A near record-setting snowfall in December, single digit highs in January and that apocalyptic day of weather last week that brought sun, hail and sideways snow in the span of ten minutes has left everyone begging for mercy from the tempest that is winter weather in Boston.
With a taste of warmer weather this President's Day, Jumbos are catching Spring Fever. But before everyone starts digging out their flip-flops, tees and short shorts, I implore you all to "slow your roll." Rather than prematurely heralding spring and blinding everyone with our pasty limbs, let us instead pause and enjoy these last few weeks of winter wonderland we have.
There are plenty of ways to dispel winter restlessness and pass the time before spring has really sprung. The Hub has many options that will make you forget there was ever such a thing as the winter blues.
The quintessential Boston winter activity for me is most certainly ice skating on the Frog Pond in Boston Common. Now, while the weather is still chilly, but the sun is shining, is the perfect conditions to participate in this winter "must." Admission is $4, and, if you go during the week or late at night, you'll avoid the crowds. The pond is only open until mid-March, so get it while it's still cold.
While the local news is already reporting on Red Sox spring training, there are better and more exciting ways to enjoy Boston sports than watching Ramirez and Papelbon play catch in Florida. Head to the North End and watch the Celtics pull another one off in the final seconds or witness a Zdeno Chara TKO up close. The Bruins offer nose-bleed student seats for $30-plus fees. But beware, Celtics tickets are a hot commodity these days, so I recommend Craigslist for last-minute deals on tickets for either team.
After a day on the rink or rink-side, you need to warm-up with some hearty winter grub and a mug of something hot and strong. For "sophisticated comfort food" head to Stephanie's on Newbury, where you can get your fill of spinach dip, meatloaf with mashed potatoes and warm apple bourbon pie. It's also best to do this before swimsuit season kicks in.
Save the margaritas and Corona for Spring Fling and head to Grendel's Den in Harvard Sq. for some winter-style boozing. After a few steins of mulled wine or hot cider, a Dark n' Stormy, Black n' Tan or Hot Toddy or two, followed by a fine port or brandy, will provide you with a drunk sweater thick enough to do laps in the Charles.
After a night of carbs and the heavy, hair-on-your-chest, old-man drinks, you'll have nothing on your mind but hibernating. But I suggest wrapping up in your flannel jammies and heading to the Brattle Theater for a lazy day at the movies. When you were a kid there was nothing better than spending the day in your pajamas watching cartoons. This week and next at the Brattle is the Bugs Bunny Film Festival and the Looney Tunes Revue. Don't forget to sneak in Lucky Charms and Cocoa Puffs for the full experience.
After an afternoon of cartoons, head a few doors down to L.A. Burdick Chocolate Shop and Café for a cup of real hot cocoa (whole milk and melted chocolate, that's it) and a slice of Burdick's Birthday Cake. You won't be able to hide under bulky sweaters too much longer.
Although Punxsutawney Phil called for six more weeks of this sadistic Boston winter weather, use these last few weeks of winter to have a little fun whilst you freeze your ass off.
Robin Alberts-Marigza is a senior majoring in psychology. She can be reached at Robin.Alberts_Marigza@tufts.edu.
