I just have a quick question. In general, how late do the (independent) stores stay open (i.e. bookstores in Harvard Square etc.)
... If I wanted to do some shopping after dinner, would I find most places closed? (I don't have any specific stores in mind)

I thought at least one person could help.

Anyone?

We are too sad, thinking about all the independent bookstores in Harvard Square that have closed over the last few years. Sorry I can't help you with specifics. Usually, everything closes early on Sundays in Boston and the chain bookstores are open quite late in the Square, IIRC.

I just found out Wordsworth was closed! That is probably the best store I will never get to see!! I keep having this nightmare that in a few years everything is going to be owned by Walmart! LOL!! (The sad truth is that it is possible!!)

Isn't the Harvard Coop operated by Barnes and Nobles? (As far as chain bookstores go, I have a preference to Borders...I truly dislike B&N)

Well, I love Curious George Goes to Wordsworth.

http://www.gocitykids.com/browse/attraction.jsp?id=3564

Afterwards you can take a walk to L.A. Burdick for the most decadent hot chocolate you have ever tasted!

http://www.laburdick.com/cambridge.shtml

Have a great trip!

Right now the best HV Sq book stores are, the coop(a downstairs sale book section) the Harvard books store on Boylston(check out the used and remainders downstairs) The Grolier Poetry, and not sure about the other shop for used books across from the florist near Elsie's. Border's , Barnes and Nobles are on Washington St, downtown. Shoernofs(sp? for foreign books in all languages is still there on Mount Aubern in Cambridge.

There's a second hand book store in Central Square.

What are some other great shops to explore...non-book related.


BTW, I can ALREADY tell I will be spending a fortune at Curious George. My niece (who I love like my own daughter!) will be 1 in April She loves books (and toys)

In Holyoke Center, . My favorite is Settello(sp?)Urban outfitter is fun. Crate and barrel for home, Tess for Tres Cher Clothing Boston I love Anthropologie, and Louis, Filene's Basement, all so different

Harvard Square, like many other places, has been transformed into a chain-store area - not just book stores. While there are still some small funky shops, it is not the destination it once was. Further down Massachusetts Ave, towards Central Square, you are more likely to find little non-chain shops.