Ultimate Guide to Spring in New England

I think it’s safe to say that Spring isn’t exactly tourist season around here.

Though folks do seem to have a thing for traveling hours to experience St. Paddy’s Day in Boston. Understandable.

But there’s something special about spring for us New Englanders. That first warm day—and by warm I mean 55 degrees—when everyone dons their shorts and sundresses and heads to the Boston Common to sit in the sun. We may hate each other all winter, as we push ourselves onto crowded T’s and get in fights over parking spots, but on that first true spring day, we become a community again.

While I spend all Fall and Summer, and even a chunk of Winter, planning weekend and day trips, Spring is really when I want to stick around Boston. So here, my dears, are some of my suggestions to get the most out of this season in the city::

Have a Picnic on the Common // As aforementioned, the Boston Common is the place to see and be seen in the warm months my friends. Pack a picnic dinner, or grab something from one of the numerous sandwich shops that line Boylston and Tremont.

EarthFest // I have been going to this outdoor festival on the Esplanade since college, and have never had anything but a fantastic time. Free food and free music [Third Eye Blind anyone?]. This year’s date TBD, stay updated here!

Go to the Ballet // There’s something about a spring evening spent at the ballet. Boston Ballet has a fantastic lineup for this spring, including Shades of Sound (March 19-29), Edge of Vision (April 30-May 10), Thrill of Contact (May 14-24).

The Boston Marathon (Third Monday in April) // While always a holiday to the true Bostonians, Marathon Monday means so much more now than it did a few years ago. THIS. This is really a day about community. Get out there. And if you can, cheer until the end. Those finishing at the end of the day are those who appreciate your support most.

Visit the MFA // Sure you can curl up in the Museum of Fine Arts anytime of year, but this spring has an especially fun lineup, including fashion photographer Herb Ritts and the annual Art in Bloom exhibit. Wednesdays after 4pm are free!

The Kentucky Derby (First Weekend in May) // So like, yes, I know this is Boston and not Churchill Downs. But I loooove me a good Derby celebration in Boston— the bougeys really get into it up here. Julep Bar and The Charlesmark have both hosted great events in the past.

HarpoonFest (Third Weekend in May) // Beer. Music. Friends. Enough said.
More here.

Walk for a Charity // You want to be outside with friends anyway– turn that weekend day into a great cause. Two very close to my heart are Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger (May 3) and the Boston Walk for Epilepsy (May 16).

Go to a Red Sox Game // Cliche, but really. I don’t care if you don’t like baseball; you’ll like an evening spent at Fenway Park. Full schedule here!

How are you spending your spring days in or out of the city?

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