8 Things to do in Boston that aren’t partying

November has arrived, the temperature is dropping, and you’re now wondering why Boston isn’t the one nicknamed “the windy city.” Boston’s about to get a lot colder than it was when you were able to bounce around from house to house in your sexy cat costume. 

Here’s a guide to help you maximize your weekends without freezing your ass off. Boston’s filled with stunning views and fun activities, so don’t get stuck on campus.

The House Of Blues

The House of Blues is a concert venue conveniently located in Fenway. Grab dinner and a beer or two at the Yardhouse and then make your way to see some amazing performers. The stadium is inside, meaning you can wear whatever attire you want while enjoying some of the top hits. This November and December, House of Blues will be hosting Mac Miller, Ingrid Michaelson, Good Charlotte, and Elle King just to name a few.

Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts is the fourth largest museum in the United States. This museum is located near Fenway and just a walk away from campus. It’s free for all students, so if you’re trying to check out some unique art and save money, then this is the place for you. This museum features art for every type of person. They have contemporary art, pieces from cultures all across the globe, and even feature prints. With a strict academic schedule, it’s important we let our minds wander in a museum and appreciate the peace and quiet of exhibits every once and awhile.

Museum of Science

The fancy art isn’t for you? Then head over to the Museum of Science located in Downtown Boston. This museum has countless interactive exhibits and a planetarium. Admission is $25, but they always have deals for college students. The lightning exhibit at this museum is one of the most well-known activities in Boston. If you’re studying science or just want to feel like a kid again, then spend the night with friends and maybe even learn something.

Wine Night

Okay so enough about museums, you just want a mindless night off from work and school. Host a wine and Netflix night with your friends. Nothing is more satisfying than finishing off a Netflix show, so why not make it a group activity. Grubhub is your best friend when it comes to ordering from practically any restaurant in Boston. Add a bottle of wine in celebration of making it through the week, and you have a successful night ahead of you. You won’t get FOMO from not going out if you decide to be a shut-in with your best friends.

The Prudential Center

The “Pru” is one of the tallest buildings in Boston, but it’s also a beautiful, giant mall. There’s even chain restaurants located inside, something that’s hard to come by in Boston. California Pizza Kitchen and PF Chang’s are hard to resist, especially when you’re craving comfort food in the cold weather. The Pru is a perfect way to get away from campus and get in some retail therapy while enjoying the view of Boston from indoors. The Top of the Hub is a restaurant at the top of the Pru that’s expensive, but the view is priceless. If you have a job this semester, I suggest saving up to check it out.

Shopping on Newbury

Take a day trip to Newbury Street before the snowfall begins. Newbury lights up their trees starting in November, making it a pretty walk to stores like Urban Outfitters, Madewell, and Nike. Newbury also gives you a real taste of Back Bay. There’s young post-college people walking around, plenty of dogs, and families always enjoying a night out. People watching is essential to make the most out of the night because this strip is filled with Boston accents and those enjoying date nights. My favorite restaurant is Tapeo, a tapas place with endless options.

Fenway Regal Cinemas

Go to the movies in Fenway. The perk of going to a city school is not being stuck on a campus with nothing around. Remember the high school days where going to the movies was the definitive plan on a Friday night? Let’s bring that back in our college years because  you don’t want to go home and realize you missed an entire year of amazing films? November is the best month for movies because all the horror films from Halloween are still out, and plenty of dramas come out as well. This November’s even better because the new Harry Potter prequel is released, and that is everything your childhood self could ever ask for.

Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall is the perfect place to go on a day that’s too cold for Newbury. If you and your friends all have different tastes in food then this is the place for you. There’s endless options for meals ranging from clam chowder to tex-mex. This year, the annual Faneuil Hall tree lighting event is November 19th. If you have a visitor, I recommend making the trip here because it’s filled with Boston souvenirs and sports gear. It’s also just a T-ride away from campus.

As the weather gets colder, don’t feel pressured to find a party every night of the weekend. Boston is a famous city for a reason. There’s much culture to learn about, so don’t get dragged into the college aesthetic that’s represented in the media. You’re more than American Pie.