Hello, hello! I’m coming to you live on a rainy Thursday morning.
Just in case I haven’t made it clear at all ☺, this summer, I’m living in Boston. As many of you know, a big city can get expensive super quickly. Today, I’ll be talking about the fun things I’ve done this summer that have been either A) free or B) relatively inexpensive.
Having a student ID is great, and having a Wellesley student ID is even better…if you like art museums! With a Wellesley ID card, students can enter into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), and the Harvard Art Museums for free.
The July 4th weekend was unbearably hot, so my friends and I decided to head to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM). It was a quick ten minute walk from my Northeastern dorm, but by the time we got there, we were sweating bullets. Since Wellesley students are museum members, we got to jump ahead the really long line, and head straight inside (#Wperks). This was my first time at the ISGM, and it did not disappoint. For those of you unfamiliar, the museum was actually Isabella’s home, and built in 1903. Moving through the different galleries was quite an experience, as they were different rooms in the house! The main courtyard and garden were also lovely.
Main Courtyard
Fun fact about the museum: in 1990, thirteen of the museum paintings were stolen (including a rare Rembrandt seascape)! Even today, the museum does not know who initiated the heist, and the empty frames are still displayed on the walls.
If you’ve been a consistent reader, you know I adore art history, so the museum visit was the perfect way for me to spend a Saturday afternoon. I’ve yet to visit the MFA this summer (although I’ve been before and it’s wonderful!) and the Harvard Art museums. They’re on my list, and honestly I have no excuse!
Another great resource for events happening in Boston is The Boston Calendar. The number of exciting events each weekend is almost overwhelming! For example, just this weekend, one could hypothetically go on a bike ride around the city, take a fitness class at the Emerald Necklace, and listen to a summer concert near the Atlantic wharf, all for free!
Finally, using public library passes are a great way to explore the surrounding area! Through the passes, my friends and I found discounted ferry tickets to the Boston Harbor Islands. Off the coast of Boston, these islands are a short ferry ride away and a national park! We went to Spectacle Island, and the ferry ride was only $10 (total, for both ways!). We spent the day hiking, swimming, and laying in the sun. All in all, a Sunday well spent.
The Boston Skyline in the Distance
On the trail.
Spot the wild turkey!
Our picnic spot
As the summer progresses (I cannot believe we’re at the halfway mark now!) I’ll continue to add more activities around Boston that are college-student budget friendly.
Until next week,
Shreya