We find ourselves at this all-too-familiar moment of the year. The fall semester has come to an end, and as our stress level finally dwindles down, we can enjoy what Boston has to offer during this intermediate break. As karma would have it, winter is a stark contrast to the beautiful summer. But don’t fret. Boston has so much to offer even on the snowiest of nights. So take a break from that back-aching shoveling and have a wintery thrill this year.
Ice Skate at Frog Pond
Perhaps the most popular activity every winter is skating on America’s oldest public park’s ice skating rink. It’s the place to be if you’re training for the Winter Olympics, or just want to skate with some friends or that special someone. Prices this season are budget-friendly at $4 per person, and free if you’re under 13 years of age. Skate rentals are $8; $5 if you’re under 13.
Ski at Blue Hills
You don’t have to trek far for a decent skiing experience. A mere 20 miles from downtown Boston is the Blue Hills Ski Area in Canton. Fill your ski-craving any day of the week, including holidays. Rates run from $18 on Monday through Friday, to $24 on weekends and holidays. Well worth the trip, if I do say so myself.
Good old-fashioned sledding
Okay, so you don’t know how to ice-skate or ski. Grab a sled or use a makeshift trash-can lid and slide down one of Boston’s many hills. Just make sure you beware of incoming traffic, and wear proper safety equipment. I am not responsible for any freak accidents!
Art at Boston Public Libraries
The semester may be over, but you can still satisfy your restless mind and curiosity with local art. Head to the Western End Branch and see “Faces in Massachusetts,” Matt Kniva Spencer’s black-and-white photography exhibit about life in Massachusetts. If you’re looking for something more colorful, try the South Boston Branch and see Deb Putnam’s evocative paintings. Both exhibits are free and run through Jan. 31, 2012.
Concerts at the House of Blues
Beat the post-holiday blues at the House of Blues. Concerts this winter include Epic Saturdays (Dec. 17 and 24), The Roots (Dec. 26), Clutch (Dec. 27) and Adam Carolla (Jan. 20). Tickets are on sale now and range from around $20 to $25.
Practice astronomy night and stargaze
Stargazing doesn’t have to be geeky; it can be very romantic. Trust me. Boston University hosts a public, free astronomy night every Wednesday night. Harvard’s is held monthly starting in January. You could also hit up the Museum of Science’s Gilliland Observatory, which is equipped with a powerful computer-controlled telescope and employees who happily give crash courses in astronomy.
‘Tis the season for hot chocolate
It’s the perfect time of the year to treat yourself to some of Boston’s hot offerings. Skip those nonsense franchises. From Cafe Vittoria to Simon’s Coffee Shop, there’s a specialty drink for everyone. Life is like a cup of hot chocolate-wait, that’s not how this quote went…
Drink beer
Screw hot chocolate! It’s beer all year round, baby. And when I mean round, I mean round like your beer gut. Nevertheless, Boston is home to two breweries and their amazing tours. Sam Adams has their brewing process down to a science… and the tour is free! Harpoon’s tour costs only $5 and you’ll receive a keepsake glass and generous pours. If you’re under 21 years of age, though, it’s hot chocolate for you.
First Night
Even in the blistering, frigid northeast winter, the best way to experience Boston is on foot. Just wear some mittens. The First Night festival is a day-long, multi-venue New Year’s Eve tradition that includes lots of a cappella music, dancing of the Irish, Chinese and hip-hop varieties, brass instruments in old churches, monumental ice sculptures, theater, comedy, a parade and, finally, fireworks. A ‘First Night’ button to gain access to this entertainment is $18, and it doubles as a fashion accessory.
Watch some college hockey
Get your head in the game and check out some college hockey. The NCAA Division I National Champions, the Boston College Eagles, are the top team in the nation. Tickets to their games start as low as $15. Boston University, Harvard and Northeastern games are equally cheap.
The road not taken
Get a sense of history and nature at the Minuteman National Park in Concord. You could take a tour of the Wayside House or walk along the Battle Road, where the opening battle of the Revolutionary War happened. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab some snowshoes, and take the road not taken. See, I did tie in that Robert Frost reference.
Just the tip
Get your mind out of the gutter. I was referring to climbing the Top of the Hub. That still sound like a sexual innuendo. Anyway, a tour of the skywalk observatory is only $12 for adults, $10 for students, and $8 for children. See Boston from the most impressive erection in the entire city.
Sources: Yelp, The Boston Globe, Time Out Boston
