Go Explore

It's getting a little warmer out, right? At least we are seeing sun. And with that, go out and explore the neighborhoods of Boston, Cambridge and other places. Small businesses, cute streets are much better than the malls that are overgrowing around here...I mean, South Shore Plaza is going to propose a 3 story mall with another Nordstroms (did you learn from Starbucks? don't over expand!).

With that...

Click here for a list of the neighborhoods that are in the Boston Main Street's Program. All programs have their own website, with events and information on the district. Do explore Dorchester Ave (Dot Ave to locals) which is getting a $12 million streetscape improvement program. Dot Ave is home to the increasing Vietnamese population in Dorchester and two very trendy Irish bars - Dbar and the Blarney Stone. In addition to Dot Ave, there is Jamaica Plain's Centre Street (see blog entry on my day in JP) and Mission Hill. And that's just those neighborhoods.

Do you want to find a unique wedding present for a friend getting married this summer? Why not take a stroll down Mass Ave between Harvard and Porter Squares and check out Greenward, Abondeon and more! And there is always the best places to eat around there. Buy some art in Harvard Square at their annual May Fair, taking place in the Square May 4, 12pm-4pm. Click here for all of Harvard Sq's events.

Lastly, I would recommend going out to walk around. Like around the Boston Harbor Islands (its a $10 round trip ride from the wharfs in Boston) and go see how the South Boston waterfront is changing - The Boston Harbor Association has walks for you and shows you what to look when you do the harbor walk on your own. http://www.bostonharborwalk.com/placestogo/

Lastly, Walk Boston, the local pedestrian advocacy organization, has a bunch of walks this Spring and also walks in PDF format. Go to their website and check things out.

Have fun. You know I will!