Our good friend and Team HLB member Elizabeth, of On Tap for Today, is back to share some more insight on Boston and the surrounding area. [If you haven’t yet read about getting around Boston & Cambridge: DO IT!] We are oh-so thankful to have this wonderful woman on our planning team as our eyes and ears in Boston. She’s been putting in some MAJOR work helping to organize our Friday night cocktail party and answering every single question we throw her way about her beloved home. If you want even more knowledge on Boston and South Boston, she’s got you covered over at On Tap for Today! And feel free to holler at her via tweets at @elizabethev. Without further ado, here’s Elizabeth!
One of my favorite things about attending events outside of Boston is the opportunity to explore and experience an unfamiliar city or town. I’ve gotten quite good at sneaking in small adventures before flights home, like the time I spent 45 minutes at a Civil War battlefield in a suit, a plane ticket in one hand and a carry on bag in the other. At last year’s Healthy Living Summit, I made use of a quick break in the schedule to browse the farmers’ market at Rittenhouse Square and woke up early enough to run the Rocky Steps not once, but twice. Oh, and if you think I drove through the state of Delaware two summers ago without stopping at their "most famous waterpark," you’re sorely mistaken.
If you’re joining us at the 2012 Healthy Living Summit this summer, I encourage you to take some time to experience a little of what Cambridge and Boston have to offer. Do a bit of research ahead of time, make a list, and be sure to check off one or two items before you head home.
A few suggestions to get you started:
Make way for Clarklings
History buffs (and avid Instagram-ers) will delight in all that Boston and Cambridge have to offer. From trolley tours to the Freedom Trail, historic landmarks and beautiful architecture, there is plenty to see and do. Two fun options to consider:
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Boston Duck Tours take passengers on WWII amphibious vehicles for a land and water tour of the city. They cover quite a bit of ground and and offer unmatched views. Plus, they’re a lot of fun.
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City Running Tours hosts, welp… running tours. They host several social tours each weekend, in various neighborhoods. During the week of Healthy Living Summit, it looks like they have several great options (please check their website to confirm):
If you’d prefer to grab a friend or two and chart your own course, you may want to check out Hubway, Boston’s bike sharing program. Celebrating its first birthday this summer, Hubway has stations located throughout Boston, with bikes available to both members and casual users for short trips. Your first half hour is free, which is great for making a quick trip from one station to the next. Not leaving until Sunday night? One of my favorite ways to spend a Sunday afternoon in Boston is wandering through the SOWA Open Market in the city’s South End (Directions: Take the MBTA Red Line from Kendall Square to Broadway, cross the Broadway bridge and turn left, look for the parking lot full on tents on Harrison Avenue).
[Image source; illustration by Nate Williams]
From jewelry, ceramics, clothing, and art to food trucks, a farmers’ market and an indoor vintage market, there truly is something for everyone. The market is open 10 am – 4 pm and is a quick T or cab ride away from South Station (for Amtrak trains or Silver Line transfers to the airport), making it the perfect spot before heading home.
With the Hyatt Regency, HLS’ home for 2012, facing the Charles River, a little fun on the water is just steps away. If you’re fitting in a (long or short) run over the course of the weekend, the river has plenty of paths and provides scenic views. This is a very safe place to run during the daylight, with friends. (You know my motto: Safety first, fun second.) The river separates Cambridge and Boston, and bridges such as the Longfellow and Mass. Ave. bridges make it easy to loop from one side to the other. For pre-planned routes from local runners, I recommend searching Map My Run.
For the more adventurous among us, Charles River Canoe and Kayak (their Kendall Square location is closest to the hotel) provides canoe and kayak rentals, as well as stand-up paddleboard lessons and rentals. Looking for other opportunities to fit in fitness over the weekend? Boston Moves for Health, an initiative of Mayor Thomas M. Menino, provides a great offering of free and reduced cost fitness classes, ranging from yoga to bootcamp. Whether you’re looking for a great restaurant for Saturday night, a bit of shopping, a scenic spot to blog, or a mini-adventure, I promise you that our fair city will not disappoint.
What are you most looking forward to doing while in Cambridge and Boston? Locals, leave your best tips here!
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How/where do I find that Clarkling…
Haha! He fancies himself the Mayor of South Boston. We may be able to arrange an appearance over the course of the weekend.
Anyone else interested in the 8/16 (Thursday) – Beacon Hill/Back Bay 5K Run at 11 am?
My biggest tip is to make sure you allow yourself extra time getting anywhere by T. The T system is notorious for breaking down, being delayed, etc. Give yourself extra time for those delays. Boston gets busy in the summertime with tourists so plan ahead.
Also, for the fashionistas – head to Newbury St. in the Back Bay. It’s the place to see and be seen in the summer in Boston.
Would love to tryout a city running tour, sounds like a lot of fun.
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