Any good bands playing this weekend. We are a group of 14 ages 35-40. We like some good dance music.
Your best bet is to check the web sites for the local alternative papers:
http://www.bostonphoenix.com
http://www.weeklydig.com
They have lots of listings for the clubs in the area.
Have fun!
We%26#39;d like to take Mama out to dinner (or possibly brunch) somewhere SPECIAL for her 80th birthday, Dec. 10. We%26#39;re in Revere, but anywhere in eastern Mass., lower NH, or upper RI is okay.
We have four adults and two children, ages 6 and 9. Pretty good kids (they%26#39;ll behave), but we don%26#39;t want to pay $40 each for them when all they really want is mac %26amp; cheese. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Hi Jet20,
If you want to try something different, it%26#39;s a Sunday Jazz Brunch and you can see the menu online at www.acornsrestaurant.com it would be a drive from Revere, but it%26#39;s well worth it, you won%26#39;t regret it. It%26#39;s the New England Center at 15 Stafford Ave., Durham, NH. Call 603 862-2815 for reservations. You won%26#39;t pay through the nose and the food and the way it%26#39;s presented is absolutely fabulous for the money. The dining room is incredible. It%26#39;s got a massive fieldstone fireplace and huge windows from the floor to the ceilings that look out at the woods. No matter what time of year you have dinner or lunch here? You will love the room this is held in.
It%26#39;s connected to the University of New Hampshire, you drive right through the campus to get to this New England Center. You walk downstairs to Acorns Restaurant in the Center and you%26#39;ll be very surprised it%26#39;s even there. The Sunday Jazz Brunch menu is online and it%26#39;s priced right. Adults $17.95 and children $9.00 (10 %26amp; under) Senior Citizens (65+) $16.95. It says that prices don%26#39;t include the tax or gratuity and are not valid for special event brunches. How can you go wrong with payting this type of money. You wouldn%26#39;t believe how good it is. The key is though, it gets really crowded when the students are on the campus. When they are on vacation, it%26#39;s wonderful there! We%26#39;ve gone a few times, once on there Spring break and another time in the summer, it was fantastic.
Another really really good place for Sunday Brunch, where you won%26#39;t pay through the nose;
it%26#39;s set up just like a cruise ship too, you%26#39;ll love this Brunch spread! Is the Old Salt in Hampton, NH. It%26#39;s wonderful there for Sunday Brunch. If you didn%26#39;t want to drive all the way up to Durham to the New England Center then right in the center of Hampton at the intersection in town is the Old Salt. www.oldsaltnh.com check out there site to see their menu, it%26#39;s located at 490 Lafayette Rd., Hampton, NH 603 926-0330.
My mother turned 80 this past March! We got the Frank Sinatra impersonator from Malden to come up to the party! He was GREAT, she had the best time! www.soundslikefrank.com then we got the Irish Step Dancers from the school in Salisbury, they were terrific, there was this little boy that danced like you wouldn%26#39;t believe with those girls, they were just wonderful.
In any case, enjoy your time with your mother! There%26#39;s always the Continental on Rte 1 not too far from you guys you know! We drive down a couple of times a year to that great restaurant, it%26#39;s a classic! It%26#39;s my mothers favorite place!
Visiting Boston and want to be sure to enjoy all the originals like Sam Adams etc.
Does anyone know where Boston Creme Pie was invented and where we can get authentic version ?
That%26#39;s quite an interesting question. I have no idea, but I%26#39;ll look it up later if I have time. You can find them at most grocery stores or supermarkets (whatever the ones in Boston are called-where I live we have mostly Weis Markets and Giant), although I don%26#39;t know if you could consider their pies to be authentic. I have never cared a whole lot for them, but they are my brother%26#39;s favorite.
Try visiting http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodpies.html, although Trip Advisor doesn%26#39;t like us to post links to other websites on here anymore (I am not sure why). As long as the links are helpful and are related to the topic, I don%26#39;t see any reason why they can%26#39;t be posted. Maybe it%26#39;s for the Las Vegas forum, where people can be quite nasty and often make a lot of unhelpful and inappropriate comments.
Mike%26#39;s Pastry in the North End has a Boston Creme Pie.....don%26#39;t know if it is authentic, but Mike%26#39;s is a very popular spot and heavily visited by both locals and tourists.
You can also sample some of the many fine Italian restaurants while in that section of town. Bon Appetite!
If I%26#39;m not mistaken, Boston Creme Pie was invented at the Parker House (now the Omni Parker House) as were Parker House rolls. From what I%26#39;ve heard, you can still get a piece of the pie at the hotel restaurant.
You%26#39;re correct Sue, it was the Parker House and they still serve it and it%26#39;s delicious.
Just to add it was first invented by a French Pastry chef who worked at the Parker House, called Monsieur Sanzian in 1855. If the pie is topped with chocolate it%26#39;s called the Parker House Chocolate pie.
Interesting! Thanks, Carolann!
Interesting that you%26#39;re visiting Boston as you list your location as Boston.
Another bit of Parker House trivia... I understand Ho Chi Minh once worked there as a sous chef.
As did Malcolm X as a bus boy.
Also any good christmas related shows that my wife and I can go and see from saturday to Tuesday?
They%26#39;ve had it on when I%26#39;ve been to the Black Rose in the past. Try going to http://www.bostonirishpubs.com/ and giving some of them a call. Most of them have the satelites to show British sports.
For Christmas shows try the Nutcracker by the Boston Ballet. Info at www.bostonballet.org/nutcracker/default.aspx
For another Christmas themed show, try ';White Christmas'; at the Wang Center. It is a live musical theater presentation based on the original movie with songs composed by Irving Berlin.
Although I%26#39;ve lived in the Boston area for years, I still don%26#39;t know a REALLY GOOD place to get my hair colored. I am F, with fine hair, currently medium-brown except for very dark brown roots mixed with silver. (Okay, gray!) I definitely need highlighting.
I%26#39;d prefer downtown Boston (I work in Govt. Ctr.) or along the Blue line, but anyplace is acceptable if I can get there via public transit.
I%26#39;ll pay what it costs, but would prefer not to invest my life savings! Oh, yes--I need to know ASAP.
Thanks to everyone--you people are the best!
Hi Jet20,
I%26#39;m telling you, listen to me good, make an appointment at Shag at 840 Summer St., in South Boston. 617 268-2500. Do it. It%26#39;s not far from South Station straight all the way down on the left. It%26#39;s nothing to get to. Take a taxi from South Station if you want or hop on the City Point bus, whatever. They have plenty of parking at the location too.
I think there%26#39;s a Shag in San Francisco if I%26#39;m not mistaken. Try it once and you%26#39;ll see what I mean. I think they%26#39;re really good!
There%26#39;s a colorist there called Tasha, you%26#39;ll love this salon, there%26#39;s no egos, if you know what I mean, they%26#39;re very very friendly, not stuck up manneqinns at all!
I%26#39;m done with Newbury St. after going here!
Good luck!
Check out their site...
www.shagboston.com
It was Best of Boston last year....
Would also recommend Beauty Rules, on Newbury Street corner Gloucester. They are brand new and really laid back. Having looked at the website for Shag, the prices are right in line with that. (Yikes!)
http://www.beautierules.net/
It%26#39;s a shop put together by a group of ex-Dellaria stylists.
Hi guys, I%26#39;m arrving this weekend from the UK and we are staying at Club quarters in Devonshire Street.
I just looking for a few names of bars or clubs that we should go this weekend. I%26#39;ve heard about landsdown and boylston streets so any further recommendations would be greatly appreciated. We%26#39;re all in our twenties so we%26#39;ll not be too fussy!!
Thanks,
Dave
Not far from you are a fair number of pubs on Broad Street, including Mr. Dooley%26#39;s Tavern.
http://www.somersirishpubs.com/
Both Landsdowne Street and Boylston Place has lots of spots to hit. The latter is within walking distance to your hotel, the former is on the T.
Two places on Landsdowne are Axis and Avalon.
clubvibes.com/listings/listingsdetail.asp…
http://www.avalonboston.com/index.jsp
bostoncitylinks.com/boston_city_nightlife.ht…
One other place would be Boylston Place, which runs off of Boylston St., near the intersection with Tremont. There are a few clubs on this alley/street, which are supposed to be fun.
You might want to head out to Brighton Ave. in Allston as well, as that%26#39;s a big college hangout and lots of bars and clubs along the stretch from Commonwealth Avenue to Harvard St.
There are many spots in the North Station and Haymarket area not far from where you are staying. All are very close to each other and easy to do some bar hopping - drinking, sports, dancing, live music.
I recommend - The Black Rose, The Rack (billiards), Hong Kong, The Bell in Hand (booze and bands), Cissy K%26#39;s, The Harp, Grand Canal. There are a number of others worth visiting also.
Good morning Dgim01,
You won%26#39;t have far to go, you%26#39;ll be in a really good location for very good places that your age group hang out in! You%26#39;re in such a good location that all you guys have to do is head out the door of your Hotel and walk up the street!
If you check this website www.bostonirishpubs.com and you check under the Boston Pubs they%26#39;re listed by address, you have so many near you it%26#39;s not even funny. When you see the pubs on Milk St. that%26#39;s within walking distance from Devonshire. Union St. is right near the Quincy Market, The Union Oyster House, The Purple Shamrock Pub are all there. A lot of pubs, clubs and restaurants in through the Quincy Market, just walk around and you%26#39;ll hear the music in a lot of these places.
Look for Broad St., when you walk around the corner from Houston%26#39;s Restaurant which is right as you%26#39;re heading in to the Quincy Market you%26#39;ll see Clark%26#39;s and down off to the right is Bertucci%26#39;s Restaurant, well beyond that is Milk St. and off across from the Quincy Market to the side you%26#39;ll see the start of Broad St. Just walk down this street and you%26#39;ll see a lot of really good places to go.
Just a little ways beyond Haymarket Sq. area and the Quincy Market, past the Purple Shamrock and the Union Oyster House you keep walking underneath the underpass where you%26#39;ll see the huge garage, you cross over to Canal St, this is where you%26#39;ll see a lot of really good pubs and places that your age really likes to hang out in. Look on Canal St. for The Fours, as a previous poster mentioned, The Grand Canal, you%26#39;ll see them all in through here, even on the side streets, if you can%26#39;t see them, you%26#39;ll hear them.
Enjoy your time in Boston. You have to take a walk in to the Omni/Parker House Hotel and look for the ';Last Hurrah'; at least once while you%26#39;re in Boston, okay? It%26#39;s located right near where you%26#39;re staying at 60 School St. because they%26#39;re famous for there Boston Creme Pie, check it out some night.
Have fun!
Harvard Square (Cambridge) offers a wide variety of diversions (shopping, eating drinking) for all interests any time of day, and is easily accessible by subway... Take the Red Line from Park St. station 4 stops to Harvard Square station.
Anyone have any advise about these restaurants in Boston/Cambridge?
I love Sel de la Terre. It%26#39;s one of my favorites. It%26#39;s right on the waterfront near the aquarium and run by the same crowd as L%26#39;Espalier but it%26#39;s less expensive and more casual. I%26#39;ve never been disapointed with the food, which is rustic French. The wine list is good and they have a staff sommelier to help you pick. The service is great and it%26#39;s just overall a great place to go. It%26#39;s one of my standard picks take friends who may be in town briefly for a nice dinner. The food and service are fantastic, the location is convenient, and it%26#39;s moderately priced.
we are coming from manchester uk for the shows on sun and mon whats the best things to do and see in such a short time. karen
Walk through the Boston Common in the early evening to absorb the spirit of the holiday season by viewing the lighting display.
Have an enjoyable evening by dining in the North End at one of the many great restaurants.
Refer to this recent reply to restaurant options by another poster, ';NOMO01';, for more specific suggestions:
tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60745-i48-k363250…
For clubs, visit one of the many on Landsdown Street in back of Fenway Park.
For live Irish music, try the Black Rose in Quincy Market area.
Also check out the replies at this excellent posting:
tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60745-i48-k362532…
i agree with the previous post--it lists your best bets regarding Quincy Market (Faneuil Hall) and the Haymarket Northstation area (The Grand canal, Mr. Dooley%26#39;s Tavern). this is where you will find fellow U2 goers partying pre-show as they are short walks to the BankNorth Garden.
Have a great time!
Still planning what to do when we get to boston next week, only there for three days so want to get as much in as possible, so what are your top three things to do or go and see?
Thanks.
So much to do/see, so little time. Definitely walk the Freedom Trail or if walking%26#39;s not your thing take a Trolley tour, that way you%26#39;ll get a good feel for the city and it%26#39;s history.
Eat in the North End - fab food
Visit one of the great museums, JFK, Science Museum, Fine art museum.
Have fun
Freedom Trail Walking Tour - take the one given by the Freedom Trail Foundation.
Duck Tour - it%26#39;s not just for kids
Ghosts and Gravestones Tour
Eat in the North End
OK, that%26#39;s more than three.
Harvard Square (Cambridge) for shopping, dining, people watching... EVERYTHING, ANYTIME
I concur with the other suggestions already posted. The Freedom Trail encompasses a lot of variety, whether your interests are history, shopping or dining. I would recommend one of the ';trolley'; tours that offer all day ';on and off'; priveleges... if the weather is less than pleasant.
Ditto for the neighborhoods of the South End %26amp; Back Bay, from many great restaurants on Tremont St in the South End to shopping in the Copley Square/Newbury St. and Boylston St. area.
Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market in the day or night - shops, food, entertainment
Dinner in the South End - great food, theater and shops in a national historic district (largest collection of brick Victorian rowhouses and bowfront houses in the US)
Stroll along Newbury and Boylston Street - great boutiques, shops, restaraunts and bars. Not a tourist trap. Live like the locals do.
Our 3 must-do activities are to walk, shop, and dine:
1. On Newbury St.
2. In Harvard Square
3. In the North End
I%26#39;ll try to limit this to only three things, which isn%26#39;t easy when there are so many fun things to do and places to see.
My first recommendation is either a Duck or Trolley Tour. There is no better way to see and learn about Boston without having to do a lot walking. I have not been on a Duck tour, but I was on a Trolley Tour and had a great time. The driver/tour guide was very informative and funny at times. You definitely learn a lot from these tours and they are surely worth the time and money.
You%26#39;ll definitely want to check out the shops at Fanueil Hall, even if you%26#39;re not a person who likes to shop. There are a lot of neat shops, as well as places to eat.
No one has mentioned this yet, but another neat way to see the city in a different perspective is to visit an observation tower. There used to be two, but the John Hancock Building%26#39;s observation tower closed due to the events of 9/11. You can still visit the observation deck of the Prudential Building, which is what we did. Visit their website at www.prudentialcenter.com/play/skywalk.html for more information if this is something that interests you.
Okay, that%26#39;s three, but if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask-I%26#39;ll be more than glad to answer them.
Hi edmarsh,
Next week in Boston will be really good because the Christmas Tree was lit last night in Boston Common, so all the lights on the trees are as bright as can be driving and walking all through town. For a few hours just as it starts to get dark you could walk through the Public Gardens and Boston Common, head over to Beacon Hill and walk all along Charles St. and up by the State House.
Go to the Faneuil Hall Marketplace area while you%26#39;re at it. It%26#39;ll be lit up and at night there%26#39;s a lot going on in the pubs and restaurants! When you walk from the State House? What you really should do is walk down to the Old State House in Boston; it%26#39;s located at State St. and Washington St. it%26#39;s got a Museum in it that has an Exhibit called ';Every picture tells a story-from Colony to Commonwealth-';Where in the World does Boston Come From';
Stop by to see it, it%26#39;s quite good!
Check it out while you%26#39;re walking through the City! You know, this can be done all in one night...
Now I have two more suggestions for you....
One morning, whether you take the trolley or hop in a taxi, go over to the Museum of Fine Arts and after taking it all in, take a walk over to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum because 12/2 to 1/15/06, there%26#39;s an Exhibit that%26#39;s very interesting titled ';The Seasonal Garden';
One last suggestion is to either rent a car or find out if there%26#39;s a tour bus leaving from one of the Hotels by checking with your concierge, take a day trip on one of your 3 days in Boston to one of the following destinations:
Old Sturbridge Village because through December 17th they%26#39;re having a ';Christmas Traditions by Candlelight'; which looks positively amazing, or see if there%26#39;s a bus or rent a car and go to Newport, Rhode Island for a day, it%26#39;s not far from Boston at all and it would be really nice this time of year to see the beautiful mansions and tour a few of them, as well as to check out their neat shops!
www.christmasinnewport.org
Every day in December they have a calendar of events with things going on there, check out there site to see if it interests you at all??
One last suggestion..(honest) Because it%26#39;s next week that you%26#39;re visiting? Go to the North End for dinner some night, but a few hours before dinner stop by Paul Revere%26#39;s House to see it. It%26#39;s too bad you won%26#39;t be in Boston this coming weekend because on 12/3 through 12/4 from 9:30AM to 4:14PM they%26#39;re having costumed guides provide a glimpse into colonial holiday traditions, it looks really neat too! You can still see
';Paul%26#39;s'; house next week I%26#39;m sure it%26#39;ll be open!
There%26#39;s a LOT of restaurants to choose from in the North End. Several really good ones are right on North Sq. as a matter of fact. Check previous posts here for ideas on where to go to dinner in the North End, or better yet? Look for any one of these, they%26#39;re all extremely good...
Lemoncello%26#39;s, Mamma
Maria%26#39;s, #5 North Square, Antico Forno, G%26#39;Vanni%26#39;s, Lucca%26#39;s, La Summa, Bella Vista, The Daily Catch,Fiore%26#39;s, Terramia, Massimino%26#39;s...
Also check out www.northendboston.com for addresses and menus online. The majority of the restaurants open at 5PM every night. Don%26#39;t forget to check out Mike%26#39;s Pastry Shop on Hanover St., or Modern Pastry on Salem St. two really good places for cannoli%26#39;s, neapolitans, pizzelle%26#39;s, coffee, latte, etc...
Have fun while you%26#39;re in Boston, now I hope that%26#39;s only 3 suggestions!!!!
Good night....
NOMO01
Oops typo...Paul Revere%26#39;s house is open till 4:15 PM not 4:14PM...I know, I know...it%26#39;s late, I%26#39;m wiped out, anything else??!!!
I have to mention something else, I have to...go to www.christmasprelude.com
Dec 3-4 and Dec 10-11th they%26#39;re having heated railway rides, holiday shopping and a very special book signing.
Matt Tavares is signing books from Noon to 2PM on Sunday December 11th. Tavares is the illustrator of ';Twas the Night Before Christmas'; a new edition of the famous poem ';A Visit from St. Nicholas.'; To capture the Victorian spirit of the poem; Tavares studied an historic Boston Brownstone and spent time in the decorative arts wing of Boston%26#39;s Museum of Fine Arts! So remember this one if you happen to go to the Museum of Fine Arts. Tavares is a resident of Ogunquit,ME. whose other books include the Baseball themed Mudball, Oliver%26#39;s Game %26amp; Zachary%26#39;s Ball...
Ice skating of the Frog Pond rink in the Boston Common is a good choice in addition to all the Christmas lights and sights.
Go to the Omni Parker House and have Boston Creme Pie or the Boston Creme Pie Martini
The hotel invented it and the Hotel is America%26#39;s Longest Operating Hotel celebrating 150th this year
They also have a Great Bar The Last Hurrah
and the hotel is a perfect location right on the Freedom Trail and 1 block from major shops like Macy%26#39;s and the public trans and 2 blocks from Quincy Marketplace and accross from Boston Common with the lights and tree
Hi, Newbie here.
I am going to a Red Sox game at Fenway next season and wondered if there are any decent hotels I could stay near the stadium. If not, somewhere easily reachable from Fenway.
Thanks
It depends on what you mean by ';decent';. There%26#39;s an upscale hotel steps from Fenway, Hotel Commonwealth, which is pricey. There are also a ton of hotels in nearby Copley Square, but again, they%26#39;re not cheap. But if by ';decent';, you just mean something that%26#39;s clean and reasonably comfortable, I would go with the Holiday Inn at 1200 Beacon Street in Brookline. It%26#39;s right on the C-line of the ';T';, minutes from Fenway.
www.bos-brookline.holiday-inn.com/home.htm
I did the same as you a couple of years ago and stayed here
tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60745-d94354-R鈥?/a>
I%26#39;d recommend it for the purpose. I was there for a week and it was fine, decent price too
The Howard Johnson%26#39;s Motel on Boylston St is next door to Fenway park. It won%26#39;t win any luxury awards, but I know people who%26#39;ve stayed there, and they said it was decent, clean and comfortable enough.
I see that the Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Sq. was already mentioned. It%26#39;s pricey, though. Some other options within easy access of the Park would be the two newer hotels in the South End, off of Mass. Ave. The Roundhouse Suites hotel and the new Hampton Inn and Suites. Both hotels are on the lower end of Mass. Ave., near Boston Medical Center. If you want to walk to Fenway from there, you can. It%26#39;s about a 30 minute walk. Otherwise, you can pick up the #1 Harvard bus which will take you 3/4 of the way and then it%26#39;s a 5 minute walk to the Park from the bus stop. Both places might be cheaper than motels closer to the park.
I%26#39;d try the HoJo%26#39;s first, and then try the other places if you don%26#39;t have luck.
I%26#39;ve stayed at the HoJo before, and while it%26#39;s probably adequate, I wouldn%26#39;t recommend it unless you just don%26#39;t want to spend more money than absolutely necessary on a hotel room and literally want to be able to roll out of your bed and into the park. It%26#39;s just kind of run down and though I won%26#39;t say it%26#39;s dirty, it%26#39;s not the picture of cleanliness either and the showers can be suspect. But like I said, if your number one priority is convenience to the park, it%26#39;s as close as you can get.
I%26#39;ve heard decent things about the Midtown Hotel on Huntington Ave., so you might want to check that out as well.
Enjoy the city at the same time going to the game
The Parker House is a great hotel and is on the green line and the trolley runs right to Fenway at Kenmore and you will enjoy going on the trolley and staying where you will really experience Boston at its best.
The hotel is also walking distance to great bars,restaurants and shopping all within 1-3 blocks
On a nice night we even walk from the Hotel to Fenway down Commonwealth Avenue really nice walk to see Boston
I don%26#39;t know if anyone is aware of this, but I heard last week that the Howard Johnson might be torn down for a 200 room hotel and 160 unit condominum building. This has not yet been approved, but I thought this would be a good time to bring it up. Here is a link to the article: hotel-online.com/News/PR2005_4th/Oct05_Fenwa鈥?/a>
From what I have heard, I would only stay at the Howard Johnson as an absolute last resort. The hotel has definitely seen its better days!
Good morning StumpyT,
I know a few people that will only stay at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge when they go to those games. They have free parking when you have a car. The hotel overlooks all of Boston along that famous Charles River, it%26#39;s clean, safe, reputable what more can you ask for! They have ';Sports Fan Packages'; that are great on there website that includes a shuttle going right to the games. It%26#39;s in an ideal location right over the bridge at 575 Memorial Drive, Cambridge.
It%26#39;s very convenient to either hop in a taxi if you have to after the game or stay in town and get a shuttle (check the schedule with the front desk) back to the hotel.
Hope it%26#39;s a great season again, enjoy the game!
To ScottyDoo and others, one of the investors in the new Howard Johnsons%26#39; hotel and condominium complex is the Boston Red Sox.
To Stumpy T. and others contemplating a stay in the current Howard Johnsons, e-mail or call the hotel in advance to determine if it will be open on the dates that you are planning for your stay so that if they are not then you can reserve another hotel.
You could check out the hotel Buckminster in Kenmore Square, right near Fenway Park - it%26#39;s a little bit older but extremely convenient to the park and not horrifyingly expensive. Lots of fun bars and restaurants nearby too. Have a great time at the game - you%26#39;re going to love it.
I%26#39;ve never been in Boston. Arriving Logan at 6:40pm Boston time. What do people suggest two people do for dinner? I wanted to get down to Quincy Market but is that even reasonable considering they close at 9pm? Also, what would be the best way to get there? Taxi?
Then, my brother has an interview starting at 8am the next morning, ending around 3. What do people suggest doing for those hours when I%26#39;m alone? Is the city easy/hard to navigate? We have a flight at 7:30pm.
Anyone eat at Summer Shack at Logan before?
I forgot to add. We%26#39;re staying right near Harvard Medical School/Longwood Medical Center.
Good morning Magic168,
You%26#39;re going to be very busy checking out a lot of places while your brothers on that interview, he%26#39;s going to have to wait for you when he%26#39;s through!
Look for the Brown Sugar Cafe for lunch in the Fenway area of Boston, you%26#39;ll be right near it I believe!
The Museum of Fine Arts is within walking distance for you. Go to www.mfa.org they have the Ansel Adams photos spanning the entire career from landscapes to portraits of his friends, I%26#39;m sure where you%26#39;re from the west coast you%26#39;ve seen his fantastic photos, well they%26#39;re in Boston at this Museum. Right behind the Fine Arts Museum is another unbelievable place called the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum that has an Exhibit going on until January titled the
';Seasonal Garden';
Later on in the day you and your brother could head over to the North End of Boston for dinner! If you%26#39;re there this weekend any time between 9:30AM to about 4:15PM on Dec 3 through the 4th check out ';Paul Revere%26#39;s House'; because costumed guides are providing a glimpse into Colonial Holiday Traditions. It looks quite interesting!
You%26#39;re going to be very busy you know while your brother%26#39;s at that interview. You have to go to Copley Place to the Pru Shops, walk all through Newbury St., Boylston St. area to all the shops on top of visiting the 2 incredible Museums I mentioned.
Save the North End and the Quincy Marketplace area for later on in the day with your brother! Don%26#39;t forget to check out Charles St. and Beacon Hill, everywhere you go it%26#39;ll be lit up with lights for the Christmas season!
Check previous posts here for ideas on where to go as well!
Enjoy your visit to Boston!
Walk the Freedom Trail
Go To Quincy Market
Take a Taxi to Omni Parker House have breakfast first and walk right outside the hotel and the freedom trail starts there and you can walk right on down the trail to Quincy Market Place walking past all the historic sites
Boston COmmon is also right accross the street from the Hotel
If you really want a Boston Experience move the the Parker House as the location and history is great and you can get over to the Medical area in the AM easy as there is no traffic downtown in the morning.
Thanks for your suggestions for the daytime. I%26#39;ll definitely check out the cafe for lunch!
Unfortunately, his interview lasts possibly til we have to leave for the airport, so I guess my main concern isn%26#39;t what I%26#39;ll do for the day while he%26#39;s interviewing but those few hours after we arrive on Wednesday night at 6:40pm.
Is there anything we can fit in to do til 9 or 10 (INCLUDING transportation from the airport). It%26#39;s kinda annoying we have so little time. :(
I have been asked to plan our company (post) Holiday dinner. ~20 people for a nice meal on a Sat night in January. I%26#39;m hoping to find a private room with several tables for an exquisite meal @ around $125/person including parking, drinks, tips, tax and food. Does anyplace jump out at you as the perfect spot?
Well, if Harvard Square is not out of the question, contact the group events coordinator at Sandrine%26#39;s. I worked with them a few years ago to plan a lovely dinner with all the details and they made it easy to work within my budget. (and I think I had less to work with than you!)They have a private function room below the bistro that they use for just this type of occasion.The waitstaff is excellent and that really bend over to make sure that your selections and wines are perfect!
Parking is available right across the street in the Holyoke garage.
Ruth%26#39;s Chris on School St., Fleming%26#39;s in Park Square, Spire (in Nine Zero) on Tremont St. come to mind...
For another alternative, review the State Room and the four other venue options available at this Website:
http://www.stateroom.com/pages/aboutus.htm
Davio%26#39;s in Park Square, Excelsior on Boylston or The Oak Room at the Fairmont Copley Plaza would be great.
The Omni Parker House is celebrating #1 in Guest Satisfaction beating all major hotel brands in the USA
They have great Boston Setting and the food is great but best value in Boston.
We had a wonderful lobster and filet dinner
The hotel has great private space with a roof top room and other room which hosted first parties for JFK and Prince Charles in Boston
Enjoy
We are coming out in the middle of February.
Can you tell us what the is really like.
Also
Is the weather going to cause problems in seeing the sights.
Many thanks for taking the time to answer these questions.
Carol
I will be cold with temperatures in the twenties or colder, Fahrenheit). February is usually a month with considerable snowfall but each year can be slightly different. If youy dress warmly you should be O. K. If you cannot tolerate walking in those temperatures, then use the ';T';, or taxis. You can still enjoy yourselves. The city is still very active: restaurants, plays, cinema, bars, shopping, etc.
I recommend bringing gloves, hats, scarves and sweaters or purchase them here.
We%26#39;re going back to Boston in February (9-13th) also. Last year, around the same time the East coast had a major storm which dumped about 3ft of snow in Boston. It was very cold (wind chill below 0), but we still walked around and had a great time. They do a great job of clearing the sidewalks and roads. Definitely bundle up with layers of clothing so you%26#39;re warm outside, but when inside buildings or restaurants, you can peel off layers to be comfortable. And definitely take hats,gloves,scarves,earmuffs and snowboots. The T lines take you just about anywhere and are very easy to learn. All the tourist things are still open, and I suggest taking a trolley tour to familiarize yourselves with the area. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions! -Jess
Cold and usually snow when ever
Stay downtown like at the Omni Parker House as its right near all the sites and you wont have to go far from the hotel to see them even if its cold or snowing
Shopping,Skating on the common,Freedom Trail and lots of restaurants all within two blocks
Enjoy
The prices at the hotel in Feb are great value. check out www.omnihotels.com
Staying at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, is there a good deal on public parking in the area??
Short Answer #1:
There are no good deals on anything that has to do with Parking in Boston.
Short Answer #2:
Go down Arlington St. towards Chinatown. You will cross Tremont St. Less than a block down (on your left) will be an entrance to a parking garage. If you get your car in early (before 7-8am) the rates are very good. Last time I checked it was around $10 a day.
Hi Consultant951,
The Boston Park Plaza Hotel is in the Park Square area of Boston and there%26#39;s a parking garage within walking distance underneath the Transportation Building at 8 Park Plaza, you%26#39;ll see it beyond the back of the 4 Seasons Hotel. I don%26#39;t know if it%26#39;s a deal or not to you, but you could check with them to see what they%26#39;d charge for the days you%26#39;re in Boston? The garage is diagnal from the Hotel you%26#39;re staying at, just up a ways from PF Chang%26#39;s China Bistro. It%26#39;s actually around the corner from the Theater District.
That%26#39;s probably the best parking garage near your hotel that might have a deal for you, if you plan on leaving it for a few days.
Boston%26#39;s parking lots and garages are extremely expensive these days, unfortunately. When I go in to Boston I park after 4PM for the night rate at the Post Office Square garage. (www.posquare.com) it%26#39;s $32 maximum during the day to park here BUT the night rate is very good at only $7, which is the only time I%26#39;ll use it! You enter between 4PM and 5AM and exit before 8AM the next day. For a quick run in to the North End/Quincy Market for dinner and walking up to the Theater District and back to leave, it%26#39;s great.
The Boston Common Garage off Charles St. underneath the Park has a deal too. It%26#39;s $14 all day to park, but after 4PM it%26#39;s $10 as long as you exit before 10AM the next day. So there%26#39;s ways when you have a car of being in Boston, believe me. A lot of the parking lots and garages are complete and total rip offs you have to be really careful where you put it, you learn after a while where and when to park it and where NOT to park it! Check before you pay them a cent, if you are trying to put it somewhere for a few days. Some of them can be very cute if you know what I mean.
Talk to the Garage Manager under the Transportation Bldg. Garage before you actually drive down there first to see what they%26#39;ll charge you for the time you%26#39;re going to need them.
You might want to check with your Hotel concierge too because he might have a good suggestion for you.
Good luck, and enjoy your time in Boston!
The best advice is that if you do absolutely require a vehicle to travel outside the city, then do not rent one. It is not necessary to rent or use a vehicle in Boston or to many of the suburbs because the public transportation options are excellent and the city itself is very ';walkable';.
www.mbta.com
Correction: The first sentence in my first reply should read: ';if you do ';NOT'; require';.
Best Deal is $18 at Boston Common Garage under the common.
have we made the right choice? staying here 4 nights in Dec with my husband
Hi Ticurley,
Yes you made the right choice, I certainly wish I were staying there for 4 nights in December!
It happens to be one of Boston%26#39;s most elegant and sophisticated hotels, not to mention one of the oldest. It%26#39;s a classic.
The rooms, lobby and hallways are in neo-classical french decor. You%26#39;ll really like it as soon as you walk in the door, I guarantee it.
Check previous posts in the Forum about walking the hotels dog around the City, it%26#39;s such a good article about it, there%26#39;s actually a waiting list to walk him! The article was in the Boston Globe this past Sunday, it%26#39;s a really good story! You%26#39;ll see the dog in the lobby when you first get there, I%26#39;m sure.
I had dinner in the ';Oak Room'; at the Hotel before and it was JUST incredible, look for it when you tour the lobby. I would say it was probably the best place I%26#39;ve been to for steak in all of Boston! If you get the chance, try to get reservations there some night, you won%26#39;t regret it, believe me! The ambiance is just top shelf.
Not only is the interior of the hotel incredible, but it%26#39;s in a great location for Newbury St., Boylston St; Arlington St. as well as the Copley Place; the Public Gardens; you name it. You%26#39;re going to be very busy for 4 days you know!
Enjoy your visit to Boston and have a wonderful time staying at that elegant hotel. I think you%26#39;re going to love it there!
Many of the rooms and suites at the Fairmont Copley Plaza have been renovated. Obtain a suite if you can afford it.
For a recent review on Trip Advisor:
tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60745-d1114…
For he story about Catie Coley:
boston.com/business/…
Very nice hotel
If you are looking for a better value and better location to see historic sites go to Omni Parker House
Your choice of both would not go wrong.
How about trying 2/2 and get the best visit by staying in Boston%26#39;s two most historic and finest hotels.
Is this a convenient area for seeing Boston? I want a B %26amp; B and the Beech Tree Inn seems to get rave reviews.
Good morning Shappy!
Yes, Brookline is a convenient area for seeing Boston. I just read the reviews here on the Beech Tree Inn and you%26#39;re right, they%26#39;re all rave reviews. I would definately stay there if I were you. It%26#39;s only 2 short blocks away to the ';T'; trolley in to Boston. That%26#39;s great! You won%26#39;t have to worry about a car while you%26#39;re visiting.
I have a relative that lives in Brookline and won%26#39;t live anywhere else. She%26#39;d probably miss the convenience of living there and also the fact that you can get in to Boston so quick.
I worked in Brookline on Boylston St. for about five years at my job and it was very convenient being there instead of the downtown Boston area. I loved the Chestnut Hill Mall and the Atrium Mall as well as Brookline Village%26#39;s lovely shops, that%26#39;s when I got to really really check it all out.
Enjoy your visit and have a wonderful time!
In Boston, the Clarendon Square Inn, The Encore Bed and Breakfast, the John Jefferies, Gryphon House, the Charles Street Inn and the The Herbst House receive the best reviews on Trip Advisor. Check the Overview Page and about a quarter of the way down that page is a reference to the Top Rated B %26amp; Bs (Websites and reviews).
That area is great, it%26#39;s a lovely street, very close to the T, but also within walking distance to Coolidge Corner. If you%26#39;re looking for some great restaurants closeby, I highly recommend the somewhat pricey La Morra for Italian (on Rt. 9, just one T stop over from the Longwood stop on the D-line in Brookline Village) and Sichuan Garden for exceptional and very inexpensive Chinese (again, just one stop over in Brookline Village).
Your staying 30 minutes from all the major sites when you can stay downtown and walk out the door to see historic sites,shopping,dinning and more.
Try
XV Beacon Hotel
Omni Parker House
These are bigger but have more Boston history in and around them with the feel or a bigger B%26amp; B
Plus you save on time,stress and costs
My husband and I are taking advantage of a great airfare we grabbed to Boston (from California) and are taking a 5 night trip beginning Dec. 5. We will spend the first two nights in Boston. Any suggestions of what city or area to head to next? I%26#39;ve always wanted to see Martha vineyard area but I%26#39;m wondering if everything is closed this time of year. What about Salem? Would like to take advantage of scenic beauty and love historical sites. Prefer B %26amp; Bs to hotels.
Salem is a great idea, it will be much less crowded than in October, and nicely decorated for the holiday season. There are plenty of indoor activities to stay warm, as it%26#39;s already quite cold now (expecting snow today). If you are planning to stay in the New England area for your week, you could take some day trips such as Providence, RI and Newport, RI, or even drive part-way along the Cape. Sturbridge Village is another historical site in Massachusetts in the central part of the state. Boston and Cambridge could easily take 3 or 4 days with museums, shopping, theater, etc. Have a wonderful trip!
I have tentatively booked the John Jeffries house. Sounds like it%26#39;s in Beacon hill. We won%26#39;t have a car. Does this sound like a good plan? I hope the place is ok.
The John Jefferies House is very good and has received very good reviews on this site. Other B%26amp;Bs on this site that have received consistently excellent ratings are the Clarendon Street Inn and Encore Bed and Breakfast. Refer to the reviews on this site under ';Overview'; and then in the center of the page ';View ALl Boston B%26amp;Bs';.
You do not require a car in Boston. Walk, use public transportation or the subway (the ';T';).
Correction: ';Walk, use public transportation,(the ';T';), or taxis.
The John Jeffries is a great spot! You%26#39;ll love being near the shops and restaurants of Charles Street. This the main shopping street for Beacon Hill - there are great shops and small cafes, perfect for browsing.
Salem is a great town to visit - now that the crazy Halloween wackiness is over you can see the city for what it is. Do visit the Peabody Essex Museum while you%26#39;re there.
If you decide to go north, Bennington, VT is a nice spot. New England charm and an interesting artsy community.
In Salem, lodge at the Best Western Harborfront Hotel (new) or the Hawthorne Inn.
Coming from Los Angeles, keep in mind that now it is and when you arrive here it will be late Autumn with nightime temperatures in the twenties and daytime temperatures in the thities and occasionally in the forties with some wind. Assemble your attire to accommodate the climate.
Marthas Vineyard is sort of slow this time of year and probably not worth the time and expense to travel there and return this time of year. You must take a ferry from Cape Cod. It really requires at least two full days from Boston and for the return trip including spending time on the island. A trip to the Cape and / or the Islands is better suited to the summertime or early Autumn.
If you plan travel to Vermont and New Hampshire, be prepared for even colder weather and occasional snow.
Thanks for all the replies. I was thinking about going down to Newport RI to see the mansions maybe. If we head up towards the Salem area, what else besides Salem is there to see? Any suggestions of where to stay? We wouldn%26#39;t necessarily have to stay in Salem since we%26#39;ll have a car at that point. Any other towns in that region we shouldn%26#39;t miss. You all are right about weather shock, Thanksgiving day we walked down to the park, sun shining, about 76 degrees! I bought a down coat for the trip.
Yes, it is still a good time to visit the Newport Mansions in Newport, RI. Check out their Website at http://www.newportmansions.org
They are now in the Christmas season and the Yuletide decorations are magnificent.
This time of year it is cold but an auto tour of the North Shore is still attractive. There are many restaurants, antique shops, many other types of shops and ocean vistas from Salem through Beverly to Manchester-by-the Sea to Magnolia and Gloucester on Route 127 and to Rockport and Ipswich via Route 133 and other routes. You can also travel to Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Route 1 or 1A or I-95 or even travel to Kittery, Maine for the outlet stores. As another poster mentioned, the Peabody - Essex Museum in Salem is not to be missed. www.pem.org
When traveling through Magnolia, MA, be sure to stop at the Hammond Castle and Museum.
http://www.hammondcastle.org
For lodging, you may want to consider Wentworth By The Sea Resort and Spa in New Castle Island, NH. It a resored, old and historic New England grand resort hotel on the ocean now managed by Marriott. It is located off of Route 1A North proceeding toward Portsmouth on the ocean route North of Seabrook, Hampton Beach, and Rye, NH
http://www.wentworth.com
Hi,
I booked cheap rate on hotwire for $70/night at Hyatt over Pred%26#39;s holiday in Feb.
It will only be 3 nights...so I would love to do a bit of shopping at Filene%26#39;s basement, maybe visit a museum.
Since I am not used to very cold weather, I was thinking of cabbing around unless someone can advise of great restaurants within a block? Are the cabs reasonably priced in Boston? I hear the entrance of this hotel is not so convenient.
After some research, I know that I will be by the market, theatre, and chinatown. I love Thai, Seafood, DimSum, Italian, almost everything.
How far is the Oysterhouse from here and do I need reservations ?
Is a spa nearby for a massage?
Cabs in Boston are expensive, so the more you are willing to walk, the better off you will be.
You will be close to the theater district, chinatown and Filene%26#39;s. I consider the Union Oyster House within walking distance from there (it%26#39;s about a 15 minute walk), but since you don%26#39;t want to walk in the cold, you%26#39;d probably want to take a cab. I don%26#39;t think you%26#39;d need reservations, it%26#39;s pretty slow around here in February.
For restaurants in Chinatown my favorites are Peach Farm, Taiwan Cafe and Pho Pasteur (Vietanmese pho, delicious!) all are pretty easy walk from your hotel.
Check in your hotel, they might have a spa, otherwise, there may be one at the Ritz Boston Common, which is two blocks from your hotel.
Have fun!
Cool ,thanks very much. I LOVE Pho and am picky about it ...is this place you named authentic (ie mainly Vietnamese patrons)?
Going out at night around the Hyatt in Chinatown walking is a little scary at night
Walk along Tremont towards the Commom over to Beacon Hill Side
Try Parkers Restaurant at the Omni Parker House for a very Boston setting and great value.
My father has been accepted to do the boston Marathon next year and so must begin to plan his trip. What would be the best hotels to check out for him and my mother for this time?
My mother and I will be in Boston in early DEc. and so can check out any recommended places.
Hi Fobs,
Many of the runners seem to like the Eliot hotel. They usually have lots of pre-marathon events there.
For hotels close to the finish line, you could try the Marriott or Westin at Copley Place, which are next door. The Copley Plaza hotel is also right in the thick of things, but it%26#39;s expensive (very nice, though).
The Lenox is another very nice hotel that%26#39;s literally half a block away from the finish line.
Best Value and Best relaxing location walk to finish line and all the historic sites without having to deal with the huge crowds at the finish line
Omni Parker House
I am looking to find a beach house/condos/resort in Cape Cod on the beach. Can anyone recommend any place that fits the following: about 23 people, on the beach, kids of various ages (3 to 15), and want to spend about $10,000 for about 3 days. Help!!
Hmmmm, did a quick search and came across this:
http://weneedavacation.com/Cape/8671.htm
Will continue to look...
This one isn%26#39;t %26#39;on the beach%26#39;. It%26#39;s only .5 mile away though.
cyberrentals.com/USA/…p120001.htm
This one sleeps a max. of 19 people:
cyberrentals.com/USA/…p105226.htm
Sleeps a max. of 18:
cyberrentals.com/USA/…p109853.htm
Mario,
I bow to you Sir. If I were with 23 people in a closed environment for 3 days, I%26#39;d be in shackles before the end of day 2.
Make sure you are within walking distance of: ice cream stores, restaurants and liquor stores. In reverse order.
I%26#39;ll get back to you after I get up off the floor long enough to take a sedative.
ADM HALSEY
Which is considered the best nightclub?
We are flying in late next Friday night...were thinking of heading straight out to do something.....any suggestions???
We are staying at the Park Plaza....
If there is plenty to do with just walking around hitting bars..then we will do that.
Or do we need to go to a club??
Thanks!
Natalie
Lots of pubs around
Stay away from the Roxy its crime infested area and lots of drugs.
Try Newbury Street or over by School Street and Tremont for some great pubs like
The Last Hurrah,Emmetts,The Kinsale
I think Boston is full of bar/clubs. Many of them are both, there is music and dancing. You can start at Whiskey Park right across from your hotel, it is upscale loungy bar but picks up later in the evening. Gypsy is a fun spot, located on Boylston Street near your Hotel, there are also many bar/clubs in ';The Alley'; behind Gypsy. Liquor Store has Boston%26#39;s 1st (and only) mechanical bull. On the other end of Boylston street more of the strictly bars, Dillons, the Vox, Whiskeys you can walk up and down Boylston (bewt. Clarendon and Mass Ave) to find all these.
Good Luck and enjoy
A friend of mine is a bartender at The Roxy on Friday nights, and I have to laugh at the idea that the area is crime/drug infested and to be avoided. That%26#39;s not accurate at all. The theatre district has a number of great clubs. Personally, I prefer Gypsy Bar, which is not far from The Roxy. I%26#39;d say the crowd there is generally mid to late twenties. It%26#39;s a really fun place with multiple rooms and a big jellyfish tank at the main bar. You might also want to check out The Alley, which has a number of bars that I think were mentioned previously, like Liquor Store and Big Easy. They can get pretty cheesy but fun. I%26#39;d say Gypsy Bar is more of an upscale club whereas the clubs in the The Alley are a little more spring breaky, so just totally depends on what you%26#39;re looking for. The Alley is right around the corner from Gypsy Bar, so you%26#39;ll have choices once you get there.
Just to let you know all these spots listed are all right near each other. You could walk to each of them but might want to catch a cab because its really cold at night.
The Roxy which is on Tremont St. used to be one of the hottest spots in Boston a couple years ago...it has lost its hype (its right in the heart of the theater district actually)
You should check out the GYPSY Bar on Bolyston St. NICE place. I go there a lot with my friends. I%26#39;m 26...all ages in that place ranging from 21-35 probably...BUT its expensive...$9 per drink but the beers are only $5...the cover is $10.
The %26#39;Ally%26#39; other people mentioned is also very cool and more laid back, not as nice though...%26#39;top 40%26#39; music. Both the Big Easy'; and ';The Liquor Store'; are cool. Sometimes the lines get long though. They have late night pizza right there too! The alley is a rock throw from Gypsy Bar. You could do all three if you wanted to.
Anyway your hotel and Whisky Park are right down the street. Whisky Park is cool. I go there for pre-drinks or on a date. Its a lounge with good music so dancing is limited, it gets crowded. True though it does pick up quite late.
Further down on Boylston in the other direction of the Alley are other bars like The Vox, Whiskies, Rattlesnake, and Saint. These are social bars to drink and talk. I find it hard to stay at these places for a long time. I usually pre-drink at these places.
I noticed no one mentioned the Faniel Hall bars. This is a cab ride to another part of Boston about ten minutes away (if that). There are many bars here. I recommend the ones closer to the financial district (on the right of Faniel Hall). McFaddin%26#39;s, The Place, or Sanctuary. These places all have large Sport-playing TV%26#39;s and music and dancing. McFadden%26#39;s has been a hot spot lately. %26#39;The Rack%26#39; is also good and well known..but its been losing its hype as well.
Anyways I like Gypsy Bar the best but that%26#39;s just me...I don%26#39;t know what type of place you%26#39;re really looking for.
Be ware of the person saying the area of the Roxy is not crime infested. The bartender friend must be blind, or very ill informed of whats been going on right in front of the bars.
Just ask the Boston Police where the top 3 highest drug and crime spots,shootings,fights etc take place in Boston.
Dorchester
Roxbury
Theatre District/Chinatown
Just the Facts
You have received a lot of great answers. I just happened to notice no one mentioned anything about Rumor. Rumor and Venu (the club right next door) are pretty much the most popular clubs right now in Boston. I personally go to Venu every now and then but, I prefer going to the bars on Boylston Street. The Alley is a good time as well. Unlike what people have said above the Theater District is a safe area. My girlfriends go out in this area and never have had a problem. Like any other area in any other city you just have to be aware of your surrondings and you%26#39;ll be fine.
Hey guys,
Could anyone give me some advice about the best way to get to the Wrentham Outlet Mall? I will be in Boston next week and will be staying in teh Omni Parker.
Bus? Train?
I have never been in Boston before so I have no prior knowledge!
Also, where else is good for shopping in teh Boston area?
Thanks!
Grayline Tours has a round trip fare of $36.00 per person. The pickup time at your hotel is 8:55 A. M. I believe the return departure time is either 3 or 4 P. M. There are no other options from Grayline. Refer to:
www.etix.com/travel/servlet/onlineSale鈥?/a>
There is some kind of minivan tour with more flexible times but some other poster will have to provide the details for you. There were several discussions within the last two months on this subject on Trip Advisor. Type ';Wrentham'; into the search box on this site and you should find them.
Several posters have decided to rent / hire a car as it provides them with more flexibility with regard to controlling their own schedule.
The airport rental agencies have the latest return / drop off times.
Nearby to your hotel within walking distance is excellent shopping at Macys, Filene%26#39;s and Filene%26#39;s Basement stores on Washington Street.
If you decide to rent / hire a car, pick it up at the airport on the morning of your departure for Wrentham and return it late that same day. Then, take the subway, (the ';T';), to return to your hotel. You do not want to pay for parking in Boston as it is exorbitant.
Go to the Conceirge at the hotel and they will assist
The bus picks up right accross the street
Very Easy and the Hotel is also in the best location in the city right near Macy%26#39;s and Filene%26#39;s Basement which you should check out the deals on shopping. The hotel also has a great breakfast buffet.
Hi Durk,
I went to Wrentham last week. Because of the lack of flexible pick up times with Grayline we hired a car just as earlier suggested from the airport.
We got a car for 拢28 for the day with www.auto-europe.co.uk - it covered the petrol and additional drivers in the price.
We caught the ';T'; from State to the Airport. Got on the Alamo (thats who the rental was with through Auto Europe) bus which stops at each terminal. We picked up the car at 8.00am. The drive to Wrentham was easy - the traffic was going the other way into Boston - its Interstate virtually all the way.
After filling the boot with purchases(!) we took the car back at 8.30pm and got back to the Omni Parker House within half an hour. It was all so easy!
One tip - we took one of our ';duffle type'; cases and put all our purchases in that to bring back from the airport - its only 3 stops from the airport to State.
We had a great day there - I know outlet malls aren%26#39;t everyone%26#39;s cup of tea but we bought loads of bargins and christmas pressies.
Hope you have a great time
Have you registered for the Omni Select guest program? If not, its free and you get lots of little extras - worth doing and e mail the select guest coordinator Kate Casey before you leave and she will arrange a nice room for you if you give her your select guest number.
Its a lovely hotel - go into the Last Hurrah Bar for a drink - great atmosphere in there.
Sarah
Going to Boston on Saturday for the first time. Will be there until Wed. Please recommend some must eat at restaurants or types of food. Medium range price for the restaurants. What local specialities? I love all food from street vendors to fancy restaurants.
Thanks in advance.
Hi KMA,
For a restaurant with some ';Boston flavor';, I highly recommend Durgin Park restaurant at Quincy Market. It%26#39;s one of the oldest restaurants in the city, and it%26#39;s a local institution. The food is also very good. Lots of New England specialities like baked Schrod, Clam chowder, corned beef and cabbage, and they have the best (and most reasonably-priced) prime rib in town. Oh, and for a REAL treat, make sure to try the Indian pudding, which is an old New England dessert made with corn meal and molasses and served with vanilla ice cream.
Definitely visit the North End, Boston%26#39;s Italian neighborhood, and try out the Daily Catch (on Hanover St.) for great calamari dishes (stuffed, salad, fried...all great).
Antico Forno on Salem St. has a huge wood-fired oven and has great roasted meats and veggies, in the Northern Italian style.
For great pasta, try Giacomo%26#39;s on Hanover St. The Pumpkin tortellini there are heavenly.
If you like Chinese food, go to Chinatown and try Peach Farm for the best and freshest seafood and other Hong Kong style dishes. Taiwan Cafe is also excellent, but you should be a bit adverturous for that (and they don%26#39;t take credit cards). Two doors down from Peach Farm, on Hudson St., is Shabu-Zen, which is a Japanese Shabu-Shabu restaurant, (think Japanese fondue), where you get big platters of beef chicken or seafood and you cook it at your table. If you go, get one of the fruit smoothies too, they are great.
I have more ideas if this isn%26#39;t enough, let me know if you have something in mind.
Quincy Market:
I would personally pick the Union Oyster House over Durgin Park. Both are places where you%26#39;ll likely find more tourists than locals. The prices reflect that but the food is good. For places that locals are more likely to frequent try King Fish a Todd English place that specializes in fish that%26#39;s also a good location for people watching.
South End:
The South End is a hip area with lots of good places to eat. Flour is great for breakfast or a quick lunch. Sibling Rivalry is relatively new and hip with good small plates and cocktails. Union is also good and not too pricey.
Newbury Street:
There are tons of places to eat here and they all tend to be a little expensive due to the prime location. Tapeo serves tapas and it a lot of fun. L%26#39;Espalier has a reputation for being among the best in Boston or the best. The prices reflect this reputation, but they have a less expensive tea on Sunday if you want to check it out. Casa Romeo has very good mexican food.
Waterfront:
My favorite on the waterfront is Sel de la Terre which has the same owner as L%26#39;Espalier but a more casual atmosphere and less expensive food. There is a Legal Seafood there, which is a famous Boston based chain. Tia%26#39;s is also a good place for a nice view with pretty generic food.
Hi,
I also like the Union Oyster House, but many people online here have given it very poor reviews for food and service, so I didn%26#39;t want to risk mentioning it. Durgin Park rocks in my book, because it%26#39;s got a much more extensive menu than Union, and the prices are much cheaper.
I%26#39;m a local, and I eat at both places regularly. I think you would get a good ';Boston'; flavor if you tried one or both. I know when I%26#39;m traveling to a new place, I like to sample the local flavor.
Someone had started a thread some time ago asking people what their favorite restaurant in Boston is, which you might find to be very helpful. I tried to copy and paste the link here, but it contains too many characters. Try searching ';absolute favorite restaurant'; in the Boston forum.
Thanks for everyone%26#39;s suggestions. I have already made reservations at the Union Oyster House for Saturday night. And I plan to eat at Durgin Hall. I have written all of these down. Being from South Louisiana, I love Seafood, so I am anxious to try your local favorites. But I also a big fan of italian food, so I will make a trip to the North End. I am a little concerned about the weather next week and how much walking I will be able to do in it. We don%26#39;t really own much winter clothes.......thanks for everyones suggestions and I look forward to eating my way through Boston..
As you are not used to this climate, if you do not already have them then shortly after you arrive puchase gloves, hats, scarves and a warm coat, et al.
Thanks for everyone%26#39;s suggestions. I was able to eat Boston Creme Pie at the Parker house. Cannoli%26#39;s twice at Mike%26#39;s Pastry.
Ate at Union Oyster house, Legal Seafood.
GiaCuomo%26#39;s and Pizzeria Regiana in the North End. Also Border Cafe in Harvard Square.
Had cups of chowder on the run at Boston Chowda. Because of all the walking I did, I didn%26#39;t gain any weight. Saw the most snow I had ever seen. Lost one hat and two pairs of gloves.Went to Blue Man group, Fenway Park, MIT, Harvard. Walked the Freedom Trail and did the trolley tour.......
Loved Boston.
thanks again....
I%26#39;m glad to hear that Durgin Park is still a good place. It%26#39;s been years since I%26#39;ve been there, and all my local friends diss it as ';touristy';. I think I%26#39;ll bring my out-of-town visitors there...
Mike%26#39;s, too... though that was never in doubt.
I just spent a few days in Boston. Being I am on a budget, I spent the time in Woburn because the city was so high priced. I have to tell you it was the BEST stay ever. The hotel was great in every way, from service to the staff ect. Also included was a free breakfast and free parking. In five minuted you could be at the train which takes you into the city. If you have kids the hotel has suites with kitchens etc. It is worth looking into to.
Hi NJTravelGal,
That%26#39;s really good to know about it! I notice there%26#39;s always families with kids that ask about places just like this, we%26#39;ll have to remember it for them. It sounds like it%26#39;s very convenient and easy to get to as well....Thanks for telling us about it!
Woburn has just about every one of these national chain budget hotels/inns, all centered around the Woburn Mall/Mishawum Road area at exit 36 of Rt 128/95.
Still planning what to do when we get to boston next week, only there for three days so want to get as much in as possible, so what are your top three things to do or go and see?
Thanks.
Go to Omni Parker House and have Boston Creme Pie invented there.
Walk the Freedom trail which is right outside of Parker House
walk in Boston Common
walk to Quincy Marketplace as its on the freedom trail and only 2 blocks from the Parker House.
All the historic sites are right around
The hotel and along the trail including shopping at Filene%26#39;s Basement which is a fun stop to check out the bargains/
Go on a trolley tour which will give you a great site of the city (Tickets at Conceirge at the Parker House and the trolley is 1 block away.
1. Walk the Freedom Trail and definately spend some time exploring the North End along your way.
2. Pick one of the many amazing Musuems in Boston...My favorites are Musuem of Fine Arts and The Isabella Stewart Gardner Musuem
3. Top of the Hub...you can%26#39;t beat the spectatcular views.
1) Fanueil Hall/Quincy Market (Holocaust Memorial, Shopping, Nightlife, etc.)
2) Walk along Newbury Street... it ends into the Boston Public Garden and the Boston Common where you can check out the Frog Pond and go ice skating
3) Reflecting Pool near Copley and it%26#39;s near the Prudential center where you can go to the Top of the Hub for drinks/dessert (overrated for dinner in my opinion)
For food, I would certainly check out the North End for great Italian food and pastry.
Days 1 and 2: I would suggest you first take a trolley tour of Boston - it%26#39;s the best way to acclimate yourself and then figure out what you want to go back and see in depth. (You could do the getting on and off the trolley thing, but you spend half the time waiting for the trolley.)
Start the Freedom Trail on your first day, though if you have 3 days, I would skip the part where you go to Charlestown - too cold for that, plus, you%26#39;ll see it on the trolley (that%26#39;s the one place you might want to get down if you%26#39;re interested in seeing the USS Constitution).
If you keep 2 days for the Freedom Trail, you will have plenty of time to stop and look around. It takes you through Faneuil Hall, the North End, etc. so all the major sites are covered.
Day 3: Walk down Charles Street - the most charming street in Boston. Right at the Commons and the Boston Gardens - so you can stroll around both when you%26#39;re doing this area. (I would get down at the Park Street station if you%26#39;re taking the subway). You%26#39;ll be right on the Commons. Charles Street has something like over 30 antique stores and many little art galleries.
Have breakfast at Paramount cafe - the local favorite. Or lunch at Fig%26#39;s. All of Charles street is lit with gaslamps and is so beautuful, oldworld, and romantic - as is the whole neighborhood, Beacon Hill. You can%26#39;t leave Boston without walking around here. I%26#39;d suggest walking up Mt. Vernon Street (right off Charles Street), Louisberg Square (where Senator Kerry lives) and then find Acorn Street - this is on many postcards of Beacon Hill.
You%26#39;ll still have time to hit the Back Bay after this. Walk down Newbury Street and walk around Copley Square (by now, you%26#39;ll know where all these things are and some of the history behind it if you%26#39;ve taken the trolley tour so it%26#39;ll be fun to re-discover these places on foot.)
Have a great time in Boston - remember to bundle up! THis is a lot of walking and you want to be warm and comfortable.
A friend is hoping to take his girlfriend out for a nice dinner prior to a trip to the Symphony. Any recommendations are, as always, most appreciated. Thanks in advance!!
Becca
I love Brasserie Jo, at the Colonnade Hotel, which is only a couple of blocks from Symphony Hall. It%26#39;s very good French food. The Coq au Vin is great.
Another nice place is Tiger Lily, on Westland Ave, just behind Symphony Hall. Very tasty Malaysian food, with a nice presentation and a fun atmosphere. Try one of their Neon Margaritas, and the Mango Chicken is delicious.
I couldn%26#39;t agree more Beantownman, I love Brassiere Jo. Such great food and nice ambience. I know this will prbably ge tmixed reviews but, I am still a fan of Top of the Hub. Great views, good food and very romantic setting. In that same area is Excelsior which is also a very good restaurant. Have fun!:)
This is a little bit off-topic, but has anyone noticed if anything has opened where the St. Botolph Restaurant (a/k/a The Good Life) once was?
Didn%26#39;t Good Life just reopen as an upscale lounge? I thought that was what I read and that it was going to have a high-end vodka bar or something like that.
I think that may be in reference to their Kingston St. location (near the financial district/downtown crossing area).. a great place for lunch or after work.
Thanks, everyone! Thought I%26#39;d clicked the option to be notified when there was a response to my orignial post, but apparently messed that up. Just seeing these now. Much appreciated!
Hi all,
What is the situation in regard to sales tax in Boston and is it the same rate at Wrentham.
Thanks in advance,
Carol.
The sales tax for meals and comsumer goods is the same across Massachusetts.
If you are going to Wrentham outlets, you are probably clothes shopping. Most sales of clothes are tax free in Massachusetts. Here is a copy/paste from the www.Mass.Gov web site:
Exemption for Clothing
Sales of clothing or footwear up to $175 per item are exempt from sales tax. The exemption does not include special clothing or footwear designed for athletic or protective uses and not normally worn except for these uses.
Have a nice visit!
Westernmass
I forgot to mention. The tax rate is 5 percent.
Hi Everyone, looking for some advice, Myself and 3 others are planning on driving down from New Brunswick Canada to see the Celtics play at the Fleet Center, and I was wondering if I could get the names of some hotels that are fairly close by? Preferably walking distance? Thanks so much!
The closest are the Onyx on Portland, the Bullfinch on Merrimac and the Shawmut on Friend. You can pretty much roll out of bed into the Garden from all three. The Shawmut is purely for budget travellers, the reviews on this site are mixed. The Onyx and Bullfinch aren%26#39;t inexpensive, but not too bad for Boston.
You don%26#39;t know the answer to this yourself? You have none stop promoted the Omni Parker House, but you don%26#39;t even know where it is located?? That%26#39;s a little odd. But, to answer your question the Parker House is abput a 5 minute walk from Park St. station and the Common. Right around the corner.
I was just thinking that myself, I%26#39;d assumed that HIWALSH must%26#39;ve worked at the Omni Parker or at least have shares in it. That was until he posted some time ago and asked where Boston Creme Pie was invented and where could he get some from. But as you%26#39;ve posted, the Parker House is a stone%26#39;s throw away Boston Common.
I%26#39;ve also wondered about the consitent promotions of the Parker House by HIWALSH. I%26#39;ve come to the conclusion this is likely someone on the management team of the hotel and the postings are a way to keep the name in front of people who come to this site.
Now isn%26#39;t that funny, I came to that very same conclusion myself Stephani, I certainly won%26#39;t be throwing in MY two cents any more to ';that one!';
Nollaig Shona Dhuit!
NOMO01
For all the criticism, no one has challenged the reckoning of the distance as a ';5 minute walk';... If you headed out the door of the Parker House toward Park St. station and walked five minutes, you%26#39;d be in the theatre district... the South End, possibly.
I meant it as approximation. I am sorry it is a 2-3 min. walk. I also said It was righ around the corner. And unless you were running you could not make it to South Boston in 5 mins. I wouldn%26#39;t have pegged this forum as a place to start fights. Reading some of the past posts on here some ppl can get down right nasty. You can right your opinion without bringing down others.
I just stayed in the Parker House - our room looked out at Boston Common - thats how close!
I would say ';State'; station is the closest but either State or Park are literally minutes
Sarah
HIWALSH, your location is listed as Boston. Dont you know your way around your own city?
Quality leading question about the Boston creme pie though I thought, very clever. It just goes to show you can get bias good and bad on review sites such as this.
Any experiences to share? Particularly interested in day spas on Newbury Street...
My favorite Day Spa is Bella Sante on Newbury Street. It is a wonderful break from the hussle and bustle of Newbury Street. I have never had a bad experience at this spa - all the attendents are wonderful and their products are superior. Look no further than Bella Sante.
I will be staying at the Ramada Inn (near the JFK/UMass T stop) and I have to catch a train out of South Station at 6am. It%26#39;s suggested that I%26#39;m at the station by 530am, thus my question: what is the best way to get from the Ramada to South Station around 5am?
From what I understand the T doesn%26#39;t start running until about 530am...is there a bus I can take?
Hi djw209,
The Ramada Inn in Dorchester has a free shuttle service to the T. Ask them at the front desk if they%26#39;ll take you to South Station, I bet they will be happy to do that where it%26#39;s early in the AM. Call them before you get there to set it up with them. If not, you could hop in a taxi and you%26#39;ll be there in no time because leaving that early the traffic should be minimal.
Here%26#39;s the list of them here:
Boston Licensed Taxi Companies
Boston Cab, (617) 536-5010
City Cab, (617) 536-5100
ITOA, (617) 825-4000
Metro Cab, (617) 782-5500
Town Taxi, (617) 536-5000
I am planning a romantic trip for this summer to Oak Bluffs. Hopefully its not too soon to book a room. I have narrowed down my choices to the Oak House and Dockside Inn. Can anyone tell me pros/cons of both? I hope to have a room with a balcony.
The main goal of the trip is a proposal. Any thoughts on the perfect spot to pop the question?
Thanks!
I am not able to comment on your choice of Inn, but popping the question I can comment on. You can go out to the Edgartown lighthouse, or up to the Gay Head (Aquinnah) lighthouse. Or go out to Menemsha for the sunset. Are you bringing your car? That would be helpful getting to Gay Head or Menemsha. I don%26#39;t think that you should take the bus, or taxi to a remote town and then pop the question. Not very romantic. Walking out to the Edgartown lighthouse is easy and accessible.
If the main goal is where to pop the question then why mention your choice of accomodations. And then ask for Pro%26#39;s and Con%26#39;s? You either are an employee there or you can%26#39;t look at the pictures and see how outdated the places are. If I was your girlfriend and you took me there and then proposed. My answer would be NO! You did want to know the pros and cons.
Thank you Irusche, those are some good ideas. I have read here about the Menemsha sunset. I do not plan on taking a car and you are right, taking the bus there would not be very romantic.
One consideration was to have a room with a balcony and ask her there. Which is why I asked about where to stay. But I guess according to Bosten, they are not good choices. I have never been to Martha%26#39;s Vineyard, so the only thing I am working with is this site. I%26#39;d appreciate helpful comments, not ones accussing me of working for the Inns. Bosten, if you are going to post stupid comments, please don%26#39;t post at all. This forum is here to help ADVISE people on their trip.
Hi BigSlick6,
I%26#39;ve only been to Martha%26#39;s Vineyard myself a few times...
What about this Inn?? It%26#39;s the ';Tivoli Inn'; in Oak Bluffs...it looks SO cute! Go to this site to see what you think, it has a really neat balcony! You can call them at 508 693-7928
www.tivoliinn.com
Also it%26#39;s further out but what a beautiful resort this is, check it out to see what you think, or call them at 978 443-1733
www.winnetu.com
The Oak House is gorgeous.... it faces the water and the beach. If you go to www.mvol.com click on accommodations and then ';see all'; you can get a look at all the places on MV to stay. It%26#39;s a good way to make a choice.
The Dockside is in a little noisier spot and not as much privacy as the Oak House would give you for proposing.
As was mentioned previously Menemsha and Aquinnah are very romantic proposal spots but you need a car to get there. Perhaps you could rent a car for a day ! Edgartown lighthouse is a good location also.
Good luck.
MV, that was perfect information. Thank you VERY much.
My Dearest biggest slick.. sorry that you took my post as not helping you.. but looking at your reply, you now have doubt to get engaged there. Good, I accomplished what I set out to do. The winnetu is an amazing place, far out there, some say secluded but perfect for a romantic getaway. Close to the beach, a restaurant in the hotel. But you are talking two price points that don%26#39;t even come close. One is Oak Bluffs which is, not romantic but better for a drunking bar hopping weekend. The food is great in OB but the engagement thing doesn%26#39;t cut it there for me. Edgartown is much more romantic and Vineyard Haven is quaint in it%26#39;s own little way. I mean what better thing to do that to bring a bottle of champagne to the restautant and pop the question. Save the bottle, the cork and it%26#39;s your own special bottle that you bought just for the occasion and brought into the restaurant. Great scenic overlooks in Vineyard Haven as well. Unlike Oak Bluffs, you won%26#39;t be looking at people or mopeds or hustle and bustle when you propose, just scenery. Edgartown is another one full of scenery as well as chilmark, gay head ..... they have perfect romantic spots. Find a hotel, inn or bed and breakfast that will help you with this. IF they can%26#39;t.. look elsewhere.
My comments aren%26#39;t ';stupid';. They are just what you get out of them. Buyer Beware!
I am thinking of our vacation for next year and really would like to spend a couple of weeks exploring the Eastern Coast (Cape Cod, Mystic, CT, Boston, Maine). What would be an ideal time of the year to visit? Late Spring; early Summer; Fall? Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks!
Hope that in addition to luv 2 cook you all luv 2 eat ... seafood that is, cause it will certainly be a big treat for you. On the Cape the last couple of summers the very best weather has come in the last two weeks of August. The Cape is %26#39;open%26#39; Mem. Day to Labor Day though weather is very nice in Sept. too and the crowds are gone. You will still find some excellent restaurants open though venues like the unique Melody Tent for example are done at Labor Day. Is that what you want to know? By the way,if you have not done it before you might want to get in on a real clambake. Can tell you more if you%26#39;d like. Sounds like a great itinerary.
I would heartily reccommend late summer early fall. The Cape stay open right up to Labor Day, Boston is always lively, and if you plan to visit Maine, you will find most reastaurants, shopping, attractions open well into mid-October.
Lat summer/early fall has the beat weather - warm, usually dry, nights are cool which keeps the insect population down.
We went the second to last week of August and the weather was nice and it wasn%26#39;t too crowded. I would recommend going during this time of year as a lot of the shops, restaurants, attractions, etc. are still open and are not overly crowded, as kids start to head back to school and not as many families come to Cape Cod during these weeks. You will be able to have a more relaxing time and get a lot more done (as well as enjoy the nice weather) in late August.
I%26#39;m actually glad we%26#39;re coming up a bit later next summer.
We%26#39;ll be there from 8/18-8/26. One last %26#39;hoorah%26#39; before the kids head back to school.
Oh yes! That%26#39;s probably one of the best weeks to visit Cape Cod, as I said earlier. Everything will still be open but it won%26#39;t be nearly as crowded as earlier in the summer.
I agree with late August and early September. On the Cape, the weather is beautiful, water warm and crowds are down. Most restaurants, shops (visit Chatham and Provincetown) are open to at least Columbus Day Weekend. My favorite trip to the Cape this year (we visit all year) was a weekend in September. The weather felt like summer, no fee for the beaches, show up anytime. It was so peaceful.
Mystic (Sea Port and Aquarium) will proably be less crowded since the children are back in school. Foxwoods Casino and the Mohegan Sun are big casinos (also restaurants, shopping, shows,...) close by if you like that type of thing. I am probably the only person in CT that has not visited although my aunts and mother are regulars.
Boston will be more fun with the college students back in town. It%26#39;s a great city.
Why not squeeze in NY (although I prefer Boston) and see a Braodway Show? It%26#39;s a train ride from New Haven, CT. Have a great trip! I love the East Coast.
Can%26#39;t argue with the recommendations so far! There is great theater on the outer cape in Wellfleet at the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, www.what.org, as well as in Provincetown. You can pretty much count on things being open until Columbus Day in early October but if you want to whale watch or swim, late August or early September would be a better time to visit. You really have to experience Coast Guard Beach in Eastham....selected the #1 beach in USA by the Wall Street Journal a few years ago. The National Seashore offers free guided activities until mid-October. www.nps.gov/caco
We always enjoy visiting Bar Harbor in Maine because we love nature and Acadia National Prk is right there. It is a bit of a drive but well worth it! You could start on Cape Cod at the end of August and work your way to Boston and then Maine. Then you could go inland and see some of New Hampture and Vermont or just drive back to Boston to fly home.
Hope you have a great vacation!
Thanks so much to everyone for the advice. I think I will definitely take your tip for late August. I am really looking forward to seeing the northeastern part of the United States. It has always been a trip I%26#39;ve wanted to take.
Thanks again!
**And yes, capecodcharlie, my husband and I are seafood nuts!!!
