After decades of hard work, retirement is finally upon you. You’ve worked the daily grind, burned the midnight oil, and paid your dues. Now, it’s finally time to relax, plan some fun, and catch up on everything you’ve been missing. Family time, catching up with friends, travel – retirement gives you the free time to explore and enjoy the things you want to do. Why not start your retirement adventure with a day trip on the train? You’ve been using the Commuter Rail every day for years for your work commute, but now as a retiree, you can finally explore the city you love and check out all of the towns you only ever glimpsed at through the window. Now’s the time to stop being a spectator and start living life to the fullest.
Many retirees are 65 years or older, so taking the train is financially smart. There are reduced fares for seniors, and there’s even the $10 Weekend Pass which lets you ride any line on the Commuter Rail as much as you want on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. If you’re spending quality time with your grandchildren, kids 11 and under always ride the Commuter Rail for free.
Here are a few suggested routes, stops, and activities to make the most of your hard-earned free time post-retirement.
Back Bay
Newbury Street (0.6 mile) is a gorgeous Back Bay neighborhood lined with posh shops and restaurants, including internationally known designers like Marc Jacobs, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren. You can enjoy a relaxing outdoor stroll as you shop, or grab a patio table at Stephanie’s on Newbury and people-watch.
Would you rather explore indoors? Head to the Prudential Center (0.3 mile), where you’ll have an incredible selection of restaurants and shops. You might have spent your career in Boston, but you’ve never seen it from the Prudential Center’s View Boston 360 observation deck. Dine among the clouds at the Beacon, where you’ll get 33 miles of incredible views as you eat. Down below, the Hynes Convention Center hosts over 100 events annually, including concerts, conventions, film festivals, and more. It’s also connected to the Sheraton, which is Boston’s largest hotel if you decide you’d rather spend the night in Boston and continue your adventures the next day.
Franklin/Foxboro Line
Norwood Central
Looking for a fun activity to do with your friends that’ll bring you back to the nostalgic, good old days? Play some candlepin bowling with an retro atmosphere at Norwood Sport Center (0.3 mile). It’s the first building built as a candlepin bowling alley, so you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s a great way to bond with your grandkids or meet up with friends, as the lanes are great for any age and skill level. As a member of the Massachusetts Bowling Association, Norwood Sport Center is able to host state tournaments and send bowlers to official state-sponsored events.
Ruggles
Skip the weekend crowds and head to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (0.5 mile). It is not only an absolutely stunning museum full of classic art collections, but it also offers a senior discount on admission. Besides the stunning permanent collection, be sure to keep an eye on the calendar for special events, concerts, and more that can make your trip even more memorable.
Being one of the largest art museums in the world, the Museum of Fine Arts (0.4 mile) is easily a place where you can spend a full day. You’ll discover art and history, and this museum will give you a global experience. The MFA doesn’t have a senior discount, admission to the museum also includes the MFA Japanese Garden and The William Morris Hunt Memorial Library. Check your local library for discounted museum tickets.
Lowell Line
Lowell
There’s so much to do in Lowell, so take the day to relax and explore. Start off at the Lowell National Historical Park (0.8 mile), where you can check out the Lowell Summer Music Series. The park is also right by the Boott Cotton Mills Museum, New England Quilt Museum, and Whistler House Museum of Art. For a great deal, take advantage of the “America The Beautiful” Interagency Pass Program where seniors can get an annual or lifetime pass that will offer discounted admission to the Boott Cotton Mills Museum, among other perks.
Another thing to do while in Lowell is to grab a rideshare to the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell (1.2 miles). Here you can watch the Massachusetts Pirates play their home games, attend live concerts, and even check out home shows and conventions. Another option is to stop by Western Ave Studios (1.7 miles), where you can see the creative soul of Lowell. The first Saturday of every month features the Open Studios where you can meet the live-in artists and see incredible contemporary art.
West Medford
If you’re looking to meet up with friends and fellow retirees (as you finally have the time to catch up!), you should consider meeting up at a brewery or restaurant. The West Medford stop has several options incredibly close to the station. With Medford Brewing Company (449 ft), Bistro 5 (194 ft), El Vaquero Mexican Taqueria (240ft), Paul Revere Restaurant (407 ft), and Snappy Patty’s (367 ft) all less than a block away, you’ll have plenty of options for food and drinks.
Providence/Stoughton Line
Providence
Rhode Island’s capital city is an incredible place to visit, and retirement, along with the Commuter Rail, gives you the freedom to explore outside of Massachusetts. Visit the RISD Museum (0.4 mile), Union Station Brewery (0.3 mile), and the Providence Place (0.2 mile) for a day out. If you’re looking to spend time with your grandkids, take them down to Providence Children’s Museum (1.1 miles), Providence Place Cinemas 16 and IMAX (0.3 mile) or the Roger Williams Park Zoo (3.4 miles).
TF Green Airport
Many retirees become snowbirds, spending their winters in Florida and summers back up in New England. As your friends migrate back up north, instead of flying into Logan, they may be able to book a cheaper flight into TF Green. There, you and your friends can meet up and head over to Proclamation Ale Company (0.6 mile) or Tavolo Wine Bar & Tuscan Grille (0.6 mile) for drinks and a reunion. Service to TF Green is only available on weekdays, but when you’re retired, that doesn’t matter too much.