Five Fantastic Free Things to do in Boston before Winter is Over!
Since it's finally cold out there, who really wants to brave a -12 wind chill? Not me. So bundle up and spend some quality time indoors, getting smarter, becoming more cultured and unwinding at the following spots. All of these venues are free of charge, which makes them all the better. Save your money for a nice dinner (to be discussed in Gudie's future blogs, of course).
In the meantime, spend some quality time with yourself or someone special at the following places...
- Browse the Bookstores: There are an array of awesome bookstores tucked into Boston's corners: quiet, chaotically organized, and time-losing. Literally: you will say to yourself, "Where have I been for three and a half hours? I missed my lunch date!" Check out these bookstores:
- Harvard Book Store (particularly the bargain basement) at 1256 Mass Ave. in Cambridge;
- Trident Booksellers (with a cafe to take a break) at 338 Newbury Street in Back Bay;
- Brookline and Wellesley Booksmiths at 279 Harvard St. in Coolidge Corner and in Wellesley Center (worth the ride out to the burbs) at 82 Central Street in Wellesley Center.
- Wine/Beer Tastings: Your best bet is to be a bit Boston-pushy, and approach smaller, independent wine cellars; the owners and managers will want to attract and keep your business as a loyal customer. Certainly go in with an openness to purchase a bottle, and ask if you could try a few samples before making a purchase. Hey - the ice cream shops allow it, right? If all else fails or you're not feeling daring, these are some advertised, free wine tastings:
- Best Cellars, in Coolidge Corner, Brookline (1327 Beacon St.) and Back Bay (745 Boylston St.);
- BLM Wine + Spirits, Brighton/Allston (1354 Comm. Ave.);
- Brix Wine Shop, South End (1284 Washington St.);
- Harpoon Brewery, South Boston Waterfront (306 Northern Avenue, South Boston);
- Boston Beer Company, Sam Adams Brewery (30 Germania Street, Jamaica Plain).
- Art Galleries: You needn't be intimidated by expensive art galleries on Newbury Street (although oftentimes Newbury Street galleries do have free tours); instead, check out these free museums in and around Boston. You'll be surprised about the hidden jems that exist in the city; you can impress your friends and wow dates with your secret hide-aways of culture in the city:
- Art Institute of Boston, 700 Beacon Street (Back Bay, Boston) and Porter Exchange Building (Porter Square, Cambridge);
- Commonwealth Museum, The Official Museum of Massachusetts History, 220 Morrissey Blvd., South Boston, adjacent to the JFK Museum and UMass Boston;
- John Singer Sargent Murals, at the Boston Public Library (corner of Dartmouth and Boylston Streets). Enter the BPL on Dartmouth St., adjacent to Copley Square;
- Boston University Art Gallery, 855 Comm Ave., Back Bay (on the B.U. Campus);
- Montserrat College of Art, in Beverly on the North Shore;
- Museum of Bad Art, Dedham Square in Dedham (just off Route 128).
- More Than Just Your Average History: Almost certainly you've walked the Freedom Trail. Feeling daring, you may have coughed up the buck or two to see the inside of the Old State House or the Old South Meeting House. Let's get real: save the buck or two for a coffee - it's cold out there! Try checking out some of these free, indoor stops if you are a history lover or want to become a buff:
- Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, located on the fourth floor of Fanueil Hall. Enter the hall at the back of the building, in the doors facing Quincy Market, not the Sam Adams statue;
- U.S.S. Constitution, located in Charlestown. If you have never had a tour, it is well worth the trip to Charlestown. If without vehicle, take the MBTA ferry to the Charlestown shipyard, which leaves in front of Long Wharf (Aquarium) every half hour and costs $1 each way. Be aware that there is a security clearance, so do not bring much with you;
- Official Massachusetts State House Tour, corner of Beacon and Bowdoin Streets on Beacon Hill. You can take the guided or self-guided tours. Guided tours require reservations; self-guided tours do not;
- Old North Church, also known as the Christ Church in Boston, where Paul Revere's ride was made famous. The working church is also a museum and gift shop with free tours; located in the North End;
- http://www.nps.gov/archive/bost/Bunker_Hill.htm">Bunker Hill Monument, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the city if you successfully climb the 294 steps to the top - located in Charlestown;
- African-American Meeting House, 46 Joy Street, Beacon Hill (it is a free museum, but there is a suggested donation of $5).
- Making Music: While there are plenty of expensive venues in which one can listen to music in Boston, there are also a huge number of free venues to hear some sweet tunes. Some are new, some are old, some are mild, some are bold:
- Boston Conservatory, Fenway. Most shows are free, but check beforehand. Yes, this is the school of American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee. Obviously there must be some good stuff here;
- Wally's Cafe, located on Mass Ave. in the South End. Awesome, live jazz music, easily accessible by the T, and no cover charge. What more could you want? And - music is performed 365 days a year!
- Boston College Music Department, located on the main campus in Chestnut Hill, puts on a several excellent, free shows in a variety of genres. Check for updates.
Keep your eyes peeled for my next update about life and culture in Boston - and forward this website to your friends!
