Where to next, Boston?

August 30, 2010 11:13 AM

Romantic or inspiring experiences in or around Boston?

My partner has recently relocated to Boston to go to school, and we're looking forward to spending some time exploring the area. The journey itself is more important than the destination; I'd like to find the long walks or short train trips, and simple pleasures that will be the most charming to two resident aliens.

We've already explored Salem, both on- and off-season (and really enjoyed it).

posted by hermitosis to Travel & Transportation around Boston, MA (28 answers total)

I found a whale watching trip from Boston inspiring.
posted by Fiery Jack at 11:15 AM on August 30, 2010

My husband and I had a wonderful time driving slowly in Cape Cod, doing a little beach strolling, and eating boiled lobster at a shack restaurant.

A very different but very cool thing to do is visit Plymouth Plantation, spend some time chatting with the "residents," and check out the town. Also worth an outing if you are history buffs like us is a day visiting Lexington and Concord.
posted by bearwife at 11:20 AM on August 30, 2010 [1 favorite]

Wander around Cambridge in the fall. The area just northwest of Harvard Square is full of beautiful old mansions, cobblestones, etc. My old neighborhood in Cambridge (Riverside) is less fancy, but still really charming, especially if you like interesting home architecture (the stretch of Franklin Street between Putnam and Western is great and very Cambridge). Walk up and down the Charles and cross bridges. When it's 50 degrees and sunny and the foliage is all flashy and you're wearing a wool coat and carrying a coffee, it's the perfect way to spend an afternoon.


I miss Cambridge
posted by oinopaponton at 11:20 AM on August 30, 2010

Mount Auburn Cemetery is totall gorgeous this time of year, and the upcoming month, and is a great place to take a walk and climb the tower and see the city. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I think you'd like it. Easily accessible by public transportation. Lowell is an interesting train trip outside of the city, nice scenery to view when you're on your way and some interesting history [mill town sorts of things] and a very walkable and very New England place. Also accessible on public transportation.
posted by jessamyn at 11:21 AM on August 30, 2010 [2 favorites]

Walden Pond.

A walk through the common and Downtown Crossing, or a walk through the North End, along the water.
posted by Lutoslawski at 11:21 AM on August 30, 2010

Yes, definitely Mount Auburn! How did I forget that? Just make sure to go on a dry day, because it can get muddy and slippery.
posted by oinopaponton at 11:23 AM on August 30, 2010

A nice, long bike ride along the Charles is highly recommended. It really is so charming and beautiful.

I am originally from California. I moved here in 2005 (although I did move back to LA for a few of those years) I'm back now, and I'm still exploring.

I don't know if you're into cultural oddities, but I love this website, and New England is a treasure trove of weird little things to check out.
posted by pazazygeek at 11:24 AM on August 30, 2010

Take a blanket down to Castle Island in South Boston and watch the boats!
posted by floweredfish at 11:26 AM on August 30, 2010

The Boston Harbor Islands are great -- there's a $14 round trip ferry out to Georges Island, which is pretty crowded but has a big spooky fort to explore, and then there's a $3 round trip ferry from there to all the other islands, which are more quiet and gorgeous. We just camped overnight at Grape Island, made a fire down by the beach and watched the sunset over the Boston skyline, and there was no one else on that whole side of the island. The next day the rangers offered a free edible plant tour and a free kayak tour. Camping is going to be tough to reserve this time of year, but even the day trips have a lot to offer.

The Arnold Arboretum is also nice, in a walk-around-the-park way.
posted by jhc at 11:28 AM on August 30, 2010 [2 favorites]

Thirding Mount Auburn Cemetery and seconding Walden Pond - two of my fave places here.

Less about the journey than the destination: drinks and dessert at sunset at the top of the Prudential tower for a killer view.
posted by Dragonness at 11:30 AM on August 30, 2010

Did you know you can walk through the whole Emerald Necklace? It's about 8-10 miles, depending on your route.

My ladyfriend and I are saving that one for the first crisp fall Saturday.
posted by Aizkolari at 11:31 AM on August 30, 2010

If you have a car you can drive out to Concord and rent a canoe. From there you can paddle down to the Old North Bridge have have a picnic. Very inspiring to see where the first battles of the American Revolution were fought.

Paddling a river in the fall is one of the greatest things you can do in New England, in my opinion. You can rent canoes along the Charles as well but I don't think it's as scenic.
posted by bondcliff at 11:32 AM on August 30, 2010

I never really found Boston to be romantic - but maybe that's just me.
For romatic outings, I usually left the city.
I guess I find romance wherever... as just walking around the city is fine with me.


Anyway, some of the romatic stuff I have done include:

-dinner/drinks/coffee walk around Davis Square.
-making out on the platform area of the stairs of the library @ Harvard
-hanging out in the Boston Gardens and walking around.
-Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

-taking the China Town bus to NYC
-taking the bus/zip car to Cape Cod
-taking a Zip Car to Concord
-Taking a Zip Car to DeCordova Sculpture Park in Lincoln, MA

People say the North End is great for Romance. Especially if you like (expensive and sometimes 'somewhat' expensive Italian food and bakeries). I personally didn't care for that part of Boston.
posted by KogeLiz at 11:34 AM on August 30, 2010

Take the commuter rail out to Rockport! It's not a long walk from the train station to Bearskin Neck, where there are lots of cute restaurants and shops, and a lovely view of the water.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 11:36 AM on August 30, 2010 [1 favorite]

Also, as the other commenters, I also had a good time at Walden Pond. There's an average hiking trail that is pretty cool.
posted by KogeLiz at 11:36 AM on August 30, 2010 [1 favorite]

If you go to the Mount Auburn Cemetery, DEFINITELY check out Sofra, a new-ish bakery and cafe near there. Somewhat limited hours, but seriously, so good. Pick up a coffee and a coconut macaroon or a piece of za'atar focaccia.
posted by teragram at 11:38 AM on August 30, 2010 [1 favorite]

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Oh yeah, consider this integral research location for "Meet the Lady" This woman was a piece of work and the house museum is really interesting with neat things to look at and a fascinating backstory about the largest art theft in history. Tell your partner to get a local public library card and you can get discount passes to ISG plus a bunch of other places in the area which might be fun to see. [Boston, Cambridge]
posted by jessamyn at 11:41 AM on August 30, 2010 [3 favorites]

I've kayaked on the Charles to get from the Science Museum to Newbury Street/The Commons. It was a nice way to travel and when we paddled home after dark it was pretty romantic.
posted by radioaction at 11:45 AM on August 30, 2010 [1 favorite]

You MUST MUST MUST go to the Weeks Footbridge on a starry night and make out with each other. Best if it's just chilly enough to make you want to hold each other closer. Even better if you come with a pint of ice cream from Herrell's and two spoons.
posted by ocherdraco at 11:54 AM on August 30, 2010 [2 favorites]

First, definitely search here because there's been loads of questions like this with great answers.

Second, here's a quick list:

* Walk along Memorial Drive on a Sunday (the street is closed to cars). Walk into Harvard Square + get coffee at Crema Cafe.
* Take a ferry to one of the Harbor Islands. I just did a lighthouse tour and it's always really stunning to head out in the harbor with Boston behind you.
* Ditto on Mt Auburn Cemetery. Afterward go over to East Watertown + wander into Armenian markets.
* Walk around the Arnold Arboretum in JP and then have a beer at Doyle's, the Behan or James' Gate. If it's chilly James' Gate will have a fire going which is just the best.
* Use Provincetown.com to find a last minute room, take the ferry there on a Fri for the gallery walk, have a drink at the Mews as the sun sets, climb to the top of the Pilgrim Monument and see the amazing views, and eat a slice at Spiritus.
* Lastly, when it gets more fall-like drive down Route 2 and stop at the farms for pumpkins, hot cider and homemade donuts.

Have fun!
posted by jdl at 11:57 AM on August 30, 2010

I've become really fond of the Arboretum.
posted by rmd1023 at 12:11 PM on August 30, 2010

There's no finer stroll in Massachusetts than the Grand Allee at the Crane Estate.
posted by Horace Rumpole at 12:21 PM on August 30, 2010

Also! If neither of you are zipcar members yet, check to see if your partner's school has a deal with them. I signed up with zipcar through my school 5 or so years ago, and my yearly fee is $25, since I'm still charged at the discounted rate.
posted by ocherdraco at 12:38 PM on August 30, 2010

People say the North End is great for Romance. Especially if you like (expensive and sometimes 'somewhat' expensive Italian food and bakeries). I personally didn't care for that part of Boston.

What I found "inspiring" about the North End was learning about the many hundreds of years worth of history that took place in such a small area. Reading and learning about the people who lived there was inspiring and humbling.
posted by mmascolino at 3:06 PM on August 30, 2010

Forest hills cemetery, ideally with some snacks picked up at Canto6 before you go. The cemetery is not only beautiful but the trust that runs it has various collaborations with artists so among the graves are art installations. ee Cummings is buried there as is Anne Sexton and various other historical figures. Ten Tables is a great resturaunt in JP so you could make a whole day of it (but you must make reservation at Ten Tables because as the name implies there are only ten tables!)

I also love the some what new water front walk, I think you can go from near the north end and end up right near the ICA.
posted by momochan at 3:50 PM on August 30, 2010 [1 favorite]

Walden Pond is gorgeous and is even better if you start the trip somewhere along the Minuteman Trail, which is gorgeous either as a walk or bike ride. By the time you get to Walden you're in perfect condition to jump in the pond. The trail is accessible at its far (from Walden) end by T.
posted by range at 6:59 PM on August 30, 2010

Nthing the Boston Harbor Islands, including my favorite, Boston Light, the oldest lighthouse station in America.

Also renting a canoe or kayak at any of the three Charles River Canoe and Kayak locations.

The Isabella Stuart Gardner and the MFA are both amazing.

Castle Island and the Southie beaches are neat, as is the Harborwalk downtown, and the Rose Kennedy Greenway, and walking from the Common up Commonwealth in the Back Bay.

I recently went on a couple of roadtrips out to the Berkshires, including MassMoCA and The Clark Museum, and the trip is gorgeous, and the destinations neat.

If you like foodie explorations, you should get up to the Clam Box in Ipswich, then explore the area, including Crane Beach mentioned above.

Man, this is such a fascinating, gorgeous, and fun area!
posted by ldthomps at 7:24 PM on August 30, 2010

I explored World's End this weekend. It was nice to walk along the shoreline at low tide. Check out the list of reservations on that site for other ideas.
posted by healthytext at 12:55 PM on September 7, 2010