Rainy days are usually best spent indoors, but I’ve always found them to be the perfect opportunity to do things or visit places that you otherwise might not. If you live in Boston or happen to be visiting the city during an umbrella-weather kind of day, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite places to take shelter from the rain.
The A-Lyst for What to Do in Boston on a Rainy Day
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is one of my favorite places in Boston. It is by far the city’s most beautiful museum, as it was modeled after a Venetian palace and features the most gorgeous, lush garden courtyard. While an art heist in 1990 put the museum in the news for less than favorable reasons, the robust remaining collection features pieces by artists like Rembrandt, Matisse, and Degas, with a focus on European, Asian, and American art. The intimate set-up of the museum makes you feel as if you are walking through someone’s private (…and very large) home, while the interior courtyard area truly brings the outside in, even on the most rainy of days! 25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115
While I enjoy catching a movie at one of the area’s super luxe theaters, complete with on-demand waiter service and reclining seats, there is something to be said about watching a film at Harvard Square’s Brattle Theater. Since 1953, this small, yet unbelievably charming one-screen theater has been showing classic, foreign, cutting-edge, and art-house films, many of which are part of an eclectic repertoire of programs. As the only independent theater in Cambridge, on the weekends, the Brattle Theater runs several films a day, often with a special guest, like the film’s director, present. Currently, the Brattle Theater is run as a non-profit and on a rainy day, I love supporting the Brattle Film Foundation, while discovering a new film! 40 Brattle Street, Boston, MA 02138
What’s better than getting a little tipsy on a rainy day? Just kidding…! Since I’m not a huge fan of beer, my interest in visiting breweries is a bit limited, but lucky for me, Bully Boy Distillers, one of my favorite local producers of gin, rum, vodka, and more, is located in Roxbury and open for tours and tastings. On the weekends, Bully Boy hosts several tours through its state-of-the-art facility to show guests how owner and brother duo Dave and Will Willis make their small batch spirits, including the meaning behind the Bully Boy name and the distillation process from grain to glass. Not interested in the educational portion of a distillery visit? Have no fear, as the cozy tasting room and cocktail bar have a wall of windows, allowing you to imbibe and watch the distillery process in action. 44 Cedric Street, Boston, MA 02119
If you’re getting stir crazy inside, it may be time to release some energy and break a sweat at Brooklyn Boulders. Located in Somerville, this 40,000 square foot facility is the best place to learn the basics of rock climbing in a small group setting. If you’re a newbie like me, I’d recommend signing up for their “Intro to Climbing” class in order to learn the best techniques and really get a feel for the activity. Climbing is a perfect way to spend a rainy day, both alone or with a group of friends, and while it may look easy — I promise you, it definitely is not! If you’re up for a challenge and trying something new, rock climbing in the city is a great option. 12A Tyler Street, Somerville, MA 02143
One of the best parts about living in the city is having such easy access to the arts. We love supporting the Boston Ballet and attending performances at the gorgeous Boston Opera House. Throughout the year, the Boston Ballet has a diverse array of programming, including everything from classic, seasonal staples like “The Nutcracker” to more nouveau, imaginative performances like “Parts in Suite.” When rain is in the weekend forecast, we’ll often check out the Boston Ballet’s schedule to see if there any tickets still available for a matinee. There’s something about spending an afternoon or evening at the ballet that feels special. When the day is grey and gloomy, I find that a visit to the Boston Opera House is an instant mood booster! 539 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111
Outfit Details:
Dress: Who What Wear Tie-Sleeve Midi Dress (under $40!)
Heels: J.Crew Patent Pump (old; similar here and here)
Lipstick: YSL Rouge Pur Couture #50
The A-Lyst is a Boston-based lifestyle blog curating the very best of style, beauty, food, and travel.