Boston in Spring time?

Question

I am going to Boston in March with my family, on the15-23, and I was wondering what are some fun and interesting things we can do. I know, of course, that this is during St. Patrick's day, and I would like to know of some things going on in the city during this time.... Parades? Festivals?
Also, I know there are a TON of historical sights and landmarks, and feel free to list any you know, but I would also like to know of some lesser know places around the city. What are some great restaurants that are off the beaten path? Any charming shops that you like or have visited? Also some info about the surrounding areas--like Cambridge-- would be helpful. Any cool tours you have taken, parks, etc., would also be helpful. Any other info I need to know is greatly appreciated. THANKS!

I probably shouldn't have said SPRING TIME. What I meant is that we were going during SPRING BREAK. Sorry! Also, thanks to the people who pointed out the weather situation. Thats real helpful, too!

Answer 1

http://boston.going.com/events.php?b=week&date=&c=

Here's why this site is sweet: I've lived in Boston for 4 years and you basically can't figure out what the hell is going on all over the city. I signed up for this newsletter and while I don't necessarily have a ton of time to enjoy all the activities they suggest, it certainly has opened up my eyes to what all is going on around here. There are different categories, from cultural to nightlife to concerts to free stuff to random events -- this will certainly fulfill your "off-the-beaten-path" criterian.

Answer 2

Well, as others have said, weather during that time is not always Spring-like...check the forecast before you come so you can pack properly, but mainly, bring layers! Sweatshirts, a rain coat, and one heavy jacket will keep you from getting stuck buying stuff locally that you already own at home. The temperature around that time can be in the 60s on a freakishly warm day or in the 30s (even 20s) on a freakishly cold day. Plan for the 40s and maybe 50s and you should be okay.

As for stuff to do, there's a ton! First and foremost, unless you're renting a car (probably a terrible idea unless you're planning to go long distances outside the city), get a week-long Link pass that will allow you access to both the subways and the buses ($15 for 7 days). Generally speaking, the red line goes to Cambridge, Quincy, and Dorchester; the green line goes to Cambridge (a tiny bit), Allston/Brighton, Brookline, Newton, and Back Bay/Fenway Park; the orange line goes to Malden, Somerville, and Roxbury; and the blue line goes to Revere and the airport. All of these lines meet up in downtown Boston (red and green at Park St, blue and green at Government Center, green and orange at both North Station and Haymarket, orange and blue at State, orange and red at Downtown Crossing). There's also a silver line, which is a bus system that I still don't understand and have never used, so I am not going to go there.

Knowing the general layout of the subway will help you get around easily. Most of what you'll want to do that's common and touristy will be at the intersections of subway lines, which are all very close together. The freedom trail, Boston Commons, the public gardens, the theater district, city hall, faneuil hall, quincy market, and a lot of the popular shopping destinations are all near the Park St/Government Center/Downtown Crossing stops. The aquarium and harbor cruises are also in this area.

If you dig music, you may want to check out places like Harper's Ferry in Allston (57 bus or green line, B train), the Paradise Lounge in Back Bay (green line, B train), and the Middle East Rock Club in Cambridge (red line). They are all local rock clubs with music almost every night of the week. There are many others, some of which are primarily bars.

For the nerdier crowd, definitely hit up the Museum of Science (green line, science park [E train only]). Though you will be here too late to see the CSI exhibit, which is awesome, you will be able to catch a series of great Omni shows (3D immersive movies) and a lizards & snakes exhibit. Regular exhibit hall admission is $17 per adult, though you can add on an Omni, Planetarium, Butterfly Garden, or Laser Show ticket for only $4 each. It's totally worth it.

I barely travel the beaten path, so I can't help you much with the off-the-beaten-path portion, but hopefully my meager offerings are helpful. Best of luck, and have fun!

Answer 3

One thing you should know: In many years March 15-23 is NOT Spring time. Cold and severe snows have been known into mid April. Even when the weather is warm and sunny the wind often turn into the east until May or June sending a biting icy chill off of the still cold Atlantic.

As for great out of the way restaurants, I know you will get a ton of recommendations. I will only say that, as a general rule, the best and most dependable restaurants for good food at reasonable prices are the Portuguese restaurants (including Brazilian), most of which are in the East Cambridge area with a couple in Allston-Brighton. The Sunset Cafe is my personal favorite. For more ideas: check the restaurant reviews of the weekly newspaper "The Boston Phoenix" (or at thephoenix.com) - it's reviewer is BY FAR Boston's best restaurant critic and many of his reviews are of out-of-the-way and family-owned ethnic places.

Remember also that Boston has nearby cities also well worth a visit - especially Providence, Portland, ME and, to a bit lesser extent, Lowell.

Answer 4

That isn't springtime in Boston, come about 3 weeks later for springlike weather. There is a parade in South Boston on St. Patty's day. Harbor boat tours are a fun way to see the islands and city from a different perspective. If you're into history walk the Freedom Trail in Boston or visit the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides). Harvard Square in Cambridge has lots of good shops and restaurants as does Fanuel Hall in Boston. The museum of Science, museum of Fine Arts, and Aquarium are fun to visit also.

Answer 5

March 17 is a holiday in Suffolk County, the county in which Boston is located. The cynical say it's just an excuse to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, bu it's also something called Evacuation Day. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evacuation_Day_(Massachusetts)

Choices for shopping, dining and entertainment can be overwhelming here; there's great variety. The Fanueil Hall/Quincy Market shopping area near Government Center has shopping AND history. Fanueil Hall is one of the stops on the Freedom Trail, a walking tour of historic sites. http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/

Although the weather is very changable in March, sometimes the azaleas and other shrubs and trees are in flower. The Arnold Arboretum is a great place to visit at that time. http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu/
I'm sure you'll find something interesting to do no matter what the weather. Have fun!

Answer 6

i dont know if your family is into this or not, but we went on a ghost tour and had a good time! it was a great way to hear about another side of the city.

http://www.newenglandghosttours.com/

that is the one we took. the guy was really good and entertaining.