The Harvard Art Museums Boston
A collection of surprises
One of the best museums in the city is actually a reboot. In 2008, Harvard set about building and expanding the old home for the Fogg Art Museum, and in 2014, the new Harvard Art Museums building was opened, boasting the European art collections of the Fogg, the Germanic works of the Busch-Reisinger and the Asian holdings of the Sackler museums all combined in one place. The works that you'll find here are mostly gifts provided to the university by Harvard's various generations of successful alumni.
With all that said, given that the museum's holdings have been largely built by donation rather than active acquisition, its catalog is still very impressive. They have the largest collection of Chinese jade outside of China, their European and North American art features a respectable number of works from famous masters, and their collection of photographs from the pioneering fine art photographer, Alfred Stieglitz, is stunningly comprehensive. This all exists in a building that's about a quarter the size of the MFA and quite manageable for a leisurely hour in the square or a whole afternoon if you want to get lost in it.
Also as a bonus for actual locals - Cambridge residents get in for free whenever they'd like, and Massachusetts residents can go in for free on Saturday mornings before noon.
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Christina's Ice Cream
Save room for dessert
"Christina's Ice Cream" is a post-dinner of mid-afternoon must in Boston. There are 50 flavors of ice cream. I like the chocolate and ginger molasses.
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Boston Athenaeum
A charming independent library
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Veggie Crust
A slice of nice
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Rose Kennedy Greenway
Elevated highway to park
"Rose Kennedy Greenway" in Boston was a work in progress for many years. Now it's dotted with sculptures, fountains, food trucks... a true destination!
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Flat Black
Australian style coffee
"Flat Black" in Boston makes Australian-style espresso. These guys roast their own beans in Dorchester and make the best carving designs into the milk!
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Charles River Dam
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Sound Bites
A kinder, gentler breakfast tyrant
"Sound Bites" in Boston has a reputation. I also have a personal, touching story that has made me really like this breakfast cafe. I'll share it with you.
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Hilton's Tent City
Old school adventure
"Hilton's Tent City" is where the Boston outdoorsmen of yore picked up their stuff before Goretex and GPS. I like that they have modern and classic brands.
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Brooklyn Boulders
Climbing and community
"Brooklyn Boulders" is a solid addition to the climbing scene in Boston. Of course the choice to set up show in this specific street is deliberate & edgy.
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