Happy New Year!!

Believe it or not, visiting Cambridge in January can be a pleasant experience. There are even a few advantages to coming in the middle of winter. For starters hotel rates are at their lowest this time of the year. If you don't mind bundling up you can save hundreds of dollars on accommodations by traveling during the off season. In addition to the savings, the lack of crowds makes visiting many of the locale attractions a more peaceful experience compared to the summer rush. It is a great time to really explore and take in all that the city has to offer. The city can be all but yours this time of the year!

With a few exceptions, most museums and points of interest remain open year round, though many do shorten their hours. If there a particular attraction you would like to visit, we suggest checking their winter hours ahead of time.

Although, we do not advocate combining alcohol and automobiles, two special events occurring in January do bring out the wine lover and car lover us. The first of these is the New England International Auto Show from January 12-16^th showcasing the latest models from all the major manufacturers, imported and domestic. Is there a better way to spend a cold January day then being inspired by dreams of hitting the open road in a brand new car? The Auto Show will be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. For details visit http://www.paragonexpo.com/index.php/NE-General/

We recommend not getting behind the wheel, the following weekend-January 21^st and 22^nd if you are planning to visit the Boston Wine Expo. The expo runs January 16-22^nd, however the feature events for the week take place on the 21^st and 22^nd. From seminars, to tastings and food pairing, this is a wonder event for those interested in the ever expanding world of wine. For those more interested in food than drink, there will also be a culinary stage with local chefs, including chefs from restaurants in Harvard Square, offering demonstrations and sample tastings.

The Boston Wine Expo will take place at the Seaport World Trade Center, Boston.

 For more information visit http://www.wine-expos.com/Wine/expo/

No matter what brings to town this January, rather it is returning to school for the start of the spring semester or finally having the time to take in the Degas exhibit at the MFA, we had Harding House hope that you enjoy all Cambridge and Boston have to offer all year long.

We look forward to seeing in you 2012!