Boston

[Neil]

After a major re-think on next years holidays plans, Boston is now on the Agenda, and whilst I have read a few previous threads on the place, I am still after a bit of advice if you would be so kind.

Next June, we will be doing BOS/NYC, at the moment we are planning 2 nights BOS and 4/5 NYC, however it has been suggested that maybe 3 in BOS would be better.

As 2 young(ish), hip and happening guys ([:w]), what is there to do in BOS, apart from the shopping, what are the MUST SEE's/DO's? and would 2 or 3 nights be more appropriate? We will be staying at Jury's in Back Bay area (think that's right), anyone have any experience of this hotel?/

Any suggestions/tips would be appreciated[y]
Thanks in advance
Neil:)

Although Boston and NYC are in my list of 'Places to go before I die' I have no experience whatsoever so can't really help you.

But since you're in Boston, a girl who's been to Boston has told me that a visit to Cheers Bar is a must and I think you'll be better off doing 3 nights in Boston.

Have a good time mate [y]

[Nottingham Nick]

Can you be a bit more specific, Neil?

This thread and this older one. are good starting points.

In June I would say, whale watching and a Redsox game are 'must dos', but I don't know what you are into.

I could go on all night about Boston, having been there many times, including last weekend, but can't help you with Jury's. I am sure we can have a look at for you in November though, as it isn't far from the Sheraton, where thet V-Flyer lot are staying.

Nick

You'll need three nights - two days in Boston and one somewhere further north like Ogunquit (sp?) to soak up New England life.

Also, Duck tours are cool, well...[:I][:w]

VS.

[Nottingham Nick]

Originally posted by VS075

But since you're in Boston, a girl who's been to Boston has told me that a visit to Cheers Bar is a must

Remember the Cheers Bar is only authentic on the outside.
The inside was a sound stage in Hollywood and, whilst the exterior will be familiar to everyone who enjoyed the show, the bar itself is NOTHING like the set.

Also, you won't find Norm or Carla, but you WILL have to show photographic proof of age to buy a drink - no matter how old you are.[8D][}:)]

Nick

No - the 'Cheers' bar is a disappointment. I recommend walking the patriot trail - its a big yellow line that takes you past a number of historical sites and is, in itself a good walk.
You can climb the Bunker hill memorial (remember this is a memorial to a defeat).

(remember this is a memorial to a defeat).

Wait till you see the whites of their eyes boys and it's also built on the wrong hill.

I love Boston but there is so much more to see and do in NYC.

I love Boston but there is so much more to see and do in NYC.

If you've never been to NY, I'd devote a much greater amount of your time to this city. However, if you have I'd still go for the 3 in Bos and 4 in NY.

VS.

[Neil]

Have done NYC before, and love the place, think we are only going to do 2 nights in BOS, so any tips on the very must do/see's would be helpful.

Thanks
Neil:)

Neil, you'll have such a great time in Boston - I went to college in New Hampshire and we would often escape to the city for some culture!

I love Boston for the culture, history and shopping - not sure what your particular tastes are but the following might be of some help? Now, it is a number of years since I was last there but I can let you know that my faves were (in no particular order):

1. Quincy Market & Faneuil Hall - bit like Covent Garden - but it's nice to be a tourist around there - plenty of shops, restaurants etc to keep you occupied.

2. Newbury Street - for shopping. This should be around the corner from your hotel as this is in the Back Bay area. (Don't actually know your particular hotel but it's probably somewhere close?)

3. Freedom Trail - if you fancy a little bit of history it's also a good way to wander around the city. Boston is one of the older US cities so is not built on a grid system as such so it feels slightly European in style (personally, for driving I prefer a grid system as it's fairly foolproof; but character-wise it's nice to wander as in London). I think you can do The Freedom Trail with the Freedom Trail Foundation (?) and it costs about $10-12 with a guide. There is a version with the National Park Service but I think that's the self-guided one? If you do the one with the Foundation I think it starts at Boston Common* and finishes at Faneuil Hall. As you're going in June it will be getting quite warm so keep stopping for water and wear sunscreen! (*Boston Common used to be a really dodgy place - full of winos and addicts but it's really cleaned it's act up and is a nice urban retreat within the city).

4. The Aquarium - I thought this was great the first time I went but that was before I had sampled SeaWorld! So, not sure if you will be that impressed? This you could probably miss if you were short of time.

5. Beacon Hill - if you're interested in historical architecture plus want to see lovely homes it's nice to have a wander around here... Bit like walking around the area between Knightsbridge and Kensington - you know you're in a city but it's a residenitial area with quality properties.

6. There are plenty of museums & galleries which cover most styles but I wouldn't be as familiar with all of them as others would be? Especially if you had a particular interest - e.g. sports museum, african-american museum...

7. For the experience it would be good to catch a game at Fenway Park - I have no idea whether the summer months are the on or off season for them though?!

8. Harvard - althought the students will be on their summer break (I think?) the area around Harvard called Cambridge is lovely to visit.

9. Boston Tea Party - the ship that started the whole tea in the river thing! I think one of my friends mentioned that it was being renovated at the moment so you could check? The actual ship is moored with a museum to visit.

10. Cheers Bar - just have a picture taken outside as the inside is completely different (as already mentioned here!).

Make sure you have some New England Clam Chowder when you're there - lovely... And as much seafood as possible! I wouldn't be able to recommend any particular restaurants as I'm such an infrequent visitor to the city!

As for nightlife, are you a clubber? I wish I could recommend somewhere but, again, it's been a while since I clicked my heels together in Boston!

The T (the Metro system) is a great system and very easy and safe to get around on too... You could also try the Trolley Tours (don't worry, as a tourist you probably won't see anyone you recognise!) - I know some people might think they're a bit dated but I always try and fit in a (seated) guided tour when I hit a new city as I think it helps to give you a decent overview of the city. Perhaps your first morning you could do this and then you can decide which areas/landmarks you want to visit and spend more time visiting?

Have a fab time!
Maria

Originally posted by Attitude23
Have done NYC before, and love the place, think we are only going to do 2 nights in BOS, so any tips on the very must do/see's would be helpful.

Thanks
Neil:)

I think two nights will probably be enough for you Neil if it's action you're after as it's a bit more sedate than NY (but pleasantly so).However if you want to venture a bit further afield up/down the coast for instance (which is glorious)or to other towns like Salem I'd go for three nights.Very different from NY- some nice shops but I'd save your time (and cash)and leave that until you get to NY (unless you have a passion for homestyle arts and crafts which are popular in Boston - I made the mistake of buying an enormous quilt without giving a thought how to get it home [i]).
Any chance of having three nights in Boston and keeping NY at five nights (or even longer)?
Julie

For me Boston has a fantastic bar scene... everything from possibly the coolest gay bar I've ever been to, to a-typical Irish pubs with live music.
I'd do Boston after NYC, as a bit of a tonic and to genuinely relax (though still get some after dark action).
Its also got an amazing Club scene... for me better than NYC.. more friendly, more quirky, and more mixed... but harder to find.

[Neil]

Firstly, Maria, huge thanks for your ideas, really much appreciated[y][y], and thanks to all others too.

Flights are now booked, into BOS out of JFK (hoping to upgrade and wanted potential CH access and more choice of flight times) and Julie, whilst We would love to extend the hols, this trip has come about due to trying to us trying save some cash and extra nights in NYC don't come cheap and with all the potential shopping I think extra days will only result in extra spending and therefore not achieving our aim[ii]

TBH, we like quite "with it" places for eats and drinks, prefer wine bars to Irish Bars if you get my drift, so any funky bar/restaurant tips would be appreciated, and whilst clubs are ok, find them a bit 4 years ago, so not really bothered about that just somewhere nice to eat and to chill afterwards.

Thanks,
Neil

Neil,

We're over in New England at the moment, just had a brilliant 3 nights in Boston and now in Provincetown for a few nights. Just to throw in my two penny's worth, if you want a fantastic meal go to "Top Of The Hub" on top of the Prudential Building - fantastic views over the city!

Provincetown is 2 hrs down the road from Boston and is totally fantastic...happy to provide more details on return to UK

Cheers,

James

Hi Neil,

As James has mentioned (and I completely forgot!) Provincetown would be a great stop for you - depending on time constraints. It's like a New England version of Key West - so many beautiful men.... such a waste..

If you like a bit of tweeness - a visit to Plymouth Plantation is quite good fun - it's a recreated village showing how the Plymouth Brethren would have lived when they first arrived in US. I know it sounds a bit naff - but you can wander around the village which is full of actors in authentic costume. You can go in and out of the houses and talk to them! It's a hoot - admittedly, I was much younger when I went but we found it great to ask them if they had a phone, what was their favourite film! Little things make me happy! They respond as if they were back in the 1700's...

I have some friends who are FAs with Aer Lingus who I think stop over in Boston from time to time - I'll ask them if they have any recommendations for restaurants, bars etc - I think I know the type of thing you'll be looking for.. Somewhere stylish with beautiful people and surroundings? Good food, wine, but value for money? If so, I'll ask around...

Have fun
Maria

[Neil]

Originally posted by MazzyK
It's like a New England version of Key West - so many beautiful men.... such a waste..

Sounds like I'll fit in perfectly[:I]

I think I know the type of thing you'll be looking for.. Somewhere stylish with beautiful people and surroundings? Good food, wine, but value for money? If so, I'll ask around...

That is exactly the type of place, any suggestions much appreciated[y]

Thanks
Neil:)

Originally posted by Attitude23
any funky bar/restaurant tips would be appreciated, and whilst clubs are ok, find them a bit 4 years ago, so not really bothered about that just somewhere nice to eat and to chill afterwards.

If you are a dessert fan, Finale is well worth a try. My better half is a huge seafood fan and gets a fix of Legal Sea Foods (a chain, but one starting in Boston and very true to its roots) whenever she can. Both are respectable and comfortable rather than funky.

The only off-beat entertainment recommendation I have, if you're a gamer at all, is Tomb which is currently unique to Boston. More generally, the theatres are pretty good.

Enjoy!
Chris

Legal Sea Foods

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Legal Sea Foods. You MUST try the baked scrod and the garlic and herb butter scallops [y]

If beer's your thing, you might want to try and do a Samuel Adams Brewery tour.

If you've not seen it already, go and see the Blue Man Group - you can do this in NY and BOS though maybe you've done it already.

If you're driving down from Boston to NY along the scenic coast route, it's worth it, but allow yourself a day to make the trip. If you do drive that way, I'd suggest stopping at the Mystic Aquarium if you're into that sort of thing. Someone said the Boston Aquarium is also worth checking out if that's the case.

I've never actually gotten around to dining at Top of the Hub yet (I've been foiled on more than one occasion), so if you like sushi/Japanese food, I'm going to recommend one of my favourites, which is Fugakyu on Beacon Street in Brookline (ISTR you want to be on the "C" branch of the Green line, get off at Coolidge Corner, if you use the T to get there).

Oh, and one word of warning about the T. Don't be fooled into thinking the "Silver Line" is a train. They are actually limited stop bus systems operating on some reserved rights of way in certain areas. Apparently, it should have been built as light rail, but didn't... I guess the money fell into that money pit called the Big Dig?

Finally, if ice cream is your thing, get over to Toscanini's, 899 Main Street in Cambridge, it's basically at the junction of Main Street and Mass. Ave.

Now, if only VS would serve Tosci's ice cream on flights originating in BOS... I wonder if anyone is listening?

Mike

[Neil]

Cheers for the info and tips Mike, the Beer and Ice Cream suggestionshave been noted with little stars next to them[y][y](they sound just my cup of tea).

Originally posted by Treelo

Legal Sea Foods

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Legal Sea Foods. You MUST try the baked scrod and the garlic and herb butter scallops [y]

Sea Food[:$][:$] I'll pass if thats ok, can't stand the stuff[:$][:$]

We managed to see nearly everything in Boston in three days, wouldn't rush to go back. Walked nearly all over Boston, good fun, lots of exercise between bars. Boring compared to some cities.

Kaz

Neil

Some tips from me.

If you're travelling from NYC to BOS go by train, the Acelor Express from Penn Station takes about 3 1/2 hours and some of the scenary as it goes up the coast of CT and RI is beautiful. It's also spacious, comfortable, clean, quiet, non-airport hassly and IMO takes less time than flying given no security, 1hr+ check-ins, taxis to airports etc. Even better, book in business class for <$100 each if you do it in advance (oh and have a microwaved hot dog and beer on route, it's traditional and surprisingly good!).

From Back Bay station in BOS you can walk to Jury's real easy.

Other's have added lots of good recommendations. Here are some from me:

The Federalist Restaurant at 15 Beacon hotel is great - for you it'll be a nice walk across the Common before dinner and after, you can stop in the bar of the Ritz Carlton for a cocktail (good martinis!). The Federalist has the most amazing wine list, good at all prices and if you win the lottery even better!

Yes, a walk along Newbery Street and some light (or heavy) shopping

Def the Red Sox if you can, the stadium is fantastic and the atmosphere even better, on a dark evening it lights up the city!

If you like a nice walk and architecture I'd take the trip to Cambridge and the Harvard Campus, though perhaps better in Fall when you could rerun all those Love Story scenes and scoop up leaves!

Walk around North End, has lots of great Italian restaurants and some quirky shops.

Picnic'ing outside the First Church of Christ is a popular habit, it's strangely cool and the architecture quite something, as is the large pool.

Also check out http://www.edgeboston.com for gay listings and latest stuff. I like Club Cafe, which is fun in a silly sort of way, and Rise - which is very late and while difficult to enter, really cool.

[Neil]

Thanks Slinky, your advice and tips are much appreciated[y].

We are actually flying into BOS and out of JFK (doing an internal with AA - great prices), when we land in BOS, what is the best way to get from the airport to the Hotel? Normally we would just grab a cab, is this best or are there another other simple/cheaper options that will get us close to our Hotel? (want to make sure I have plenty of pennies for shopping:D)

Thanks,
Neil:)

Originally posted by Attitude23

We are actually flying into BOS and out of JFK (doing an internal with AA - great prices), when we land in BOS, what is the best way to get from the airport to the Hotel? Normally we would just grab a cab, is this best or are there another other simple/cheaper options that will get us close to our Hotel? (want to make sure I have plenty of pennies for shopping:D)

Thanks,
Neil:)

Hi Neil,

We also flew internal to Boston and needed to get from Airport to hotel. On advice of our friends (who had landed a couple of hours earlier) we took a taxi which cost around $20 (incl. tip) and only took 15 mins (to Langham Hotel). BOS is pretty central compared to airports in other cities.

Hope this helps

James