Head of the Charles by sauvagenoble from Flickr
Time for another fabulous Boston weekend. With November nipping at our heels and the cold weather not too far behind, I’m making it my mission to be outside as much as possible before phrases like “snow,” “wind chill,” and “below zero” become the norm. As a result? This weekend I’m embracing outdoor events that I can also walk to.
Here are my top picks for the weekend in Boston. Walking to them is completely optional:
Gardner After Hours, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
On Thursday, October 21, pop over to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum at 5:30 p.m. for an evening of art, cocktails and music. Officially called Gardner After Hours, this special event occurs on the third Thursday of every month and attracts a variety of hip Bostonians who enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle in the museum’s unique, inviting atmosphere.
This month’s theme, Rhythm Muse, will take guests on a musical journey through several genres, including Brazilian in the courtyard and jazz from the Mark Whitfield Jr. Quartet in the museum’s Tapestry Room. As a result, tickets to this month’s After Hours are $12 to the public ($5 for students) for general admission, but raise to $23 for entry into the jazz concert in the Tapestry Room ($10 for students), which begins at 7:00 p.m.. Inside, there will be a cash bar and nibbles from the The Gardner Café.
With the museum taking a break from the popular After Hours series in 2011 as the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum prepares to open a new wing in 2012, there’s no time like the present to experience this gorgeous museum after dark! For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, please click here.
I recently returned from a trip to the West Coast, where I frequently took comfort in cozy cafes and far too many sweet treats. Still basking in vacation bliss, I was inspired to spend a weekend afternoon walking from the Back Bay, to Harvard Square. During this jaunt, I popped into two local eateries in Central Square for small snacks or treats. The result is a delicious snapshot of an afternoon savored in Cambridge.
Fresh Tabouli Salad Plate at Andala
I started the day by enjoying a light lunch at one of my favorite cafes, Andala in Central Square. Inspired by Old Jerusalem, Andala has a great menu with light, yet flavorful plates for sharing, in addition to sandwiches, coffee and pastries. It’s a great place for getting work done (don’t be surprised by the many local students lingering over their laptops), a casual date, meal with friends, or solo diner like myself. As pictured below, I enjoyed a fresh Tabouli Salad Plate for $7.95. Andala is located at 286 Franklin Street in Central Square, Cambridge.
Toscanini's Goat Cheese Brownie Ice Cream
Moving from savory to sweet, I celebrated (er, counterbalanced?) my day of walking with Toscanini’s Goat Cheese Brownie Ice Cream (see picture here). Slightly tangy from the goat cheese yet sweet from the rich chocolate brownie chunks, I’d proceed with caution if you’re not a goat cheese fan. Luckily, I adore goat cheese and really enjoyed this unique treat. At $3.85 for one scoop, it’s a perfect treat for a foodie like myself who enjoys an opportunity to try unique flavors (next I want to try Salted Caramel and Bourbon). Toscanini’s is located at 899 Main Street in Cambridge, near MIT.
The warm temps in Boston this past Sunday afternoon reminded me just how enjoyable the fall season can be for running. Luckily for us Bostonians, Social Boston Sports, the community of young professionals who live, work and play in the Boston area, is still bringing together runners of all levels every Monday at 6:30 p.m. for FREE three, five and seven mile group runs along the picturesque Charles River.
Appropriately named Community Running, Social Boston Sports hosted their initial group run on March 29, 2010, and will continue to host runs as long as there’s local demand. Runners meet up at McGreevy’s on Boylston Street and are divided up depending on their desired mileage goal of three, five, or seven miles. After pounding the pavement, all runners are welcome to hang at McGreevy’s for a post run bevvy and socializing. Running experts from Saucony and City Sports will be on hand for tips, or to help devise or adjust training charts.
For more information on this event, please click here. McGreevy’s is located at 911 Boylston Street in the Back Bay. Please note that the runs leave at 6:30 p.m., so arriving slightly beforehand is strongly recommended.
Social Boston Sports Community Running
Floral Zip Up Dress, Forever 21, $22.80
While I may be a few years older than 21, my seniority doesn’t keep me from cherishing the cheap yet chic finds at Forever 21. Friends are often surprised that I find so many great pieces there, but I’m not. Crammed full of racks dedicated to each and every trend of the moment, plus an array of inexpensive accessories, a trip to Forever 21 can be hit or miss, but it’s definitely worth the occasional visit.
Case and Point: A recent shopping spree generated three cute dresses, a fantastic fall coat and new handbag for $138.80, with none of the five pieces more than $32.80. Before the new Forever 21 opens on Newbury Street, my store of choice is the one inside the Arsenal Mall in Watertown. With two floors and a fab accessories room, there’s a lot of merchandise to choose from. Savvy tip: If you hate crowds, go early on the weekends, or a weeknight evening.
Coral Military-Inspired Pea Coat, Forever 21, $32.80
My first pick was this outrageously adorable coral fall coat with big, gold military-inspired buttons. At $32.80, it was easy to snap up this statement piece, which is perfect for my long weekend walks around town. Unfortunately, I was unable to track down this coat on Forever 21’s website, but the style number is 77123563032. The coat runs true to size.
After, I scooped up three stylish dresses, each with a floral design and front zippers. The first, pictured at the beginning of this blog entry, was a big hit during my recent trip to California, where the temperatures were in the 80s. However, I’m convinced that with sheer navy tights and a long cardigan sweater, I can bring this summery dress into the fall season. At $22.80, this dress was the only one that I could find on the Forever 21.com website (click here).
The other two dresses I bought translate with ease into the fall season. The first (pictured right), is eye-catching with vibrant hues of blue, green and yellow. Flatteringly cinched with an empire waist, I also have dreams of dressing this frock up or down, depending on the occasion. The dress was $24.80 and the style number is 76806363012, as it is also no longer listed on the Forever 21.com site.
The third and final dress I purchased is the most sophisticated. With a unique pattern of mauves, blues and lavenders reminiscent of an artist’s paint brush strokes, the dress’s ladylike elegance is modernized with a slightly exaggerated hip/pocket area. I envision this dress with
Floral Cap Sleeve Dress, Forever 21, $27.80
sheer navy tights, booties and a fitted blazer to bring more of an urban feel to this girlie frock. I was unable to find a link to this dress on Forever 21.com, but the style number is 78331777012.
Last, but certainly not least from my Forever 21 shopping spree was a classic large taupe handbag with bronze chain detailing along the handle and body of the bag. Incredibly versatile, this bag can be paired with a variety of outfits, yet is large enough to carry around the massive amount of “stuff” that tends to travel with me as I walk through the city. At $28.80, it was more expensive than all of the dresses I purchased, but it’s still a steal when you consider how much designer handbag companies command for a single purse or tote. Unfortunately, my luck with Forever 21.com continued with this handbag, as it is only available online in brown, not taupe (click here).
Twist of Fate Taupe Handbag, Forever 21, $28.80
Not too bad for just an hour or so of shopping! Forever 21 is located inside the Arsenal Mall at 485 Arsenal St # 37 in Watertown, MA. Phone number is (617) 923-470 and Forever 21 is open Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sun 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Happy Shopping!