BestWeekends Destination Reviews

Boston (Massachusetts, United States)

Overview

Called the most European of American cities, Boston is an exciting contemporary city steeped in history, but keeping pace with the rush of modern times. History, culture, fine dining, shopping, sports and outdoor activities combine to make this a destination worthy of any special weekend. Sleek new architecture sits side by side with Colonial era history and distinct ethnic cultures remain loyal to their past and account for many of the unique neighborhoods. This is one of my favorite weekend destinations. Unlike some major cities, Boston is “manageable” and doesn’t overwhelm. It is easy to navigate and you can walk to most everything. It has pretty much anything a major city should have, but with a unique character all its own. It is just as much fun to just wander around as it is to have a planned itinerary. Charles Street offers art galleries, pubs and beautiful brownstones, Newberry Street is the place for great shopping, the Back Bay has great restaurants, the waterfront area has my favorite place for oysters and a cold one, the Public Garden is a beautiful urban oasis and you can enjoy the Charles River in any season. The locals are passionate about their Boston sports teams (the curse is finally over!) and even if you are not a baseball fan, a day at Fenway is not something you will soon forget. Another passion? Believe it or not, ice cream, a topic many a Bostonian can wax philosophic upon, particularly in a pub. Best known for its Irish and Italian populations, Boston is also home to the 4th largest Asian community and a large African American population. Then, of course, there are the Boston Brahmins….what exactly do they look like? As in many cities, the neighborhoods are distinct; Boston’s “Little Italy” in the North End, the Irish conclave in South End (also the waterfront district), Chinatown, the Back Bay, home to fashionable Newbury Street and the Beacon Hill areas and Cambridge across the River and the home of Harvard University are the most notable. The many colleges and universities in and around Boston infuse the City with vibrancy and joie de vivre, making it a city for the young at heart. Patriot’s Day (Boston Marathon), opening day at Fenway, and St. Patrick’s Day are special events in the City and bring out old and young alike.

Getting There

Boston is accessible by air from anywhere in the country and the Boston airport is a short cab ride or water taxi into the City. New York to Boston is a 3 hour and 45 minute drive, 4 hours and 15 minutes from Philadelphia. It can also be reached from most major cities on the East Coast by Amtrak. New York to Boston on the Acela Express is about a 3 1/2 hour trip and Washington to Boston is about 6 1/2 hours.

When To Go

Boston has plenty to offer for any season of the year. There is no bad time for a weekend visit, except perhaps with an impending snow storm in the dead of winter, but even then, the City is quite beautiful. The Boston Common and Boston Public Gardens are enjoyable throughout the year as is the Esplanade along the Charles River. In nicer weather you can boat on the Charles, enjoy outdoor concerts at the Hatch Shell, made famous by the legendary Boston Pops or while away a balmy day in one of the many pubs and restaurants with outdoor sidewalk seating. In the colder weather, you are greeted with a roaring fire in many pubs and restaurants, you can skate in the Commons and a walk through the Public Gardens after a snowfall can be quite magical.

Getting Around

Boston is a fairly contained City with many activities within walking distance. Taxis are plentiful and the MTA is an excellent public transportation system. No car is needed and frankly, parking is an issue.

Things To Do

If World class art and historical museums, wonderful jogging and walking routes, boating on the Charles River, ice skating in the Boston Commons, picnics in the Public Gardens, outdoor concerts at the Hatch Shell, sidewalk bistros, a wonderfully preserved “Little Italy”, Broadway road company theatre, Colonial era historical sites (remember Paul Revere?), upscale shopping and oh yes, the best baseball park in the country are just a sampling of what Boston offers. It has everything a major city should have, but with its own unique character and flavor. Best of all, most major attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Don't Miss

• A walk through the Public Gardens
• A visit to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
• A game at Fenway
• A burger at Mrs. Bartley’s Burger Cottage in Cambridge
• Ice cream at Christina’s, also in Cambridge
• Lunch at B&G Oysters for the lobster roll or lobster BLT
• Oysters at the Union Oyster House
• The basil martini at Via Matte
• The strolling musicians after dinner at Dolce Vita

Dining

If World class art and historical museums, wonderful jogging and walking routes, boating on the Charles River, ice skating in the Boston Commons, picnics in the Public Gardens, outdoor concerts at the Hatch Shell, sidewalk bistros, a wonderfully preserved “Little Italy”, Broadway road company theatre, Colonial era historical sites (remember Paul Revere?), upscale shopping and oh yes, the best baseball park in the country are just a sampling of what Boston offers. It has everything a major city should have, but with its own unique character and flavor. Best of all, most major attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Restaurant Reviews

Aujourd’hui
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Mamma Maria
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Hamersley’s Bistro
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Clio
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Meritage
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No. 9 Park
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Accommodation

The best places to stay in Boston aren’t the usual big city chains. The venerable Ritz Carlton with its amazing views of the Commons and impeccable service continues to dazzle. We love XV Beacon for its unique style, comfortable rooms with fireplaces, a Mercedes car service and your own printed business cards. In the heart of the wonderful Beacon Hill area is a charming urban B&B, the Charles Street Inn, with large rooms with fireplaces and lots of tantalizing features. Just off of fashionable Newberry Street is the elegant Eliot Hotel with wonderful suites and one of our favorite restaurants. Finally, you can’t beat the views of the Harbor from the rooms at the delightful Boston Harbor Hotel and it too, has one of our favorite restaurants.

Accommodation Reviews

Ritz Carlton
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XV Beacon
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Charles Street Inn
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Elliot Hotel
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Boston Harbor Hotel
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