If you've just completed the 20/20 Home Cure, the last thing you need in your home is more stuff. Here are 6 experiential gifts in and around Boston that won't sit on a shelf collecting dust.
Join:
• Boston Athenæum. One of the oldest private libraries in the country, the Boston Athenæum houses art exhibitions and impressive collections of rare books and works on everything from art to children's lit. With its domed ceiling and double stacks, the 5th floor reading room is one of Boston's most beautiful spaces. From $200.
• deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum. On 35 acres in Lincoln, MA, deCordova is the largest museum of its kind in New England. The constantly changing landscape is open year-round and features lectures, snow-shoe tours, art classes, and more. From $60.
Tour:
• Architecture Boat Tours. Take to the Charles and learn all about Boston's famous buildings. The Boston Society of Architects has partnered with Charles Riverboat Company to take you on a cruise describing the Hub's historical and contemporary design. June-October, $25.
• Boston By Foot Tours. Prefer land to sea? Take advantage of Boston's walkability and learn something along the way. Boston By Foot offers dozens of different guided walking tours, from specific neighborhoods to topics like Boston Underfoot (subway & infrastructure) to the Rose Kennedy Greenway. From $14.
Dine:
• The Liberty Hotel. As the former Charles Street Jail, the Liberty Hotel is one of the city's more interesting spaces to snack and stay. Much of the original space is preserved, with intact jail cells within Clink and Alibi, two of the hotel's restaurants. Gift certificates available.
Give:
• Design Museum Boston. Whether you're a designer or not, design shapes the world we live in. Design Museum Boston's goal is to connect fellow designers and educate the public about local New England design through in-person and online exhibits. Their first major project, Creative Capital, is free and open to the public. They are currently volunteer-run, so donate here.
Images: As linked above.
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Ugh, liberty hotel, don't go after 9PM or you will find yourself stuck in an expensive, overcrowded J. Crew ad
What about the Isabelle Gardner Museum?
Never mind the clientele now at the Liberty Hotel. As a long time Boston-area resident I just can't get my mind around the redo of that ghastly jail as a high-end hotel. Ugh is right.
The lovely Isabella Stewart Gardner museum is undergoing construction currently, I believe. Admissions are reduced, which is very thoughtful, but I think I'd wait to visit unless it was the only chance you will ever have.
Thought my brother in Boston might like a Liberty Hotel gift card for Xmas but after doing some research it seems the cards are only good for Clink and the Liberty Bar and the reviews aren't great for either. Too bad... the place looks amazing in pictures.
Can anyone from Boston recommend me another Foody-friendly place?!
Food recommendations :
Oleana
Sportello
Hammersleys
Craigie on main
I second the decordova, we just went for the first time and it was awesome. The outside garden tour was excellent.
Amazake- thanks so much! Oleana is right near his house too.
I second all the recommendations, and have to add my all-time favorite Boston restaurant - Neptune. The two hour wait is worth it.
Toro and the Beehive are fun too.
Also should try:
Blue Room
Rendevous
Chez Henri
all in Cambridge.