I am originally from the Seattle area but while living in Boston for a year and a half, I learned to appreciate cold winters and one of the most walkable cities of the United States. When it smells like snow and I feel the chill of winter in Seattle, my mind always wanders to one of my favorite places in Boston: Boston Common.

Most people know Boston as one of the oldest park in the country located in the heart of downtown Boston. I have rarely seen it in the summer since I always went back home to Seattle in the summer. When I think of Boston Common, I remember brisk Autumn days and being one of the few places I could see tons of famous New England foliage. Besides that, I always imagine it covered in snow since that's how I always saw it. That brings me to my favorite part of the Boston Common: The ice skating rink.

In Boston, when the weather is cold enough, the old Frog Pond is turned into a circular ice skating rink. Even though I haven't grown up with it, I absolutely love ice skating. One of my favorite outings in the city revolved around that rink. After standing in line with friends for around an hour on a cold night (Time passes by quickly when you've got a camera and jokes), we'd pay the entrance fee of $4 and then $8 for skates (as well as buy the customary hot chocolate). Then, we would skate for (it seemed like) hours, only stopping when the Zamboni would resurface the ice. It's so much fun and reminds me of a colder version of going to the Skate Deck and rollerblading.

What I love most about the Frog Pond is just having fun. They make sure the rink isn't too crowded, so there is plenty of room to skate or... fall. Side note: I never fall down. Despite a lack of ice skating experience, I can actually boogey across the ice in what I call "Channeling my Michelle Kwan."

After ice skating, Boston Common is nice to wander around in (just be in with a group of friends for safety). There are some amazing mental images that can be captured with the historic-themed lighting, bridges and snowfall. The trees are all lit up if it's before Christmas. Plus, to warm up, there are Dunkin Donuts on practically every city block corner if you get cold. (Additionally, the supposed "Cheers" bar is nearby).This park is definitely something that is impossible to miss, mostly because of its central location but also because it's a great park, especially in winter.