usvi-on-line
I am heading to Boston!
I am heading to Boston!
I will be heading to Boston next week (10/10) for 6 days. I am the Matron of Honor for my younger sisters wedding in Hopkinton. I think there are a few forumites that live in Boston, yes?
Are the leaves turning yet? How's the weather? I'm thinking that I probably won't be bringing shorts, but I'm really hoping that the weather will cooperate.
Anything we shouldn't miss seeing? I've never been to Boston before, so I'm really excited about going!
Are the leaves turning yet? How's the weather? I'm thinking that I probably won't be bringing shorts, but I'm really hoping that the weather will cooperate.
Anything we shouldn't miss seeing? I've never been to Boston before, so I'm really excited about going!
Tami
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It is not shorts weather here!!!
Besides the close call with last weekend's hurricane that brought some tropical weather here, it's been 50-70 degrees and perfect fall weather. I'd plan on bringing clothes you can layer and a light rain jacket just in case.
I've spent a few fall day trips heading to Walden Pond and the surrounding areas. So rich with history! Should be a short trip for you from Hopkinton.
I'm not a history buff but there's something about fall in New England that seems to make the ghosts of the past so much more vibrant!
Dang it- I LOVE fall!!
Besides the close call with last weekend's hurricane that brought some tropical weather here, it's been 50-70 degrees and perfect fall weather. I'd plan on bringing clothes you can layer and a light rain jacket just in case.
I've spent a few fall day trips heading to Walden Pond and the surrounding areas. So rich with history! Should be a short trip for you from Hopkinton.
I'm not a history buff but there's something about fall in New England that seems to make the ghosts of the past so much more vibrant!
Dang it- I LOVE fall!!
You HAVE to end up one evening in the North End where you can have a great Italian meal in one the dozens of great restaurants there, and hit one the Italian pastry shops there too.
Maybe Laimsaunt or other Beantowners will chime in with specific names. Bring the walking shoes and take one of the historic tours.
Maybe Laimsaunt or other Beantowners will chime in with specific names. Bring the walking shoes and take one of the historic tours.
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
I can't help you a lot on the Boston stuff but a sunny cool fall day would be perfect for the Freedom Trail tour I'm sure. Then end the day with a good italian meal in the Northend.
If you are into Halloween, bop on up to Witch City- Salem- the Halloween capital of the world! It's all Halloween all the time in Salem in October and it's a great place to spend the day walking around if you're into old New England colonial architecture. Lots of small shops, a great waterfront, great restaurants, even the nationally acclaimed Peabody Essex Museum. It'd be another great day trip!
If you are into Halloween, bop on up to Witch City- Salem- the Halloween capital of the world! It's all Halloween all the time in Salem in October and it's a great place to spend the day walking around if you're into old New England colonial architecture. Lots of small shops, a great waterfront, great restaurants, even the nationally acclaimed Peabody Essex Museum. It'd be another great day trip!
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Marcia (Mrs. Pete)
- Posts: 1576
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:40 pm
- Location: Madison Area, Wisconsin
My daughter and I spent three full days in Boston in August (looking at colleges: BC/BU/Tufts) and it was our first time there. We pretty much saw everything! My dogs are still barking from all of the walking we did. Bring very comfortable shoes.
What a fantastic city! It may sound cheesy but, on your first day, do the Ducks tour (reserve before you go, they sell out quickly, it's not a last minute thing to do). You will get a nice overview of the city and have a feel for the layout of the various neighborhoods.
If you like lobster, go to the Purple Shamrock. It's fresh, inexpensive and wonderful.
There are several posters on this forum who live in the area (one took us to dinner and we walked around Harvard Yard) who will be able to give you more specifics.
Have a FANTASTIC time. Hopefully my daughter will get into her #1 choice (BC) and I'll be spending more time there in the future (like next fall, moving her in).
What a fantastic city! It may sound cheesy but, on your first day, do the Ducks tour (reserve before you go, they sell out quickly, it's not a last minute thing to do). You will get a nice overview of the city and have a feel for the layout of the various neighborhoods.
If you like lobster, go to the Purple Shamrock. It's fresh, inexpensive and wonderful.
There are several posters on this forum who live in the area (one took us to dinner and we walked around Harvard Yard) who will be able to give you more specifics.
Have a FANTASTIC time. Hopefully my daughter will get into her #1 choice (BC) and I'll be spending more time there in the future (like next fall, moving her in).
Marcia (Mrs. Pete)
Missing St. John. As always.
Missing St. John. As always.
Are you staying in Boston or near Hopkinton? (26.2 miles from Boston, as we all know...)
Just yesterday, I put together some links for someone who will be visiting from Ireland, so here you go.
Boston Visitor's websites:
http://www.bostonusa.com/
http://www.boston.com/travel/boston/
http://www.boston-online.com/visitors/
The Freedom Trail can be a nice walk on a fine day: www.freedomtrail.org
Outside Boston, for beauty and interest, I love a fall trip to Fruitlands, which is a straight shot up Route 495 from Hopkinton. On a beautiful day, there is a breathtaking view over the Nashoba Valley, plus very distinct points of interest that you can visit, including a Shaker museum, an American Indian museum, and "Fruitlands," which is where Bronson Alcott brought his family in an attempt to live a utopian lifestyle. Also a restaurant.
http://www.fruitlands.org/
From here, you could go east on Route 2 to historic Concord, another fascinating place.
Just yesterday, I put together some links for someone who will be visiting from Ireland, so here you go.
Boston Visitor's websites:
http://www.bostonusa.com/
http://www.boston.com/travel/boston/
http://www.boston-online.com/visitors/
The Freedom Trail can be a nice walk on a fine day: www.freedomtrail.org
Outside Boston, for beauty and interest, I love a fall trip to Fruitlands, which is a straight shot up Route 495 from Hopkinton. On a beautiful day, there is a breathtaking view over the Nashoba Valley, plus very distinct points of interest that you can visit, including a Shaker museum, an American Indian museum, and "Fruitlands," which is where Bronson Alcott brought his family in an attempt to live a utopian lifestyle. Also a restaurant.
http://www.fruitlands.org/
From here, you could go east on Route 2 to historic Concord, another fascinating place.
Wow! Thank you all for your help! We are already planning to go on the Freedom Trail. I'll tell my older sister about Fruitlands (she is our "cruise" director). We were thinking about driving up the coast as well.
We are staying in Milford (close to Hopkinton), I guess that's the place where the hotels are.
My husband (who isn't staying as long as I am), is looking forward to the lobster.
We are staying in Milford (close to Hopkinton), I guess that's the place where the hotels are.
My husband (who isn't staying as long as I am), is looking forward to the lobster.
Tami
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I can help! If you tell me where you are staying (pm me if you want), I'll give you some of my favorites for eating etc, right nearby.
The leaves are not really turning yet--it's a little too early. There are still flowers and stuff to look at in the Public Garden.
If you have never been here before, the Duck Tours can be fun:
http://www.bostonducktours.com/
My favorite restaurants in the North End are Pomodoro
http://www.pomodoroboston.com/
and Prezza: http://www.prezza.com/
My all time favorite restaurant in the city is Troquet: http://troquetboston.com/
It just got a good review in our local paper so call for a reservation if you want to try it.
Other ideas....there is a skywalk at the top of the Prudential tower, with nice city views. There is a restaurant up there too but I don't like the food. You can just go to the bar but there is a per person minimum (not sure what it is, I have not been in a while): http://www.topofthehub.net/
Tours of Fenway Park are always fun: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/tour.jsp
i have lots more ideas but I actually have to go and (SIGH) do some work now. Feel free to pm me or email me for more ideas.
The leaves are not really turning yet--it's a little too early. There are still flowers and stuff to look at in the Public Garden.
If you have never been here before, the Duck Tours can be fun:
http://www.bostonducktours.com/
My favorite restaurants in the North End are Pomodoro
http://www.pomodoroboston.com/
and Prezza: http://www.prezza.com/
My all time favorite restaurant in the city is Troquet: http://troquetboston.com/
It just got a good review in our local paper so call for a reservation if you want to try it.
Other ideas....there is a skywalk at the top of the Prudential tower, with nice city views. There is a restaurant up there too but I don't like the food. You can just go to the bar but there is a per person minimum (not sure what it is, I have not been in a while): http://www.topofthehub.net/
Tours of Fenway Park are always fun: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/tour.jsp
i have lots more ideas but I actually have to go and (SIGH) do some work now. Feel free to pm me or email me for more ideas.
It's like looking in your soup and finding a whole different alphabet.
After dinner in the North End, stop by Mike's Pastry for a cannoli & cappuchino:
www.mikespastry.com
www.mikespastry.com
Hi,
The list of possibilities to enjoy yourself in Boston is endless.
I will also strongly recommend the Duck tours. I've lived in Boston most of my life and have taken the tour several times with and without visitors. It's different every time depending on your captain and your Duck. Definitely get reservations.
The freedom trail is a good take if you like to walk; otherwise jump on one of the Beantown trolleys (on/off as needed). If your sister is familiar with the city, a Charlie card will get you out and about on the "T".
The Prudential skywalk or John Hancock observatories will give you a great view of the city. I also enjoy the restaurant, "Top of the Hub" in the Prudential. Might be a little pricey, but we've always had a good meal and excellent service.
As for the North End in my bazillion times of visiting since about the age of 2, I've never had a bad meal. Some of my current favorites are La Summa Cantina (www.hiddenboston.com/LaSumma.html), Rabias (www.rabias.com) and The Florentine Cafe(www.florentinecafeboston.com). A long time favorite is Joe Tecce's - one of the few places that takes reservations and can easily handle large parties(joetecces.com/). Either Mike's or Moderne Pastry on Hanover is a good stop for dessert (get the lobster tail if you've never had one).
Then there is Quincy Market; another great place for eating (think mega food court) and shopping (chain stores, touristy kiosks); there are also several restaurants in the complex. We're thinking of having an early dinner at the Plaza III Steakhouse (www.plazathreeboston.com/) tomorrow night before the theater.
As for the fall colors, there are areas north and west of the city where the colors are really popping; it seems to be ahead of schedule this year. Although it is not peak, you should get a good showing next weekend as you drive toward Milford/Hopkinton from the airport (if you're flying).
If shopping is your thing and money is no object, there is Newbury Street, as well as the Copley and Prudential malls. There is also good shopping along Boylston Street and limited these days on Washington Street (downtown crossing).
As someone else suggested, dress in layers. If nice, the days will be in the 60's with evenings going down to 40's/50's
Feel free to PM me if you've want more details.
Have a great time.
janet
The list of possibilities to enjoy yourself in Boston is endless.
I will also strongly recommend the Duck tours. I've lived in Boston most of my life and have taken the tour several times with and without visitors. It's different every time depending on your captain and your Duck. Definitely get reservations.
The freedom trail is a good take if you like to walk; otherwise jump on one of the Beantown trolleys (on/off as needed). If your sister is familiar with the city, a Charlie card will get you out and about on the "T".
The Prudential skywalk or John Hancock observatories will give you a great view of the city. I also enjoy the restaurant, "Top of the Hub" in the Prudential. Might be a little pricey, but we've always had a good meal and excellent service.
As for the North End in my bazillion times of visiting since about the age of 2, I've never had a bad meal. Some of my current favorites are La Summa Cantina (www.hiddenboston.com/LaSumma.html), Rabias (www.rabias.com) and The Florentine Cafe(www.florentinecafeboston.com). A long time favorite is Joe Tecce's - one of the few places that takes reservations and can easily handle large parties(joetecces.com/). Either Mike's or Moderne Pastry on Hanover is a good stop for dessert (get the lobster tail if you've never had one).
Then there is Quincy Market; another great place for eating (think mega food court) and shopping (chain stores, touristy kiosks); there are also several restaurants in the complex. We're thinking of having an early dinner at the Plaza III Steakhouse (www.plazathreeboston.com/) tomorrow night before the theater.
As for the fall colors, there are areas north and west of the city where the colors are really popping; it seems to be ahead of schedule this year. Although it is not peak, you should get a good showing next weekend as you drive toward Milford/Hopkinton from the airport (if you're flying).
If shopping is your thing and money is no object, there is Newbury Street, as well as the Copley and Prudential malls. There is also good shopping along Boylston Street and limited these days on Washington Street (downtown crossing).
As someone else suggested, dress in layers. If nice, the days will be in the 60's with evenings going down to 40's/50's
Feel free to PM me if you've want more details.
Have a great time.
janet
janet
thanks everyone! I'm going to make my list of things to see and eat. From the looks of things, we'll have part of Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and part of Wednesday to do the tourist things. We arrive on Friday and have the rehersal dinner, and the wedding is on Saturday. A couple of people have mentioned the Duck Tour, so that's definitely going to be on the agenda.
Thanks again, and I'll post a mini-TR when I get back.
Thanks again, and I'll post a mini-TR when I get back.
Tami
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
Luvin, have a great trip to Boston this weekend and have a very fun wedding! Boston is a great city - just a bit confusing to me. I was there many years ago and I kept getting lost as the streets can run together. Philadelphia is based on a grid (Ben Franklin was a smart guy) so I'm used to the simplicity.
NancyB