Exploring Boston – 3 Activities to Check Out in the City

Boston, Massachusetts is a vibrant and popular city to explore for both tourists and for locals—and it’s no surprise as to why. With its rich history, thriving food scene, and iconic landmarks, there is more than enough to discover and enjoy for just about any set of interests. For those of us especially interested in second-hand deals, Boston is also a great home to thrift stores and shoppers, and yard sale enthusiasts as well.

Everybody’s heard of Fenway and the Red Sox, but what else might a curious traveler stumble into while they’re taking a stroll through Beantown? Let’s take a look at three less common Boston attractions to check out while you’re in town!

An Interesting Night Out

Fortunately, we no longer live in the era of Prohibition. If we want a refreshing cocktail or two, we can just pop down to the bar for a Martini, no questions asked! In a city stamped so full of history, however, echoes and memories of every era can be found among the buildings and landscapes you pass every day. When it comes to the 18th Amendment, allusions to and real memories of Prohibition can be found among Boston’s exciting selection of speakeasies.

With the right handshake, password, or bit of cash, you can make your way past the velvet curtain into Boston’s original speakeasy: Carrie Nation Cocktail Club. This speakeasy is as elegant as it is discreet. If enchanting is more your speed—and enchanting in the spells sense, you’ll want to try your best to find your way into Hecate, Boston’s mystical underground and fairly exclusive cocktail bar. Dedicated to the goddess of witchcraft, the moon, and necromancy, Hecate is an experience that no guest will forget, and one that doesn’t come easily!

There is no shortage of interesting bars and venues to explore in Boston, these are just a few that caught our eye. Be on the lookout for events in Boston’s jazz clubs and improv asylum as well!

A Whale Adventure

For some more family-friendly fun, Boston also houses a plethora of options. The abundance of museums and historical sites offer a bit of educational fun for family members of any age, but there’s one thing that the coast has to offer that is sure to pique some interest: whale watching.

Being a port city comes with a whole share of quirks and exciting activities that you simply cannot get in most cities. This lets Boston be a haven for different cruises and ferries, which can often mean high quality lunches and dinners with an outstanding view. And sometimes, this incredible view can be more than just the magnificent ocean. The New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise offers guests an opportunity to watch for whales, dolphins, and other ocean-friendly creatures. A cash bar and light snacks are available for purchase, on the trip as well—that is, if watching a giant whale jump out of the water doesn’t crowd your attention enough!

The Second-hand Scene

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: securing the best deals. On this website, we’re all for exploring cities, especially if it means exploring their thrift and yard sale scenes. For Boston, there is no shortage of options. The Garment District, for example, is home to tens of thousands of articles that span styles and eras. For those looking for an extreme deal (and who isn’t?), this shop also offers a shop-by-the-pound section, where garments are so cheap that they’re priced by weight rather than individually. Have you ever picked up a shirt? Did it weigh anything??

The Thrift Shop of Boston is another great spot to visit for many reasons. For one, this is practically a historical landmark, and certainly a local institution. Nearly a century old, this shop houses treasure chests of high quality clothing, furniture, art work, and so much more. There will always be a gem for any shopper walking through these doors. Second, shopping at Thrift Shop of Boston means doing good, since the store also benefits The Home for Little Wanderers, a non-profit organization that provides support and services to thousands of children and families each year.

And for those of us looking for the rush of the local yard sale, we have to remember that part of the adventure is finding out where to look! Just as always, searching for a yard sale Boston style will look like hitting up local coffee shops, libraries, and other community centers where these kinds of advertisements will be posted. Internet forums? Check those too! In a city as big, diverse, and interesting as Boston, there are bound to be plenty of great sales to stumble upon—on top of all of these other great activities we’ve covered. Long live the yard sale!