Courtesy Cambridge USA
Tell me about some sites worth seeing.
See flowers that never fade at the Harvard Museum of Natural History, home to the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants, or the Glass Flowers. The 3,000 models representing some 800 plant species were made over five decades by the late glass artisans Leopold Blaschka and his son, Rudolph. Their technique has never been successfully replicated.
Cambridgeside Galleria Mall, with 120 stores, is within an easy walk of several hotels. Near the mall, groups can board Henry Longfellow or the Charles I riverboats operated by the Charles Riverboat Co. for a customized cruise of the river and Boston Harbor.
Former Harvard students launched Trademark Tours, with a Hahvahd walking tour that leaves from Harvard Square. The 70-minute walk is an oft-irreverent look at the famous university. Cambridge Historical Tours’ guides wear period dress, know their history and exhibit a keen sense of humor during their 90-minute tours.
For a true taste of Cambridge.
Upstairs on the Square in Harvard Square was named the Best New Restaurant in 2003. In warm weather, seek a seat in Oleana’s garden for eastern and western Mediterranean-inspired dishes that change with the season. Craigie on Main’s many awards mean that Chef Tony Maws is being closely watched by foodies. GQ named it No. 2 among its 10 Best New U.S. Restaurants. Locally grown foods are front and center at Catalyst. A lively bar scene makes the neighborhood bistro West Side Lounge and sister property Christopher’s favorites in Porter Square.
Did you know?
Ah, college pranks. In 1958, members of Lambda Chi Alpha took a 5-foot 7-inch freshman pledge named Oliver R. Smoot Jr. and rolled him head over heels the length of Harvard Bridge. Ten lengths equaled one smoot, and the bridge was determined to be 364.4 smoots, plus an ear.
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