1. Go searching for public gardens.
Of the many public gardens/farms, Small Farm is my personal favorite. It is a family owned business in Stow where you can pick your own flowers, vegetables, and herbs from a carefully maintained plot of land. For about six or seven dollars, you can pick your own bouquet from a huge assortment of seasonal flowers. You are given a recycled container to put your flowers in and you are encouraged to keep on picking until you literally cannot fit anymore flowers in there. They have, and will continue to send you back out to pick more if they see that your bouquet could use a little more substance. It is a family friendly activity as well as a cute date for couples and friends.
2. Go to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston MA
On Wednesday nights after 4 o'clock, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston offers admission based on voluntary contribution. This does not necessarily mean it is "free" by any means, since the suggested donation is $25. However, it is a voluntary contribution. If all you have is a 10 dollar bill in your pocket, it would be polite to hand it over. At the end of the day, its less than the regular admission prices. For students with a college ID and military families, though, it is completely free every day of the week.
3. Antique Shopping
For those of you who like a sweet consignment shop, most have take-home brochures listing the other antique and consignment shops in that area of the state. I know in central Mass, its going to take a while to hit each one, but you never know what you're going to find! It's such a blast. Eight dollar old-school GAP high-waisted jeans? How about a 20 dollar draft system that is small enough for a cozy corner of your fridge. C'mon people. Cross off the shops you've been to as you go, and put stars next to the one you definitely want to go back to again. I guarantee, you'll find some great stuff and really enjoy yourself while you do so.
4. See the Mapparium
We've all been in awe at the sight of some beautiful stained glass windows, imagine being surrounded by a stained glass DOME. This surely is a beautiful sight to see, and it only costs $6 per person. The Mapparium lies within the Mary Baker Eddy Library in Cambridge, MA.
5. See a free movie at the Hatch Shell.
"If its free, it's for me!" FREE flicks on Friday nights. Free. Outdoor. Movies. Talk about a perfect date! This event goes all the way until the end of August, so no need to rush!
6. Patriot's Training Camp
In July and August, make sure you get some tickets to attend the Patriot's training camp and show our boys some love! On select days, the tickets are absolutely free. There is usually a lot of food, games, drinks, and more at Gillette Stadium during these events, and you surely don't want to miss it. Stop by Toby Kieth's I Love This Bar and Grille while you're there too, you won't regret it.
7. Lawn on D Activities
All summer long, the Lawn on D holds fitness classes, movie nights, and live bands as well as public lawn usage. It's not just any lawn, though. Its a newly built, magnificently modern swings that light up the entire street. It's literally like an adult playground.
8. Purgatory Chasm
For a little bit of a physical challenge, head to Purgatory Chasm in Sutton. It is a State Reservation area full of climbable rocks and beautiful scenery. As peaceful as that sounds, it really puts your body to the test. While there are easier ways to go about exploring, you may also push your body to its limits to squeeze through the small crevices and seek the small caves that hide within Hopefully, there are no animals in there waiting for you, but that would add to the adrenaline rush, no?
And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen! A mini summer bucket list for you and your significant other, friends, and family members to enjoy. Of course, there are many other incredible (and cheap) things Massachusetts has to offer, these are simply a few favorites. Share these ideas with a couple friends and have a fantastic summer!
