The Charles Regatta on the famous Charles River in Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Had Enough Cox (swain) this Year? Check out the “Head of the Charles Regatta”

The Head of the Charles Regatta, the largest college crew race in the country, takes place on the banks and waters of the the famous Charles River in Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Established in 1965 by the Cambridge Boat Club, the Head of the Charles was originally a three-mile boat race in which a handful of elite college crews competed for the “Head of the River” trophy. Today, the regatta is a 2-day weekend event with 55 races and over 8,000 competitors from around the world, including crews from the best colleges and universities in the U.S.

The fall event, which is usually held in late October, also features a party atmosphere on both banks of the Charles and on the arching pedestrian bridges that intersect the river. With a crowd of 300,000 spectators, you are sure to meet a few good friends on this college road trip destination. When the race is over, check out Boston and Cambridge's legendary campuses for some post-race parties. Together, both cities have the highest percentage of campuses per capita in the U.S., including Harvard, MIT, Boston College (and University), Wheaton, Northeastern, Brandeis, Emerson, Leslie, Simmons and Tufts, to name a few.

It's a bit cold for beer, so bring a long a little bourbon. It will go great with the hot apple cider sold by the vendor tents along the river, and it's a great ice breaker on those cold, fall afternoons.

Photos (From the Official Head of the Charles Website)

article by Ella Whardon