By Helen Li
Contributing Writer
Living in Boston as a college student provides ample opportunity to try new things and discover new places previously unexplored. While the Museum of Fine Arts, North End, and other tourist traps of the like are all fine places to visit every so often, I offer you a list of places to check out this weekend. Ranging from food trucks and hidden stores to hole-in-the-wall restaurants, there’s something out there for everyone.
1. Hidyan Café
80 Kilmarnock St., Boston, MA 02215
They will reinvent everything you’ve ever known about frozen yogurt. Who ever thought avocado with Kit-Kat would make a good combination? In addition to their delicious frozen treats, they also offer a quality selection of American and Middle Eastern wraps and sandwiches.
2. The Bodega
6 Clearway St., Boston, MA 02115
This is a limited edition sneaker store hidden in plain sight. Disguised as a shabby little convenience store, they have laundry detergent, cereal, and other products you’d typically find at a bodega displayed out in their storefront. It isn’t until you walk inside do you discover the sleek and well-curated interior that will have you suddenly craving to upgrade your sneaker collection.
3. SoWa Flea Market
460 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118
Open every Sunday, this flea market boasts arts and crafts, goods made by local designers, and an unbelievable farmers market. You’ll find a large variety of local food trucks to satiate your inner foodie needs. Check it out to find some unique gifts and cheap treasures!
4. Bobby From Boston
19 Thayer St., Boston, MA 02118
Interested in menswear? Bobby From Boston will definitely cater to every single knit tie to wingtip desire you’ve ever had. A vintage consignment store, they sell quality men’s and women’s vintage clothing for a fraction of the price other consignment store’s offer. If you get the chance, try and talk to Bobby himself—he’s always willing to help and give suggestions.
5. Avana Sushi
42 Beach St., Boston, MA 02111
Literally a hole in the wall (it’s located in a mini-mall that is barely noticeable), this restaurant offers fresh, quality sushi for an amazing price. At $5 a roll, it is definitely college-budget friendly. The restaurant is decorated in plates previous customers have drawn on to express their love and appreciation for the restaurant. If you draw on your plate, your artwork may be posted on their wall as well!
6. The Closet
175 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116
An upscale vintage consignment store on the pricier side, The Closet is a great place to visit if you’re interested in finding rare, designer goods. If you have a day off and have the time, it’s definitely worth stepping in to spend a couple hours digging around.
7. Boston Tea Shop
54 JFK St., Cambridge, MA 02138
Calling all bubble tea connoisseurs, this is the place for you! If you’re looking for smoothly blended milk tea combined with the perfect consistency of boba, you’re in for a treat. The Boston Tea Shop boasts a huge selection of bubble tea, ranging from fruit flavored teas to taro. This is a great place to go to quench your thirst.
8. Kick Ass Cupcakes
378 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02144
The name itself should inspire some kind of curiosity. A food truck located in Somerville, they offer artisanal cupcakes baked from scratch. The flavors are constantly evolving, making every experience there unique. I recommend the “Green Monster” cupcake if you have the chance to go!
9. India Quality
484 Commonwealth Ave,
Boston, MA 02215
Authentic Indian cuisine conveniently located in Kenmore Square. They have phenomenal nan and roti and even better chicken tikka masala. With ambient lighting, they offer the perfect balance of lighting for a nice dinner with some friends or even a date.
10. Trident Booksellers & Café
338 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115
A small bookstore tucked away on the busy street of Newbury, Trident Booksellers offers a wide selection of books with two floors to browse from. They also have a café on their first floor that’s a great spot to head to for a comfortable weekend brunch.
