Valerie & Laks
Things To Do
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The site of one of the most famous (and unsolved) art heists in history, the ISG is always worth a visit. Their summer exhibition is Ming Faye, who does incredible sculptures of fruits and vegetables to celebrate a sumptuous garden which Laks and Val also hope to celebrate in their own backyard! https://www.gardnermuseum.org/ming-fay-exhibition
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
We are frequent visitors at the MFA! Whether it's seeing a film at the theater, grabing a bite at the cafe, or wandering the halls after work on one of their free Thursday events, it's one of our favorite places to spend an evening. There's a Van Gogh exhibit on offer over our wedding weekend that should be worth a look! https://www.mfa.org/
Institute of Contemporary Art
Jutting out over the harbor, the ICA is a perfect way to cap off a day of exploring around historic Boston, if you don't mind making the trip to the Seaport district. We've gone many times, mostly on a free Thursday. There's always something new and thought provoking - a buried treasure or an obscure subject matter being explored. Don't miss the view from the 4th floor!
Middle East Restaurant and Club
The Middle East is an incredible group of small concert venues in Cambridge, all within the same block. Whether you're looking for alt math rock, a goth show, DJ and dancing, or an intimate indie show, the Middle East is a hub for Boston live music. There's an eclectic lineup over our wedding weekend, check it out here: https://mideastclub.com/calendar/
Dorchester Brewing Company
Not only does it have amazing beer brewed on-site, there's an arcade, ski ball, roof deck, and bbq place with AMAZING vegan bbq and the best cajun fries we've ever had. Say it like the locals - Dot Brewery!
Tres Gatos
We went to tres gatos on our first date! This tapas place is also a super cool record shop and bookstore. We've purchased many a gift for friends and family here *cough*megananderik*cough*
Via Cannuccia
Via Cannucia is a Dorchester neighborhood gem, within walking distance to our home! Not only is it a highly acclaimed italian restaurant, on weekends they offer a gorgeous spread of the BEST breads and pastries. We're frequent visitors for a quick after work drink or a sunday morning splurge.
Grasshopper Vegan Restaurant
Located in a food court of an asian grocery store in Allston, Grasshopper is 100% Vegan, and 100% Laks' comfort spot. He was a frequent visitor when he lived just a short bike ride away in Brighton, and it remains one of our favorite stops whenever we're in the area.
Hobgoblin
True story - Laks and Val wandered into hobgoblin one night with a trumpet wrapped in a CVS bag. The drinks are stunning, the ambiance is chic, and the location can't be beat if you need a place to stumble into after a day of sight seeing downtown!
haley.henry
Amazing wine bar with some truly yummy snacks where Laks and Val are frequent visitors.
The Brattle Theatre
The Brattle is an independent theater in Boston where Laks and Val have spent hundreds of hours discovering hidden gems or watching classics while snuggled in the back with a beer and a popcorn. It's the home of several film festivals and a true gem for cinema buffs.
Coolidge Corner Theatre
Val and Laks have spent so many hours seeing films at the Coolidge! It's an independent theater with a lot of style and heart. We definitely recommend checking it out, and grabbing a vegan meal at PLNT Burger right next door before the show!
Veggie Galaxy
Meat lovers won't realize they're at a vegetarian diner until they're done with they're steak sub and have moved onto their vegan cake. This is truly one of the best (and only) diner spots in Boston!
The Haven
Long time one of Val's favorite places, she continues to assert that the Haven has the absolute best burger in all of boston (Sam Heughan agrees https://thehavenjp.com/2020/05/burger-vibes-jacobite/). It also happens to be where Laks took Val to tell her he loved her for the first time (AWWWWW)
Samuel Adams Boston Brewery - Jamaica Plain
Book a tour or just head to the tap room for some great pours and a pretzel!
Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe
INCREDIBLE hand-pulled noodles, full stop. Great for a quick bite downtown, optimal for taking to the boston common to sit and enjoy. Options for Vegans and non!
Yvonne's
We had one of our first dates here, and fell in love over an elephant-shaped teapot filled with a lapsang cocktail. A cozy, romantic speakeasy with amazing bites. Great for a date downtown!
My Thai Vegan Cafe
Fully vegan Thai and Asian cuisine in the heart of downtown, PLUS it feels like you're entering an escape room when you go to the restaurant! But don't let the shady-looking approach fool you - once inside, you'll be treated to an amazing, comfort food experience. Perfect after a big night out.
Boston Athenaeum
Val briefly had a membership at this iconic library and would spend her lunch breaks among its shelves, journaling or pulling a random book off the shelf and seeing where it took her. Laks has a deep love and respect for the tomes on its shelf as well, and both would recommend experiencing its beauty firsthand.
Boston Public Library - Central Library
The BPL is world-famous for a reason! Enjoy wandering rows of books, visit the Maparium, or stop in for a cream tea in the beautiful tearoom.
Public Garden
The public garden and the adjoining Boston Common is fun and beautiful for everyone! Enjoy the swan boats, visit the frog pond, ride on the carousel, and stroll through the beautiful grounds.
Boston Esplanade
The Charles River Esplanade is great for jogging, biking, playgrounds and splashpads, and boating. Take in the beautiful view of sailboats and skyline!
Jamaica Pond
Jamaica Pond is very near and dear to Val. Enjoy a stroll around the 1.5 mile loop, or stray off path and explore the other beauties the Emerald Necklace has to offer. You could walk all the way to Fenway Park if you really wanted to!
LULU GREEN
A new find for Laks and Val, Lulu green is an incredible all-vegan cafe. Perfect for date night!
Time Out Market Boston
Donuts, beer garden, delicious vegan fare, and steps away from Fenway Park, Time Out Market is a frequent stop for us when meeting friends after work!
FoMu
Vegan ice cream and treats! Also amazing GF options. Our favorite spot for a spontaneous ice cream and stroll through Boston's beautiful South End.
Club Passim
A hidden gem in Boston's music scene, Club Passim hosts mainly indie, folk. local and world artists. It's a charming cafe and venue where we've spent many nights hearing truly wonderful music.
Blossom Bar at Sichuan Garden
One of our absolute favorite spots for amazing Sichuan food and drinks. The best cocktail menu in Boston!