Brooke Douglass, M.A./M.S.W. '25, shares a description of her favorite things to do in and around Boston.
- Published on May 15, 2024
A Perfect Day in Boston... according to Brooke Douglass
Any perfect day in Boston starts with Dunks. There's no other way! Before I leave my apartment in Brighton, I grab my backpack, a book, and a snack, and head out to the nearest Dunkin so that I can have my morning coffee (liquid dessert) on the T. Usually I get off the train at Copley and enjoy the exciting things Copley Square has to offer. I'll either take a walk around the Prudential Center (where there is an adoration chapel!), or walk around the Boston Public Library (which is absolutely gorgeous!). There's lots of food spots around there, too, so sometimes I'll grab a bite to eat before heading to my next destination: Boston Public Garden!
I don't care what New Yorkers have to say about the Public Garden. Is it as big as Central Park? No. But it is just as beautiful! I love walking around and watching people enjoy the weather, play games, walk their dogs, play instruments, and chase geese... it's enough to entertain me all day! Even better is the $4 swan boat rides you can take around the pond to see the garden from a new perspective. All of this excitement takes place under the shade of beautiful willows, and alongside flowers and bridges connecting one side of the garden to the other side of the pond. It is magic! And a great spot to do some reading for class.
Boston Public Garden
After I leave the Public Garden, I like to walk through Boston Common for some people watching until I have to make a decision: do I make my way down to the North End, or do I walk north to head towards Cambridge? Time to weigh the pros and cons:
North End:
- Italian food (and desserts like Mike's Pastries)
- Faneuil Hall (cool historic stuff)
- Quincy Market (wicket good food)
- New England Aquarium: The harbor seals live in a tank outside and perform tricks at 11:30 & 3:30! Cute and free entertainment.
Quincy Market at Christmas Time
Moving towards Cambridge:
- If you head to Cambridge from Boston Common, you can cross over Longfellow Bridge, which has the most spectacular views of the Boston skyline. Seriously, the first time I walked this bridge it took my breath away. You can also watch sailors taking off from the Esplanade or see the university rowing teams hard at work!
- Once you get off Longfellow Bridge, you can enjoy a beautiful walk down the Charles River, passing MIT and onward toward Harvard Square.
- Once you get to Harvard Square, there is so much to do! There is more delicious food to try, including gourmet donuts, fresh coffee, and oysters! There are plenty of places to shop, including the Harvard Bookstore which probably sells any book you could want. If you just want to chill, Harvard and the surrounding area has a bunch of green space that is perfect for resting and taking it all in.
These are my go-to spots when I am using public transportation. However, when I have access to a car, there are a few more spots I like to add to the list!
When I feel like hiking but don't have time to drive to New Hampshire, I go to the Blue Hills Reservation with my friends where you can find some great trails. Considering this spot is only 25-30 minutes outside of the city, the views are amazing, and you can see all of Boston! There is also a lake and some other amenities; a great spot to spend an afternoon.
If I am looking for less hiking and more walking with equally beautiful views, I'll go to the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. When I need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, this botanical garden makes me feel like I have been transported into another universe. This is another spot where I love to bring a book or have a picnic with friends. Running and biking are also popular activities at the Arboretum! You can get here via public transportation, too, it just takes a while.
A walk through the Arboretum
After spending the day outside, I love to head to Fenway with my friends to go dancing at Loretta's or catch a Red Sox game- the atmosphere is the perfect way to finish the day.
No matter how you choose to spend your day in Boston or where you choose to go, every moment will be special thanks to the city's unique history, landscape, and spirit!
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