This week, I’m at a conference at Harvard, so I thought a post on my favorite things in Cambridge would be more than appropriate. I typically spend a few days every year at Harvard visiting my (many) kiddos, so I feel like I’ve had more than a few adventures around Cambridge.
Favorite Things in Cambridge
The Charles Hotel
Although I’m not staying here this week, I love this place! It’s usually the only place I will stay! It overlooks part of the Harvard campus, you can borrow books from the library, and the rooms are traditional New England style. I can get to campus easily from here and I feel safe walking back at night. Last year, I stayed in one of their suites – it was fantastic! Side note: I’ve never had a bad massage at Corbu.
Browsing Harvard Book Store
The basement of this bookstore holds all the used books. I’ve been known to bring home an entire suitcase full of books from here. I have been known to waste an entire afternoon looking through books here. There are some other small bookstores in Cambridge, but the breadth and depth in this bookstore eclipses all the used bookstores I have ever visited. I love it!
Grabbing sandwiches at Darwins
I’ve found that a late sandwich lunch here is always a good bet. I love The Story. You may have to fight for a seat though – there’s always kids studying here!
Just Crust
My students love this place and I feel like we’ve tried it all! Classico, Margarita, and Buffalo Chicken are always our most popular picks. There’s limited seating, but it’s so warm and cozy (especially in the winter) that it’s worth waiting for a table!
Burdick Chocolate
In the winter, pop in here and pick up hot chocolate before you wander around. It’s the best EVER. It’s completely overwhelming because there are so many options, but trust me – it beats Starbucks every day! The pastries look delish too – so maybe that’s what you should grab in the summer. I may have to head over there this week!
Toscanini
This is a walk (or trip on the T) down to that other school in Cambridge, but it’s worth every step. It’s a must-go every time I visit. If we’re feeling lazy, we settle for JP Licks, but Toscanini is the fav. B3 is one of my favorite flavors!
Forty Winks
Don’t laugh but I always make a point to stop by here. THEY HAVE GOOD SALES. It’s a cute little shop, they carry all my favorite brands, and they always have some good sale items. Totally worth the adventure.
I can’t believe I have never visited Boston! My brother and sister in law just moved there so now I have NO excuses! The Harvard Book Store looks awesome, like you I would want to spend an entire afternoon there!
I’ve never been to Harvard, but would love to roam around the campus and town. I love college towns and I’m sure this one is spectacular!
I visited Boston in the summer a few years ago and it was lovely! I can spend hours in a bookstore too, and I wish I would’ve known about that boutique. Means I have to go back then! 🙂
This was so fun to read – I’m going to Boston in a couple weeks and can’t wait! Definitely want to check out the cambridge area — enjoy!!
I’ve been to Boston twice but never Cambridge. I love book stores and the Harvard book store basement and that hotel sound right up my alley!
Cambridge sounds like an absolutely darling town! That ice cream looks deeeeeeelish!
i hope your having the best trip EVER!! It certainly looks like a ton of fun around there 🙂
I’ve visited Harvard and it was super impressive! I loved the area around campus as well!
I’d love to visit Boston someday! My friend lives there now so maybe I will take a trip! Harvard sounds so fancy! 🙂
This is so fun! Nick is going to Boston in a couple of weeks for work (still bitter that I can’t go with) so I’ll have to share this with him!
Love your insight to secret little places…those are always the best!