Music, music, music...

I grew up in Boston and thought that this would be a good tip for women travellers going to Boston. World Music sponsors cultural arts events around town, typically in some beautiful old theaters. Their concerts and educational programs strive to foster an atmosphere of cultural discovery and exploration of music and dance from all corners of the globe. It's worth checking out their schedule at: http://www.worldmusic.org
Jan, New Hampshire, USA

Welcome to my hometown. There are lots of free concerts in local churches -- try Fridays at 12:15 at Trinity Church in Copley Square (or come to the 11:15 service on Sundays and hear the choirs and the brass ensemble).
Marilyn, Boston, USA

I want to suggest Ryles on Hampshire street in Cambridge -- a comfortable place to hear Brazilian music, a place where a woman on her own would not feel out of place. There are two levels to Ryles, the lower level usually providing meals and jazz and the upper level Brazilian music and a dance floor.
Teresa, Cambridge, USA

She goes to Harvard...

Harvard Square is a nice stop to roam around in the afternoon. Cambridge in general has lots of opportunities for unique shops, people watching and exploring the museums connected with Harvard University. I consider the main squares in Cambridge fairly safe, I go there all the time alone at night. Taking the 'T' is your best bet. If you are driving, Harvard square can be difficult to find reasonable parking. Park on the side of the street in Porter Square, and take the 'T' one stop, or park in the parking garage at Alewife, if you are coming from the North.

Finding public restrooms is a problem in this area. I'd like to offer women travellers two suggestions. There are restrooms in the Harvard Coop bookstore (1256 Massachusettes Ave), although they are usually not very clean. Both are on the third floor, one in the annex and one in the main bookstore area. Another option is to go downstairs in the Science Building of Harvard. This building is just outside the square, a concrete, three story building which houses a library and small cafeteria.
Jan, I live in New Hampshire but grew up around Boston, USA

Relentlessly cheerful students lead free tours of Harvard campus from Holyoke Center, 1350 Massachusetts Ave. Many tours are held during the summer but only 1-2 a day, September - May. (Mini Rough Guide to Boston)

There is a wonderful travel bookstore called The Globe Bookstore in Harvard Square on 28 Church Street. Definitely worth a look and browse for the travelling person.

If you like foreign films, check out Kendall Square Cinema in Cambridge, metro stop Kendall, near MIT. Movies from all over the world are shown there. Great place to meet other cinephiles.
Theresa, Cambridge, USA

Ed. note: If there are JourneyToddlers you are shopping for, stop in at August Company, 1320 Massachusetts, Cambridge and pick up a tiny Harvard T-shirt or sweatshirt. Kiddies might not fully appreciate them but their adult family will find them great fun. Little T-shirts under $15.00.

Salem is a day trip from Boston...

If you have the time, try and take in a day trip to Salem -- one of the most beautiful and historical cities on the East Coast -- people there are wonderfully nice. It's really not difficult to get there, you can take the T-line commuter train out. If you're interested in the occult, there are a wide array of shops, including Laurie Cabot's shop and Pyramid Books, both of which have excellent selections. The town common is large and beautiful. For literary folks, you can visit Nathaniel Hawthorne's House of Seven Gables.

There is an inn right off the common, but my favorite place to stay is right next to that inn, The Susannah Flint House on 98 Essex St. It has four wonderful, individually decorated rooms, and supplies coffee and enormous muffins for breakfast.

P.S. A post September 11th note to all JourneyWomen. Let's continue to band together and look after each other so that we can travel safely and happily in the future.
Eva Schegulla, New York suburb, USA

Another Journeywoman adds: I'm a travel journalist that just returned from Boston -- it's a marvellous city. I just wanted to mention Salem to your readers. Besides the witches, it's got a walking tour around some beautiful old homes. And if you're flying down, there is a commuter rail service from Boston that leaves every hour from its North Station. It takes 1/2 hr. and costs $3.00 (I think). The pamphlet I picked up is not perfectly clear. You can get it online through www.mbta.com.
Mary Ann, Vanier, Canada