How To Have Fun in Greater Boston without Drinking

So, I heard you don't eat broccoli. Why not? Are you a recovering broccoli addict? Do you not eat broccoli for religious reasons? Did you have a bad experience with broccoli?

Sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? Why would anyone care so much that you don't eat this member of the cabbage family?

Well, replace "broccoli" with "drinking" or "alcohol" and those are questions I've received all my life.

I don't drink. And, it's not because I'm a recovering alcoholic or really religious. I don't drink because I've always been able to have fun without it, even in college.

I entered college a member of the men's soccer team. An injury my sophomore year derailed my athletic aspirations. Without two-a-days on my schedule, I suddenly had a lot of free time. I was instantly struck by what seemed like a huge void of fun stuff to do around campus, for people like me, that didn't want to get sloshed every night. 

Soon thereafter, I applied to United Way partner, Youth Venture, for a start-up grant. With the funding and resources provided by Youth Venture, I started Hammered.org on my campus to showcase the many ways to have a good time without alcohol and other drugs. Rather than preach to fellow students, Hammered.org demonstrates that you can have fun without booze for one night of your weekend, your entire life, or anytime in between. 

Now, Hammered.org serves all of the Boston area and here are some tips on how you too can fun without drinking:

Free is good.
Don't rule out an event because it is free. On Hammered.org, we often highlight free festivals, concerts, fairs, movie screenings and a lot more. Not only will you have a great time, it'll cost you less than a Natty Ice.

Fun, out-of-the-ordinary and sometimes offbeat.
Keep it interesting. Check out the local independent movie theatre's midnight shows. Look for free student admission at local museums. Eat some good food at international cultural festivals. Flash mobs may have jumped the shark, but keep your eye out anyway for some impromptu public shenanigans. 

Be a tourist.
Be a tourist in your own city, minus the fanny pack and fold-out map. If you're a college student, you may be living in a new place. Check it out. See the sights. Do all the touristy stuff. Don't take it for granted because four years from now, someone from back home will ask, "how is that <insert major landmark>?" and you won't have an answer.

And, finally, sign up at Hammered.org. On Hammered.org, we do the work for you by digging through all the pub crawls, happy hours and beer pong tournaments to find fun stuff to do without booze. After all, meeting people and having fun in Boston shouldn't be limited to screaming in someone's ear while standing on the sticky floor of a house party or bar.

Ken Procaccianti is the founder of Hammered.org. Hammered.org showcases fun local stuff to do without booze. Hammered.org currently serves the Boston area and will soon be expanding to other cities. Sign up for the free weekly email at Hammered.org, like ‘em on facebook and follow ‘em on twitter.