8 Sure Signs of Springtime in the Hub
by Christine Celli and Marketa Hulpachova
| Budding trees and balmy winds are enough to rouse even the grumpiest Bostonian from hibernation. Temperatures are on the rise and winter-worn locals are shedding their coats and venturing out of their homes to savor the sun’s welcoming rays. As it thaws from winter lethargy, the Hub celebrates springtime by offering a wide range of outdoor activities. So head outside for a festival, baseball game, or a leisurely afternoon in the park. Here are a few ways to join in on all the fun. |
1
CATCH A SOX GAME
The Boys of Summer actually started their season in early April, and as
ecstatic Red Sox fans continue to celebrate the end of the hometown team’s
86-year championship draught, you’d better believe this city of rabid
sports enthusiasts will sell out storied Fenway Park for every single home
game. If you have trouble scoring tickets to a game while in the Hub, you
can still tour historic Fenway Park daily up until two hours before game
time. The history-steeped ballpark—the oldest active stadium in the Major
Leagues—is a must see for even the casual sports fan.
2
EXPLORE THE EMERALD NECKLACE
Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted did us Bostonians a huge favor
when he sought to create a ring of greenspaces around Boston. Because of
him, we have an abundance of parkland to explore when the weather is
right. The actual Necklace is comprised of six parks: the Back Bay Fens,
the Riverway, Olmsted Park, Jamaica Pond, Arnold Arboretum and Franklin
Park. They stretch five miles from the Charles River to Dorchester, and if
you’re up for it, the Boston Park Rangers will take you on a walk through
all six parks. Not to be missed, but not technically part of the Emerald
Necklace, is historic Boston Common and the Public Garden, the nation’s
first botanical garden.
3
EAT HOT DOGS AT CASTLE ISLAND
William J. Day Blvd., South Boston, 617-268-5744. This free,
family-friendly destination is perfect for spending a sunny
afternoon. Kids will love exploring Fort Independence or cavorting
on the playground, while the whole family can enjoy chowing down on
the famous hot dogs served at Sullivan’s Snack Bar. Dig in while
watching planes take off and land at Logan Airport across the
Harbor. Or make like a local by getting in some fishing while
basking in the afternoon sun.
4
EXPLORE THE CHARLES RIVER ESPLANADE
The Esplanade is perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities, including
kayaking, sailing and jogging. The picturesque, tree-lined asphalt paths
that run along the Charles River are especially great for bicycling. Try
renting a bike from Back Bay Bikes (366 Commonwealth Ave., 617-247-2336).
And if you’re curious about the secrets of the Esplanade’s most prominent
feature, you can take a tour of the DCR Hatch Shell on May 22 from 1–2
p.m. and see it up close.
5
SMELL THE LILACS
Garden enthusiasts will want to pay a visit to the Arnold Arboretum
in Jamaica Plain, which hosts its annual Lilac Sunday on May 15.
Established in 1872, the Arboretum includes plants and trees from
all over the world and its library houses a 40,000-volume herbarium
collection. In May, though, it’s all about the lilacs. Of the
thousands of flowering plants in the Arboretum, only the
sweet-smelling lilac is singled out every year for a day-long
celebration. Refreshments are available for purchase from 10 a.m.–4
p.m., Morris-style folk dancers perform, and picnicking is allowed
in the park the only day of the year. If that’s not enough to entice
you to pack a lunch and plan a day among the blossoms, there’s also
a terrific view of Boston from atop Peter’s or Bussey’s Hill.
6
CHALLENGE THE CHESS MASTER
Au Bon Pain, 1360 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge,
617-497-9797. Every May for more than two decades now, chess master and
Harvard dropout Murray Turnbull takes his place at the table nearest the
sidewalk in front of the Au Bon Pain in Harvard Square. For $2 a game, you
can attempt to checkmate him. We wish you luck, but our money’s on Murray.
7
CATCH A STREET PERFORMANCE
No one wants to be indoors on a nice day. So forego those big,
pre-summer blockbuster movies in favor of the talented street
performers who showcase their acts at Quincy Market and Harvard
Square. Expect to see anything from a magic show to choreographed
breakdancing routines, all for free—or for whatever you can toss in
their hats at the end of the show. Weekends are the best time to
catch a wide array of acts, but performers can usually be found any
day of the week.
8
CUT THROUGH THE CROSSING
Exploring the plethora of corner shops, department stores and
outdoor vendors that make up Downtown Crossing, a pedestrian mall in
the heart of Boston, is a warm weather must-do in the Hub. Treat
yourself to some fried dough while perusing the miscellaneous
products on display in the pushcarts, and don’t miss Downtown
Crossing’s Art and Culture Week, from May 10–14, a free annual
public event featuring live international music, glass blowing
tutorials, and historic walking tours.
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