Getting Around on the T – Local Tips!

Getting around Cambridge and Boston by car can be confusing. The historical charm of the city also comes with a less-than-sensible layout of roads. While Irving House has a small lot for guests, available parking isn’t always the case around town. This is a solid reason to take the subway (part of the MBTA system), also known as the T! Plus, Irving House is in such close proximity to the Harvard Red Line station that the rest of the city is easily accessible.

Here are some tips that will enable you to use the T

and take the Red Line like a local:

1. Cost: Many things throughout Cambridge and Boston are costly. With no happy hour and expensive housing, it can feel like being budget-friendly in Boston isn’t an option. Fortunately, when it comes to the T cost is fair and in comparison to other cities, relatively inexpensive. A weekly pass will cost $21.25 and a day pass will cost $12. If you won’t use the T more than 4 times in a day opt to pay for a single ride at $2.75 for a ticket or $2.25 on a Charlie Card.
2. Charlie Card: Most locals have a Charlie Card, a hard plastic card you tap to enter the transit gates. These cards are free and there’s a small discount on single rides when using the card. Passes or dollar amounts can be loaded onto the card at stations. These cards can be picked up in various places throughout the city. The closest place near Irving House to pick them up is conveniently at the Harvard station.
3. Tickets: Alternatively, and useful for shorter stays, you can purchase a ticket at the station. The ticket is inserted into a slot which opens the gate. Don’t forget to grab your ticket before going through! These tickets can also be reloaded.
4. The Red Line: To take the T into downtown Boston, the red line at Harvard is a direct shot. Simply follow signs to go INBOUND. Park St is a quick 4 stops away and will put you near the State House, Boston Common, and Public Gardens, as well as tourist info for things like hop on hop off buses. You can also go one stop further to downtown crossing which is near many shops and the heart of the financial district. The red line also goes to Kendall Square (where MIT is) just 2 stops from Harvard. When you’re returning from downtown Boston to Irving House, go outbound and get off at Harvard.
5. Transfers: If you need to transfer to a different train line or a bus, one transfer is included in your ride cost, though this is moot if you have purchased a day or week pass.
6. Safety first: The T is the oldest public transportation system in the US. Don’t be surprised by older trains and maybe a few bumps along the way. If there aren’t seats available, hold on to the rail to avoid any falls (or spilled coffee).
7. If you’re lost or confused and can’t find an employee to help, ask someone nearby. Sure, New Englanders have a reputation for being a little harsh, but we promise we are nicer than the stereotype and someone is bound to help.

Winter Reasons to Visit Cambridge

Enjoy a winter getaway! Cambridge and Boston offer many traditional events to keep the New England winter vibrant.

• Check the latest events: Harvard Square events calendar
• Central Square Events Calendar

Winter Ice Skating

There’s nothing quite like bundling up, strapping on some skates, and gliding around an ice rink during the winter. In close proximity to Irving House, there are multiple opportunities to do just that.

Harvard Skate is located in Harvard Yard and is a winter rink just 10 minutes walking from Harvard.

Community Ice Skating @Kendall opens after Thanksgiving. They offer skate rentals, snack bar, lessons and more!

Voted Best Outdoor Skating Rink in the US by USA Today, the Frog Pond is located in the Boston Common and is easily accessible by the Red Line. The park is beautiful during the winter months with holiday lights and the usual snowfall. Here’s the season’s schedule.

Holiday Shopping

The Cultural Survival Bazaar is a great place to buy unique gifts made by indigenous artists and co-ops. The Bazaar takes place in Cambridge on December 9-10 and in Boston on December 15-17.

The Cambridge Winter Farmers Market is an indoor farmers market that occurs each Saturday, January 6th – April 7th. The market hosts more than just farm vendors and is a great place to grab lunch or fresh fruit for a snack.

Harvard Square Holiday Fair, a longstanding tradition, takes place over three weeks. It’s free to attend so feel free to window shop!

SOWA Holiday Market features artisans, food vendors, carolers and more! It’s located in the South End neighborhood of Boston, accessible by the T.

Holiday Lights

Yes, it might get cold during the winter months but the city also comes alive and literally sparkles!

For example, Harvard Square’s Sparklefest includes a tree lighting, musical performances, a 5k and more. Check out Harvard Square’s website for the full list of events. Other tree lightings also take place across the city. From Faneuil Marketplace which includes a light show, the State House Tree Lighting near the Boston Common (which also has a separate tree lighting), Copley Square, and Commonwealth Ave, you have many tree lightings to choose from!

Boston Sports

Somehow, Boston Sports Fans maintain energy year round. Consequently, coming to Boston for The Celtics and The Bruins home games at TD Garden is a great way to spend the winter season!

Shows

Revels always puts on a lively musical show at the Sanders Theatre, just two blocks from Irving House, great for the whole family.  You will be singing your way into the chilly night…

Hasty Pudding Theatricals is a bawdy production that promises silly plots, low production values, and college humor. Hosted at Harvard University’s Farkas Hall. February 12 – March 10, 2019

One of the best Winter activities is to escape the cold for some entertainment. That being said, Brattle Theatre shows classic, independent, and foreign films year round.

ImprovBoston is sure to bring some laughs, plus you can get 25% off as an Irving House guest; just ask the front desk for a coupon code!

Holiday Pops is an annual Boston tradition. Symphony Halls is filled with cheer, holiday music, sing-alongs and much more!

One of the biggest reasons people love Boston is the history. The Boston Tea Party Reenactment on December 16th gives attendees the opportunity to join in on an iconic protest.

Festivals

Festivals and Food Events in Boston and Cambridge happen year round. Winter is no exception! Here’s a winter calendar for you to peruse, and below is a list of our favorites. Click on the link of each event for more information.

Boston Celtic Music Festival – January 17-20, 2019

Chinese New Year Parade – January 28

Children’s Winter Festival – February 2019, has arts & crafts, games, inflatables, and a photo booth at the Frog Pond at Boston Common. Free.

Food Events

Boston Wine Expo 

Craft Beer Winter Fest 

Everyone Loves Latkes 

Some Like it Hot Chili Fest

Extreme Beer Fest – The 16th annual Extreme Beer Fest is held annually at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston, Mass. Featuring 120+ brewers and 400+ beers, across two days and three sessions.

Eater Boston – latest restaurant news and reviews.

Regardless of your interests, Boston and Cambridge will have something that piques your interest during the winter months. As a bonus, this is the least expensive time to travel to the area. Book now at Irving House to secure low rates!