#4 Go to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)

The Museum of Fine Arts

Travel Time: 5 minute walk from NEU campus for those not at NEU its the Green Line T, MFA stop. 

Cost: Free for NEU students, otherwise the suggest you make a donation, $10.00+. 

They are currently adding

 an extension to the MFA Boston, and so some wings were off limits, but since I haven't visited the Museum in over two years, it was nice to go back. Most of the artwork was in the same rooms, not much had changed. However, there were quite a few memorable paintings that had changed locations, and one I wanted to revisit, which had been removed altogether, which did surprise me.

Currently the MFA has an exhibit called "The Secrets of Tomb 10A, Egypt 2000 BC", Which we were able to visit. It was not quite what I was expecting. It was more of a story of the archeologists and the items left behind, rather than about Egypt at that point in time. Additionally, there were no mummies, which I was disappointed about, There were tons of wooden boats though. (In this photo: Liz checking out some old Egyptian artwork). 

I have two favorite sections of this museum, the first is the : Sidney and Esther Rabb Gallery otherwise known as the European Art Section 1870-1900. This is where you can find the Museums collection of Monet, Rembrandt and Deags. The MFA has at least two panels of Monet's famous Water Lilies. The other is the Buddhist Temple Room, It is located on the second floor within the Asian Art Section. This temple is home to at least 6 different statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva's. 

Overall the MFA is great for a rainy day and has a little bit of something for everyone. 

Don't Forget to Check Out Their Website: http://mfaboston.com/ 

#8 Boston Commons and Public Garden

The Boston Commons and Public Garden 

Travel Time: 20 min by MBTA Green Line T. 

Cost: Free 

I love the Commons and Public Garden, but really never get to spend as much time as I would like to over there, especially with the green grass of the NEU quad a tad closer. With spring and summer in the air, and the weather finally nice, everyone and their mother seems to come out of the woodwork to enjoy the sun, and that is extremely evident within the Commons. There were just people everywhere, it was hard to find a place to sit, especially near the pond, to enjoy the entertainment provided by a family of ducks. Once you do find that coveted pond spot, as we were lucky to do, you sit down and forget that you are actually in the middle of a city. It becomes just so peaceful and hard to leave. 

The trees block out most of the city scenes and sounds, however, for those few "skyscrapers", if you will, create a beautiful dichotomy of man made and nature. 

Fun fact, while in the Public Gardens, we made friends with a family of ducks, it was a mother, father and about 7 baby ducklings (of which I named them the 7 Dwarfs, the one pictured is Dopey!)

There are other things to do while in the Public Gardens and Commons, other than sit and enjoy the scenery, such examples are the Swan Boats, and there is now a Carousel, which the 5 year old inside of me is extremely excited about. This is a great way to spend an afternoon. 

#6 Sweet Cupcakes

Sweet Cupcakes

Mass Ave, Boston MA

Travel Time: 20 min walk from NEU.

Cost: Delicious Red Velvet: $3.00

4 mini cupcakes: $7.00

Sweet Boston is a great stop if you find yourself down Mass Ave, and provides sweets that will brighten your day. The shop inside is small, with about three tables for 2 people, but that shouldn't hinder you. The venture is totally worth it. Sweet has the best cupcakes around, with a variety

of different flavors, if you will. I was able to try the red velvet (see the photo), as well as the cheesecake and cappuccino varieties. The best thing about this place is the availability of mini cupcakes! (love anything in the miniature variety). They also have cakes for any occasion (birthday anyone?). Definitely a place to check out!

Don't Forget to Check Out There Website!

http://www.sweetcupcakes.com/

#23 The Arnold Arboretum

First things first: ar·bo·re·tum Pronunciation: \ˌär-bə-ˈrē-təm\ (still not able to pronounce it right, but hey its worth a shot).

Travel Time: This was just a quick T ride down the orange line to forest hills, and then about 5-10 min walk up the street to the main entrance. All in all approx 30 min (from NEU).

Cost: FREE

This was an awesome experience, and is a must see if you have a beautiful afternoon with nothing to do. My only thought while walking through this amazing collection of greenery, was I cant believe there is a place this peaceful in a city. It truly was amazing, the height of the trees and the gorgeous and fragrant flowe

rs really were something special. If I may make a suggestion, bring a blanket and a lunch! There are so many beautiful spots to have a picnic or just relax and tan. Also I would suggest shorts/pants and sneakers, not the dress and sandals I thought were sunny day appropriate.

Don't Forget to Check Out Their Website: http://arboretum.harvard.edu/