Need Boston Help

[Annette_VA]

My DH has to go to Boston next week for work. His company is putting him up at the Ritz Carlton, so I decided to tag along

By a bizarre coincidence, my sister will be in Boston at the same time.

So, I'm looking for some fun touristy stuff for my sister & me to do while my DH works. I'll be there Wed afternoon to Friday afternoon.

I found the website for the New England Aquarium & I love aquariums, so we'll probably do that.

Any suggestions for things to do or places to eat?

TIA!!

 

[The Mayor]

Walk the freedom trail, visit the Constitution, see if the Duck Tours are running, got to Fanuel Hall Marketplace, go to the top of the Prudential Building, walk Newbury Street.

 

[Cantw8]

Don't forget the favorite beverage of Boston and one of The Mayor's favorites

 

[Dan Murphy]

I was a visitor there last year, on business. Stayed a few extra days. Highlights were the Freedom Trail, USS Constitution, Faneuil Hall and surrounding area, Kennedy Presidential Museum. Well, a DIS meet too.

Boston sure is steeped in history, I loved it there. Enjoy.

 

[liamandcaili]

There are lots of great things to do in Boston. You should take a walk through the Public Gardens. The swan boats aren't running yet, but things are starting to bloom and it is pretty. Once you walk through the Public Gardens, you can stroll up Newbury Street if you and your sister like high-end shopping. Personally, I never go there, but I know a lot of people at least like to window shop.

The day you go to the Aquarium, there is a Legal Seafoods restaurant nearby...a Boston classic. You could also walk to Fanueil Hall from the Aquarium and do some shopping or walk over to the North End. There are so many great Italian restaurants there...Pomodoro is a favorite with my family. While there, you should pick up some cannoli...my favorite is at Modern Pastry, but Mike's is the bigger name. They are both on Hanover Street. While in the North End, you can also visit the Olde North Church.

If you are into sports, take the green line to Kenmore Square and take a tour of Fenway Park. After you're done, you can have lunch at Boston Beer Works. They have great burgers and beer...my favorites are the Boston Red burger and the Fenway Pale Ale.

If you are more into the eclectic, take the red line to Harvard Square and walk around. It is a very interesting place with lots of quirky, fun shops. If your husband is able to join you for dinner, you could try East Coast Grill in Inman Square in Cambridge. You would be best off taking a cab, as it is a little ways from any T-stop. It would be a short ride from Harvard Square. The food there is delicious. It's owned by Chris Schlessinger.

If you can't go to dinner, you and your sister could go to Jaspar White's Summer Shack. It is a short ride on the red line from Harvard Square. Just go to the last stop, Alewife, and you'll see signs for the restaurant when you get outside. The place is very casual, but the seafood is terrific. The fried clams are the best I've ever had and the raw bar is fantastic, if you're into that sort of thing. They have daily specials too, and of course, great lobster. Try the pan-seared lobster if you're feeling decadent.

Well, that list should get you started anyway...have fun!!

 

[mickeyboat]

Yeah, what they said!

We haven't done a Duck Tour yet, and are planning on it for the summer.

Denae

 

[liamsaunt]

Duck Tours are up and running, I walked by two heading down the street while I was on my way to the office this morning. They are really fun and unique--try to do it if you can.

Are you staying at the new Ritz or the old Ritz? Either way you are in walking distance to a bunch of good restaurants. If you post your favorite types of food I can give you some specific recommendations.

I did not see anyone mention the Museum of Fine Arts yet. if you like art, the MFA is excellent. They have a strong collection of impressionist paintings, tons of stuff from Greece and Egypt, and a very large Asian gallery.

 

[madalynns mom]

If it's a rainy day you can also go to the Museum of Fine Arts and The Science Museum.
Take a walk down yawky way and see all the crazy Red Sox fans too! Make sure you get a sausage!! Mmmm
And if you can help it, walk or use public transportation!! It's very expensive to park in Boston.

 

[Lynn CC]

All of the above is fun! I grew up in Boston and spend many days there (sometimes too many LOL) touristing around!

Tomorrow I'll be there with my MIL, we are going to Copley Plaza/Prudential shopping and going to The Cheesecake Factory for lunch and buying some to take home for Easter dessert! (I've been shopping there before, but never ate at TCF).
We will stop at Faneuil Hall shop around and have tea there in the afternoon.

We are then heading over to the North End to buy goodies and Italian Specialties to make our Italian Easter Dinner. We are meeting up with my DS who attends college in Boston and going out to dinner in the North End. Some of our favorites there are Marco's and Giavannis and Al Dente all on or just off of Hanover St. (the main street in the North End). They have a great coffee shop there that sells beans and teas so I always get some different varieties to take home.
Charles St. also has some nice little shops and places to eat if you have time to get over there.

There's so much to do, I'm sure whatever you do you'll have fun. DownTown Crossings has a lot of shops and vendors too (at more reasonable price than Copley/Prudential). I love all the people and sometimes just walk through the Boston Commons, Public Gardens and take it all in.

Have a Great time, you'll have to do a mini report!!!!

 

[RSoxFan]

The Duck Tours are lots of fun and they give you a great overview of the city. Make sure you get there early in the morning though - they tend to sell out quickly. They leave from the Prudential and the Museum of Science.

Take a tour of the State House - it's the oldest in the nation, and the tour is free! (end of shameless plug for myself)

 

[Annette_VA]

Wow, thanks for all the great info, guys!

liamsaunt - We're staying at the old one - the one that just celebrated its 75th anniversary according to its website. Should be neat!

liamandcaili - My sister is definitely into those ecletic shops, so I'll have to tell her about that area.


I'd never heard of the Duck Tours before, so I Googled it. Wow, looks cool!!

 

[kelleigh1]

I thought the "new" Ritz was the Residences at the Ritz which is all private residences, and not hotel rooms.

My former boss owns a place there. Stayed there a few times in the lap of luxury when she was out of town and let me stay at the place. Manny Ramirez also owns a penthouse at the Residences at the Ritz.

 

[The Mayor]

Don't forget the favorite beverage of Boston and one of The Mayor's favorites

OVERRATED

 

[liamandcaili]

Oh, I should mention that next week is school vacation week in MA, so expect the museums and tourist places to be a little crowded. If you can buy tickets in advance for things you really want to do, I would recommend doing so.

 

[Annette_VA]

Oh, I should mention that next week is school vacation week in MA, so expect the museums and tourist places to be a little crowded. If you can buy tickets in advance for things you really want to do, I would recommend doing so.

Oh, very good to know. Thanks!