A Traveler’s Confession

I have a confession: I’ve been a hoarder this year.

Negative connotations probably take hold of the psyche with the mere mention of the word “hoard.” Visions of junk pervade the mind. However, obsessively collecting possessions in pack rat fashion is not the type of hoard I mean.

I’ve been hoarding something that doesn’t take up space and is invisible. I’ve been collecting it through abstinence.

The construct I’ve been accumulating is time. I’ve taken less than one week of vacation all year.

I survived by capitalizing on long holiday weekends and traveling to nearby states. I worked from home occasionally, which felt like a holiday being in pajamas on a Tuesday.

Don’t get me wrong: I vacationed. I went to Mexico and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I spaced that trip out among the other days I used. I also took mental holidays away from the hustle of life.

I sacrificed using up my vacation time because I knew the reward of having a massive amount of vacation in the new year would be worth it.

I leave you with a staycation in North Point Park.

 

Quintana Roo, Mexico

The palm tree shadows showed as designs on my legs. The dry sandy path leading me to the cenote left white specs of sand on my sandal-laden feet. The surrounding area was a swamp-like forest.

Our destination was a cenote, a natural pool of water that is caused by collapsed bedrock thereby exposing ground water from beneath.

My friend and I were told the cenote was closed. It was our last day in Mexico so that wouldn’t do. We convinced the gatekeepers to let us in early so we could meet back up with our fellow bachelorette-celebrating friends to catch out flight.

As we reached the mangrove-surrounded cenote, we saw we were not alone. Three locals, two men and a woman, were also enjoying an early morning swim. The men sat on a low hanging tree branch, surrounding a cooler of beer.

My eyes fell on the woman who was fully submerged in the water. She seemed out of place, fully clothed in jeans and a long sleeve shirt instead of a bathing suit.

She looked on curiously as we debated whether to jump in.

Our question was whether there was anything in the depths of the dark water that might try to eat us. The woman appeared carefree. I put my trust in her confidence and followed suit by jumping in.

A few joint cannonball sessions and we were taking photographs together.

Cannonballing into the mangrove-surrounded cenote.

The gatekeeper joined…

Five days earlier, seven of us had met at the Cancun airport to celebrate our friend’s last days of singledom. It was my first time in Mexico and a much-anticipated trip after another New England winter.

Our first stop was Playa del Carmen, a seaside city in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately thirty minutes from the Cancun airport. The stretch of beach is lined with restaurants and hotels. The city has lots of nightlife options.

A pathway from the beach to downtown.

On our second day, we took a ferry to the island of Cozumel for an active day of snorkeling and exploring the beaches on the far side of the island.

On a rooftop, looking out at the colorful and palm tree-lined main street in Cozumel.

Waves crashing on the far-side of the island.

Lifeguard stand surrounded by rock and greenery.

Beach bug.

Snorkel session.

After experiencing the nightlife, and surviving a barefoot walk on the cracked pavement, we headed to Tulum, a yoga retreat town. This laid back beach town provides words of wisdom from street signs to inviting beach signs.

Self-explanatory.

Tulum also offers Mayan ruins, which are strategically placed on a dramatic cliff that plunges into the ocean.

View from the ruins.

The essentials: hydration, transportation, and readiness for the beach.

We rented bicycles to explore the ins and outs of Tulum.

Beach bungalow.

Overall, the coastal Mexican towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum make for a fun tropical getaway. With warm turquoise waters, fantastic tacos, historic ruins, and colorfully sewn fabrics you can’t go wrong. These areas are touristy for good reason.

The Real Sihanoukville

Sihanoukville is a coastal city situated among hills in southwestern Cambodia. It boasts miles of continuous beach and large volcanic rock to climb on. The turquoise water is warm enough to swim in the entire day. Looking out into the vast Gulf of Thailand, tropical islands dot the horizon.

The city is named after King Norodom Sihanouk. Read or listen to this NPR article to learn more about him.

Cambodia is full of natural and manmade treasures. A natural example is the wild fruit that grows everywhere. An example of a manmade masterpiece is the temples that were erected during the Khmer Empire, which ruled for over 600 years and who had immense power, wealth, and stunning artistic and architectural achievements.

However, it is also a country still recovering from a horrific genocide that took place from 1975-1979. It has widespread poverty and is rife with corruption.

Beyond the beautiful white sand beaches and luxury hotels of Sihanoukville lies a fishing village. This is the real Sihanoukville.

On our second day in the resort city, my friends and I went for a walk. We climbed volcanic rock, dug our feet into the hot sand, and bought bags full of chopped pineapple with long toothpicks to help us select pieces without a mess. I adhered the bag to my purse and trekked the beach.

The landscape began to change from luxury hotels to natural palm trees. Little boys flew their kites and curiously followed us. Finally we came upon a small town that showed a drastically different picture from the area we were staying in.

Rust covers the side of homes and trash wastes away on the walking path through the town. A friendly dog joined us on our journey.

Fish drying on a rack outside.

And yet, the residents’ have a spectacular view.

Above are girls I met who were preparing fish for a stew.

Boats returned to a pier from a fishing expedition.

Seeing this town was actually one of my favorite days. It was eye-opening to view a way of life I was unaccustomed to.

Somehow, I felt inspired seeing everyone working with their hands. A little ways past the village, my friend found some coconuts. Hungry and without a knife, I decided to attempt opening my coconut on rocks. I began striking the coconut on the jagged edge. Slowly but surely, I was able to peel back the outer skin and crack it open.

Naturally, this led to a yoga/workout session on the rocks…

Namaste.

 

 

Hiking Yosemite National Park

Amid alpines and clear skies, I sat on a granite rock and looked out toward Half Dome, a Yosemite National Park landmark. The rock formation’s name is derived from its appearance of being a dome cut in half. One side is a steep 90 degree angle while the other three are rounded.

I was on the John Muir trail, a 210.4-mile trail according to the United States Geological Survey. Unlike some hikers traveling the whole distance, I was only climbing a portion of the trail for a day trip. My group started at 6am to get in as much isolation as possible on the popular Mist Trail. With motivating views in store, getting up early on this vacation was easy.

We began our steep ascent from Happy Isle Bridge, the prelude hike to the Mist and John Muir Trail junction. We shed multiple layers of clothing quickly. Gorgeous views of valleys rewarded us. When we reached the junction, we refilled our water bottles at the water-stop and forged on to Mist Trail.

Mist Trail runs along a river and keeps up a steady incline. As we reached the top of the waterfall, we found flatter terrain to perch upon. We listened to the thundering water and looked below at the colorful speckles of people climbing toward us.

Proceeding further, we scouted views of a second waterfall, Nevada Falls, off in the distance. We navigated our way back to the John Muir Trail. This would loop us back to where we began. I looked toward Half Dome, squinting to see if I could spot anyone scaling the side.

As we continued our descent, we dropped to the so-called “Ice Cut,” or Panarama Cliff, which gets its name from the dangerous winter conditions.

Those eager to continue along John Muir Trail have Kings Canyon, Sequoia National Park and breathtaking views in the Sierra Nevada to look forward to. The footpath links up with the Pacific Crest Trail for about 100 miles. A majority of the trail is in high elevation, around 8,000-10,000 feet.

The John Muir Trail is named after naturalist John Muir who was an early supporter in the preservation of the United States wilderness and creator of the Sierra Club. As an activist, he petitioned Congress to designate Yosemite as a national park. You can read his books, essays, and letters which reflect upon the spiritual connection between nature and people.

Yosemite is a refreshing experience that allows you to disconnect from daily life and be in  awe of the world’s natural beauty. In celebration of National Park’s centennial birthday, consider taking a trip to one of the 58 national parks. Enjoy a new perspective, challenge your body to adjust to new heights, and disconnect from technology for a quiet moment in nature. I extended my trip by a week so I could dive into all things San Francisco. Read my San Francisco restaurant and activity recommendations here!

A Ride Through Koh Kong

Join me on the back of a motorcycle, traveling through the streets of Koh Kong, Cambodia!

San Francisco: Recommendations Around the City

Weaving through the streets of San Francisco’s flattest district, the Mission, I sauntered casually past cyclists and down graffiti alleyways. I stood before Bernal Heights hill. Unlike most hills in San Francisco, it is undeveloped besides the radio tower at the crest. I climbed the steep dirt path surrounded by straw-colored grasses, the California state flower, California poppy, and joined dog walkers. Atop are expansive views of the city. I oriented myself, noting places I had already visited and created a mental map of the city for later use. I could have used google maps, but sometimes getting lost allows you to find unforeseen treasures. Read on for some of those jewels, including restaurant, museum, shopping, and activity recommendations.

Restaurants

Blue Plate, 3218 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, blueplatesf.com

This eatery boasts American new dishes with a Mediterranean twist. Each dish is strategically laid out on the plate with artistic grace. It won my affection for the most impressive restaurant I ate at on my trip. Unique pairings from locally-sourced farms were mouth-watering, such as artichoke soup with raspberries and chopped peanuts sprinkled on top. My friend and I opted to eat tapas-style and sampled several dishes. The atmosphere was cozy and rustic with an open kitchen. Divided into three main rooms, we sat in the middle, where we enjoyed a glass of red wine and relished in flavorful moments.

Cinderella Bakery & Cafe, 436 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94118, http://cinderellabakery.com/home.html

Moving from Blue plate’s innovative take on American, Cinderella’s slides in with traditional done right. I stumbled upon this Russian Bakery & Café while seeking out completely different food. My friend, who lived in Korea for some time, tipped me off about a great Korean place located by the Conservatory of Flowers, a botanical garden in Golden Gate Park.

As I came to a halt in front of Muguboka, the Korean restaurant, it was dark. I found a sign confirming my suspicion it was closed on Tuesdays. I looked across the street and saw a bakery with wood-paneled outdoor seating surrounded by an oasis of succulents. I darted toward it, eager to find a place to recharge my camera and review my photographs of rare flowers from the Conservatory. As I entered, a waft of savory meat lay in the air. I realized this would not be a quick stop for a camera charge. Instead, my eyes scanned the Russian menu of meat pies and sandwiches.

This Russian gem on Balboa Street has homey foods that could conjure late Tsars from their graves by its sheer smell of alluring sweet and savory treats. Adding to it’s gravitational pull is its proximity to museums of interest, such as the deYoung Museum https://deyoung.famsf.org/, Academy of Science http://www.calacademy.org/, Japanese Tea Garden http://japaneseteagardensf.com/, and San Francisco Botanical Garden http://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/.

El Techo, 2516 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, http://eltechosf.com/

This Latin American rooftop restaurant has sweeping city views. It lies above its sister restaurant, Lolinda http://lolindasf.com/. Wait in line, proceed past the beautiful attendant, who manages to pull off a buzz cut, and ride an elevator to the top floor. There seems like a lot of waiting involved, but it’s worth the unobscured city views and delicious small plates, featuring Argentine grilled meats. Dim lights, city views, and a young crowd chatting away under heat lamps on chillier nights make this place memorable.

Dandelion, 740 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94110, https://www.dandelionchocolate.com/

Chocolate lovers: you’ll be in heaven. No milk chocolate is served at this chocolate factory and café on Valencia Street in the Mission district. This small batch chocolate maker sells only 70% cocoa and higher. Chocolate is made on site with two ingredients: cocoa beans and sugar.

Activities

• Bike over Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and Tiberon. Take the ferry back to the city.

• Meander through city districts.

• Climb Bernal Heights hill for superb city views.

• See and be seen at Mission Delores Park.

• Take a side trip to breath-taking Yosemite National Park.

Shopping

You’ll find uniquely curated stores on the streets listed below with clothing, home goods, antiques, and plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Each street has its own character, giving off funky, chic, and lively vibes.

• Valencia Street-for the hipster-leaning folk
• Hayes Street-for chic individuals
• Linden Street-for Hayes Street’s on-trend sibling
• Haight-Ashbury-for a trip back to the 60’s
• Castro Street-everyone’s welcome!

San Francisco’s neighborhoods are interesting to walk through when you’re not in a rush. Each area is full of artistic delights, good coffee, and varied museums. If you’re visiting the city, check out Blue Plate for American new, Cinderella’s for Russian, El Techo for Latin American, and Dandelion for desert.  Of the museums I visited, Academy of Science was my favorite because of the wide array of sea creatures and because I went to adult night, which featured an outdoor rock concert. The art museum I enjoyed most, not mentioned above, was Legion of Honor for its collection of Auguste Rodin’s sculptures and the mummies and medicine exhibition. Get out there and start exploring!

 

Khmer Food

Cambodian food is indicative of a country with expansive rice fields, a plethora of fruit trees, and shores bursting with fish. There are delicious soups with shrimp, coconut-based waffles, and curried chicken. Fresh fish caught straight from rivers and oceans are in the market day of catch. On occasion, fish is biked to your front door by a local fisherman, looking to sell.

Just-purchased fish hangs in a bag on a tree.

I am in Longvek, a small town north of Phnom Penh that was once the capital of Cambodia after the downfall of Angkor in 1431. As I walk in the back yard of the home my friend grew up in, her family points out mango trees, aloe plants, and coconut trees. When ripe, the family walks up to the tree and snatches a mango to slice up.

Unripened mango.

Often thought of as a topical only plant, superfood aloe vera can actually be ingested.

Many kitchens in Cambodia are separate from the house. The large concrete structures to the right and in the foreground are to catch rain water for washing hands and dishes.

En route to other areas of the country, I am greeted by many food possibilities. There is freshly cut pineapple and grapefruit. I find spiked fruit, whose taste resembles a plum. Bus stops have stalls selling fried grasshopper and tarantula.

Grapefruit is larger, more grainy, and has less juice so you can eat it without making a mess.

Deep fried bugs!

Spider.

On another occasion, I get on a boat departing from Phnom Penh and travel to an island in the Mekong river. Unaware that the party I am attending consists of an entire day of cooking, I think the meal is done after the first course. To my surprise, at the end of the day, I find my belly full of meals five times over. There was an appetizer, first wave of lunch, second wave of lunch, beer, several servings of fruit, another lunch, and finally dinner. But wait; there’s still dessert! Next a whole fish is on my plate!

We laugh and joke about how full I am, and someone taunts me with a chicken foot.

Chicken foot.

Cooking chicken curry below a house on stilts. Many Khmer homes have stilts, which allows for a cool sun-shaded area to hang out under.

Course number 3!

Lemongrass is a palatable flavor to add when cooking meat and vegetables. We ate this meal, sitting on a multi-colored mat, on the floor in Longvek.

Cambodian markets are full of fresh organic produce. I spot a few products that you wouldn’t typically see in a U.S. market, such as snake and turtle eggs. I try sweet palm juice and rice paper desserts, full of soybean with sugar and spices mixed together to sprinkle on top.

Russian Market in Phnom Penh, which also has goods, such as clothing and jewelry. The market gets its name from foreigners because the large expat Russian population shopped there in the 1980’s.

Turtle eggs and meat resting on whole turtles.

Snake at the Russian Market.

Market in Longvek, Cambodia.

Fresh greens.

Pineapple in a bag makes for a healthy snack on a beach walk.

I picked this coconut off the ground around the corner from a fishing village in Sihanoukville. With no knife, I sought out sharp rocks and began striking the coconut on the jagged edge. Slowly but surely, I was able to peel back the outer skin and eventually crack it open.

Unique fruit on a beach in the Gulf of Thailand.

I made a new friend at Preah Khan temple in Siem Reap. The food-mustached little man was ready to enjoy his snack while playing in the sand.

Prior to entering Ta Som temple, I watched this woman as she cut open palm fruit and then I sampled the sugary fruit.

When traveling in Cambodia, get out and try new foods. There is something for every taste bud. Keep your eye out for roadside fruit trees. Some great fruits to try are mangosteen, lychee, jackfruit, longan, and rambutan.

Take time to watch as fruit is being cut in front of you. I was shocked at how much work went into cutting some of the fruit. It reaped little reward for the work put in. By taking time to interact with locals you may gain a better understanding of Cambodian daily life.

With fertile land, you can find a variety of tropical plants to incorporate into your travel diet in Cambodia. Rice is a staple food at most meals. If you’re dining at a restaurant, try Khmer speciality dishes, such as rice porridge, Amok trey, and Lok Lak. Top off the meal with Kampot pepper, derived from Kampot province, which has been grown in Cambodia since at least the 13th century.

What’s your favorite Southeast Asian meal?

 

 

 

 

Video Blog: Three Weeks In Cambodia

I’m back from Cambodia! Tropical beaches, magnificent waterfalls, and ancient temples have occupied my days during the past three weeks. I’ve created a video, which gives you a glimpse into Cambodian life and a sneak peek at upcoming blog posts.

There’s a little bit of everything in the video: my motorcycle ride to Tatai Waterfall, monkeys, chickens, and more.

Look out for posts on Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Koh Kong, and the countryside village of Longvek.

Follow me on Instagram @alid516 and Twitter @travelingalison to see photos from the trip!

2015 Travels With Alison Year In Review

As 2015 comes to a close, I am reflecting upon what a wonderful year it was. I was able to explore new places and share with you my recommendations on locations, restaurants, and experiences.

To close out the year, I am writing a year in review. Below you will find summaries of each blog post and its benefit to you. If you missed an entry, and the description provided sounds like something you would like to read, click the “read it here” link to be redirected to that post.

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A Look Back…

1. New Hampshire

What: Hiking

Where: Falling Waters Trail, Lincoln, New Hampshire

Snapshot: This blog post reviews Falling Waters hiking trail in the White Mountains. Suggestions on timing your trip and trail options are considered.

What You Get:

• Hiking trail recommendation
• Photographs of the hike

Read it here

2. British Virgin Islands

What: Sailing

Where: Caribbean

Snapshot: The experience of sailing from island to island on a catamaran with a group of people I just met is detailed. Recommendations and descriptions of the islands of Jost Van Dyke, Norman Island, Virgin Gorda, Saba Rock, Scrub Island, Beef Island, Sandy Spit, St. John, and St. Thomas are reviewed.

What You Get:

• Recommendations on islands to explore
• Photographs of sailing the islands
• Suggestions on activities to do and places to visit

Read it here

3. Connection Between Art and Travel

What: Creating Art

Where: Everywhere

Snapshot: This post explores the connection between travel and art. The process of creating art is described.

What You Get:

• Perspective on art and travel
• Photographs of my artwork
• Description of a personal process in creating art

Read it here

4. Venice

What: Sight-seeing

Where: Italy

Snapshot: This blog post reviews Venice, Italy. A guesthouse and tourist attractions are assessed.

What You Get:

• Photography of tourist attractions in Venice
• Suggestions on what to see
• History

Read it here

5. Las Vegas

What: Business trips/Sight-seeing

Where: Nevada

Snapshot: Having visited Las Vegas twice this past year for business and pleasure, I describe the overall experience of the city. Aria and MGM Grand hotels are reviewed. Restaurants and nearby attraction recommendations are provided.

What You Get:

• Photography of Las Vegas
• Suggestions on sight-seeing
• Hotel and nightlife recommendations

Read it here

6. Heidelberg

What: Sight-seeing

Where: Germany

Snapshot: This article details living in Germany for a semester abroad. It takes you on a walk through Heidelberg up to an amphitheater built by Nazi’s during the “Thing” movement.

What You Get:

• Views around the city of Heidelberg
• History
• Learning some German vocabulary
• Tips on what to see in Heidelberg

Read it here

7. First Travel Memories

What: Why This Blog Exists

Where: Alaska/Florida

Snapshot: This short blog entry details my first travel experiences and is the “About Me” page of my blog. I ask you to join me in discovering different cultures, exploring interesting cities, and marveling at nature’s wonders.

What You Get:

• Understand why I write this blog
• Get to know me a little better

Read it here

8. Paris

What: Nightlife

Where: France

Snapshot: The process of putting together a video of photographs I took in Paris and finding music to accompany the video is detailed in this blog post. The experience of ending a great trip with locals is described.

What You Get:

• A video of Paris
• Perspective on approaching sight-seeing
• Music recommendations
• Points of interest

Read it here

9. Montreal and Burlington

What: Sight-seeing

Where: Canada/Vermont

Snapshot: Places to see in Montreal and Burlington are reviewed, such as Tam-Tam Jam, Mount Royal, Furco, and Lake Champlain.

What You Get:

• Restaurant reviews
• Suggestions on activities
• Photography of the areas
• History

Read it here

10. Connections Between Health, Nature, and Happiness

What: Wellness

Where: Massachusetts

Snapshot: Studies have shown a link between being in nature, gratitude, and improved mental and physical health. A quote by Calvin Coolidge is analyzed through a personal experience and from reviewing articles written on the subject.

What You Get:

• Nature photography
• Understanding the connection of nature and health
• Links to studies on cardiac health, happiness, and nature

Read it here

11. Wellfleet

What: Beach

Where: Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Snapshot: Recommendations on beaches to visit in Wellfleet, Massachusetts is provided. Each beach is described to help you decide on where to go depending on the experience you are looking for.

What You Get:

• An overview of the history of Wellfleet
• Photographs of the beaches
• Suggestions on restaurants and nightlife
• Link to an article on one of Wellfleet’s notable resident’s, Noam Chomsky

Read it here

12. Martha’s Vineyard

What: Sight-seeing

Where: Massachusetts

Snapshot: In this article, I discuss different highlights of each town on Martha’s Vineyard. A list of the best beaches for particular experiences is included.

What You Get:

• Suggestions on what to see in each town
• List of beaches to check out
• Photography of the island

Read it here

13. Edward Gorey Museum

What: Author, Illustrator, and Set Designer

Where: Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Snapshot: This blog post profiles the Edward Gorey House on Cape Cod.

What You Get:

• A recommendation for reading Edward Gorey’s books and exploring his artwork
• Photography of a spectacular tree
• Idea of a place to visit on Cape Cod

Read it here

14. Maine

What: Sight-seeing

Where: Acadia National Park

Snapshot: Hikes, walks, and bicycle rides around Acadia National Park are provided.

What You Get:

• Suggestions on places to go in Acadia National Park
• Photography of the area
• Recommendations for shopping in Bar Harbor and an ice cream shop to visit in Ellsworth

Read it here

15. Vermont

What: Sight-seeing

Where: Burlington, Grand Isle, Montpelier, and Stowe

Snapshot: Burlington’s Farmers Market, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Down Home Kitchen Restaurant, Bingham Falls, Boyden Valley Winery, The Farm House Tap & Grill, and Red Onion are reviewed.

What You Get:

• Photographs of Lake Champlain, Bingham Falls, and the Farmer’s Market
• Suggestions on restaurants and things to do in Vermont

Read it here

16. New York City

What: CMJ Music Marathon

Where: Lower East Side/Brooklyn

Snapshot: Tracks from up and coming musicians are selected for your listening pleasure in the blog post. Nightlife venues in the Lower East Side and Brooklyn are listed.

What You Get:

• New music to listen to
• History of the Lower East Side
• Links to music venues in New York City

Read it here

17. New Hampshire

What: Hiking

Where: Mt. Pemigewasset Trail and Artist’s Bluff, White Mountains

Snapshot: Two hiking trails, the town of Woodstock, and Surowiec Farm are reviewed in this article.

What You Get:

• Photographs of each hike
• Information on the area
• A wine recommendation
• Airbnb review
• Link to information on free entry to U.S. National Parks

Read it here

18. Cambridge

What: Graffiti Walking Tour

Where: Massachusetts

Snapshot: This is a self-guided walking tour you can follow when you visit Cambridge, Massachusetts. It helps orient you to the city and view public art.

What You Get:

• Guided walking tour to follow
• Restaurant suggestions
• Photographs of graffiti

Read it here

19. Boston

What: Recreation

Where: Charles River

Snapshot: This article lists twenty-one activities you can do around the Charles River in Boston. There is also a list of events organized by month.

What you get:

• Photographs of the city
• Ideas for new activities

Read it here

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Looking Ahead 

In 2016, I will begin the year by posting itineraries and travel stories about Cambodia. I will be visiting the temples of Angkor Wat, the capital of Phnom Penh, and the beaches and islands on the South Coast. My travel guide has advised me not to book any hotels and “go with the flow” so I will also be reporting on that experience.

I hope the New Year brings you learning experiences, good health, and interesting travels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21 Activities To Try on the Charles River

The Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts is eighty miles long and flows through twenty-three communities. It is recognized around the country for it’s fantastic Independence Day celebration at the Hatch Shell, which features the Boston Pop’s concert and a fireworks display.

There are several ways to explore this beautiful river. Below is a list of twenty-one activities to try when visiting the Charles River. Whether you are living in the city or are traveling from afar, this list can help you discover fantastic views of the city. A monthly list of events follows to aid in planning for upcoming events.

Evening Sets in Over Boston

21 Activities To Try On The Charles

1) Running

2) Rowing

3) Cycling

4) Slacklining

5) Group Exercise Classes (Free Zumba, CrossFit, yoga, and running)

Peering from Behind a Weeping Willow

6) Kayaking

7) Sailing

8) Boating

9) Duck Tour

10) Stand Up Paddling (SUP)

Boston Sunset

11) Dragon Boat

12) Gondola Tour

13) Lounging on the Docks

14) Picnic

15) Ice Cream Stroll

Lily pads on the Esplanade

16) Roller Blading

17) Skateboarding

18) Skulling

19) Festival-going

20) Swimming (At own risk! For the first time in over fifty years public swimming was permitted in 2013.)

21) Hatch Shell Concert

Sunset From Cambridge

List of Events By Month

April

• Earth Day: Charles River Cleanup
• Charles River Watershed Association’s Run of the Charles
• Recreation Sundays (Memorial Drive closes the road for recreation.)

May

• March of Dimes March for Babies
• Esplanade 5k Dash
• Recreation Sundays

Lying on the Esplanade

June

• Charles River Annual Swim
• Hong Kong Boston Dragon Boat Festival
• AIDS Walk & 5K Run
• Children’s Hospital Walk
• Recreation Sundays

Dragon Boat Festival

July

• Fourth of July Concert
• WBZ Free Friday Flicks
• Earthfest
• Free Zumba
• Recreation Sundays
• Free Sunset Yoga
• Free CrossFit
• Free Run Club

City Lights Reflecting on the River

August

• Recreation Sundays

Sailing

September

• Boston Heart Walk
• Recreation Sundays

MIT Sailing Pavilion

October

• Head of the Charles
• 5k Walk for Diabetes
• Breast Cancer Walk
• Recreation Sundays
• Walk for Hunger

Towers along Memorial Drive

November

• Recreation Sundays

The Charles River has a plethora of fun activities to take advantage of, especially in warmer months. Whatever your favorite activity, use this guide to try something new, such as joining a walk for a good cause or slacklining on the esplanade. If there is an activity or event I missed, please comment below!

Happy New Year!