Category: Kyla

By Kyla Foreman-Andrade

I spent this past summer in Boston. Without school and film shoots, I had a lot of free time and I realized that I have never done a lot of touristy things. I made it my personal mission to explore as much of Boston as possible. Here are the places that I think you should find to be the ultimate Boston tourist.

1.  Harvard Square

Although Harvard Square is not in Boston, it is only a bus or T ride away. Obviously, you can see the amazing Harvard, but if you stop for a second and actually soak in the square, you can see some amazing historic buildings as well as eat some amazing food (I would personally recommend the new Popup Bagels). The area is pretty walkable and is the perfect place to people watch.

2. North End

I have to admit, I had been to the North End before. But after talking to my friend from Charleston, I realized that I had never truly taken in the sites. This is the most historical place in Boston; it truly feels like a different world as soon as you enter the neighborhood.. You can walk the freedom trail and see where Paul Revere took his historic ride. All the buildings still have their historic charm. Some of the oldest bakeries and Italian restaurants are in the North End. While you’re there, you need to stop by Bova’s, a 24 hour Italian bakery. Their pastries are actually to die for and they are my pick in the cannoli war over Mike’s Pastry and Modern Bakery.

3. Esplanade

As a BU student, I am very familiar with the esplanade and it wasn’t a summer discovery. However, I still think it reigns as a top tier place to visit as a tourist. There is something so calming and beautiful about walking along the Charles River. It’s the perfect mix between city and nature. Whether you’re taking a midday stroll or a late night walk, your mind is guaranteed to be calmed and you will feel revived. Bonus points if you go at night, sit on the dock, and look at the stars plus the lights from Cambridge.

4. Take the T

I’ll admit, this doesn’t sound touristy at all. What is there to see by taking an underground train? I’d argue that is where you see the city’s real charm. Yes, it’s hot, crowded, and somehow always delayed, but the view you get of the Charles River when you take the red line is unbeatable. The feeling of listening to music while you people watch on a long T ride is fantastic. The history showcased at Park Street station is unmatched. It may not be the most luxurious, but it is technically a historic landmark as it’s the first subway system in the United States. Bonus: If you can balance on a moving T, you know that you were truly built for the city.

By: Kyla Foreman-Andrade

Before coming to Boston, I had spent my entire life in the South. I had only been to Boston once before attending BU. I was so lost my first year, getting used to the culture shock. If you’re like me, a Southerner through and through, here’s a guide to New England life.

1. Saxby’s IS NOT Zaxby’s

If you’re like me and come from the Southeast, you may know of a restaurant chain called Zaxby’s. If you’re also like me, you may have been excited to hear about Zaxby’s being on campus and you were excited to get your fill of fried chicken. Sadly, BU does not have a Zaxby’s, but rather a Saxby’s, a coffee shop. Although you can’t get buttery Texas toast and fried white cheddar bites, you can get a delicious breakfast burrito and a killer honey cold brew. If you’re in search of good fried chicken, try the Raising Canes in West; it’s almost like tasting home.

2. You Need a Jacket

Southern winters mean 30s in the morning and a lovely 50-60s in the afternoon. That is not the case for Boston. I would consider myself very tolerant of the cold, but as soon as mid-October hit, I knew I needed a good jacket. For a mild winter jacket, you can get away with a puffer. The pick on campus is the black North Face puffer. My mild winter jacket of choice is a heavy-weight jacket from Uniqlo. It’s nice and fuzzy and easy to carry around. Uniqlo always has sales, so I suggest hitting up the one on Newbury as soon as you feel a cold breeze.

For the harsher winter, you need a parka. The only way to truly stay warm is to have your jacket cover you from head to toe. I have a North Face parka that I got for really cheap at an outlet. Throw on a scarf and a pair of gloves and you’re ready to face the CDS wind tunnel.

3. Find Your New England Style

You don’t have to throw out your entire closet, but you’re in college now in a new city, it’s time to take some fashion risks. You also have to learn how to dress for the ever-changing New England weather. If you’re looking for places to spruce up your wardrobe, look no further than Newbury Street. They have tons of big-name stores such as Urban Outfitters, Nike, and Lululemon, but they have a bunch of small boutiques. Boston also has a fantastic thrift scene. The Garment District is a great place to start if you get tired of the campus Goodwill. There is also a pop-up thrift market called Select Markets that brings together lots of thrift vendors, so you can do your shopping all in one place.

4. Get to Know You’re New Regional Grocery Stores

The days of Publix, HEB, and Food Lion are over. You’re in the North now, it’s time to get familiar with your new grocery stores. This was one of the biggest shocks to me. When I finally wanted to go food shopping, I had no clue where the best spots were. Something close to campus and cheaper than you may think is Trader Joe’s. There is one off of Newbury Street and one in Brookline. Star Market in West Campus or Fenway is always full of deals and easily accessible. If you want more grocery store names to throw around with your New England friends, mention Stop and Shop, Market Basket, and Shaw’s.

5. Keep That Southern Hospitality

Bostonians have a reputation for being some of the rudest people, while the South is known for great manners and charm. The real truth is: Bostonians aren’t as rude as people make them out to be. Don’t feel pressured to change who you are or lie about where you come from. Keep that Southern Charm. Smile at the people you meet. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone new. Be proud of your Southern accent. You can also learn a few things from Bostonians like knowing when to jaywalk and how to take the T without paying, but that’s a topic for another day.