Take a moment to exhale this weekend. We’ve curated plans for couples, friends and families so you don’t have to! This is all the information you need in a step-by-step guide to make your planning easier.
It’s a Date!
Saturday, Feb. 23
Do This
Get in touch with your inner, flannel-wearing New Englander at Mass Audubon’s maple sugaring class at the Boston Nature Center. You’ll learn about different techniques and equipment used in making maple sugar across the region. Then, you can try your own hand at tapping a tree, collecting sap and boiling it down. Of course, you get rewarded with a tasty maple treat for your hard work.
Mass Audubon Boston Nature Center
1 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
$7 per person
500 Walk Hill St., Boston
Parking lot on site, American Legion Hwy at Walk Hill St stop on the 14 bus
Then What?
Walk 20 minutes or hop on the 14 bus to La Lechonera, a traditional Puerto Rican restaurant nestled in Roslindale. After all that tree tapping, you deserve a savory meal! Sample authentic Puerto Rican favorites like lechón asado (roast suckling pig) or pernil (pork shoulder) cooked over hot coals. Top off the meal with a fresh fruit batido (smoothie) in papaya, passion fruit or mango.
La Lechonera
10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Appetizers $1–$3, Entrees $9–$17
342 Cummins Hwy., Roslindale
On site parking, American Legion Hwy at Cummins Hwy stop on the 14 bus
Friends Zone
Sunday, Feb. 24
Do This
If you’ve got any pent up aggression about a wily coworker, a date that never called back or the complicated tax forms you still have to tackle, Urban Axes is the place for you. Here, the goal is to throw an ax with a two-handed technique (don’t worry, they teach you) and attempt to get a bull’s eye on the target. If you’re killing it, you can also join a league or a tournament to test your mettle against fellow ax throwers. It’s a great stress reliever, and makes for a killer Instagram post.
Urban Axes
11 a.m.–11 p.m.
$25 per person per hour
2 Union Square, Somerville
Some parking on site, 30 Prospect St stop on the CT2 bus
Then What?
Walk two minutes to Warehouse XI where you can unwind from your ax throwing experience with “Somerville Sangha II,” a yoga extravaganza. Kick the event off with an hour-long yoga class led by local yogi Andrea Savino. All levels are welcome. Then enjoy brunch, cocktails, music and art in this trendy, industrial event space. Local artists will be selling their works and DJ SoundsByFabe keeps the beat rolling all afternoon.
Warehouse XI
1 p.m.–4 p.m.
$20 per person
11 Sanborn Court, Somerville
Some parking on site, 30 Prospect St stop on the CT2 bus
Family Fun
Saturday, Feb. 23
Do This
Join the Boston Society of Architects for Family Design Day: Animal Habitats. Parents and kids have the opportunity to learn about architecture and design through exhibition tours and talks. Kids can apply that knowledge to a design project, in this case designing spaces for their animal friends using a variety of provided materials. The activities are designed for kids ages 5 to 13 and provide a fun, hands-on introduction to the architecture world.
BSA Space
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Free admission
290 Congress St., Boston
Limited street parking, South Station T stop
Then What?
While you’re in the neighborhood, swing by the Rose Kennedy Greenway to see current art installations, like “Balancing Act” by Aakash Nihalani. The 3D sculpture made to look 2D delights kids and photo-takers of all sensibilities. Just a block down the road you can still view Shara Hughes’s mural “Carving Out Fresh Options” in Dewey Square. In this neighborhood, a quick walk to your car is an informal gallery experience.
Rose Kennedy Greenway
Dawn to dusk
Free admission
Across from Intercontinental Hotel, 510 Atlantic Ave., Boston
Limited street parking, South Station T stop