Adventuring In Boston Through Public Transportation

By Kristen Fenton

Explore what Boston has to offer by way of public transportation, starting with these five favorite destinations. Take a quick trip down the Orange Line and tour a notorious local brewery or enjoy leisurely nature walk at picturesque outdoor landscape. Ride the Green Line to Coolidge Corner for a dessert tasting event or hop on the Silver Line to a waterfront museum. Whatever the type of adventure you seek, The MBTA provides an effortless way to travel to and enjoy inexpensive activities around the city.

Sam Adams Brewery

30 Germania St
Boston, MA 02130
(617) 368-5213
Hours: Mon to Thurs, Sat 10am-3pm; Fri 10am-5:30pm
Reviews & Website

The Sam Adams Brewery is located in a quaint residential section of Jamaica Plain just minutes from the Orange Line's Stonybrook station. For $2 (suggested donation which benefits local charities) you'll enjoy an hour long tour through the brewery lead by a passionate and spirited guide. Behind the scenes, guests experience the brewing process from start to finish; discovering how certain ingredients, innovative recipes and sound brewing practices contributes to a delicious pint of Sam Adams. Of course, no tour would be complete without a trip to the tasting room where you'll sample everything from the original Boston Lager, to the seasonal brew on tap, to inventive styles like Brick Red or Farmhouse Ale.

Arnold Arboretum

125 Arborway
Boston, MA 02130
(617) 542-1718
Hours: Daily - Sunrise to Sunset
Website & Reviews

Continuing down the Orange line, the Arnold Arboretum is located steps from Forest Hills station. Explore from 265 acres of vast landscape (free of charge, however are donations accepted) that transport you far from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Spring proves the best time to visit with an abundance of lilacs, among other gorgeous flowers in bloom. However, any time of year looks to offer beauty and solace in nature. Take in the fascinating Japanese Bonsai trees, stroll along under grape vine and wisteria lined paths, enjoy the abundance of plush green trees and maybe even spot some wildlife.

Finale Desserterie & Bakery

1306 Beacon St
Brookline, MA 02446
(617) 232-3233
Reviews & Website

Finale Desserterie and Bakery offers a sensational array of sweet treats from which to indulge, where pastries are crafted with high quality ingredients to resemble works of art. Even better is when those impeccable desserts are paired with anything from seasonal cocktails, to craft beer, to port wine at a sit down tasting. Adjacent to the Green Line stop, their Coolidge Corner location hosts events on various Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 8pm for just $19.95 a person, proving a tasty and inexpensive way to switch up the after work routine. And who can argue with dessert for dinner?

Institute of Contemporary Art

100 Northern Ave
South Boston, MA 02210
Hours: Tues to Wed, Sat 10am-5pm; Thurs to Fri 10am-9pm
Reviews & Website

The city boasts a number of fantastic museums from which to explore via public transportation, but none offer views quite as stunning at the ICA on South Boston's waterfront. Venture on the Silver Line to either the World Trade Center or Courthouse Station to reach this ultra modern building housing a permanent collection of diverse artworks and constantly changing innovative exhibitions. The dynamic interior and exterior space provides a captivating atmosphere to enjoy and appreciate contemporary culture. Admission is $15 for adults, and bonus - Thursday evenings after 5pm are free.

Old North Church

193 Salem St
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 523-6676
Hours: January - February: Tues to Sun 10am-4pm; March - May: Daily 9am-5pm; June - October: Daily 9am-6pm; November - December: Daily 10am-5pm
www.oldnorth.com

Take the Orange or the Green line to Haymarket Station and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of the North End to visit the oldest standing church in Boston. Built in 1723, Old North Church endures lasting fame as home to the fateful event that ignited the American Revolution. Embrace the history that shaped our nation and view the stunning architecture and surrounding gardens, as well as the notable Copps Hill Cemetery further along the Freedom Trail on Hull Street. These historic landmarks provide a quintessential Boston adventure, one that remains admission free and can be appreciated by all.