Boston Spring Spots

by Danny McCarthy

Photography by Brittany Chang

After months of cold, dreary weather and piles of snow, it can be difficult to remember the places you went when the weather was warm. After two seasons of being cooped up indoors, there are spots opening up all around Boston made for basking in the warmth.

“I love to meet outside for brunch,” said Lauren Weinberger (COM ’17). The Beehive on the South End’s Tremont Street was a personal favorite of hers. During the year, the inside—exposed brick, small tables and a coterie of fairy lights—has nightly live music, ranging from jazz and R&B to cabaret and burlesque. The Beehive was actually rated as one of the “Top 100 Jazz Clubs in the World” by Downbeat Magazine.

But during the warmer months, the outdoor patio opens up. Tables with umbrellas cluster around the cupola that advertises South End goings-on. After sipping on mimosas, you can stroll down to Blackstone Square, which is famously full of cute dogs running around.

The docks along the eastern tip of the Esplanade’s man-made island put out Adirondack chairs when the weather gets warmer. You can watch sailboats on the Charles River, or crew teams glide along the water’s surface.

Weinberger also suggested seaport rooftops during the temperature uptick. The Lookout Rooftop Bar is a particular spot popular on the waterfront. Located on the top of the Envoy Hotel, the Lookout has intimate seating arrangements, fire pits and ceiling heaters for when the temperatures drop at night. The Envoy is located directly on the water, halfway between the Boston Children’s Museum (and the accompanying giant Hood Milk bottle) and the Institute of Contemporary Art.

Right next to the Envoy is the Barking Crab, a Boston landmark and outdoor eating spot. Grab a picnic table under the iconic red-and-yellow striped awning and eat fresh-caught seafood.

The Lawn On D is set to re-open in spring 2017. They’re probably most famous for those Instagrams you hate-like of your friends on neon-lit swings, but the Lawn has more to it. You can play a pick-up game on the basketball courts, go beast on some ping pong, listen to live music in the pavilion and eat from some of Boston’s local food trucks. According to Boston Magazine, Citizens Bank contributed $250,000 to the Lawn, having previously begun to support the park last year. That helps with turning a profit and providing high-quality entertainment and services for Boston residents.

Try out any of these places to soak up some rays and immerse yourself in the city of Boston.