Oct. 25 to 27 is Family and Friends Weekend — a time when family and friends flock to Northeastern to explore the Boston campus and reunite with their student.
There will be lots to do on campus, but in a city as bustling as Boston, the possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to bringing loved ones somewhere special. To help, The News’ lifestyle editors have curated a list of restaurants, iconic spots and shopping scenes to check out while the family is visiting Boston.
Restaurants
Kristina’s pick: Cafe Landwer
Nestled into a cozy spot on Boylston Street is Cafe Landwer, a quaint restaurant serving up Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine in Back Bay. Retro decor and furniture give the spot a vintage feel, and the menu provides a delicious collection of all-day breakfast options, sandwiches and desserts. If family travels bring you to other parts of Boston, the cafe also has locations in Audubon Circle in Brookline and Cleveland Circle in Brighton.
Darin’s pick: Panza
With so many Italian restaurants to choose from, Boston’s North End can be a little overwhelming at first. For some reasonably priced dinner fare, Panza is a perfect North End spot. The lively ambience, authentic Italian cuisine and wine selection all make this restaurant an ideal choice for a casual and relaxing weekend family dinner.
Claudie’s pick: The Beehive
While Barcelona Wine Bar may be the obvious South End choice, right down the street is The Beehive, a bustling restaurant and bar. The restaurant’s eclectic, artsy space hosts live music nearly every day and boasts an impressive menu. Don’t miss the whipped ricotta appetizer, and try the butternut squash risotto or roasted chicken for an entree.
Iconic Boston spots
Kristina’s pick: Museum of Science
There’s no shortage of historic museums in Boston, but there’s one that does a little more. The Museum of Science, located on land that bridges Boston and Cambridge, offers visitors an educational, yet fun array of exhibits and activities. The museum covers the full spectrum of the sciences, from archaeology and anatomy to astronomy and animal science. It’s go big or go home at the Museum of Science — just ask its 65-million-year-old Triceratops fossil.
Darin’s pick: Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
If your family is looking for a walk in the park, look no further than Boston Common. Encompassing 50 acres in the heart of the city, the park is an essential part of Boston’s history — Boston Common is over 350 years old and is also part of the city’s famous Freedom Trail. It’s a popular community space, so for a more quiet setting, check out the neighboring Public Garden, which connects the Common and Back Bay. The Public Garden is smaller and more relaxing than the Common if you’re looking for a calm moment. Don’t forget to find a park bench by the water to recreate this famous scene from “Good Will Hunting.”
Claudie’s pick: The Charles River Esplanade
For an early morning jog with mom or an afternoon family walk, head to the Charles River Esplanade. The Esplanade provides panoramic views of Cambridge, which serves as a great backdrop for a family photo. Docks and grassy spaces along the Esplanade provide a perfect spot for a picnic or to watch the sunset.
Shopping
Kristina’s pick: Newbury Street
Back Bay is one of Boston’s best shopping neighborhoods, and the famed Newbury Street runs right down the middle. Shops such as Trident Booksellers & Cafe and the original Newbury Comics are housed in historic brownstone buildings, giving the street an aesthetic that mixes modernity with history. For people with a serious sweet tooth, Newbury Street has many bakeries and dessert spots to offer, including Amorino for gelato and Mochi Dough for Japanese donuts.
Darin’s pick: Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market
Faneuil Hall has its own history as the meeting place of the Sons of Liberty, but nowadays, it’s also home to a lively shopping center. Located on Boston’s waterfront and featuring over 80 businesses, the marketplace has enough to do for a whole day. There’s plenty of places to grab lunch in the nearby Quincy Market, and while you eat, be sure to be on the lookout for the musicians and street performers that often pop up on the cobblestone promenades.
Claudie’s pick: Harvard Square
Harvard Square is a bit of a hike from campus, but well worth the visit. For shopping, choose from big names like Anthropologie and Patagonia, or local favorites like the Harvard Book Store and The Attic vintage store. Parents will enjoy the architecture and good eats that Cambridge has to offer, such as Felipe’s Taqueria or Harvest. Plus, the bordering residential streets have beautiful foliage this time of year.
