Need help with Boston trip....

[MelanieC]

Hi there,

We had a Boston trip planned for the 4th of July, and now that Dh should be coming home next month we are going full steam ahead. I am hoping that planning this trip will help me get through the days till he gets home.

At the moment I have the Hilton Back Bay booked. I got a really good price of $149 and Sunday night free.

Does anyone know if the Back Bay area is a good place to stay.
How close is it from where they shoot the fireworks over the river?
Is it convenient to get to the visitor's center for the freedom trail?

Any suggestion would be welcomed. It will be DH, myself, DD11 and DS5.

Thanks in advance,
Melanie

 

[glo]

Back Bay is a wonderful location. You will be in the middle of everything. You will have to take public transportation to the fireworks. MY best suggestion...pack a picinic lunch and dinner. Get their very early...or you will be miles away. The fireworks are awesome, but it is a mess with the huge crowds. You will love them though, and if you can get anywhere near the hatch Shell and hear the cannons and the symphony it is awesome....A real treat. I have not gone in years, but soon...waiting til the twins don't wander so much.

Enjoy Boston...it is a wnderful city full of history...try the DUCK tours the kids that age will love them, and they need to be booked ahead of time.

 

[paras4ri]

I second the motion for a Duck Tour..........they're wonderful!!!! IMHO.....don't try to get near the Hatch Shell.......enjoy your day in the city and head back to your hotel to watch the concert. It's broadcast live on TV......you'll have a much better view of the Pops and the fireworks........and you'll have easy access to a bathroom!!!!

 

[pam66]

You'll love the back bay! You will be in the middle of everything! The Freedom Trail is 5 blocks from the hotel, the Boston Aquarium is 2 miles away, the duck tours are right acroos the street! The public garden is 5 blocks away - I think they're beautiful - and they have swan boat rides. The museum of science is nearby as is Fenway Park if you like baseball. If you like music then symphony hall is close by as well. I'm sure the hotel will help you with any activities you want to do. Go to www.hilton.com and link to the back bay hotel for more info. This is how I found the info above. Enjoy your family vacation!
Pam

 

[mtemm]

Back Bay is an awesome location. If you plan to go to the Esplanade for the 4th of July celebration get there early! Very early. Check on the current rules, but usually they open the gates first thing in the morning (used to be overnight, don't think it still is). Or plan to be quite a distance. Better yet, if you are going to be there prior to July 4, go the night before and watch the rehearsal!

Boston is a great place to be for the 4th of July. If I remember correctly there is a reading of the Declaration of Independance at the Old State House (on State st.) first thing in the morning. Something we've always planned to attend but never got around to it, and now we've moved!

 

[poohbear1029]

You must head to Fanueil Hall/Quincy Market. There are always street performers and they are very interactive with the kids, etc!!

Also, if you head over past Newbury Street (forget the name of the park --- help me out fellow MA people)....you can ride the Swan boats with the kids, etc. Very beautiful area.

Freedom trail is also fun and you dont have to do the whole thing if the kids get tired. Just hope on the T back to your hotel. Also, there is a children's museum that we went to eons ago as kids....the science musem is very interactive and great way to escape the heat if it is HOT. The aquarium is great too!!

And, if you go to the North End to eat (italian--- YUM!) you are required by law to get a cannoli from Mike's Pastry!

 

[phorsenuf]

Originally posted by poohbear1029


Also, there is a children's museum that we went to eons ago as kids....

It is called the childrens museum...here's the link! http://www.bostonkids.org

Originally posted by poohbear1029

And, if you go to the North End to eat (italian--- YUM!) you are required by law to get a cannoli from Mike's Pastry!

What I wouldn't give for one of those right now!!! Ever have their lobster tails? (it's a pastry for those who do not know )
Everythime my husband works in Boston I tell him to make sure he stops at Michaels for me. He never does because his truck can't park on those narrow streets! LOL

 

[BedKnobbery2]

Agreed with everyone here--Back Bay is a great place to stay! However, you might want to check priceline and see if you can get a better rate......I typically stay in Boston for less than $60 a night using priceline. Last 4th of July, I got the Cambridge Hyatt for $50 a night for the 3rd and 4th. It was an easy walk to the cambridge side of the fireworks festivities. You'll want to be careful bidding the Back bay area, though.....the cheapest hotel there on priceline is the Park Plaza, and they are notorious for granting priceline customers their worst rooms--a closet with a double bed, basically. However, you could probably bid 2 rooms and still come out cheaper than your $149 rate! Visit www.biddingfortravel.com and read through the FAQ and the Boston bidding page. You can even ask for assistance in getting what you want--just be SURE to read through the FAQ first and use the bid assistance form or you'll just be told to go and do that in the first place. They are very strict about keeping the topics to bids and bidding, so it is not a good place to ask about location etc (that's the the CB is good for!) Good luck and have fun!!!

BK