1. Complete a sunset run across the Charles River Esplanade

Many tortured Boston-marathoners-in-training swear that the Esplanade offers one of the best views of the city one can achieve on foot. While I have done yoga in front of this view (coincidentally with Delaney Kenney, my fellow Boston Fellow), I have yet to run across here at prime time. I think this will be my first task once spring starts showing its head.

2. See a new performance at the American Repertory Theater (ART) or the Huntington Theater

Little known fact, but Boston actually has a booming theater scene! The ART previews shows before they end up on Broadway and they, along with the Huntington Theater, often have great discounts to make art in the city more accessible.

3. Kayak across the Charles River

Despite spending four years traipsing across the Charles River, I have never kayaked in the water itself. I plan to take a boat from MIT in the summer and have a lovely sunny day. 

4. See a midnight screening at Coolidge Corner Theater

As a proud Coolidge Corner resident, I consider it my responsibility to support the well-known independent movie theater (which has been around since the 1930’s!) during one of their weekly midnight screenings. What season screams late night movie time?

5. Go salsa dancing at La Fabrica in Central Square

While Boston isn’t known for its night life, I’m determined to have the perfect night out before I leave the city (hopefully for later closing times, louder music, and more diverse options). La Fabrica may be the place.

6. Go swimming in Walden Pond

While I have been in the water at Walden Pond, a state reservation with a massive swimming area in between its plethora of hiking trails, I have yet to swim totally submerged. I plan to play mermaids. 

7. Walk to or from work one day

Boston is a surprisingly small city. If I can push myself to wake up early, it will only take me approximately 1 hour to walk from Brookline (where I live) to Roxbury (where 826 Boston is located). In other words, this bucket list item is all about mental fortitude, not physical stamina. 

8. Go to a Red Sox game

This one is self explanatory and the hot dog is mandatory. 

9. Visit another New England coastal town

On weekends, Boston’s commuter rail offers $10 fare for as many stops as your heart desires. With pre-planning, you can ride all the way up to coastal cities like Portland, Maine (where my partner and I traveled, successfully checking off this bucket list item) for less than a meal out. 

10. Do a sandwich crawl and journal my findings

Despite being an honorary New Englander, I’m not the biggest fan of sea food. However, one other thing that Boston does right (outside of clam and deep sea animals), is a sub. I am making it my mission to try every esteemed sandwich location in Boston until I’ve determined the true-and-Anya-approved winner. 

To any future Fellows reading this, remember that while the Fellowship is important and impactful, your two years will also fly by. Don’t spend all of it working or worrying. Make sure to make new friends, explore more nooks and crannies of your host city (even if it’s already familiar to you), and go outside of your comfort zone. If you’re having trouble thinking about what adventures may look like for you, hopefully this blog post serves as a bit of a template. 

Have fun!