A Boston for All Seasons

Other places may have their tropics, their amusements, their resorts. Boston has its seasons, and each one offers something special. At Newbury Guest House we’re privy to the beauty, fun, and wonder of yearlong Boston, and we want to show everyone the best things to experience as well - be it spring, summer, winter, or (especially) fall.

WINTER

Winters can be tough in New England. Cold weather, snowstorms, icy roads. Good thing a city such as Boston is so darn cozy and packed with things to do no matter the climate. If it’s not too frigid out, a winter stroll through downtown with a hot beverage in hand is like a warm blanket on a brisk night. For adults, the beverage adventure can be amped up a bit. The city’s many pubs and taverns are there for the indulging. You can a even take part in an organized “Ale Trail” (sign up for it through MeetBoston.com) to explore all of the town’s famous and award-winning craft breweries. Of course, iconic local beermakers such as Samuel Adams and Harpoon have their own tours and events for visitors. However, if you prefer culture other than the culture in beer ingredients, Boston’s vibrant theater district might be the ticket (literally). From Broadway shows to acclaimed local productions, in renowned venues such as the Wang Theatre. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be astounded or moved, you’ll stand and applaud - warming up those hands to re-enter the Boston evening, buzzing and ready for anything.   

Once you’re getting to the tail end of winter in Boston, a big party comes with spring on the horizon. We’re talking of course about the world-famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade through South Boston - “Southie”, to everyone. On the Sunday nearest to March 17th, as many as one million green-clad revelers line West and East Broadway to celebrate the feast of Ireland’s patron saint. Irish immigrants inaugurated the event in Beantown way back in 1737, making it older than the country itself. The parade also celebrates an official Boston holiday known as Evacuation Day. It honors the expulsion of British troops from the city on the 17th of March 1776. More cause for celebration and another reason to raise a pint at any of the town’s numerous, music-filled Irish pubs on this special day. Slainte! 

SPRING

One of Boston’s evergreen attractions is the Museum of Fine Arts - a must-see institution at any point in the calendar year. But springtime is an especially choice time to visit. Along with having over eight-thousand paintings and almost half-a-million works of art, their special spring exhibitions are a major added draw. What the Boston Marathon means to running in the spring, the Museum of Fine Arts means to culture. Hey, pay a visit, get snobby. Feels good. Or just, you know, enjoy the beautiful artwork for what it is.

When that rejuvenating spring air permeates the city, it’s the perfect time to take in the history Boston is known for. The Freedom Trail brings you on a journey to over a dozen significant monuments in Boston’s, and the United States of America’s, early history. You can do this on a self-guided tour or with an informative guide decked out in period attire - which is always fun. Either way, you’ll be ushered through a fascinating odyssey that brings history out of dusty textbooks and into the world in front of you. The Old Town Trolley is another city tour option. And one that’s much more extensive, taking you to over a hundred points of interest. So you can get your absolute fill of Boston and its significant backstory.

SUMMER

Certainly, there are one-off summer events like the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. But really there are endless activities that bring every one of every kind together. Between the city and the coast, food, sports, history, art, music, and general enjoyment permeate the area. Pay a visit to Wally’s Cafe, for instance: one of Boston’s oldest jazz clubs in Boston - drawn in by sumptuous saxophone on a summer eve. Then, I don’t know, head out to Provincetown and take in the best kind of seaside life. Or, and this may be the best part, just walk through the ever-walkable city of Boston on a midsummer’s night, taking in all the sounds, smells, and sensations it has to offer.

FALL

Fall in New England is something special. There are innumerable places to visit throughout the region. But to get that perfect combination of urban aesthetic and natural tranquility, you need a full view of Boston. And to do that, you need to visit the iconic Prudential Tower, walk to the top, and give yourself a bird’s-eye-view of the iconic Beantown. Boston is such a varied yet compact municipality that you can even take the time to eye out where you want to go from the building’s roof. For example, a visit to Fenway, or a cruise around Boston Harbor, or a stroll through the Public Garden. You’ll leave wanting more. You might even stay for the same reason.

Another great way to take advantage of Boston’s autumnal bliss (and to satisfy those taste buds) is a walk-through Chinatown. What better way to complement a brisk, fall breeze than with a hot bowl of delicious noodles and a big plate of dim sum. Belly fully of goodness, you can walk it off by taking in the neighborhood’s illuminating street art and rich cultural history in the city. For a more varied, palette-satisfying experience, there’s also a visit to Quincy Market. One of the first public markets in the country, today you’ll find an array of street performers, vendors, and restaurants to try. Browse around for a unique gift, some seasonal attire, or just people-watch in a hub within The Hub. 

Whatever time of year you come - if you’re not here already - Newbury Guest House is the perfect headquarters from which to venture out and enjoy the season in Boston. What season is up to you. You can’t go wrong with any of them.