One with Nature
by Anna Cavallino
Photo courtesy of Noor Nasser
Despite Boston’s infamous frigid winters, it is one of the best places to live in before people start breaking out their Canada Goose jackets. Boston particularly caters to the interests of active, adventure-seeking students who love to bask in the beautiful outdoors. If you are stressed and frustrated sitting in your cramped room or dim Mugar cubicle, here is a list of nature spots you can escape to.
The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is of the most beloved walks in Boston has to offer, guiding you through 16 historic landmarks, signifying the sites of events that led up to our independence in the American Revolution. Familiar with the Boston Massacre? How about the Old South Meeting House? It is all there. This walk is approximately three miles long and starts at the visitor center in the Boston Common and passes Faneuil Hall and the Paul Revere House. Want to gain more information on the incredible history of these landmarks? You can either walk the trail on your own or sign up for a professional tour to become an expert!
For more information visit https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/
Charles River Reservation
All students love to admire the Charles River on those sunny days but dread to see it frozen when winter hits. Try checking out this reservation while the weather lasts! The reservation is a 20-mile linear park extending upward from the Boston Harbor, including the Esplanade on the Boston side and the aesthetic Harvard and MIT campuses on the Cambridge side. There are a bunch of local trail networks that run along the river, but the most scenic trails that truly encapsulate the nature have to be the riverside ones residing in more suburban areas. One in particular is located near the Royal Sonesta Boston hotel giving you an incredible view of the Charles River in Cambridge. Whether you’d like to take a nice stroll or ride your bicycle after classes, the reservation provides ample opportunity to satisfy your craving for the great outdoors.
For more information visit https://www.mass.gov/locations/charles-river-reservation
Emerald Necklace Conservancy
Yes, Boston is a city—but don’t you worry. There is more green than just the BU Beach and Nickerson Field, particularly the Emerald Necklace Conservancy. Whether you are in the heart of Boston or just finished brunch at Tatte in Brookline, this park system hits both of these spots. Extending from Back Bay to Dorchester, this flourishing green space invites in both the wanderers and the adventurers. Whether you want to just walk and explore the nature or take part in sailing or hiking or golf or all the above, the six parks included in the conservancy have it all. And for all of you animal lovers, there is even a zoo!
For more information visit https://www.emeraldnecklace.org/
Rose Kennedy Greenway
The Rose Kennedy Greenway is Boston’s newest park and includes a series of linear parks encompassing Boston’s most popular downtown areas, such as Chinatown, the North End and Dewey Square. With the beautiful gardens, eye-catching fountains and creative art sprinkled around, the park is a dream come true; and, there’s more than just meets the eye. You can ride the Greenway carousel, shop at the outdoor market or even enjoy free concerts featuring musicians from Berklee College of Music. What more would you want to do on a Sunday afternoon?
For more information visit https://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/