Fall is the perfect time to visit the Boston area (recently named one of Condé Nast’s Best Places to Go in 2026) and we hope you have the chance to explore a bit while you’re here! We’ve included some of our favorite hidden gems below, as well as a list of hotels that are near the venues.
We do not have a room block but encourage guests to find accommodations in downtown Boston/Back Bay, or anywhere in Cambridge or Somerville. Some hotel recommendations can be found at the bottom of this page, but there are also plenty of Airbnbs available for larger groups as well.
Areas to Explore
Harvard Square
Harvard Museum of Natural History
The glass flowers are stunning and are well worth the price of admission.
An amazing independent book store, despite the name.
Sip a frozen marg on the roof deck!
Back Bay/Downtown Boston
Boston Public Garden
Grab a “flour dog” - a hot dog topped with baked beans and sweet + sour relish, or try a sticky bun or the soft serve. If you don’t make it to this specific location, try any of the other 9 Flour bakeries in Boston/Cambridge.
Visit the stunning courtyard and tea room.
A short ride away on the Green Line.
Coolidge Corner
One of the best book stores (and gift shops) in the Boston area.
New Zealand-style ice cream with fun mix-ins.
A little slice of Japan in Brookline!
The best ramen around.
Clear Flour Bakery
Fun Outings
Charles River Esplanade
Take the Red Line to Charles/MGH (by Tony’s old office) and walk over the Frances Appleton Bridge, past the Hatch Shell (where Thomas performs), to enjoy some of the best views of the Boston skyline on Fiedler Dock or rent Kayaks to experience the city from the water! Then, either continue walking along the water and stop by Night Shift Brewery, or take the Arthur Fiedler footbridge into the heart of Back Bay and Boston Common.
A great place to explore with kids, and not far from either wedding event venues.
Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum
One of Boston’s most stunning cultural institutions. Fun fact: in 1990, 13 priceless works of art were stolen from the museum. There’s a $10 million reward for “information leading directly to the recovery of all items in good condition,” if you’re looking for a weekend side quest.
Say hello to Reggae the seal (and his rubber ducky) for us!
Other Food Recs
We don’t know a better chocolate chip cookie.
If you’re looking for something healthy-ish before gorging on arancini at Gufo.
Soft Serve at Momma’s Grocery
Try the maple soft serve with rainbow sprinkles!
Confusingly, in Central Square.
Thai food at BoonNoon Market
Breakfast sandwiches at Vinal Bakery
Our go-to ice cream spot until they went viral and now the lines are too long.. but you should still try it!
A bit out of the way, but the best croissants in town.
Hotels
Sheraton Commander
Harvard Square
16 Garden St, Cambridge, MA 02138
1.7 mi from Friday night drinks
1.9 mi from wedding venue
Kimpton Marlowe Hotel
East Cambridge
25 Edwin H Land Blvd, Cambridge, MA 02141
2.1 mi from Friday night drinks
1.0 mi from wedding venue
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
East Cambridge
250 Monsignor O'Brien Hwy, Cambridge, MA 02141
1.2 mi from Friday night drinks
0.5 mi from wedding venue