Heading to Cambridge, MA anytime soon? Here’s a fun little Porter Square Biking Guide!
Since last summer, I’ve been partnering up with the amazing team at the Cambridge Office for Tourism to share bike-friendly guides around Cambridge, Massachusetts. So far, we’ve explored Harvard Square, Kendall Square, and Central Square. Today – it’s all about Porter Square! A square that’s a bit further out, and 100% worth the trip.
Where to eat & drink
Bagelsaurus: While I haven’t had every bagel in the Cambridge/Boston area, I’m going to go out on a limb here and say Bagelsaurus makes some of the most DELICIOUS bagels yet. And if you’re up for something a little different, I highly recommend the honey rosemary spread. Highly.
Cambridge Common: If you’re lucky enough to be in Porter Square on a weekend, please do yourself a favor and bike on over to Cambridge Common for brunch. We split the brunch burger, grabbed a few drinks, and snacked on the Fried Sweet Plantains. Grab yourself a seat outside if you can, and please get the plantains! And perhaps even enjoy a second order for me. They were beyond delicious.
What to see and do
Porter Square Books: Porter Square Books isn’t just an adorable little bookshop in the heart of Porter Square, it also boasts a tasty café. If you have some time on your hands, grab a new read at Porter Square Books, some coffee, and snag a seat outdoors to enjoy the sun while it’s here.
Curio Spice Co.: Walking into Curio Spice is like walking into a dream. I’m constantly using spices when I’m cooking and creating cocktail recipes. Curio Spice’s collection is what dreams are made of; their collection is simply divine.
Honeycomb Creamery: I know this might technically fit in the ‘where to eat & drink’ category, but I’d like to suggest swinging by Honeycomb Creamery for an ice cream cone to take on the road. Is there anything better in summer than walking around with a cold ice cream cone in hand? Maybe just being at the beach, but we’ll plan that outing for another day!
Spindler Confections: Spindler’s storefront is enough to pull you right in. Especially if you’re already nearby visiting Curio! Spindler’s is home to tasty chocolates, decadent caramels, and brittles. If that’s not the perfect post-brunch snack, I don’t know what is.
Where to stay
Porter Square Hotel: As you might be able to tell by its appropriate name, the Porter Square Hotel is right in the center of Porter Square. You’re in walking/biking distance to everything, which means you can get from the hotel to some of the best restaurants in Cambridge in just a few minutes. Now that’s my kind of hotel.
My bike safety tips
Always, always wear your helmet. Is a good hair day worth it? Accidents happen and it’s not always someone’s fault, but you’re extremely vulnerable on your bike in comparison to drivers in cars.
Cambridge is full of roads that have a bike lane. Do your best to bike down those streets, and if you’re biking near parked cars, be alert. Drivers exiting their vehicles don’t always think to look for cyclists and might open their door as you’re biking by. I always suggest biking closer to the moving cars than the parked cars! Sounds backwards, but you definitely don’t want to bike into a car door. Alert drivers will see you better than those in parked cars.
Bike with lights! The bike shops in Cambridge are sure to have some and they are worth it. If you think you’re going to be out past dark, grab your lights. It’s extremely hard to see cyclists in the dark without them – it’s always better to err on the side of safety.
Obey traffic laws. Even though you’re not in a car, your bike is still a vehicle. Bike with the traffic pattern and stop for lights, stop signs, etc.
For more safety tips, and biking rules, click here!
Please note: This post originally appeared on the Cambridge Office for Tourism Site.
