Everything changes when the weather changes. This is true especially for a city like Boston, where wind chill alone sends Bostonians flailing towards the nearest coffee shop for shelter. The thing about living in a chilly city, however, is that we’re all a great deal more appreciative the second the temperature goes anywhere near, or above, 60 degrees. All of a sudden we’re doing our work outside, taking the longer way to class, and smiling at fellow passengers on the T. It’s a magical thing. Yet when the sun is shining, most people seem to flock directly the Commons and the Public Gardens. While both of these places are beautiful and have undeniable charm they can get real crowded, real fast. Check out these other gems around the city of Boston where you could go to spend a lovely, sunny afternoon!
Boston University
Hop off the B line at the B.U. Central stop, walk through the stone archway, and arrive in the backyard of B.U. Here you’ll find a pleasant grassy area, scattered wooden benches, steely artwork, and a stairway that leads right to the Charles. It’s a lovely little oasis that allows you to get away from the bustle of a city for a little while, and maybe even get chummy with a few B.U law students.
Christian Science Center
Off the Symphony stop on the E line, the Christian Science Center is probably not the first place you’d think to go to spend an afternoon, but it’s actually a gorgeous space with a unique energy. The church itself is a marvel to look at, like something straight out of a plaza in Italy. In the summer, the pool next to the Church is full, offering a serene atmosphere only a few feet from the Pru. Though the Christian Science Center isn’t the best place to visit if you want to lounge around for a few hours, it’s definitely an ideal place to take a stroll when it’s just you and your iPod.
North End
At the entrance to the North End is a stretch of cool architectural space full of tables, chairs, and fountains in the summer. On one side of you are the lego-like buildings of the Financial District, and on the other are the brown and red rooftops of the North End. Grab a fresh fruit from the nearby Haymarket or, let’s be a real, a chocolate drizzle cannoli with ricotta cheese, and enjoy your surroundings.
Esplanade
The second it gets warm enough to tan, everyone and their mothers flock to the main dock on the Esplanade. However, if you walk either left or right from that dock, the esplanade offers a lot more! There are smaller, quainter docks along the Charles and dozens of benches that hardly every crowded. There also grassy areas beneath the parks willow trees, which you should definitely take advantage of during a sunset.