by Sarah Moomaw
News Staff
Espresso Royal Caffe
ERC, located on 44 Gainsborough Street, acts as many Huskies’ second kitchen, library and meeting location. With a menu including vegetarian and vegan options, it’s sure to please a group cramming for an exam, putting together a presentation or just getting a break from the dining hall. Usually full of students, the cafe is full of tables, perfect for studying and ERC also offers free WiFi. Don’t get used to your regular table, however – finding a table during exam week can be a rare commodity.
The menu includes bagels and spreads (including a vegan tofu spread), breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches and delicious pastries such as scones, muffins and other sweets. ERC’s coffee is also a great alternative to the commercial chain option in every other storefront. Eat-in espresso drinks come filled to the top of a china mug with artistic foam designs swirled in. Have no fear, tea drinkers, ERC has a large selection of teas as well, so you’re sure to find your favorite. ERC has additional locations, are at 286 Newbury Street and 736 Commonwealth Avenue.
Monday though Thursday 7a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday 7a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Esplanade
Gather a group of friends, a Frisbee, a ball or a picnic lunch and head off to the Esplanade as a getaway from campus on a gorgeous fall afternoon. The Esplanade, a walking and biking path along the Charles River, is a short walk from the Arlington T stop on the Green Line. No friends in sight or feeling anti-social? A book and an iPod will do the trick as you take in views of Cambridge in the fall New England breeze. With six miles of
running trails and bike paths, the Esplanade is also a fitness alternative to the packed Marino Center. Look for other Huskies during the annual Northeastern Big Dog 5K Race every September along the Esplanade. This year, the race will be held on Sept. 18. Those who want to register can do so at www.northeastern.edu/alumni/bigdog5k/registration.shtml.
The Esplanade Association works to preserve the park and offers events year-round in association with the Department of Conversation and Recreation (DCR). Every Wednesday night in September, join a yoga instructor for free Sunset Yoga from 6 to 7 p.m. (free). For more information, e-mail [email protected]. The DRC Hatch Memorial Shell is located on the far-east end of the Esplanade. Although its summer event line up has ended, it’s still a landmark to check out.
Newbury Street
A short walk north on Massachusetts Avenue, Newbury Street has everything you could ever need. The narrow street breathes a sigh of relief from the stress of school as cute shops and delicious eats are the current distraction. Walking from west to east along Newbury, the shops slowly increase in value. Stores like Urban Outfitters, Madewell, North Face and Puma call the western end home while stores with security guards such as Burberry, Chanel and Giorgio Armani sit on the eastern edge, close to Boston’s Public Garden.
When hunger strikes during an afternoon of shopping, eating options are just as endless and sure to please. JP Licks is the place to curb your sweet tooth with their homemade ice cream and hot fudge. If cupcakes are more your thing, Sweet, a dessert shop specializing in cupcakes, just opened its third Boston location at 225 Newbury St. When parents come to visit, be sure to insist on a dinner out of the dinning hall, as Newbury is fine dining at its best. Newbury is home to fabulous local favorites such as Sonsie at 327 Newbury St., Stephanie’s on Newbury at 190 Newbury St., and Joe’s American Bar and Grill on 181 Newbury St., among many others.