Located in Brookline, about 10 minutes outbound from Boston on the Green Line of the T (Brookline Village T stop), Matt Murphy's is an Irish pub and a quality place for food and drink. Why, you may ask, am I directing you there while you may be visiting America from somewhere with more than a few Irish pubs? Aside from genuinely yummy food, great drinks, and a great staff, Matt Murphy's has some fantastic - and free - live music. They've recently seen the launch of an independent record label (Pub Records) showcasing a variety of the excellent bands heard there in recent history.

This place is cash only, but no worries - there are a couple of cash points across the street. It's also non-smoking - but so is all of Massachusetts now.

If you don't now how to get there, just ask anyone when you get off the T at Brookline Village. If they don't know, they must be a tourist too, just ask the next person. It's about a three-minute walk from the T station if you take your time. Quietly sat between a doughnut shop and a real estate broker, you could easily walk right by without noticing it. That is, until the music comes on.

Have fun!

14 Harvard Street, Brookline Village, MA 02445; tel: 617 232 0188; www.mattmurphyspub.com,
www.pubrecords.com

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However, even if you're not a literary scholar it proves to be a great way to spend a couple of hours. They have thousands of original drawings and manuscripts from Maurice Sendak - Where the Wild Things Are. They also have lots of things you might not have a chance to see anywhere else. Journals of poetry written by slaves, Nathaniel Hawthorne's personal copy of Moby Dick. All in a very gracious (and eclectic) townhouse filled with interesting antiques. See how the other half lived.

OK, writing this, it doesn't really sound like the destination of choice for a young hipster. But, ponder this. It's Sunday morning in Philadelphia and you were out enjoying the nightlife until the wee hours.

Clean yourself up (please) and wander a couple blocks from your hotel to this very conveniently located and manageable museum for a tour of the house. The museum docents are learned and funny and helpful. You can learn without even trying, you lucky dog. And emerge a little more erudite than you went in. All before you could probably decide on where to have brunch. You clever clogs. The museum is free on Tuesdays and $8USD for adults other days. Closed Mondays.

2008-2010 DeLancey Place Philadelphia, PA 19103;
tel: (215) 732-1600;
Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday 10am-5pm Wednesday 10am-8pm Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm Closed Mondays and national holidays;
www.rosenbach.org

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