Cambridge, New England’s hub of brilliance

Cambridge, New England’s hub of brilliance

Cambridge’s claim to fame is its academic pedigree, being home to Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Its tree-lined streets are densely populated by creative minds, quaint cafes and artistic bustle. Situated north of the Charles River, Cambridge lays out a warm invitation to walk among hallowed halls of learning and discover colorful neighborhoods that give the city its high esteem.

Early life of a colony

The city stands separate from Boston, but is often referred to as the other side of the state capital or “Boston’s Left Bank”. Cambridge was established in 1630 as Newtowne, the old seat of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The first settlers were great city planners, leaving their imprints on the layout of the neighborhoods or squares, as they are called.

Walk the historic route

For more historic sights of Cambridge, it’s best to take a leisurely stroll along Brattle Street where you’ll find noble mansions, the most famous of which is Longfellow House National Historic Site, former home of author Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. As for the oldest structure in Cambridge, head to Linnaean Street where the Cooper-Frost-Austin House still stands, well-preserved since 1681.

Cambridge’s squares

The main hub of life in Cambridge is Central Square, which includes the City Hall and a plethora of shops, restaurants, boutiques and restaurants. Possessing a more spirited vibe is Harvard Square, which is right next to the brick walls of the university itself. The dynamic buzz comes from hundreds of dining outlets, nightclubs, streetside performances, small shops, and the world’s largest assembly of book stores. If you’re a bookworm, then don’t miss the oldest bookshop in the city, Harvard Coop, established in 1882. Another significant neighborhood is Inman Square, which embodies the multicultural population in Cambridge. If Harvard has its own square, then MIT has Kendall Square that presents the side of the city that leans more on science and technology.

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Guest Contributions

Jun 30, 2011 by Clark Pope

School hub of Massachusetts When the word “Cambridge” is being spoken, most people think that it is the name of a school. Well, Cambridge University does exist, but more importantly, Cambridge is a city where academics is a common factor. One of the first things one must know about Cambridge is that it is the home of the prestigious Harvard University as well as the Massachusets Institute of Technology. During its early years, Cambridge was just known as the place on Boston’s Left Bank. One thing that can be noted about Cambridge is its excellent layout of the squares or neighborhoods. This is because its earliest settlers were great city planners. When in Cambridge, it is best to visit Central Square, as it is totally the hub of all things Cambridge. Guest submitted photos