As a native Bostonian, I am often asked, “Where are the cool places to hang?” and “What are the fun things to do?” In the spirit of service, I offer this advice about how to pop out of the Kennedy School bubble and serve yourself all that Boston and New England have to offer. Let’s start with 5 must-do-activities for fall:
1. Check out the Boston Symphony Orchestra – Their 131st season opened on September 22nd and will run through May 2013. A short ride on the #1 bus down Massachusetts Avenue, Symphony Hall is an aesthetic and acoustic marvel. A $25 College Card is cheaper than 3 rush seats, and will get you free access to many BSO concerts. www.bso.org
2. Go apple picking – Autumn, in my childhood, meant quarter-peck bags of Empires, Macintoshes and Roxbury Russets. Round up your family or friends and head to a pick-your-own orchard, preferably one featuring hayrides. For authenticity’s sake, wait for sweater weather so you can warm up with mulled cider afterward. www.mass.gov/agr/massgrown/apple_pyo.htm
3. Go leaf-peeping – New England is legendary for its fall color metamorphosis as the trees lose their leaves for the winter. Harvard’s own Arnold Arboretum is my favorite T-accessible foliage spot, but most opt for a jaunt through the countryside. I recommend driving Route 2 in Massachusetts and Route 100 in Vermont. Peak leaf season travels south along with the cold, so check out the Northern states first.
4. Celebrate Halloween in Salem – Salem is best known for its 1690’s Witch Trials, and their annual Halloween celebrations do nothing to play down that history. Go early to see historical sites, museums, and actual witches. Then, dance the night away at one of the clubs or parties scattered throughout the city. The commuter rail runs extra trains if you can’t find a designated driver. www.hauntedhappenings.org
5. See a Harvard football game – On Nov. 17, Harvard Stadium will host the 129th version of “The Game” – the annual Harvard & Yale (American) football match well-known for its elaborate pranks and tailgate parties. This event is not quite out of the bubble; however, it’s so good, it’s worth staying in the bubble for! Even if you can’t make it to The Game, be sure to spend at least one crisp Saturday afternoon showing your Crimson pride. www.gocrimson.com