Top 5 Things to do in Harvard Square

It's pretty darn hot here in Cambridge. Yesterday the heat index was around 105 degrees. Today it was in the 90s and tomorrow doesn't look any better.

As a result, I've been basically held hostage by Mother Nature in our bedroom due to the fact that the ac in there is better than in the living room. Except for a few hours, I've been in this room since 10:00 p.m. Monday night. I've watched a lot of House Hunters, Food Network, and World Cup Soccer. The upside is that I've also completely cleaned out my closet and drawers. The downside is that I am totally going stir crazy. I'm bored out of my mind! So I decided to put together a Top 5 list for Harvard Square.

Top 5 Things to do in Harvard Square
1. Start your morning in the Square with a cup of coffee, or tea if that's your preference. The Square offers many choices for coffee and tea. From more traditional choices like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts to cafes like Algiers Coffee House, Sweet, Crema Cafe, Tealuxe, and Peet's Coffee, there's a cup of coffee for anyone. Grab your coffee to go and find a relaxing place to take in the Square. Great locations include Harvard Yard and JFK park just behind the Charles Hotel.

2. Do a little shopping. Be sure to check out the Harvard Coop bookstore, Black Ink, the Brattle Street Flower Shop, Bob's Stationary, Urban Outfitters, and the stores in the Garage.

3. If it's a nice day out grab lunch at any number of restaurants featuring outdoor dining. I would suggest Small Plates for a quite meal or Border Cafe for a more energetic experience.

4. Watch a movie at the Brattle Theater, Harvard Square's independent movie house. You never know what might be playing here. A Muppets movie, a classic film noir, a recent classic, a cult classic, etc. You'll love the vintage feeling of the small theater with it's red curtain, balcony seating (but avoid sitting up there in the winter...you'll melt), and neon clock.

5. After the movie head over to Charlie's Kitchen for a drink before finding a place for dinner. I would suggest Daedalus for it's roof deck and perfect food, Trata for it's big, open windows, Small Plates for tapas if you didn't already go there for dinner, or Red Line for a more traditional Harvard Square bar feel. After dinner head over to Legal Seafood's outdoor bar in front of the Charles Hotel to enjoy the rest of your evening.