The Weekender: January 20 to 23

Photo Courtesy of Thinking Cup

Welcome back, and we hope you had a safe break. The spring semester officially starts Thursday, with some updated protocols in place. And to help you get back into the swing of things, we’ve put together a list of the best ways to safely get out into the city and stay warm this weekend.

The Thinking Cup

One of the coziest cafés in the city is the Thinking Cup, just steps away from Copley Square and the Boston Public Garden. Grab a latte and go for a stroll, or opt for an espresso and sit down with a book. The Thinking Cup is the only café in the city to serve Stumptown Coffee, named “Best Coffee in the World” by NPR and the New York Times. This two-level space has a calm ambience with amber lighting and vintage decor. Old newspapers are framed on the walls and on the top of each table. Their delicious pastry selection includes warm croissants and scones, and their breakfast and lunch menus feature a variety of bagels and sandwiches for a bigger bite.

The Thinking Cup, 85 Newbury St., Boston, is open Monday to Thursday from 7 am to 7 pm, and Friday to Sunday from 7 am to 9 pm.

Five Horses Tavern

Snowy weather and gray days call for comfort food, and nearby Five Horses Tavern does it well. Start with a warm house-made pretzel and K-town wings (marinated fried wings tossed in Korean barbecue sauce). The tavern chili is hearty, and the mac and cheese comes in a big steaming bowl and is a great vegetarian option. Five Horses Tavern also serves brunch on weekends, so don’t miss out on the generously stacked chicken and waffles.

Five Horses Tavern, 535 Columbus Ave., Boston, is open Monday to Friday from 11:30 am to midnight, Saturday from 10 am to midnight, and Sunday from 10 am to 11 pm.

Somerville Winter Farmers Market

Missing the hustle and bustle of outdoor farmers markets? Check out the Somerville Winter Farmers Market, an indoor market entering its 12th season. Over 35 local vendors offer locally grown and regionally produced foods in a cozy setting. Need an activity? Find a recipe to make with your roommates and head to the market to pick up all the produce, meats, spices, and vegetables you’ll need. For dessert, buy the rich Ecuadorian chocolate from Sueños Artisanal Chocolate.

Somerville Winter Farmers Market is held at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville, every Saturday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Winter Weeks of Welcome 2022: Splash 2.0

Whether you’re new to campus or have been here a while, it’s a good idea to seek out others with similar interests. One of the best ways to do that is to attend BU’s biannual activities fair, held this Saturday, January 22. BU has more than 450 clubs, so chances are you can find something of interest, and the clubs’ reps are available with info about how to sign up. There will also be free food, music, and giveaways.

Splash 2.0 is Saturday, January 22, from noon to 2 pm, in the George Sherman Union Metcalf Ballroom. 

Boston University Men’s Hockey

Fans will return to Agganis Arena for back-to-back men’s hockey games against the University of Vermont on Friday and Saturday. The Terriers have been in good form in recent weeks, and are fighting for a crowded spot in the Hockey East playoffs. For students new to BU, hockey games are a great way to experience some school spirit. The student section is always abuzz with energy, so bring a group of friends and cheer as loud as you can.

The BU vs. University of Vermont men’s hockey games are at 7 pm on Friday, January 21, and 4 pm on Saturday, January 22, at Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Ave. Tickets are free for students with a sports pass; tickets start at $18 for BU students, faculty, and staff without a sports pass. Tickets for the general public are $23 and can be purchased online or at the Agganis Arena box office. 

Winter Weeks of Welcome Frostival

The Student Activities Office Weeks of Welcome will hold a winter festival featuring giant inflatable games, crafts, goodie bags, free food, and more on Sunday at the GSU Metcalf Ballroom.

Frostival is Sunday, January 23, from 5 to 8 pm, in the George Sherman Union Metcalf Ballroom. The event is free but students must register by Saturday, January 22.