Feeling bitter about spending your Spring Break in Boston? Jealous of all your beach-bound friends whose minds have already wandered to warmer vacation destinations? You can stop now. In the buzz of Cancun, South Beach, and swimsuit sales, those of us staying up North seem to have forgotten that this Saturday marks one of the biggest and most brazen celebrations Beantown has to offer - St. Patrick's Day.
The question now is where to revel in your Irish pride - or at least pretend that you are Irish. With options ranging from parades to film festivals to good old-fashioned drinking, it all comes down to what you kind of celebration you are looking for. The Daily has taken it upon itself to make your search for the perfect St. Paddy's Day a little bit easier - below is a sampling of Beantown hotspots you won't want to miss.
Celtic Weavers
316 Faneuil Hall Marketplace
10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Before heading out to celebrate the Big Day in Boston, you have to be prepared. The last thing you want to do is stick out like a sore thumb in a group of proud Irish folk. You simply cannot celebrate this holiday without being properly dressed, and whatever it is, it's got to be green. And don't forget to accessorize - be sure to stock up on your claddagh rings and Celtic pendants while visiting this store that sells all things Irish.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
521 E. Seventh St.
1 p.m.
You can't get any more traditional than the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Here you'll find all the essential ingredients for a successful Irish celebration - bands, bagpipes, and beer. In a town that prides itself on being Irish, the parade is a big deal and has become a St. Paddy's Day tradition for anyone who wants to fully experience the holiday. Stake out your territory on Broadway early on - the crowds gather well before the parade actually begins, and you want to be able to at least catch a glimpse of the parade's many floats.
Doyle's Café
3484 Washington St.
9 a.m. - 12 a.m.
There's no doubt about the authenticity of Doyle's Café, which opens its doors to the public at 9 a.m. Founded in 1882, this bar offers the most extensive selection of beer and Irish whiskey in Boston. The food is equally Irish and sure to satisfy your craving for corned beef and cabbage. On St. Paddy's Day, you'll be greeted by the sound of bagpipes, adding to the atmosphere. Like the parade, you'll want to get there a little early - Doyle's Café is far from being one of Boston's best-kept secrets.
Boston College Irish Film Series
140 Commonwealth Ave.
Call (617) 552-3966 for more information
Not everyone is into swigging pints of ale on St. Patrick's Day. The ongoing film festival at Boston College is a perfect way to celebrate the holiday without the alcohol. The series features both contemporary Irish movies as well as documentaries. Can you think of a better way to avoid the drunken scene of pubs and parades?
Jury's Irish Cabaret
John Hancock Hall, 180 Berkeley St.
3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Tamer than Boston's pub scene on St. Patrick's Day, this musical variety concert featuring 25 of Dublin's top performers is sure to please theatre aficionados, Irish or not. Performances include "Ireland's Voice" by renowned Irish singer Tom Kenny and dancer Louise Bowden, the traditional Irish music group Claddagh, and the fast feet of the Jury's Dancers. The event rivals the authenticity of Doyle's Café, bringing the sights and sounds of Dublin to Boston.
No celebration of St. Patrick's Day is complete without a sampling of green foods. No, we're not talking veggies. We're talking foods that you wouldn't normally expect to be green. Keltic Krust (1371 Washington St., Newton) will be celebrating the holiday with green sugar cookies. Also striving to satisfy your sweet tooth is Hi-Rise (208 Concord Ave., Cambridge), a bakery that will serve shamrock-topped cupcakes and cookies. The infamous green bagel will also be making an appearance this St. Paddy's day at Finagle-A-Bagel, Boston's largest bagel chain.
Whether you're looking to celebrate with a drink or a dance, Boston has something to offer for anyone willing to take part in the festivities of St. Patrick's Day. Stop whining about being in Boston for Spring Break - chances are you'll have wilder tales to tell than your friends when everyone returns to swap stories next week.
