Cambridge Staycation

Staying in Cambridge over Spring Break? We know it can be a bit depressing when all of your friends scurry off to Florida or return home and leave you in the red-brick Harvard jungle. But think of it this way: you get a free, 7-day vacation in one of the U.S.’s major cities. For once, you have a whole week in Boston with no homework (okay, well maybe a little). And no matter what you wish you were doing this Spring Break, you can still find a way to do it right here:

For those who wish they were at the Beach…

Cry. Because it’s Boston and it’s cold and it’s always going to be cold. Just kidding. About the crying part. The cold part is very true. Spending spring break in Boston will be a cold, tan-line less experience. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make it to the beach (just be sure to dress warmly). In fact, America’s first public beach is just a subway ride away. Simply take the red line to Park, then the green B line to Government Center and then the blue line to Wonderland Station. Okay, so maybe it’s not that simple, but you’re Harvard students, so we’re sure you can figure it out.

For those who wish they were home enjoying mom’s cooking (or anyone who hopes to eat over spring break)…

The dining hall is going to be closed. Let us repeat. The dining hall is going to be closed (We’re not sure who thought of this, but maybe the UC Council can do something about it? Gus, where you at?). Now before you start planning your Felipe’s, Noch’s, Tasty Burger rotation schedule (no, it’s not acceptable to eat a taco for breakfast), hold up for a second. You can eat Felipe’s year round. But you usually don’t have time to explore restaurants outside the square. So take a break from Felipe’s and try some of these restaurants (but please don’t show up drunk…save that for Tasty Burger):

·      Café Mami: Just one stop away in Porter Square, Café Mami serves up absolutely delicious Japanese food at an incredibly student-friendly price. Definitely order the miso soup—we’ve been dreaming about our last bowl for a while.

·      Top of the Hub: is expensive. And the food, mediocre. But the panoramic views are breathtaking. Go at lunch and you can definitely keep your meal to $25.

·      Sam LeGrassa’s: So we’re usually pretty skeptical when a restaurant proclaims itself to be the world’s number one in anything, but Sam LeGrassa’s claim of being the World’s No. 1 Sandwiches, we completely believe. LeGrassa’s was even featured on the Food Network. Be sure to get an order of fries, too!

For those who wish they were skiing…

First, let us remind you that it’s SPRING break, and the only thing you should be wishing for is 85-degree weather and a spot on the beach. But, if for some weird, weird reason you love cloudy skies, below-freezing temperatures, and gusty winds, then you’re in luck. You don’t have to venture too far out of Boston to go skiing. In fact, the MBTA offers a weekend “Ski Train” service, which will take you to Wachusett mountain for only $20 round trip. Visit http://www.wachusett.com for more details.

For those who wish they were in NYC…

Sometimes, as P-Sets and papers pile on, it’s easy to forget that we live just a short subway stop ride away from a major city. So buy a 7-day MBTA pass and spend your break exploring the city we (basically) live in. Getting into Boston will definitely feel like a vacation in itself. May we recommend:

·      Take a walk around Boston Common and go ice-skating at Frog Pond.

·      Explore the North End. Mike’s or Modern? The world is dying to know.

·      Stroll the cobble-stoned streets of the Back Bay.

·      Take a walk down Newbury street and fawn after all of the things you can’t afford.

·      Explore all of Harvard’s museums. See the infamous book bound in skin.

·      Go to the MFA.

·      Get off at a random subway stop and explore!