Get Out: Columbus Day

Thanks to our morally questionable discoverer of the Americas, Christopher Columbus, most of Harvard is taking a break Monday (sorry Hist and Lit 90ag—have fun during your class!).

Take advantage of the fabulous fall weather and explore the outside world as fearlessly as the Admiral of the Seas himself.

Costumes by the Pound

It's never too early to begin planning for Halloween, and with this Monday freebie in your schedule, now is the perfect time to pop by the Garment District in Kendall Square, a thrift store that sells costumes by the pound. Walk away with a cheap costume and be prepared three weeks in advance.

Island Hopping

Past the edifices of Boston lie the Boston Harbor Islands, where over 30 islands await you. Filled with history, hiking, and beaches, the islands have something for everyone. To get there, take the Harbor Islands Ferry that departs from Long Wharf North in Boston to Georges Island, where you can then find shuttle ferries that will lead you to fantastic little places with names like Bumpkin Island and World's End.

Get Cultured

The Fenway Alliance brings to Boston the annual Opening Our Doors, where community organizations and cultural and academic institutions get together to provide a day full of free activities. Spend the day wandering the Fenway area munching on free cupcakes, trying your hand at glass blowing, building a kite, or embossing silver.

Christian Science Plaza, October 8 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

J.P. Lovin'

You've been in an urban environment for a while now, and while campus is gorgeous, it might be time to reconnect with your inner nature-loving hippie self. Brilliant oranges, reds and yellows are coloring the trees, and Jamaica Pond offers leaf peeping like no other. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the Pond hosts a 1.5 mile walking path and also offers rowboat, kayak, and sailboat rentals for the more nautically inclined.

Jamaica Pond Boat House, Monday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., until sunset on Thursdays and Saturdays.