Matt & Beth
Things To Do
Art Museums
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston During her first stint in Boston, Beth worked at the MFA. What a dream. To this day, the MFA's collection holds a special place in her heart. You can't go wrong exploring its galleries for yourself, but do stop in the Japanese Temple Room for a dose of pure peace. But wait, don't neglect the other magnificent and complementary museums: the ICA, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Harvard Art Museum. An embarrassment of riches, really. Including the Museum of Bad Art in the Somerville Theater basement. Whatever floats your boat.
Nature
Whales Boston Harbor Cruises's whale watching tours leave several times a day out of the Harbor. The trip never disappoints: three hours on the water, fresh salty air, whales!, a great view of Boston upon return. On hot summer days, the tours book up so do get tickets in advance. Trees The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University (est. 1872) is a one of the best preserved of Frederick Law Olmsted’s landscapes. It's also a short walk from Matt and Beth's home in Jamaica Plain ... a modest 281-acre backyard. Parks The Public Garden and Boston Common is a green oasis between Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and Chinatown. Nature-watching highlights include scrappy city squirrels pilfering the garbage cans and an equally scrappy set of humans. If you're in the area in the evening, stick around to catch free Shakespeare in the Common 8pm (Tuesday-Saturday) and 7pm on Sunday.
Food
The North End Boston's Little Italy. Too many good restaurants to list, but we'll try ... Trattoria Il Panino, Carmelina's, Monica's, The Daily Catch, and as for post-pasta sweets, go for Modern Pastry. Mike's Pastry is a tourist trap. Haymarket stop on the Green Line. Jamaica Plain If you've got a hankering for Scottish fare/drinks/owner, try The Haven. Blue Nile offers some delicious Ethiopian dishes to eat with your hands. Brassica offers wonderful small plate options right nearby. If you can brave the line, Exodus Bagels has some quick breakfast options. Ice Cream Christina's, Toscanini's, Honeycomb Creamery, JP Licks, Gracies.