Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
placeholder article
placeholder article

Beating the Cruel Summer in Boston: Things to Do

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BC chapter.

Your friends have packed up, loaded their bags and boxes into their cars, and are ready to go home.  You’ve packed up and started to move all of your belongings to a new dorm.  Although staying the summer for your internship in Boston seemed like a great idea, all of your friends’ excitement about going home is finally getting to you.  Here’s my advice, don’t look at the glass half empty.
 
You are in BOSTON!  Home to the American Revolution, the first computer, the first subway, and the Red Sox!  So while the lyrics of “Cruel Summer” by Bananarama might be playing in your head,
 
It’s a cruel, cruel, cruel summer,
Leaving me here on my own,
It’s a cruel, it’s a cruel, cruel summer,
Now you’ve gone,
You’re not the only one

 
(or maybe that’s just me…) get into the right mindset!   There are awesome things to do in Boston during the summer – I promise it will be worth staying in the home city of Dunkin’ Donuts.
 
1)  The Greenway Open Market
The Greenway Open Market is a weekly crafts and art market in Rose Kennedy Greenway.  Brand new this year, it’s open every Saturday for you to do some shopping or get a quick bite to eat.  Who knows, maybe you’ll find that necklace you have been searching for to complete that outfit?

 

Saturdays – July 9th to September 17th – 11 AM- 5 PM
Rose Kennedy Greenway

 
2)  The SoWa Open Market

With a different group of vendors each time, the SoWa Open Market will definitely be worth going to.  There are vendors, craftspeople, and farmers selling a variety of different products there, whether it be bread, vegetables, or indie clothing.  Not to mention there’s also a variety of food trucks, so you can find everything from natural granola to ice cream.  You might even be able to get a henna tattoo.

 

Sundays – May 1st to October 30th
460 Harrison Ave, Boston

 
3)  Boston Urban Music Festival

While Lollapalooza and Coachella might be the first names that come to mind when you think music festival, Boston has its own set of music festivals too.  With everything from bluegrass to rap, you can pretty much find whatever music taste you like.  You might even discover a type of music that you never knew you liked.

 

Boston Folk Festival
June 5, 2011
UMass Boston
 
WROR See New England Festival
June 18, 2011
Boston City Hall Plaza
 
Youth and Muse International Music Festival
August 1-19, 2011
The Boston Conservatory
 
Boston Urban Musical Festival
August 6, 2011
Boston City Hall Plaza

 
4)  The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

Known as the premier Fourth of July celebration in the US, the Spectacular is not just about the fireworks.  With The Pops playing in the background (including the signature “1812 Overture”), it’s a night to remember.  Just try to arrive early – the fireworks may start at 10:30 PM, but the concert starts at 8:30 PM.  It’s free but first come, first serve, so you’ll want to get a good seat!

 

Hopefully these suggestions will keep you having a fun summer.  Have a fantastic break in Boston, collegiettes™, and enjoy the sunshine!
 
Sources:
http://www.greenwayopenmarket.com/rose-kennedy-greenway/
http://www.bostonusa.com/images/stories/pdfs/2011_events.pdf
http://www.sowaopenmarket.com/
http://www.festivalfinder.com/search.aspx
http://www.youthandmuse.com/
http://www.bostonfolkfestival.org/
http://www.seenewenglandfestival.com/
http://www.july4th.org/
 
Photo sources:
http://www.greenwayopenmarket.com/rose-kennedy-greenway/
http://www.sowaopenmarket.com/
http://www.july4th.org/
http://notlobmusic.blogspot.com/2008_12_01_archive.html
 

Danica is a senior at Boston College and is a History major with an Irish Studies minor.  She is originally from Greenwich, CT and moved to East Boothbay, ME.  She is also a member of Boston College Irish Dance and the Shaw Leadership Program.  And last but not least is a fiery redhead who lives in a dragon-guarded castle surrounded by a boiling lake of lava! But don't let that cool you off. She's a loaded pistol who likes piña coladas and getting caught in the rain. Yours for the rescuing: Princess Danica!  (And yes, that is a quote from Shrek...)
Katie Moran is a junior at Boston College, majoring in Communication. Originally from Seattle, she loves the East Coast but misses her rainy days and Starbucks coffees. On campus, Katie is involved with Sub Turri Yearbook, the Appalachia Volunteer Program, UGBC Women's Issues Team, Cura, and the Women's Resource Center Big Sister Program. She loves reading, watching "Friends," and exploring new places. She has a passion for creating and hopes to begin a career in marketing and advertising.