperoni. Otto Pizza also stays open until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays-Sunday through Thursday it’s open until 11 p.m.
