Freshmen may have seen some of the wonders of Davis Square - like eerie statues of old people and the Someday Caf?©, home of the world's best chai latte - when they visited Tufts last year. But the best part of Davis is that, thanks to its conveniently located T station (Boston's version of a subway), it serves as a gateway to the rest of the Boston Metropolitan area.
You have probably already noticed the lack of a grocery store, nightclub or real bowling alley in Davis - though the square does have its own New England-style candlepin bowling lanes). But not to fear: these and many other things can be found in the surrounding areas. And the beauty of Boston is that with the T, you can get just about anywhere for $2 round trip.
Porter Square, the first T-stop from Davis heading into the city is home to Star Market. It's the place to go if you're dying for fresh fruit or French bread, or you are just sick of paying out the nose for yogurt at Jumbo Express. Porter Exchange houses an Asian market with numerous sushi restaurants. And from the shopping center that houses such staples as CVS and Tags to the conveniently located Pier 1 across the street, Porter is ideal for picking up all your necessary odds and ends.
Just one stop further is another shopping haven, Harvard Square. The area serves as a bastion of irony: Harvard Square is one of the few neighborhoods where you'll find a daily congregation of punk kids sporting Mohawks and studded clothing standing less than fifty feet from a gigantic Abercrombie and Fitch. Harvard Square also boasts such mainstream retailers as The Gap, Urban Outfitters and Diesel. For those seeking something more unique, there is Planet Aid, a used and vintage clothing store whose proceeds help to stop world hunger.
Also along the lines of alternative clothing is The Garage, a mini-mall containing a plethora of one-of-a-kind stores. Hootenanny is a slightly pricey retailer of Goth and punk clothing that would shock your grandma. It is also home to an Anime shop, sci-fi bookstore and a reputable piercing and tattoo parlor. The array of stores is rounded out by a Newbury Comics and Ben and Jerry's.
More practically, Harvard Square has both a Staples and a Kinko's, because - preppy or punk - all our printers need ink.
MIT is situated between the next two T-stops, Central and Kendall. In addition to another Gap location, Central Square offers more diverse shopping options such as Tello's (ideal for club clothes), Hubba Hubba (a sex shop), the large studio Danceplex and an arts and crafts store. It is also home to The Middle East, a popular nightclub, restaurant and live music venue that frequently offers 18+ shows. You will also find the much talked about Garment District - which is not actually a district, but rather the best vintage and used clothing store in the area. It's also great for inexpensive clothing, used cds, books, and records.
After Kendall Square, the train emerges from underground, revealing breathtaking view of the Charles River. It then stops at Charles MGH - overlooking the Esplanade - followed shortly by Park Street, located right in the center of downtown Boston. The stop is adjacent to Boston Common. At the nearby duck pond, one can harass the geese and ride in the famous swan boats. Less than a block away is a large and architecturally impressive multiplex that shows current and popular films. Further down the street is Boston's theater district, where musical theater, ballet and other performing arts are showcased.
The next stop is Downtown Crossing, which offers several blocks of good (and cheap) shopping. You can find Macy's, Filenes's Basement, both Borders and Barnes and Nobles and an H&M, among other retailers.
Immediately after Downtown Crossing is South Station. If you take Amtrak or Greyhound to come to Tufts you can save yourself some cab fare and take the subway. Keep in mind that this option is better suited to light travelers.
The Park Street station is a major transfer point along the T. Venturing from the Red Line to the Green Line takes you to several other points of interests. The Lechmere bound train will take you to the Haymarket stop and the Fleet Center. The arena hosts basketball and major sporting events as well as concerts and other large special events like the circus.
If you can't find what you need at Downtown Crossing or prefer your shopping indoors with escalators and a food court, then take this train to its last stop at Lechmere for the Cambridgeside Galleria Mall. The mall features a Filenes's, Old Navy, Best Buy and Borders, as well as many other stores not for the faint of wallet. A hint, though - the T ride to Cambridgeside can be lengthy, and you are better off taking the 80 bus, which leaves from Boston Ave behind Hillsides or College Ave next to the LGBT center.
If you head in the other direction and venture further into Boston, both the B, C, and D trains will take you to the Kenmore stop. From here you can catch a Red Sox game at the infamous Fenway Park go clubbing on Lansdowne Street. While many of the clubs and lounges enforce a 19+ minimum age requirement for entrance, you can still catch numerous live music acts at Axis and Avalon, which frequently offer 18+ shows.
The E train takes you to the Prudential Center, a good place for dining. Try March?©, a cafeteria style restaurant featuring cuisine from all over the world. It also has some shopping and one of the best views of the city from its top floor. The next two stops take you to the Boston Symphony and the Museum of Fine Arts.
While the Red and Green lines will take you to most of Boston's main attractions, the Orange and Blue Lines are also worth exploring. These lines feature convenient station locations such as the Aquarium, Chinatown, and Logan Airport.
Before you head underground, however, there are some things you should remember. First, street musicians are people too. Even if you are can't or don't want to give them money acknowledge them with a nod or smile and - no matter what - always clap at the end of a song.
Second, no matter how odd, sketchy, loud, or drunk the person in the seat directly across from you is, do not stare. Just keep reading the ads until he or she gets off. Otherwise they may try to engage you in conversation.
Third, and most importantly, remember the T closes at 12:30 every night - even though there is an elusive late night bus, called the Night Owl, which runs until 2. You don't want to risk missing the bus - take this one from experience.
