Harvard Sq, Charlestown

Crowds of tourists and terrified prospective applicants notwithstanding, Harvard Square has somehow managed to retain its distinctive intellectual-youth-cool vibe. While you may never get to live in vicinity unless you get the fated acceptance letter (or just teach there), it's unlikely that you'll be young and fun in Boston without getting sucked into Harvard Square's orbit. The area is designed as a paradise for young people - the Harvard Campus is surrounded by a wealth of cheap, arty eateries, not to mention the Harvard Coop, a Mecca bookstore-cafe for laptop-carrying students looking to wolf down a sandwich over an essay on Heiddegger (got a great selection as well!). Head to any of the boutiques and novelty shops to pick up fun gifts, or wolf down a sandwich at one of the cafes that come and go in the area. Or, if parents are paying, head to Brattle Street and eat at the legendary Casablanca Restaurant before checking out vintage cinema at the Brattle Street theatre. While the vibe can be snobby when it comes to non-Harvard students, don't take it personally - they've probably been up all night studying Heiddegger (and drinking shots)

Harvard Square is home to Harvard University, as well as thirty to forty bookstores, unique boutiques, world-renowned restaurants, large hotels, and a repertory theatre. I love visiting Harvard Square in the summer because the sidewalks are lined with performers and the air is rich in diverse activity. The shopping is extremely diverse and you will never get bored window shopping or visiting the locally owned shops.

Some of my favorite places to shop in Harvard Square include Mint Julep (a funky little women’s boutique), Savenor’s (a gourmet grocer where the Kennedy’s and Rockefeller’s once trekked), and the Harvard Shop (a store devoted to Harvard merchandise). For the best kept secret for dining in Cambridge, check out 16 Garden Street Restaurant. This place offers the most authentic New England breakfasts, lunches, and dinners on the east coast.