Rain, Rain Go Away

Most times wishing the rain away doesn't work. And sadly, even my poncho doesn't keep out all the rain.

When I'm in a new city, I'll suck it up a bit and get out to see the sites under an umbrella. But when I'm in my hometown and want to get out of the apartment for some culture I'm glad that Beantown does offer some indoor highlights.

Historic Ball Crawl

Boston is chock full of historic places, including bars. And most historic bars around here are covered in dark wood, have small windows and cozy atmospheres. Just right for forgetting about the rain outside. Downtown, saddle up to the ancient bar at the Oyster House, do a free Thursday tasting at Durgin Park basement bar, make your own cocktail combo at the Bell in Hand, or imagine yourself back in the time of speakeasies at Stoddards.

Top of the Hub

Technically Top of the Hub is another bar, but this one is more tall than historic. Silly tourists pay $13 to see Boston from on high at the Skywalk. Skip it. Instead, go up one more flight for free (make sure you dress a bit nice - no ponchos) and check out Top of the Hub. Dinner isn't exactly cheap, so I usually just saddle up to the bar, order one drink and take in the view and live jazz. The one time you'll enjoy being high and dry.

The Theatre

Forget about the rain, and the world, taking in the theater. The cheapskates' way to do it would be to get 1/2 price tickets at the Bostix booth - found at Faneuil Hall and Copely Square.

Spa Pampering

Getting a pedicure will only keep you out of the rain for 30 minutes or so spend the day indoors Chuan Body + Soul. A thirty minute massage is a bit pricey, but considering you get to spend the entire rest of the day floating in between pools, hot tubs, saunas and relaxation rooms - it's worth it.

Museums

See previous posts for all the ways to get in cheap to lots of places, but my favorite museum is always cheap - the MIT Museum. $3.75 if you flash your Charlie Card. Be forewarned - you could loose your entire day here. This is the science museum for adults and blows the Museum of Science out of the water.

Bookstores

It's common knowledge that curling up inside with a book is the best way to spend a rainy day. I get most all my books at the library. (This is the Boston on the Cheap blog remember?) But it's hard to deny the allure of dozens of shiny new books at local independent bookstores. Trident Bookstore on Newbury includes a cozy cafe. Raven in Cambridge and on Newbury has a great range for intellectuals and amazing prices on used books. Brookline Booksmith in Coolidge Corner is my go-to favorite though. It's big, with an entire basement of used books, and you can browse every category imaginable. Best of all there's comfy chairs sprinkled throughout - the better to curl up and read in.

What's on your rainy day list?