Just a 30-minute train ride away from Boston is Brookline, a vibrant town known for its history, delicious food, and famous landmarks. Although it can easily be overshadowed by the big city, Brookline is known for its quaint shops, enchanting greenery, and beautiful architecture. It’s certainly a worthwhile community to visit, but given its wealthy status, it may initially seem like a place where people on a budget are not welcome.
While Brookline has no shortage of upscale restaurants and attractions, there are many ways to explore the area without spending a fortune. Want to head on a scenic walk? Check. Taste your way through the local restaurants? Check. Pick up a one-of-a-kind trinket? Check. Relax at a quaint café and enjoy some free entertainment online? Well, the team at BonusFinder always has their list of top sweepstakes casinos ready to go, so check!
Whether you live in Massachusetts or are visiting from out of state, here are some budget-friendly things to do that will not stretch your wallet.
Pick Up Produce at the Brookline Farmers’ Market
If you are planning your trip sometime between June and November, the Brookline Farmers’ Market is a must-go destination on Thursdays for fresh, local produce and artisan goods. The market has been running for over 46 years, supporting local growers and producers in the Massachusetts and New England area. Rain or shine, you’ll be able to pick up pasture-raised meats, fruits and veggies, fresh fish, fermented foods, sweet treats, and much more. Some past vendors include Luluna Kombucha for a tasty, fruity detox; Joyberry Farms for fresh mushrooms and mushroom-related products; and Clear Flour Bread for authentic European pastries.
Check Out Olmsted Park
Connected to both Boston and Brookline through the Emerald Necklace (a chain of parks and waterways), Olmsted Park is a 17-acre park featuring six historic pedestrian bridges, multiple paths, three ponds, and the second-largest area of historic forest in the Emerald Necklace. It’s a space perfect for biking, running, walking, relaxing, playing sports, and connecting with nature. People love strolling the wildflower meadow, looking out at Allerton Overlook, and enjoying the Summer Sundays in the Park concerts in the warmer months. Got somewhere to be? Why not stroll through Olmsted Park to get there?
Visit the John F. Kennedy National Historic Site
Brookline is also famous for being the birthplace of John F. Kennedy—and you can tour his childhood home on a guided tour. Recreated and restored by his mother, Rose Kennedy, it is a beautiful place that houses the many memories of JFK’s life and the ideas he stood for. This National Historic Landmark has plenty of nooks and crannies to discover, including the dining room, where the Kennedy family would discuss everything from history to politics and religion. Note that there is an off-season between the end of October and late May, when tours are arranged by appointment only on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Tour the Shops in Coolidge Corner
It is in the name—Cool. Coolidge Corner certainly lives up to it, offering a pedestrian-friendly area perfect for strolling. While the neighborhood once only had one commercial business in North Brookline, the Coolidge & Brother general store, the suburb is now dotted with independent boutiques, cafés, bookstores, and restaurants. You will spot the art deco-style Coolidge Corner Theatre here, the Tudor-style building housing the S.S. Pierce grocery store, and eateries serving various cuisines. When you have had your fill of walking, you can sit down at the Knight Moves Board Game Café, sip on a warm drink, and enjoy a pastry.
Get a Bite to Eat in Brookline Village
Brookline Village is considered one of the major centers of Brookline, with the Brookline Village Commercial District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You’ll find many of the town’s best restaurants and bars at every corner, highlighting various types of dishes and experiences. And there are plenty of yummy cheap eats to discover. Head to Cutty’s for scrumptious sandwiches; sit down at Mahaniyom for fragrant, authentic Thai dishes; and check out Brothers and Sisters Co. for a coffee or a scoop of ice cream. Brookline Village boasts a charismatic small-town feel that’ll make you feel right at home.
Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a popular destination that combines art, music, nature, and community. Founded by art collector and philanthropist Isabella Stewart Gardner, the museum showcases American, European, and Asian art in various forms. Visitors can explore staples of her collection—furniture, textiles, sculptures, and paintings, for example—find solace in the Courtyard, and explore the many unique rooms, like the Spanish Cloister and Yellow Room, for hours. While children 17 and under can enter for free, adults need to pay a fee of $22. Meanwhile, students and seniors can save between $2 and $7.
See an Exhibition at the Brookline Arts Center
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum isn’t the only art destination worth visiting. The Brookline Arts Center hosts various interesting events, including a Winter Open House full of studio demos, art activities, and more. It also provides opportunities to participate in classes and workshops. While its classes and workshops can cost up to $600 for a multi-week course, you can also stop by when there are free exhibitions, from video installations to classic photography and paintings. Each of these exhibitions has meaning and passion behind it, contributing to the Brookline Arts Center’s mission to provide art education.
