Boston's Not-So-Cliché Ways To Celebrate After College Commencement

Commencement/graduation season is kind of a big deal in Boston. With more than 250,000 college students spread out across the city, you're looking at tens of thousands of students making the graduation walk each spring (which means a whole lot of inspiring commencement speeches).

Fortunately, the city has an enormous array of fantastic places where students and their families celebrate their achievement. Inspired by cliché lines from commencement speeches, we've compiled a list of not-so-cliché ways to celebrate.

F1 Boston

290 Wood Rd
Braintree, MA 02184
website

The quote: "Now that you've graduated, it's off to the races."

Well? Why not make sure you're driving? Head over to F1 Boston in Braintree and hop in one of the replica Formula One racing car go-carts. No reservation is needed. And they do offer private events (in case your entire extended family decided to show up).

Charles River Canoe & Kayak

Multiple Locations
website

The Quote: "Get out there and make waves!"
("Up the creek without a paddle" could apply here as well.)

Rent a kayak from Charles River Canoe & Kayak and take in the sights from the water. Impress your parents by naming off a number of historic sites that you'll spot up and down the Charles River. (Maybe leave out the part where you learned about all of these sites while you were on a pub crawl.)

NEAQ Whale Watch

Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110
(617) 973-5200
website

The quote: "You are ready to set sail, with endless possibilities on the horizon."

If set sail on New England Aquarium's Whale Watch boat, those endless possibilities will likely include seeing whales. The boat heads out to a popular whale feeding ground located about 30 miles from Boston. It's a fun and relaxing trip. Reservations are strongly recommended.

The Warren Tavern

2 Pleasant St.
Charlestown, MA 02129
(617) 241-8142
website

The quote: "This is not the end, it's the beginning."

We imagine the colonialists uttered the same inspirational statement after the British Army burned down the original Warren Tavern. The rebuilt Warren Tavern has been graced by the likes of George Washington (among many others). The "new" Warren Tavern (1780) has outlasted countless other taverns and still lays claim to being one of the oldest taverns in America.

The Medieval Manor Theatre-Restaurant

246 E Berkeley St.
Boston, MA 02228
website

The quote: "Make history."

We all learned in school about the importance of history... especially when it's combined with an entertaining staff, great food, and cheap beer. The Medieval Manor Theatre puts on a timeless show that's great for everyone to enjoy.

The Courtyard Restaurant At The Boston Public Library

700 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116
website

The quote: "Be smart."

The Courtyard Restaurant gets an honorary doctorate being that it's quietly tucked inside the Boston Public Library. Unfortunately, it's only open on weekday afternoons. So, for weekend commencement ceremonies, you'll need to look elsewhere.