Are you newly committed to Simmons? Or maybe you’re a long-time student but haven’t had the chance to explore? If only you were in the heart of the city of Boston…oh wait, you are! Welcome to The Fenway neighborhood of Boston: a hub of life, excitement and adventure. Let’s begin our written tour of one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. 

If you’re a Simmons student or a Boston student in general, you can enjoy two highly popular museums in the area for free: The Museum of Fine Arts and The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. I toured both during my accepted students day at Simmons, and it was a perfect introduction to the area as someone who loves the arts. Next time you’re in the mood for some art, just show them your student ID and enjoy the beauty of art completely free.

Maybe you’re not a fan of the arts. Even if that’s the case, you’re still in the perfect city! Right in our backyard at Simmons we have Fenway Park, which is the home of the Boston Red Sox – currently ranked second in the MLB. From April to October every year, you can catch a baseball game. Through Simmons, I attended a game for $7 this past September. Another discount option, available for all Boston students, is the “Red Sox Student 9s.” You can present your student ID, and the Sox will email you when there are leftover tickets for only $9.

Looking to shop? Stop by Blick or Target! Blick Art Materials is a two-story extravaganza filled with rows of art supplies to meet any crafting needs. Also, if you are a student, you can sign up for a student discount membership and get special deals like discounts and exclusive seasonal sales. Or do you just want to do some clothing or grocery shopping? No worries! Target has so many things to offer for your dorm, your health or for fun.

 I got a chance to interview a recent 2024 graduate of Emmanuel College and current Boston resident, Caitlin Bolduc, who expressed interest in talking about The Station! This outdoor gathering space has so much to showcase. 

Bolduc says, “During the fall and spring, there’s a flea market on Sundays…and [they] sell a ton of vintage and homemade items!” I know I speak for both Caitlin and myself when I say this is a must-see location for any shopping lovers. 

Getting hungry with all this walking? No need to travel far. My top recommendation for food in The Fenway would have to be Time Out Market. This place has just about every area of the world to offer. Whether you’re stopping by Ms. Clucks Deluxe Chicken and Dumplings for some chicken truffle wontons or birria tacos from Taqueria El Barrio (my personal favorite), you’re going to get a good meal. 

Bolduc had a standout favorite food spot in The Fenway, too: Tasty Burger! Bolduc stated she “love(s) going…after a concert at House of Blues or MGM.” She stated her go-to menu items are the milkshakes and said, “the turkey burger and the crispy chicken sandwich are my go-to.” 

When it comes to coffee, which I don’t drink, I had to turn to Bolduc for answers as well. She gave us some insight, and the highlighted cafes were Phinsta, which has “amazing coffee and crepes,” and Caffe Nero, who “offer a student discount!”

Thank you for joining me (and guest star Caitlin Bolduc) on this written tour of the wonderful area of The Fenway, Boston. When I was searching for colleges before I came to Simmons, I researched each town and found that The Fenway is truly the best college area. We can only hope this nice weather continues as we transition into spring, and you’ll get to go out and explore!