Boston

aggieAXO · #1 09-14-2002, 04:46 AM

I need help from Boston GC's. I will be there on Oct 5 and I was wondering how cold it typically is (for me cold is less than 80 degrees). I think the hotel I am staying at is called the Freemont-downtown I believe-is there a lot to do nearby? Any good dance clubs or bars? We are renting a car-any good suggesitions on places to visit that are not more than 1 hr away? I am only going to be there for 3 days so i want to try and fit as much in as possible. I am soooo excited b/c I have not really been to the Northeast (I was in Rochester one time thats it).
Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks
Karen

Angels&Arrows · #2 09-14-2002, 06:58 AM

Karen,

1. A duck tour http://www.bostonducktours.com/.

2. walk the freedom trail (it is long, but worth it) http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/

... those two will hit every historical site by land and sea in Boston.

4. RED SOX!!!!

3. Eat Italian in the North End... Mamma Maria, 3 North Square or Sage, 69 Prince St. both wonderful. There is a great pastry shop on Prince.. but I can not remember the name... I have to run to a Jr. League breakfast, but will PM it to you later.

4. Visit Faniel Hall and Quincy Market, they are both on the way to the North End. There is a club called The Rack http://www.therackboston.com/, it has live music and is well known in Boston on Thursday and weekend nights for spotting sports celebrities.

5. Visit the top of the Prudential building, which is also where you pick up the Duck tour.

6. Go on a whale watching tour out of the harbor, next the Aquarium.

7. Shop Newbury street.

8. Within an hour outside of Boston you can go South to Quincy and visit President Adams' home. Or north to Salem and visit our infamous witching area.

9. Cambridge... Harvard and MIT

I know there is lots more... but I really must run. PM me and I will give you club details for the area you are staying in. Boston is called the Walking City... because you can just about walk everywhere.

KSigkid · #3 09-14-2002, 08:38 AM

I go to school at Boston University, so I know the area pretty well:

I believe Red Sox season will be over by the time you come - but you can call and see about a tour of Fenway Park (go to the Red Sox website to see details).

North End is definitely a good idea - the pastry place is Mike's Pastries, and they have amazing cannolis. Also check out Bella Vista, Artu, Piccolo Venezia, and there are a couple of other good ones (I can't remember the name of the best one I've been to - I'll send it to you later).

For non North End food, try Legal Seafoods, Elephant Walk (weird name but good food) or even the Bull and Finch pub (the original Cheers, has the best burgers in town.

For bars - downtown bars are the best - The Place, The Rack, Bell in Hand and Hennesseys are all good choices. Places like The Kells, Common Ground, T's Pub are chill places. If you're looking for a bit more upscale crowd, go to Barcode.

I'll give more info when I get the chance.

Collin

aggieAXO · #4 09-14-2002, 09:24 AM

Thanks Angel and Arrows and KSigKid-sounds like I am going to have some good italian food-ummmmmmm, better diet before i go

.

Ok this is a weird question but if you would take something home (if you lived out of state) that travels well and is uniquely Boston -what would it be? I am definitely going to get a shot glass for my collection, but what else should I get? For example in Texas I would recommend Hot Sauce or some Texas shaped memorabilia.

aggieAXO · #5 09-14-2002, 09:30 AM

also, weather wise what am I looking at? I don't have a lot of sweaters-I usually don't need them- but I would assume the weather will be cold? Will it be snowing? (oh I hope so!!! though probably not since my trip is only 3 weeks away)

lionlove · #6 09-14-2002, 11:39 AM

I wouldn't rent a car to get around Boston, most of it is easy to walk around or take the T (the subway). I would just use a car to go places out of the city.

As for outside excursions, try Salem, MA, home of the original witch trials. There are some museums and the prison where they kept the witches gives tours. Also you can tour the House of Seven Gables house in Salem. Salem is about an hour north of Boston.

About an hour south of Boston is Plymouth Plantation and the Mayflower. Here you can tour a village that was reconstructed to resemble Plymouth MA in 1620. You can also tour the Mayflower II (not the original, sorry).

If you like boats, you can take a ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands or take a whale watch. Warning: if you have a weak stomach and will likely get sea sick, take Dramamine or skip it. Try the New England Aquarium for more info.

If you like museums, I would recommend the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum, and the museum of science (and an Omni show).

Weather is up in the air, pack mainly jeans and sweaters and an umbrella and good walking shoes. Maybe bring a light jacket as well if you are not used to temps under 80.

Besides Italian food, try the clam chowdah at Legal seafoods.

Gotta run, I'll post more later.

Rudey · #7 09-14-2002, 11:55 AM

Wear a shirt that says "Boston Sucks" and make sure you remind all the yokles that their Sox suck wicked hard.

-Rudey
--Boston Sucks!

lionlove · #8 09-14-2002, 12:38 PM

Part II of my post.

As far as night clubs, the Thursday editions of the Boston Globe have a calandar section that tells what's going on that weekend. It has listings for clubs, theater, movies etc. Also there's some free newspaper (I think it's called the Boston Phoenix) that comes out with weekend listings on Fridays.

Also, for something uniquely Boston, maybe a beanpot, a can of clam chowdah, a Harvard shirt. Basically go to Fanual Hall marketplace and you will find tons of Boston souvenirs.

Have fun!

DeltAlum · #9 09-14-2002, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rudey
Wear a shirt that says "Boston Sucks" and make sure you remind all the yokles that their Sox suck wicked hard.

-Rudey
--Boston Sucks!

I'm pretty used to rolling my eyes at some posts, but this one is really uncalled for.

Boston is one of the great metropolitan areas in this country.

Let's not confuse athletic teams with their cities. And I really think it out of line to call the residents of a city with arguably more colleges and students per capita than almost anywhere else in the U.S. "yokles."

I'm not from Boston, but every time I'm lucky enough to visit there I like it even better than the last.

The drivers are pretty out of control, though. Might want to re-think the rental car.

lionlove · #10 09-14-2002, 12:57 PM

Thanks Deltalum, our Red Sox may be a little lacking (there's always next year!) but we do have the Patriots to brag about.

DeltAlum · #11 09-14-2002, 01:14 PM

ll,

You're most welcome. I took a seminar a couple years ago sponsored by Harvard and MIT and stayed over in Cambridge, but walked across the bridge and had a great time.

Our Honeymoon was at Cape Cod in 1970 which was my/our first visit. Ohio University (alma mater) runs a summer stock theatre out there (on the cape) called the Monomy Playhouse.

Now, if you could just do something about Logan Airport...Especailly that damned tunnel leading in...

KSigkid · #12 09-14-2002, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DeltAlum

Boston is one of the great metropolitan areas in this country.

Let's not confuse athletic teams with their cities. And I really think it out of line to call the residents of a city with arguably more colleges and students per capita than almost anywhere else in the U.S. "yokles."

True.
I'm a diehard New York Yankees fan, but I absolutely love Boston. I've been here for four years (I'm in my senior year of college) and have spent the past two summers here, and it keeps getting better.

So while I may hate the Red Sox (although I still catch an occasional game at Fenway), I love the city.

Collin

KSig RC · #13 09-14-2002, 02:21 PM

Hm . . . Boston . . .

First - right now it's pretty hot here (city heat, humidity), in a couple weeks it could be snowing though. The weather is flighty - check weather.com a couple days before you go, and then pack some extras just in case. The weather's random.

I'll chime in on the nightlife too . . .

As far as clubs, if you want to really go clubbing there's the "world famous" Roxy, Landsdowne St has some good clubs, the ever-upscale Aria is downtown, etc. Plenty of "doot doot" Eurotrash clubs within walking distance, pretty much anywhere.

If you're looking to hit the bars, the Purple Shamrock is right by Quincy (pronounce it "KWIN-zee") Market (gov't center), that's a pretty solid place, there's some other bars around there too, Bell in Hand, the Point (YES!), etc.

If you want to strap on the Gucci and go upscale: barcode, Blue Cat Club, places like that.

If you're like me and appreciate a real bar, there's T's Pub (which is actually on campus here at BU, but isn't really a college bar), the shamrock, a bunch of places near MIT and Harvard (like the Middle East etc).

If you want a real dive, well, come join the ladies of Delta Gamma at Beckett's for last call - that's the place to be.

In terms of going out, Boston is a city that drinks - you'll have no problem finding a good bar, no matter where you are.

Hit us up with more specifics on what you're looking for though, for better advice.

queequek · #14 09-14-2002, 02:45 PM

Don't forget to go to Hard Rock Cafe, by the historical Church (what church is that ... the birthplace of Christmas song "O Little Town of Bethlehem")

Also you're welcome to visit our International HQ, in Lewis Wharf

Angels&Arrows · #15 09-14-2002, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DeltAlum

Now, if you could just do something about Logan Airport...Especailly that damned tunnel leading in...

DeltAlum, you have me laughing... though now the highway leading to that damned tunnel leading to Logan is worse!!!!!!! We often fly out of Providence now. It is 15 miles to Logan and 46 miles to T.F. Green in Providence.. 9/10 we can get to T.F. Green quicker!!!

I agree with whomever said be careful of renting a car!!!! The communter rail and T can get you North, South and West of the city in a much shorter (and less confusing) time then you. I have lived and worked (I am now a student) in this city for six years now. I drive everyday... and I often get confused with all the work going on for the Big Dig. The roads/routes change daily. There is two ways in and out of Logan, unless you are going North. The Ted Williams tunnel not taken at certain time/day.. will get you a nice fine! Take the damned tunnel DeltAlum was talking about (The Sumner)!

Everyone has mentioned Legal Seafood... The newest location (and best IMHO) is at the Boston Harbor Hotel/Aquarium. However, I personally like the Barking Crab better. Which is further down the street.

The only thing about Plymouth is you mentioned only having three days.. It will take a full day out of your trip and traffic on Rte. 3 is a parking lot.

KSigKid.. thank you.. I thought it was Mike's Pastries.. but I just couldn't remember for sure...

As for weather.. It is best to layer here... You just never know. One day it is 89, the next day it might be 56. This happens in the Summer to us, as quickly as it does in the Winter!!!

I hope you enjoy our city!!!!