As you may have read in the previous post, I got the opportunity to represent CRWA at the New England Aquarium's World Ocean Day this past Sunday with Pam. When brainstorming what I wanted to write my blog post about, I remembered interacting with a woman during one of our "watershed-in-a-box" demonstrations. She said she was excited to learn more about the Charles River, because she had never been in or around it before. When I asked her where she was from, she replied, "Here." I was baffled that anyone living in Boston hadn't spent time around the River, but I suppose our busy lives may not always allow us to explore our community as much as we'd all like to. So I decided to brainstorm 6 fun ways to experience the Charles River this summer, because the only way we can protect the river is by encouraging the community to experience and become invested in it! Whether you're a seasoned Charles River enthusiast or a new comer, I hope you find at least on of the following activities enticing enough to check out. Happy exploring!
-Lauren
1. Hike around Echo Lake
See where it all begins! Take a day trip to Hopkinton, MA
and check out the Charles River’s headwaters at Echo Lake. Hike around the
lake’s perimeter for a peaceful, fun afternoon. Trail maps and guides can be
found here: http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1439443
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| http://activerain.com/blogsview/1733968/the-scenic-lakes-of-hopkinton-massachusetts |
2. Have lunch at the Waltham Watch Factory
If you're not the sporty type, this next option is the one for you. Get a dose of history and a delicious meal at the newly
renovated Waltham Watch Factory. Diners can enjoy lunch or dinner right at the
River’s edge. More information can be found here: http://www.walthamwatchfactory.com/dining
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| http://www.walthamwatchfactory.com/dining |
3. Recreation Sundays on Memorial Drive
Much to commuters' frustration, each Sunday from April to
November, a portion of Memorial Drive (from Western Ave to Mt. Auburn) is
closed to car traffic. The community is invited to walk, run, bike, and skate
up and down the closed, normally hectic roadway from 11 AM to 7 PM. Additionally,
Charles River Conservancy hosts free lawn games along Memorial Drive every
Sunday afternoon starting June 16th and going through September.
Pack a picnic, grab your friends, relax and have fun along our favorite River’s
beautiful banks!
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| http://www.thecharles.org/ |
4. Kayak the River on the 4th of July
Boston’s 4th of July fireworks along the
Esplanade are among the best and brightest in the nation. What better way to
experience them then, than from the water?! True, you will not be the only
kayak or boat on the River that evening, but the show is in the sky so
there’s plenty of room and the view is spectacular!! It tends to be the busiest traffic in the
Lower Basin all year, so make sure to stay safe. Check out this website for
more information: http://www.july4th.org/Event_Info/Event_Grounds/Boating_on_the_Charles
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| http://travelwithkids.about.com/od/holidays/ss/July_4th_Fireworks_4.htm |
5. Charles River & Locks Cruise
You don’t want to miss the opportunity to tour the Charles
like you've never seen it before. Boston Harbor Cruises offers 90-minute
narrated tours of Boston Harbor and the Charles River’s Lower Basin. This is
the finale of your journey down the river – Boston Harbor is the Charles’
outlet, its final stop before becoming a part of the Atlantic. You’ll
experience scenic views of downtown Boston and Cambridge, so make sure to bring
your camera! Here’s info on fares & schedules: http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/boston-harbor-cruises/charles-river-cruise.aspx
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| http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/boston-harbor-cruises/charles-river-cruise.aspx |
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