Charles’s Angles

Ten secrets of the Charles River

n addition to the marathon, the famous Boston institution that begins in Hopkinton is the Charles River. But rather than 26.2 miles, it rambles for 90 miles to the city, with great secrets all along the way. Most of us don’t appreciate our river (well, other than King Charles I, who ordered that it be given his name), except during the Head of the Charles Regatta each fall. But we should love that dirty water. Here are six secrets of the Charles:

Rowing for the rest of us
 

A social workout on the river
 

A little-known escape along the Charles
 

A running route with flora, fauna, and great views
 

A humble homage to a vanished neighborhood
 

Romantic summertime gondola rides on the Charles
 

Keeping fit, with a paddle
 

An exotic way to get out on the river
 

Where to breathe hard while enjoying a breathtaking river view
 

When to tango on the river under a full moon