DAY TRIP: HARVARD SQUARE

Harvard Square (not to be confused with Harvard Yard – one being part of the city of Cambridge and the other part of the Harvard University campus) is a fantastically fun area to visit.  Harvard Square is comprised of an amazing array of cute shops, an eclectic and ethnic mix of restaurants, throwback bookstores, barber shops, and hardware stores as well as a “little” university located smack in the middle of everything.

Situated down the road from Boston and on the Charles River, Harvard Square is an easy subway trip or drive. We typically shoot to go to one of the Harvard University museums when we visit the area. Our favorite is the Harvard Museum of Natural History. I am not one who embraces taxidermy animals but the exhibit is strangely breathtaking in its expansive variety and rarity of animal. Additionally there is also a room of gigantic gemstones and a glass flower exhibit as well as much more.

No trip to Harvard Square would be complete without a quick spin around Harvard Yard. The university is drenched in history and looks every bit its ivy covered part. Typically you will find a cluster of people huddled around the John Harvard statue – specifically around his shoe. I suggest you find out why you should rub it and well…rub it.

Heading into the square you will note the lack of big chain stores. It is rare now a days to find an area

that is wonderfully comprised of small independent stores with unique offerings from specialty teas to handmade paper. Give yourself a chance to weave your way up and down the streets before heading for a meal.

Harvard Square has restaurants galore. You will not be at a loss for options, if nothing else you may be frustrated with too many choices. I would actually suggest going to Mr. Bartley or better known as Bartley’s.  Bartley’s is a famous hamburger joint that has been around since 1960. Anyone who is anyone has had a burger there. In fact the tables have signs letting you know who ate a burger at what location in the place. Aside from the “star appeal” the burgers are amazing!

Before heading home take a stroll down to the Charles River and watch the rowers stream by you before you call it a day.  

Mr. Bartley : http://www.mrbartley.com/

Harvard Museum of Natural History: https://hmnh.harvard.edu/