The Institute of Contemporary Art

“One of the most highly regarded museums in the world, the massive Museum of Fine Arts boasts about half a million objects spanning the centuries from ancient Egypt to present-day artwork. The museum officially opened its doors in 1876, with a little over 5,500 objects. What a difference a century-plus makes! It’s best to make a game plan of what you want to see because tackling the museum in a few hours, or even a day, is impossible. Highlights include more than 70 works by John Singleton Copley and major paintings by Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent and Edward Hopper. Paintings aren’t your thing? African masks, Native American pottery, mummies, musical instruments, and practically any other media you can think of have a home at the museum. Daily free one-hour guided tours give a good overview.”

“One of the city’s most charming attractions is the small but lovely Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Isabella Stewart, a New York socialite, came to Boston in 1860 to marry John Lowell Gardner, one of Boston’s prominent citizens. In short order, Isabella set to building herself a Venetian palazzo to hold her extensive art collection. Just like she was, the collection is eclectic, with masterpieces by Titian (Europa), Giotto (Presentation of Christ in the Temple) and John Singer Sargent (El Jaleo), to name a few. Isabella left strict instructions in her will that the building remain exactly as she left it, so visitors today can almost picture her enjoying the gorgeous gardens in her Venetian courtyard or warming her hands by one of the Renaissance hooded fireplaces.”

“The Arnold Arboretum is one of the area's truly great places to get away during the spring, summer and fall. The two-mile-long main trail is paved and allows for leisurely stroller walks. Plant, flower and woodland life is labeled according to species. Another popular trail is the Rhododendron Path that features a log bridge and two small waterfalls. The Arnold Arboretum is America's oldest public arboretum displaying over 15,000 woody plants and offering educational programs for people of all ages. Bonus: check out JP Pond nearby.”

“This brewery, which offers tours, boasts a beer hall that serves pretzels, plus a gift shop.”

“Let the bartender make you a new creation! just name a few things you like in a drink and let the master mixologists do their thing!”