Boston, founded in 1630 and nicknamed “Beantown” from the days when molasses production made Boston Baked Beans a colonial obsession, is today a center of intellectual, technological, and political ideas. With just under 600,000 residents, 35 institutes of higher education, 21 distinct neighborhoods, and some of the world’s finest hospitals, Boston is quite a mix of cultures, education, sports, and increasing technology.

Boston offers visitors and residents plenty of things to do throughout the year.

Spring

Spring in New England is a time of growth. If you’re into outdoor sports, there’s plenty of kayaking, canoeing, golfing, biking, and hiking, as well as many other activities. Not an outdoor-type? No problem! Watch the Boston Red Sox open the summer season or check out a few of the local arts.

For Kayakers and Canoers:

38 Studios is a stone’s throw away from the Assabet River, which flows northeast 31 miles until it merges with the Sudbury River to form the Concord River.

For Golfers:

Massachusetts has an assortment of public and private golf courses. A few of the local courses around 38 Studios are the Maynard Country Club, Stow Acres, and The International.

Summer

Living near the ocean has its benefits, especially in the summertime! Boston has many beaches along the coast from Salisbury to Cape Cod. The islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are also worth a visit – just hop on the ferry and you’ll be there in no time.

If beaches aren’t your style, check out the schedule for the Hatch Shell along the Charles River and drop in on a free concert, or watch the famous Boston Pops at their 4th of July celebration.

For things to do a bit closer to Maynard on a hot summer day, visit Erikson’s Ice Cream, the local ice cream place that’s been an institution in Maynard since 1937. Alternatively, you could also visit Kimball Farm in Westford for ice cream, mini golf, bumper boats, and a driving range.

For Runners and Bikers:

South of 38 Studios is the Mass Rail Trail. Once a 104-mile railroad line, it was shattered by a hurricane in 1938 and has lain dormant since. Running from Boston to Northampton, volunteers have now opened nearly 25 miles of the trail to runners and bikers. More of the trail is scheduled to open soon.

For Hikers:

The Blue Hills Reservation in Canton, Massachusetts covers nearly 7,000 acres and provides a great place for hikers to get away from the city without having to drive too far. Check out their website for more information.

For more places to explore, you can find a list of some of Boston’s other hiking, biking and jogging trails here.

Autumn

New England is well-known for its breathtaking display of colors as the foliage makes the transition from spring to fall. Many “leaf peepers” travel from all over to try to catch the colors just when they hit their peak.

Apple picking is another favorite autumn pastime – there are several local orchards in the area that will let you pick your own apples, enjoy homemade apple cider, and run through mazes made out of old corn stalks still standing from the summer harvest. Maynard’s neighbor Stow has six orchards open during the picking season. As temperatures cool and the air begins feeling crisp, autumn is a favorite season for many who live in Massachusetts.

Winter

It’s true that Massachusetts sees its fair share of snow. For many, however, this just means more opportunities for fun activities, like skiing, snowboarding, or ice skating.

There are multiple ski areas in New England for those who want to try their hands (or legs!) at downhill or cross-country skiing/riding. Sunday River, one of the larger ski areas in New England, is located in Bethel, Maine. Bunk-up in a lodge on the side of the mountain and spend the day hitting the slopes. Or for a family day out, check out the smaller, local mountains such as Wachusett Mountain and Nashoba Valley Ski Area.

Don’t want to head to the mountains? Then think about grabbing a pair of skates and taking a trip to the Frog Pond in Boston Common, the central public park in Boston. Or if you’re a hockey fan, make sure to get tickets to the Boston Beanpot Tournament, the annual local college hockey showdown between Boston University, Boston College, Harvard, and Northeastern.

Anytime

There are also plenty of things to do in Boston that are open all year ‘round.

Museums

Boston is home to numerous museums, all of which provide interesting and educational places to visit during a free weekend or a day off from work. Three of the most well-known museums are the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Science, and the New England Aquarium. If you’d prefer to venture off the beaten path, the Museums of Boston website provides a searchable database of over forty museums in the Boston area.

Excursions

• The Original & World Famous Boston Duck Tours – Take a tour around the city in a unique vehicle. Just remember to keep quacking!
• Boston Whale Watching – The boats take a break for the winter, but at any other time of the year you can join professional researchers to learn about whale habits and habitat, and maybe even catch a glimpse of these great sea creatures.
• Spirit of Boston Cruise – Enjoy vibrant dining and entertainment while cruising around Boston Harbor.
• Swan Boats – Take a ride on these historical swans in the Boston Public Garden.

Sports

For a sports fan, Boston is a great place to be year-round, with the Red Sox, New England Patriots, Boston Bruins, Celtics, and the New England Revolution. And those are just the professional leagues! If you’re more interested in college-level sports, consider checking out the four Division I teams in the city: Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern, and Harvard. With numerous other minor league and college teams to watch and enjoy, even the most hard-core sports fan will be satisfied.

Entertainment/Theater

• The Blue Man Group – at the Charles Playhouse
• Boston Pops – at Symphony Hall
• Wang Theater – Home to the Boston Ballet and other shows
• Boston Opera House – Like Opera? You’ll love the Boston Opera House!

Shopping and Dining

• Newbury Street – Shop at upscale boutiques and eat at delicious restaurants
• Faneuil Hall Market Place – Visit for shopping, dining and nightlife
• Boston Beer Works – Great local brewery with real blueberries in their blueberry beer
• Lucky’s – One of Boston’s top pubs
• Cheers – Inspiration for the famous TV show
• East Coast Grill & Raw Bar – Fresh seafood, BBQ, and a make-your-own Bloody Mary bar on Sundays
• Maggiano’s Little Italy – One of a number of great Italian restaurants in Boston
• Fire+Ice – Pick your own ingredients and watch them cooked right in front of you on a huge round grill!
• Spice & Rice – A combination of fresh, unique sushi creations and traditional Thai food

If none of the restaurants above appeal to you, search through a multitude of Boston restaurants at boston.com.

History

• Old North Church
• Boston City Hall
• Boston Common
• Boston Harbor

Weakness for Geekness

Massachusetts hosts a number of events and meetings throughout the year of special interest to the more distinguished gaming community.

Boston Post Mortem – This is a monthly gathering of computer game developers in New England – a great place to network, meet new friends, and hang out!

King Richard’s Faire and The Connecticut Renaissance Faire – If thou twouldst desireth to visit yon festival of Renaissance era heraldry, take on knightly challenges and verily partaketh of a mutton leg or two, then foresooth and hearken unto the beckoning of the Faire!

The Medieval Manor – Travel back in time to the Middle Ages and enjoy a hearty six-course banquet, rollicking entertainment, and lots of mead.

LARPing – New England hosts numerous Live Action Role Playing groups and events throughout the year. Check out the Brandeis LARP Conspiracy, NERO Boston, Strange Boston, and Atlas Adventures, just as a few places to start.

Gaming – Love playing board games, D&D, or go LARPing? Join the Boston Gamer Yahoo group for discussions about games and a schedule of gaming events throughout the Boston area.