Harvard Square might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Cambridge, but there's so much more to the city. Sitting opposite Boston on the Charles River, Cambridge is a university community and a hub of innovation.

We have roots in Cambridge going back over 60 years. In fact, Circle Furniture takes its name from the location of the original store, in Putnam Circle (now Putnam Square) in Cambridge, MA. We still have a beautiful showroom in Cambridge right in Fresh Pond. Over the years we've discovered so many reasons to love Cambridge and we want to share them with you.

Why we love Cambridge

Heather, from our Cambridge showroom,  has "enjoyed walking around Fresh Pond for many years." The Fresh Pond Reservation Loop trail  is a beautiful 2.5-mile loop around the pond and is a great way to escape the city. She also loves eating at Jose's Mexican Restaurant, "a cute little place to have a margarita, nachos, and a delicious, authentic Mexican meal." One of Peggy's favorite restaurants in Harvard Square is Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage, "a definite must for anyone visiting the square" she says. She also enjoys Alden and Harrow which offers interesting small plates and is conveniently next to Brattle Theatre. The Brattle Theatre "has live shows and screenings of new and old movies."

Harvard Square, Cambridge

Peggy also loves Cambridge, 1 in Harvard Square to grab a flatbread.  Lizzy's Homemade Ice Cream  is right next door for dessert. If you're going to Harvard Square, the Harvard Bookstore is a must visit. They host a culturally enriching speaker series where "you can meet great novelists and get your book signed." Check out Harvard Bookstore's upcoming events here. Harvard Square is the perfect place to people watch, grab a bite to eat, and watch the street performers. If you want a fun spot for live music, The Sinclair is another of Peggy's favorites. Brittany, from our Cambridge showroom, previously lived in Inman Square in Cambridge and discovered some great restaurants. Atwood's Tavern is a "great low-key local spot" with live music and an open patio in season.   She also loves Punjabi Dhaba, describing it as the "BEST Indian food [she's] ever had!" Brittany also likes to hang out at the "super fun arcade bar behind Roxy's Grilled Cheese" in Central Square. Erica loves the Porter square area where everything you need is within the community and the people are "genuinely awesome." She's become friendly with the owners of the charming  Cafe Rustica  and enjoys going to  GISFW Porter  to workout. Spirer Jewelers  has unique pieces that last a lifetime with an owner who is passionate about his craft.

Harvard Museum of Natural History

She loves to bring her kids to the Mucky Kids art studio, the playground on Oxford St, or the Harvard Museum of Natural History, which is free to Massachusetts residents every Sunday morning.   For a low-key Friday evening, she loves to grab pizza and beer at  Newtown Grille. Judy has lived in Cambridge for many years. After growing up in a small town, she loved the university community and the cultural diversity of Cambridge. She loves going to the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra and "meeting people from all over the world." She's also involved in charity at St. Paul Parish where they have a renowned boys' choir school. The accessibility and ease of public transport  are hugely beneficial to her. "Living in Central Sq., I just cross the river by MIT and I'm in Boston." There are so many reasons why Judy loves living in Cambridge but she sums it up by saying, "Cambridge is a city that has a small town feel."

Visiting Cambridge

Here are our top 6 places to visit.

1. Harvard Sq. and Harvard University

Take a stroll around the world-renowned University and then stop in Harvard Sq. to people watch and grab a bite to eat. 

2. The Harvard Museum of Natural History

A hidden gem in Harvard Sq. containing, among many things, a collection of over 2,000 glass flowers.

3. Mount Auburn Cemetery

This sanctuary from buzzing city life hosts the grave of  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and many another notable figures. It's also an arboretum and bird sanctuary.

Mount Auburn Cemetery

4. Porter Sq.

Stop here to walk around and visit the cult favorite Ramen counter,  Yume Wo Katare, hidden on the bottom floor of a shopping mall.

5. Central Sq.

A bustling square with plenty of hip bars and eateries. In the mood to dance The Dance Complex hosts a culturally diverse range of dance classes, from Ballet to Flamenco to Folkloric Haitian. Life Alive is a popular vegan eatery with smoothies, fresh juices and rice bowls.

6. Kendall Sq. and MIT

Walk along the MIT campus for beautiful views of Boston across the Charles River. If you're hungry there are plenty of options around Kendall Square and East Cambridge. Don't forget to stop at Toscanini's for dessert.

Charles River

Final thoughts

Beyond just our personal favorites, there are so many reasons to visit Cambridge or explore the city in a different way. The Red Line is your tour guide and the city is your playground. Take a virtual tour of our Cambridge showroom! Read about why local manufacturing is so important to us.