Brighton/Allston
Many refer to Brighton and Allston as one area of Boston, although they are technically two separate neighborhoods. Boston College School of Theology and Ministry is located in Brighton which is a young and urban area just west of downtown Boston, where you can also find quiet neighborhood streets with family residences. The area is home to students of multiple universities, including Boston College, Boston University, and Harvard Business School. The area is well known for its hipster vibes, where there is something for everyone at an affordable price. You will find no shortage of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. There are plenty of stores as well, both large, well-known department stores and small, local, quaint businesses. It is very possible to have a car in Allston and Brighton, but not necessary as there are many MBTA buses that run through the area which I will highlight later.
Downtown and Greater Boston
There really is always something to do in the Boston area. From historical sights, zoos, aquariums, museums, beaches, and so much more! Check out this map of places to go on the weekend or week nights, you won’t be disappointed.
MBTA Commuter Rails
The following transportation info is provided on the BC website…
Depending on where you live in Allston and Brighton, you can get to “the T” (Boston’s subway system) easily by walking or by taking a bus to one of the B train stations on the Green Line (or the Red Line, depending on which bus you take).
The MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) runs the subway and street car system in Boston and the commuter rail lines that come into North and South Stations.
A variety of passes and fares are available to fit your commuting needs.
- With the Charlie Card subway rides are $2.75, and the local bus fare is $1.70. Children 11 years old and under ride free when accompanied by an adult.
- Monthly passes allow for unlimited travel on all MBTA services and have built-in discounts and benefits such as reduced auto insurance rates.
- Student discount semester passes are available up to one month prior to the start of each semester at Student Services in Lyons Hall, Room 103.
Subways/Streetcars
T GREEN LINE
The Boston College branch of the MBTA’s “Green Line” (B Train) ends at the foot of the campus on Commonwealth Avenue.
- Boston College Branch (B Train)
- Cleveland Circle Branch (C Train)
- Riverside Branch (D Train)
- Heath Street Branch (E Train)
Head further south for a weekend trip to Cape Cod
Do you love the beach, biking, museums, memorials, quaint shopping towns, and ice cream?
Cape Cod is just under a two hour drive or a 90 minute ferry ride out of the seaport in Boston. If you drive, the best times to avoid traffic are:
Sunday through Thursday.
Fridays before 2 p.m. or after 9 p.m.
Saturdays before 8 a.m. or after 2 p.m.
Some of the most popular Cape Cod areas are: Provincetown, Hyannis, Falmouth, Dennis, Chatham, Yarmouth, Sandwich, Wellfleet, Orleans, Harwich, Eastham
Top attractions according to Tripadvisor are: Cape Cod National Seashore, Race Point Beach, John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum, Commercial Street, Cape Cod Rail Trail, Shining Sea Bikeway, The Steamship Authority, Chatham Lighthouse Beach, Herring Cove Beach, Main Street Hyannis
Head up north and out of the City
You can easily hop in a car or on a bus and head to New Hampshire, Maine or Vermont in less than a few hours. Depending where you decide to go, it will take anywhere from 1-3 hours and is well worth the road trip!
Top Places to visit in New Hampshire: White Mountain National Forest, Lake Winnipesaukee, Manchester, Portsmouth, Mount Washington State Park, Concord, Hanover, Bretton Woods Mountain Resort, Mount Monadnock State Park, Keene
Top Places to visit in Maine: Portland, Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Camden, Ogunquit, Rockland, York, Kennebunkport, Augusta, Sugarloaf Mountain
Top Place to visit in Vermont: Woodstock, Quechee Gorge, Manchester, Montpelier, Shelburne, Killington Resort, Grafton, Champlain Islands, Stowe, Burlington
Northeast Ski and Mountain Areas
photo by research gate
As you can see, there is no shortage of fun things to do and beautiful sites to see while you study at the CSTM. There is also no shortage of friendly people in the community that would be more than happy to offer other recommendations for places in and outside of the neighborhood. Reach out and enjoy!