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Best Places To Watch The Head Of The Charles Regatta

The 2014 Head of the Charles Regatta will be held on the weekend of October 18-19. It's free to watch, and you can pretty much find a spot anywhere along the banks of the Charles River for a view, but there are a few choice places on the route that are especially worth checking out.Read: Head Of The Charles: Best Restaurants For Lunch In Harvard SquareRead: A Guide To The Head Of The Charles Regatta
Head of the Charles Regatta
(Photo from Head of the Charles Regatta/Facebook)

The Bridges
Cost: Free

There's a good reason the BU, River Street, Western Avenue, Weeks Footbridge, Larz Anderson and Eliot bridges are going to be mobbed with spectators. The bridges provide a unique, close-up experience as the rowers zip past below.

weld
(Photo from HOCR.com)

The Weld Exhibition
Cost: FreeThe Weld Exhibition is around the halfway mark, between the Weeks and Larz Anderson bridges. A number of Regatta sponsors set up shop there, offering free samples, services and official Regatta merchandise for sale.

reunion village
(Photo Credit: HOCR.org)

Reunion Village
Cost: $10 one day, $15 weekend

Reunion Village offers spots for alumni groups, schools and anyone else who wants to connect over food and drinks in a tented area (particularly helpful if there's inclement weather). All are welcome at the Village for a daily fee of $10 or $15 for the weekend.

The Eliot Bridge Enclosure
Cost: $90-$150

The Eliot Bridge Enclosure is a private-access hospitality tent located upstream from the Eliot Bridge. It sits at the water's edge. Your ticket will get you access to a unique dining experience, with morning breakfast items and coffee, and a buffet lunch. A couple of drink tickets are also included. After that, enjoy beer, soda and fine wine at a cash bar. Ticket purchasers must be 21 years of age or older. You may purchase tickets for your guests or accompanying children (no ticket required for those children under 10 years of age). All children must remain in the company of an adult while at the EBE. The cost is $90 for a single day or $150 for the weekend.

The enclosure is a short walk from both the Rowing and Fitness Expo and the Finish Area Launch Site.

rowing on the Charles River
(Photo by Drew Moholland)

Rowing and Fitness Expo
Cost: free

The Rowing and Fitness Expo is comprised of more than 70 vendors, and is located in Christian Herter Park, which sits right at the finish line in Allston. Vendors are situated in and around the big-top tent, which is also the location of the Awards Ceremonies and the Heroic Rower Stage. Vendors offer rowing equipment, food, boat manufacturers and rowing apparel.

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