Things To Do In Westford

Home to some of the country’s most prestigious universities, Cambridge has always been known as a hotbed of intellectual and cultural sophistication. However, if you look beyond the MIT buildings that surround Cambridge Center, you’ll find some quaint side streets filled with character, unpretentious fun, and delicious restaurants from some of the city’s top chefs. Here’s your guide to a relaxed date night around Kendall Square. Thrift Like a Pro at The Garment District (200 Broadway) If you’re feeling bold, sift through the “by the pound” area—you’ll be able to tell a lot about your date depending on what they pick out. You can either stay downstairs and search for next year’s Halloween costumes or head upstairs to my personal favorite area: all the way in the back, where you’ll find racks of amazing '70s and '80s couture. Share a Pie at Emma’s Pizza (40 Hampshire St.) After your adventure at The Garment District, step around the corner for a romantic table for two at Emma’s Pizza. The only hard part will be settling on toppings for your custom pie: choose from gourmet options such as thyme-roasted mushrooms and roasted sweet potatoes, or keep it simple with some sweet italian sausage. I love grabbing a cold beer and sitting down at the mismatched chairs—sometimes the most romantic spots are the most understated. Shots and Shuffleboard at State Park (1 Kendall Square) Come for a game of shuffleboard and stay for the bourbon and barbecue. This recently opened Kendall Square “dive bar” is the little sister to Cambridge’s beloved Hungry Mother, which features more upscale southern dining. The ambiance at State Park is moody and dark—perfect for drinking enjoying an after-dinner cocktail (or two). Cozy Up for a Flick at Kendall Square Cinema (1 Kendall Square) Going to the movies is one of my favorite pastimes. It can feel so indulgent if you do it right. Don’t come for the latest blockbuster hit—Kendall Square Cinema is known for showcasing smaller indie flicks. The theater is small and intimate, perfect for cozying up with a bag of freshly popped popcorn (topped with real butter!). Be sure to check Groupon first for more shopping, date-night restaurants, and things to do in Boston. Photos by Natalie Chassaigne Kurtzman

In high school, my best friend and I would trek into the city from our Boston suburb many weekends. Our frequent destination: Harvard Square’s Club Passim. As an eighteen year old, there weren’t many options for enjoying city nightlife. Club Passim was a very welcome exception. Still to this day, I savor evenings listening to live folk music in the intimate Palmer Street setting. In addition to being a great night out, it’s pretty incredible to think about the history of the Boston music scene. Bob Dylan and Joan Baez sang at Club Passim back in the day. Wally’s Cafe has been around since 1947, and is still a reliable venue for live music 365 days of the year. Personally, I adore the smaller, more intimate venues that allow you to feel like you’re at a private performance. In addition to paid concerts, you’ll find many free options thanks to the area universities, such as Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory. There are plenty of performances and student showcases for $5, and many are even free. As a music lover, it is great to experience up-and-coming talent. If you are in the mood for jazz, I’d recommend Scullers Jazz Club, Wally’s Cafe, or The Beehive. Each venue has a unique personality - from The Beehive’s bohemian flair to Wally’s intimate scene. If you’re looking to groove to bluegrass, I would recommend Cantab Lounge or Toad, both in Cambridge. When it comes to more mainstream music, I still prefer the smaller venues, such as Paradise Rock Club, The Sinclair, and Royale. Let’s not forget about the seasonal venues, too, such as western Massachusetts’s Tanglewood, and more locally, the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade. Regardless of season or musical taste, there’s an abundance of live music to enjoy here in Boston.

This week’s lineup begins and ends with nostalgia, from a classic summer fair to a '90s-flashback cruise. In between, you can take in live outdoor theater, learn to line dance, and sample coffee-infused cocktails. Don’t forget to check Groupon first for more cool things to do in Boston. The Bolton Fair Lancaster | Saturday, August 9–Sunday, August 10 Although the 132-year-old event advertises itself as “an old-fashioned agricultural fair,” it certainly embraces modernity. Case in point: the larger-than-life monster trucks and local rock bands. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of classic carnival rides, adorable animals, and oxen pulls to satisfy traditionalists. (318 Seven Bridge Rd., Lancaster; $10; buy tickets here) Shakespeare on the Common: Twelfth Night Downtown | Sunday, August 10, 7 p.m. Don’t miss the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s last performance of Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare’s merry comedy that centers on love, shipwrecks, and cross-dressing. (Parkman Bandstand in Boston Common; free) Faneuil Hall Marketplace's Hoedown at the Hall Financial District | Sunday, August 10, noon Break out the cowboy boots and spurs for Sunday’s kid-friendly hoedown at Faneuil Hall. Attendees can play corn hole, learn to line dance, listen to live country music, or marvel at the whip tricks of Jack the Whipper. (4 S. Market St.; free) SoonSpoon Caffeinated Cocktails Pop-Up Seaport District | Tuesday, August 12, 6:30 p.m. Who says cocktails make you sleepy? Audubon’s Tyler Wang joins forces with Josh Gerber and Hannah Epstein of 1369 Coffee House to shake up three caffeinated cocktails that bring out the vibrant, earthy flavors of various javas. (WeWork Fort Point, 51 Melcher St.; $30; buy tickets here) Saved by the Boat 2014 Financial District | Friday, August 15, 8 p.m. Social Boston Sports is bringing back big hair, scrunchies, and Hammer pants for a '90s-themed cruise. The all-night event begins with an optional karaoke pre-party at Hong Kong Boston (65 Chatham St.) and ends with an after party at Howl at the Moon (184 High St.). The cruise itself features a cash bar and a dance floor fueled by '90s hits. (Cruise departs from Rowes Wharf; $30; buy tickets here) Bolton Fair image from Facebook; Shakespeare on the Common image from Madeleine Ball (Flickr)