The time has come.
The empty sidewalks next to Au Bon Pain, the vacant store fronts of trendy caf’eacute;s and restaurants on Newbury Street, all cleared out.
Once the season starts to change from the crisp fall air to chilly winter days, the first thing to go is always outdoor seating.
It has always been a sign of winter knocking on Boston’s front door and summer taking a long vacation. But despite moans and groans from this native Californian, a bit of change in the weather is always nice.
Even though the cold makes me want to run under the covers and escape this chilling temperature, what never ceases to fail is the amount of Bostonians who continue to venture out in the cold.
This month I found myself giving in and finally buying my first North Face jacket. For two years I have refused to give into the New England trend, but this past week I gave in and traded in fashion for comfort.
Whether it is snow, rain or wind, I will always see fellow bikers speeding down Huntington Avenue, racing against the wind without a sign of discontent, and lately I find myself doing the same.
I gear up in excitement every morning before classes and ride from Mission Hill to campus on my Univega bike.
Jacket, check. Scarf, check. Gloves, check.
Biking isn’t the only summer trend holding strong during winter times in Boston. Bostonians continue to run along the Charles River or down Massachusetts Avenue despite sub-zero temperatures. All in the name of fitness.
In March, when the Boston Marathon comes around, marathoners will run for hours despite weather setbacks and chilly temperatures.
Ice skating at the Frog Pond has always been a favorite of mine and a traditional Boston winter event that appeals to Bostonians of any age.
From skating at Boston Common, the Charles Hotel or Kendall Square, outdoor ice skating has always been a New England favorite and a way to enjoy the outdoor weather without letting the cold threaten a good time.
Even winter bike tours around the city have been a favorite of visitors and neighbors. “City view Boston Bicycle Tour” by Urban AdvenTours is one of the best options for interaction with the city. Riders can re-discover their favorite spots around town in greater depth, as the tour goes to Fenway, Harvard and the South End, and takes you to Haymarket for lunch. It’s a true Boston winter experience, with some added exercise.
Urban AdvenTours has tours year round, but is one of the few that continues to run tours in the winter. Each tour guide is a Boston resident who talks about history, architecture and travel, and each is committed to bikes and spreading the world of alternative transportation.
For those who would rather stay indoors, Boston offers an array of film festivals that could keep you warm on cold nights. The Nor’Easter Film Festival is held at Brookline’s Coolidge Corner Theatre and is a selection of short-films created by New Englanders.
This new film festival has a staff who are committed to bringing new and exciting films to Boston, ranging from feature films, drama, music videos and animation. Each film is something new and fresh to allow you to get away from the Boston winter. As a bonus, they are each made by students and other New England filmmakers, as the festival brings amateurs and professionals together under the same roof.
So when you are feeling down because of the weather, remember there are plenty of things to do. The chairs might be gone, but take a seat on a bike or in a movie theatre and enjoy what winter has to offer.
-Danny Deza can be reached at [email protected].
