1. Spring. And Summer. And Autumn…Basically Any Season That Isn’t Winter
The cruel winter weather here likes to linger in the single digits and can even sometimes dip down into negative numbers. Brr! Add crippling wind to the mix and you feel like your face is about to fall off. It’s best during these times to only walk when it’s absolutely essential—like, ya know, moving to the next bar.
2. Being The Heart Of Red Sox Nation
Let’s just get that one out of the way. Once described as the “ultimate manic-depressive fanbase,” Bostonians may not be the most emotionally stable of fans but they live, breathe, and die all things Red Sox.
That also means, it goes without saying, that they hate the Yankees, and if you don’t like it, you’re retahdid.
3. Being Resilient
Bostonians are not a fearful bunch and after the tragic Boston Marathon bombing last year, they rallied to help one another, setting their hearts and minds to moving on (and forward with the marathon this year) and that’s wicked cool.
4. Bleeding Green for the Celts
The end of Big Three era may have dampened the spirits of some, but the fervent fan fever is unyielding. Bostonians are banking on Lucky the Leprechaun’s charm to pull them ahead in the 2014-2015 season.
5. Driving Like a Masshole
Yeah, road rage was invented here and so was swerving at the last minute, turning without signaling, speeding up when the light turns yellow, and a whole slew of other driving offenses…You don’t like it? Then don’t drive here!
6. Lobstah, Lobstah, Lobstah
Cheap lobster may sound like an oxymoron but who doesn’t love low-cost crustaceans? Certainly not Bostonians. It sometimes goes for as low as $4.99 a pound in some supermarkets and at that price, they don’t stay on the shelves for long.
BJ’s Wholesale Club, Market Basket, and Burke’s are good places for scoping out lobster on the cheap.
7. Knowing Their History Is U.S. History
Bostonians are both knowledgeable and proud of their heritage of being first in just about everything and they will be also the first to tell you so.
Boston is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. (our first Thanksgiving was celebrated in nearby Plymouth a few hundred years ago). It was also the scene of several key historic events, including the American Revolution, the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. And the fair city lays claim to the first ever public school and the first subway.
8. Pioneering Civil Rights
In 2004, Boston became the sixth jurisdiction in the world and the first in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage. Bostonians are proud of their trailblazer ways and of the fact that, once again, they were first!
9. Cheers! It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere
Day drinking holds a special place in the hearts of Bostonians. Especially when the weather is nice during the summer months and the sun is high in the sky, locals pack the outdoor bars that line the waterfront for some ice cold ones and friendly conversation.
10. Dunkin’ Frickin’ Donuts
Aka Dunkies. Forget about the skinny grande vanilla macchiato. Here in Boston, coffee comes with cream and sugar. ’Nuff said.
11. Partying On Top Of The World
Many of the three- or four-story apartment buildings in the North End and surrounding areas have roof top decks. It’s kind of a big deal to know someone who knows someone who lives in such a building.
Those fortunate friends often gather there for rooftop parties, where half a summer can be whiled away sipping spirits and surveying one’s kingdom.
Don’t have the hookup? For those not in the know, there are several rooftop bars with stunning waterfront views, including the Atlantic Beer Garden and Legal Harborside.
12. Runners Have The Right Of Way
In keeping with Bostonians competative nature, running is a wicked big deal here. And it shows, too. Massachusetts consistently ranks among the fittest states and it is in the top ten states with the lowest obesity rate. Runners are everywhere in Boston, especially the city streets, which can make for a real traffic jam when you combine them with the, er, “assertive” Boston drivers (hey, they didn’t get the nickname “Masshole” for nothing).
But Boston has some amazing trails to run and walk and the locals do make good use of them, when they aren’t running down tourists in the Square. There are hills for hardcore joggers and paved trails for the less committed. The Freedom Trail Run and the Esplanade Run are two popular runs for a little exercise, laidback family fun, and taking in the magnificent views.
13. Feasting On Street Eats
Bostonians love their street food, which can be found at various festivals kicking off in June and running all summer long. The Scooper Bowl all-you-can-eat ice cream festival is a hit with sugar junkies, and the Boston Chowderfest, the Greek Festival, and the Puerto Rican Festival all have steadfast followers.
14. Communing With The Gods At Neptune Oyster
If you only had one more meal on this earthly plane, what would it be? Ask a person from Boston and they might tell you the Neptune lobster roll, served hot with melted, buttery goodness on freshly baked bread.
It’s a bit pricey but it is your last meal on earth, remember? Besides Neptune does not skimp on the stuffing—it’s big, juicy, tender, flaky pieces of knuckle and claw marinated to perfection and topped with lemon juice.
15. Savoring Sunday With Brunch
Sunday brunch is an institution in Boston and what better way to serve your time (brunch time, that is) than with mimosas?
The Gaslight Brasserie in the South End has a superbly priced $9.95 prix fixe on weekends and their Ramos Gin Fizz is the stuff of legends. The Eastern Standard is where to brunch in style. And you haven’t lived until you’ve tried the lobster omelet at the famed Island Creek Oyster Bar.
16. Busting A Gut
There must be something funny in the Bostonian water because it is responsible for turning out some of the funniest people in comedy, including Conan O’Brien, Steve Carell, Denis Leary, Amy Poehler, Dane Cook, Jay Leno, and Louis C.K. The list goes on and on and there are more budding funny faces doing standup in Boston bars and clubs on a nightly basis.
17. Perfecting Craft Beer
Forget the Miller Lite and Bud, Bostonians drink hefeweizen and smoked stout. Boston Beer Co., maker of Samuel Adams, is still the largest craft brewery in the U.S. and the small craft brew scene is alive and…wait for it...hopping! There are plenty of straight-up breweries that focus on distribution as well as local brewpubs where you can sample hops to your heart’s content.
18. Hunting For the Cookie Monstah
Chocolate chunk, peanut butter, red velvet, oh my! These cookies are divine and so fine—a perfectly baked halo from heaven. And they come freshly baked to your door—in a food truck! It doesn’t get any better than that.
19. Biking In Blizzards
In keeping with their efficient nature, Bostonians realized a long time ago that combining transportation and exercise was not only saving time by killing two birds with one stone, but it was also a great way to take in some of the most amazing views the city has to offer.
Summer isn’t the only time Bostonians like to ride; they are hardcore to the bone. You will often see bikers braving the cold in single-digit temperatures.
20. Meals On Wheels
Farm fresh, organic, local—all buzz words in the culinary industry these days. Boston has eight farm-to-table restaurants in and around the city that have gained notoriety and area farmers markets abound.
It’s now possible to find fresher, higher quality foods in the grocery stores and the healthy food movement has even expanded into the food truck movement with Fresh Food Generation, which provides healthy meals on the go.
21. Playing It Cool
Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster…Out-of-towners may swoon for some of Boston’s most swoon-worthy locals don’t sweat it. Here subtlety (or downright indifference) is the name of the game.
22. Breaking Bread At Cheryl Ann’s
Patience is a virtue Bostonians are not often praised for. But knowing where to find good challah is an art and those who know, go to Cheryl Ann’s for theirs. It sometimes involves waiting in a line that snakes around the block but as any Bostonian will tell you, it is worth it!
23. Viewing Boston Harbor From A Different Angle
The view from outside the Institute of Contemporary Art is as breathtaking as the art contained within its walls.
24. Celebrating Stars And Stripes With Boston Pops
Everyone heads to the Hatch Shell on the Fourth of July to celebrate in style with the Boston Pops Orchestra. There are also free concerts on weekends and most weekdays during summer months.
25. Knowing Their Pizza Pie Is Better Than Yours In Every Way
New York and Chicago may get all the glory for their pizza pies but several Bostonian pizza joints prove they are worth their sauce. Locals love Picco for its crispy thin crust and exotic toppings but for a deep dish that would make Chicago go into a jealous rage, they go to Galleria Umberto, which dishes up pies all day. Well, until they run out, that is.
26. Spending A Summer Day On The Charles
When the weather is nice Bostonians grab their sailboat, board, or kayak and head in droves to the Charles for some community bonding by boat.
27. Shedding Light On The Harbor
The Boston Light on Little Brewster Island is the second oldest working lighthouse in the U.S. and is as much a popular draw for the locals as it is for tourists. The light flashes every 10 seconds and can be seen for 27 nautical miles.
Feature Image Source: Flickr user Anthony Quintano
