V-Flyer

Our first trip to Boston is not far off. We are driving around New England and only have a day and a half in Boston itself before we set off for Maine. This was probably an error on my part, as there seems to be so much to see and do in Boston itself. But seeing the Fall in all five states is one of my "must do before you die" trips, so I am not too perturbed

Anyway, I am sure many of you have been to Boston before and wondered what you would recommend we see in this short stay in the city? The Freedom Trail is a given and we will be visiting Cambridge for the afternoon on our return before going to the airport. We are staying at Fenway Park. Your suggestions would be really appreciated.

We will be calling at Salem, Kennebunkport, Lincoln, Stowe, Glastonbury, Newport and Harwich (Cape Cod) on the circular tour.

Hi,

I can't comment too much on Boston - it's been a fair while since I"ve been there - but I've just got back from a week on Moosehead Lake in Maine. I'd thoroughly recommend it if you have time to drive that far up state, the lake is beautiful (and huge) and is a great place to find the elusive moose!

ladylexy wrote:Hi,

I can't comment too much on Boston - it's been a fair while since I"ve been there - but I've just got back from a week on Moosehead Lake in Maine. I'd thoroughly recommend it if you have time to drive that far up state, the lake is beautiful (and huge) and is a great place to find the elusive moose!

Do watch out for the moose! I have lived and worked in out of the way places that had moose or elk and hitting one with your car will make a mess of not only the car and the moose but you may not come out of it very well either. Sadly a visiting university professor and his secretary were in a car that hit one and neither of them survived, just be careful out there, it has been likened to hitting a brick wall.

I am not heading that far north ladylexy, though it does look spectacular on Google photos.

Thanks for that Blackbead!

Maximus makes mental note to upgrade hire vehicle to BIG 4x4 with Moose bars

Hi there. Found myself in a similar situation at the end of last year but only had 24 hours free.
Might I suggest a guaranteed sightseeing itinerary in any City worth it's salt. If there is one of those 'hop on bus tours', get one of their maps then use the local public transport to visit the recommended sites! Easy. You will visit most of the interesting ones and can avoid the obvious tourist tat.
Boston is an easy city to navigate and the "underground " trains are certainly different!
Others will no doubt guide you and suggest points of interest but I think most will appear on the bus maps.
Boston is one of my favourite cities and one day I hope to give it the time it deserves.

I take it you are going to Cambridge to visit Harvard and the historical relevance of the "green" in Cambridge, if not, do
Have to ask, is that Salem in NH or Salem in MA?? Its a bit early but if its the Salem in MA your heading for witch county, interesting place, you will enjoy.

When in Boston, the "T" is the best way to get about.
Freedom Trail includes the market and the Faneuil Hall etc.
Take a foot walk to just off Somerset Steet (I think), this is the old gas lamp area of Boston. Don't be surprised to see a film crew around, they are always there.
If you get time and as an extra take a look at The Liberty Hotel, its a great example of how cool an old historic prison can be turned in to a hotel. As said before the Hop on Hop off tours are great to learn about city, you can even do the famous duck tours.
Food, IMHO don't try the seafood from the main places around the city / harbour, not the best in taste or value by a mile.
On the drive to Kennebunkport use an app to find a smaller restaurant and if you really have time google Pete's in Rye, NH, I can honestly say this is the best seafood I have ever had, twice I do think it may be too far out of your way, it take it Stowe is the Stowe in VT??
What day of the week are you driving to Cape Cod?? From memory you have to take I-93 which means any time in the evening is bad but it get horrendous on a Friday afternoon, add time to your journey, nice part of the world tho, to me it has an almost deserted island feeling to it.

Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, it is Salem MA, home of the famous witch trials, and Stowe VT.

Petey's Summertime Seafood Restaurant in Rye looks like an ideal stop before heading on to Kenebunkport where we are spending the night. The menu looks great, though the 1lb Lobster AND 12 oz sirloin steak may be a bit much, even for me! I have added it to my itinerary.

We are at Cape Cod mid-week and fly out Friday morning so will miss the highway rush I think.

Great thing about online forums is getting first hand information you never find in guide books, so thanks!

Done Boston in 48 hours so try this:
Prudential Tower for great views of the city
Open top bus tour (weather permitting) gives quick overview.
Wander the streets of the Back Bay - Newbury street shops and restaurants
Aquarium and harbour front
Faneuil Hall
finally - if you're arriving at the airport get a water taxi into the city for amazing views as you arrive at Long Warf

Boston = Museum of Fine Arts

Salem - Peabody-Essex Museum. (try and avoid the witch trial industry)

My friend got me a lovely Taschen book called '36 hours0 - it's a collection of New York times articles on weekends.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/trave ... d=all&_r=0

Quincy Market for lunch. Otherwise known as Faneuil Hall.
Dick D

Again, many thanks

The water taxi across the harbour looks like a great way to arrive and time saving also.

I think a day on the old hop-on, hop-off bus is going to be the best bet for maximising our time. I have found one company that stops at Fenway and also cover Cambridge with a 2 day ticket including a Duck ride, so that will fit the bill nicely.

High on my list will be North End on our first evening, for some great Italian food I hope, followed by a days sightseeing, then it's the open road up North to the forests and mountains and beaches. Can't wait. 6 weeks and counting!

I've been to Boston only once, last year and I thought it was a really great place. Very walkable as a city and certainly more on a human scale than any of the other US "big" cities.

Besides what others have said, two highlights for me were USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned war ship in the world. You get tours for free by serving officers and it's on or near the freedom trail, I seem to remember.

My other highlight was the Gibson House museum. An original Brownstone in the Back Bay area. Tours from very knowledgable guides and a fascinating insight into the history of Boston. Check out the reviews on Tripadvisor.

Whatever you end up doing, you are sure to have a wonderful time. Enjoy!

Steve.

I love Boston - heading there for the third time in November.

AS you said, the Freedom Trail is a must. A lovinggold said, the T is really good a very efficient.

I concur with mswadley: you really should go to Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market. A walk along Newbury Street is a must.


I'd also definitely head up to the top of the Prudential Centre (or 'Center' and the Americans would have it). If you can, go up just before sunset so you can see the city from above by day and night. Oh, and when you come out, head across the road to Atlantic Fish for dinner: You will need to book well in advance though! http://www.atlanticfishco.com

LetThereBeFlight wrote:I love Boston - heading there for the third time in November.

AS you said, the Freedom Trail is a must. A lovinggold said, the T is really good a very efficient.

I concur with mswadley: you really should go to Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market. A walk along Newbury Street is a must.


I'd also definitely head up to the top of the Prudential Centre (or 'Center' and the Americans would have it). If you can, go up just before sunset so you can see the city from above by day and night. Oh, and when you come out, head across the road to Atlantic Fish for dinner: You will need to book well in advance though! http://www.atlanticfishco.com

Looking forward to going back there at the start of December ,wasn't there long enough the first time I went and spent most of the time on the p*** anyway so looking to do quite a lot this time

Blacky1 wrote:

Looking forward to going back there at the start of December ,wasn't there long enough the first time I went and spent most of the time on the p*** anyway so looking to do quite a lot this time

When in December will you be there Blacky?

I'm flying to MCO on 23rd Nov then heading up to BOS on 29th before heading back to LHR on 3rd Dec. Staying in the Omni Parker House.

I know the whole 'getting rendered in Boston thing' - all too easy! The year before last, I found this stunning restaurant a stone's throw from the hotel. The dining room was upstairs and there was a large bar downstairs. What's more it was "$1 oyster day". Well, nearly 6 hours, at least 2 dozen oysters and 3 bottles of Sauvignon Blanc later...

LetThereBeFlight wrote:

Blacky1 wrote:

Looking forward to going back there at the start of December ,wasn't there long enough the first time I went and spent most of the time on the p*** anyway so looking to do quite a lot this time

When in December will you be there Blacky?

I'm flying to MCO on 23rd Nov then heading up to BOS on 29th before heading back to LHR on 3rd Dec. Staying in the Omni Parker House.

I know the whole 'getting rendered in Boston thing' - all too easy! The year before last, I found this stunning restaurant a stone's throw from the hotel. The dining room was upstairs and there was a large bar downstairs. What's more it was "$1 oyster day". Well, nearly 6 hours, at least 2 dozen oysters and 3 bottles of Sauvignon Blanc later...

Ha ha sounds like a great evening ! Looks like you will be returning on the plane I arrive on on the 3rd dec , staying until the 9th , looking forward to the dreamliner which is my primary reason for the trip although Im really looking forward to going back to Boston aswell

Thanks for the restaurant tip LTBF, that's gone on my list. How far in advance for reservations, do you know?
Cheers

Bretty wrote:

Thanks for the restaurant tip LTBF, that's gone on my list. How far in advance for reservations, do you know?
Cheers

Bretty, it all depends on the day of the week. Weekends and you need to book a good few weeks in advance (minimum) for weekdays, I'd still book at the very least a week in advance.

Last time I was there I started with a couple of oysters to 'amuse my bouche' then moved on to scallops for a starter. I followed that up with a bone-in rib eye (which as far as I'm concerned is the king of steak) accompanied by a lobster tail. .

I've also eaten a seafood platter in there which was just amazing with the centrepiece being a whole lobster. Messy? Sure! But they do provide aprons!

I think I had to be carried out and a crowbar was needed to get me through the door! Of course, if you do fancy a pud, you can have it there or dash across the street to really pile on the calories in the Cheesecake Factory (my addiction to the dark chocolate raspberry truffle is becoming quite serious)...

Having eaten there a few times and having had steak twice, I have learned to order my steak one level up from how I would usually (actually, I've found this to be the case generally in the US): first time I ordered rare and it came blue. When I ordered medium rare, it was rare. So, if you want a medium, order steak medium well. And if you want well done, then just order it in an urn no matter what country you're in!

Not that I'm obsessed with steak you understand, but another one to look at is Ruth Chris. It's a smallish chain and there's one on School Street just opposite the Omni Parker House. Gorgeous inside and out and the food is very, very good. Oh, and the wine list isn't too bad either...

Paul

LTBF ,is Ruth Chris the one you refer to earlier in the thread Re the oysters ?

LetThereBeFlight wrote:Having eaten there a few times and having had steak twice, I have learned to order my steak one level up from how I would usually (actually, I've found this to be the case generally in the US):

Generally but not always. I had one steak in Chicago that I ordered medium rare, came well done and when I raised the issue they flatly refused to change it. Fair spoiled the last night of the holiday that did.

LetThereBeFlight wrote:Not that I'm obsessed with steak you understand, but another one to look at is Ruth Chris.

A few years ago I went to one of their restaurants in Richmond, VA (I think). Very, very good.

LetThereBeFlight wrote:

Bretty wrote:

Thanks for the restaurant tip LTBF, that's gone on my list. How far in advance for reservations, do you know?
Cheers

Bretty, it all depends on the day of the week. Weekends and you need to book a good few weeks in advance (minimum) for weekdays, I'd still book at the very least a week in advance.

Last time I was there I started with a couple of oysters to 'amuse my bouche' then moved on to scallops for a starter. I followed that up with a bone-in rib eye (which as far as I'm concerned is the king of steak) accompanied by a lobster tail. .

I've also eaten a seafood platter in there which was just amazing with the centrepiece being a whole lobster. Messy? Sure! But they do provide aprons!

I think I had to be carried out and a crowbar was needed to get me through the door! Of course, if you do fancy a pud, you can have it there or dash across the street to really pile on the calories in the Cheesecake Factory (my addiction to the dark chocolate raspberry truffle is becoming quite serious)...

Having eaten there a few times and having had steak twice, I have learned to order my steak one level up from how I would usually (actually, I've found this to be the case generally in the US): first time I ordered rare and it came blue. When I ordered medium rare, it was rare. So, if you want a medium, order steak medium well. And if you want well done, then just order it in an urn no matter what country you're in!

Not that I'm obsessed with steak you understand, but another one to look at is Ruth Chris. It's a smallish chain and there's one on School Street just opposite the Omni Parker House. Gorgeous inside and out and the food is very, very good. Oh, and the wine list isn't too bad either...

Paul

Paul that's great, I love oysters and whole lobster, I love settling in with some crackers, a lobster pick and a big napkin around my neck. Lobster simply cooked and with plenty of lemon and melted butter nom nom. Being an ex-butcher (in my youth) I appreciate a good steak cooked rare - I can't cook it myself mind, I ruin it mostly - but I love it, so the other recommendation is much appreciated, ta.

John

No, it's not Blacky. I cannot for the life of me remember what it was called though. I'll do a trawl and see if I can find out for you.

LetThereBeFlight wrote:No, it's not Blacky. I cannot for the life of me remember what it was called though. I'll do a trawl and see if I can find out for you.

Ok ta , wasn't sure if I was being dim or not !

Found it! The place that was doing $1 day was called 'Marliave'. I just sat at the bar on that occasion. However, on a previous trip, I did eat there with a group of friends and we all enjoyed it very much. The menu is interesting and I remember having rabbit as a main course (I think it was a loin of rabbit and rabbit sausages) then as a pud, I went for the chocolates which came in a little box. They were utterly superb!

Bretty, last time I was in Boston, I arrived at the hotel (the Omni Parker House) pretty late and decided to eat in the bar there. The lobster roll that arrived made me very glad that I did!

Paul