Annually, about 500,000 people show up to the Boston Marathon sidelines to cheer on the runners, from the elite record-breakers to those bringing up the rear, dressed up as gorillas and solo cups. That’s roughly 80 percent of Boston’s population all hanging out together, making the marathon, by far, the most-watched sporting event in the city. Yes, running beats out baseball, football, and hockey. That’s weird to me, because I don’t remember any fans (besides my parents) showing up to my high school cross country meets.
Anyway, if the thought of joining 500K people to watch a running event doesn’t appeal to you, you’re going to need an escape route. Even though the Boston Marathon will be taking over a good portion of the city–not to mention TV stations, local publications, and Twitter feeds– you can safely make it to one of these areas untouched by the marathon. There, you’ll find sweet relief from everything race-related.
Go shopping in Harvard Square
Usually, Harvard Square attracts way too many tourists to ever truly enjoy it, and if there’s anything that can make a pleasant day of shopping, sightseeing, and eating a miserable mess, it’s hoards of out-of-town crowds. But with everyone distracted by that race on the other side of the river, it should be smooth sailing. Finally, you are free to visit the boutiques and shops that are often too crowded to navigate: check out Joie de Vivre for unique collectibles, Monella for a new summer wardrobe, Sweet for (duh) cupcakes, Cardullo’s for a great lunch, and Bryn Mawr for a good read. Hopefully the Harvard students will be spectating at the sidelines (or studying?), and the flow of tourists will be minimal. Consider Harvard Square your playground for the day.
Catch a show in Somerville
If you don’t live in the area, Somerville can be a little out of the way to frequent. Since you have the day off work, might as well take advantage and venture out–the quiet peace of Somerville is about as far away from the marathon chaos as you can get. Visit The Somerville Theatre to catch an afternoon showing of a guilty-pleasure flick (between Spring Breakers and Scary Movie 5, you have a few options)–you’ll likely have the whole place to yourself. Afterward, head over to Johnny D’s for trivia night, go for a walk through the green grass at Powderhouse Square, stop at Diesel Cafe for lattes and free-to-play board games, or play a round of candlepin bowling at Sacco’s on Day Street. Sounds like a marathon…of fun activities!
Get lunch in the South End
Boston’s classy South End is one of the last places where you’ll find wayward, day-drunk hecklers. Stroll along the sidewalks and admire the brownstones–the South End is home to the largest Victorian brick-house row, after all–before stopping for lunch at one of the neighborhood’s acclaimed eateries. Head to Toro for tapas or The Buttery for bagels and baked goods. The Beehive is getting into the Marathon Monday spirit by opening early at 3 p.m., so if you don’t mind any indication that the race is indeed happening, stop by there for dinner, drinks, and to catch the jazz band The Funky ABs for some live tunes.
Get out of Boston all together
It’s a long weekend, so why not just get out of town? Remember, people, “Patriots’ Day” isn’t exactly a national holiday, so traveling will be relatively low-key for the marathon weekend. Catch a Monday matinée Broadway show in New York, hideout on the beach at the Cape, take a weekend in the woods of Vermont–wherever you go, you can guarantee you won’t hear any mention of finish lines, personal records, or Marathon Monday. And when you come back on Tuesday, the whole ordeal will be over.
