going to Boston - help! (update page 2)

[izzy]

I'm going to Boston this Saturday and will be there for almost a week. Monday through Friday during the day will be for business, but the rest of the time is mine! Anyone have any interesting ideas of things I can do on the weekend or in the evenings? I've already checked and the Red Sox are out of town and the Boston Pops concerts stopped in early July. Any suggestions of restaurants that are "not to be missed" would also be appreciated. I also love to shop.

I'm staying at the Omni Parker House in downtown and I thought about maybe getting some spa services, but it doesn't look like they have a spa. If anyone knows of a nice spa in the general vicinity of the Omni, that would be great.

Thanks for your help!

 

[cherylp3]

Ming Tsai has a restaurant.

There is a nice mall at the Prudential along with plenty of shops on Newbury Street.

I'd recommend a Duck Tour sure its Touristy but its fun!

You can always post on News Groups

http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&group=ne.general

http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-
8&group=ne.food

And there is Chow Hound
http://www.chowhound.com/newengland/boards/boston/boston.html

 

[mtemm]

There are some great spas on Newbury street, which isn't that far. great shopping there, too.

check out a duck tour of boston

go to the north end for some great italian food, usually there are festivals on the weekends, too.

walk the freedom trail

check out back bay and beacon hill

If you like bargains, Filenes Basement usually has a ton

The Constitution is in Charlestown and is a great tour

the science museum, the MFA, and the Gardner museum are awesome.

head over to Harvard Square for some great bookstores and some cute cafes.

Faneuil Hall in Boston is fun to shop and to watch the street performers. Kingfish Hall is delicious. Great Irish pub the Black Rose.


what are your interests? would help to know.

 

[Scratch42]

Filene's Basement! Bargoons Galore!

Feneiul Hall (sp)

What's great about the Omni, it's within walking distance of all the great areas!

Yes, do the Duck Tour. Did it last year and it was a great way to see Boston and then decide where you want to go back for shopping!

Enjoy your trip

Scratch

 

[Scratch42]

The Bull and Finch Pub! This is where "Cheers" was based on!
Great Burgers!

Scratch

 

[izzy]

Thanks everyone! These all sound like great suggestions.

As far as my interests, I like many different things: plays (musicals and comedies mostly), concerts (all types of music except country), museums, historical sites, sports, shopping, people watching, etc. I love Italian food so it sounds like the North End is a place I'll definitely be spending some time. From everything you've told me, Boston sounds like it will be my type of town!

Only one question - what is a Duck Tour? That sounds interesting!

 

[Scratch42]

a Sea Farring one! In this case, a Charles River One.

It's basically a boat on wheels that take all over the different areas of Boston and then they take you into the Charles River to see sight! Can't tell you how much 'cause my friend paid as a thank you for taking her to Boston.

Also, if you have to arrange your own transportation in from Logan, take the transit! It was very convenient and last year only cost us a $1.00 instead of $30.00 by cab or limo!


Scratch

 

[TLinden16]

The Producers is in town right now. It's playing at the Colonial, which is about seven minute walk from the Omni Parker House.

Karen

 

[Harambe]

They do call Boston the "Walking City". You can just walk on out of the Omni (lovely hotel, BTW) and find tons to do.

If you like chocolate, there is a chocolate buffet at one of the better hotels, and it could be the Omni - that's the Omni Parker House, right? That may be fun to try.

One more thing not mentioned above is the New England Aquarium. There are whale watches that leave right from the dock there. Reservations 617 973-5281. June 23 - Sept.1 daily 9:30am and 1:30, or weekends 9:30am and 2pm. The cost is 29.00 for adults/18.00 for children. Great ride out on the ocean!

 

[debster812]

Duck Tours? Why this is a Duck Tour:

Boston Duck Tour

They are an absolute HOOT, but very toursity.

You've gotten some great advice, I hope you have a good time here.

 

[mtemm]

check out the Hatch Shell. There are often concerts there, and movies on fridays, although I don't think you'll be there on a friday?

There is some great theatre in Boston. You can go to the ticket kiosks and I think to the theatres themselves for same-day 1/2 price tickets. I know there's a kiosk in Faneuil Hall. Cash only, there is a service fee, but a great option.

You said you like museums, well then I reiterate the Gardner and the MFA. I've spent a lot of time at each, just can't get enough. At the Gardner make sure you buy the book when you buy your ticket. Nothing is marked. So worth it! She was quite a woman.

If you'll have access to a car, drive the short distance to Concord/Lexington. Can't beat the history in New England! Salem is facinating, too.

 

[Margie J]

Bostix is the place to get discounted tickets to theatres and such in Boston.

Check out the Boston Tourist bureau office at the Boston Common, between Park and Boylston Street station on the green line.

You'll be near Chinatown also and there are some great restaurant there also.

For "T" or public transit information
MBTA

For local news
The Boston Channel

For the Boston Globe (check out the Calendar section)and more news
Boston.com


Boston Tourist Bureau

Newbury Street

Insider Tips

North End

Prudential Center

Colonial/Charles and Wilbur Theatres

City of Cambridge

Wang Center for Performing Arts

Mike's Pastry

Have fun!

 

[BobbinWeez]

Well there's not much I can add to the impressive list my fellow Bay Staters put up for fun in Boston. All I can say is grab a free map from one of the tourist kiosks and have a blast exploring. Boston is a great city and lots of fun to explore on foot. As for transport you can get daily or weekly T (subway) passes that take you all over the city and if you get one of those maps they usually have a T map on the back...it's really easy to figure out. Have a blast and then tell us all about it.

 

[izzy]

All I can say is "WOW!" You guys are an absolute wealth of information! Thank you so much for answering my questions and taking the time to provide links to websites that you thought I would like. It looks like there's so much to do that I might have to plan a vacation to Boston and forget the business part of the trip.

Thanks!!

 

[Disney Doll]

The Kennedy Museum

 

[KingKobra]

I dont think i saw this mentioned, but you should check out the New England Aquarium. Museum of Fine arts and Museum of Science are good too. Definately go to the North End.

 

[delikado]

In addition to all the great museums Boston has to offer, you should also check out the Mary Baker Eddy Library, which is part of the Christian Science Center on Mass Ave. (http://www.marybakereddylibrary.org) I think it's really different, and the Mapparium in particular is very interesting.

Someone already mentioned chowhound.com, but I have to reiterate! If anyone can tell you where to go get the best food in Boston, it's these folks! For instance, the North End is full of somewhat "touristy" restaurants, but with a little research, you'll be able to find the real gems in that lovely area.

Try to also visit Harvard Square! It has a completely different feel from Boston, and I bet you'll love it! They always have fun street performers and it's a great place for people-watching. (If you're in the mood for some burgers and sweet potato fries, drop by Mrs. Bartley's Burger Cottage! You won't regret it!)

Hope that helps! Enjoy your trip to Boston!

 

[CoasterAddict]

Great restaurant downtown: Fire and Ice, 31 St James St. (corner of St. James and Berkeley). You choose ingredients for a stir-fry and the sauce of your choice, and they cook it on a truly enormous grill. All you can eat for a reasonable price. Try the lemon-blueberry-infused tequila margarita!

Also, when in the north end, stop at Mike's Pastry on Hanover St. Just off the Freedom trail if you're doing that...enjoy.

 

[goofy4tink]

Mike's Pastry....yum. Have a great time in our fair capitol. I really can't add anything to what has been suggested already. Great ideas.

 

[rbuzzotta]

A great spa is called Candela. It is located at 28 Arlington St. in Boston. Tel # (617) 426-6999. they also have a website:

www.candelaspa.com

They give wonderful pedicures and massages!!! They also doe various types of facials, microdermabrasion and various body treatments (algae wrap, detoxifying mud therapy, salt glow and my favorite, candela wrap).

have a great time in Beantown!!!