You will be living in an urban environment. It is a relatively safe area, but you should always use precautions.
The Law School and the majority of Harvard campus are in Cambridge near Harvard Square. MIT is located between Central and Kendal Square. North of Harvard Square is Porter Square which got its name from the Porter’s Hotel which gave the name to the hotel’s specialty, the cut of steak known as porterhouse.
The DoubleTree Suites is across the Charles River and in Boston (the river separates Cambridge and Boston). Boston is broken up into about 20 neighborhoods. You will be staying in the Allston/Brighton neighborhood.
Running map around the Charles River
Nearest Grocery Store to the Program:
Broadway Marketplace, (10 min walk) 468 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138 Has a selection of food, fresh vegetables and fruit, and some prepared foods, liquor, a bakery, and a deli.
Star Market – Porter Square – 49 White St, Cambridge, MA 02140, Open 6am-midnight. 10 minute walk from HLS. This is a regular grocery store, you will find a huge selection of all products including unhealthy ones. For example, you will find Diet Coke, oreo cookies, potato chips, pasta sauces, etc.
Food Stores and Pharmacy near the DoubleTree Suites:
Whole Foods Market – 340 River St, Cambridge, MA 02139 – open every day 8am-10pm; less than 10 minute walk across the river. Has prepared food, beer, and wine
Walgreens – 330 River St, Cambridge, MA 02139 – open every day 8am-10pm. Next to the Wholefoods
Trader Joe’s – 748 Memorial Dr – Open every day 8am-9pm; 15 minute walk across the river, just a little further than the Whole Foods
HMart – 581 Massachusetts Ave.Cambridge, Open 9 am-9 pm – 20 minute walk in Central Square
Korean Food Market – an interesting selection of ethnic foods and fruits and vegetables.
Trader Joe’s – Allston 199 North Harvard Street Allston, Open every day 8 am-9 pm – 20 minute walk
Similar products to Trader Joe’s on Memorial Drive, except this one, has an extensive wine, beer, and alcohol department. Good value for the prices.
Star Market – Brighton -370 Western Ave, Brighton, Open 6 am-11 pm – 30 minute walk
This is a regular grocery store, you will find a huge selection of all products including unhealthy ones. For example, you will find Diet Coke, oreo cookies, potato chips, pasta sauces, etc.
Local Restaurants
Yelp – User Reviews and Recommendations of the Best in Boston/Cambridge. I use it for everything, from restaurants, and tourist attractions, to contractors for repairs in my house. I think it’s helpful to give you ideas of what is around. You can use it on the internet, you do not need to download the app.