the girl with the map tattoo

destinations: boston

Posted on by sarah

I reached out to a good friend who lives in boston for a little help on this destinations post.  matt is a native ohioan who lived in savannah, georgia and new york city before relocating to beantown, and i don’t think he’ll ever leave it (except maybe to move to scotland.  matt loves scotland like i do.)

i added a few things of my own, but i left most of it up to matt, my boston insider.  like i did with my washington dc post, i’ll post matt’s writing at the bottom of the graphics.

where to stay:

what to do:

 

where to eat & drink:

 
from matt…
 
The birthplace of the American Revolution, and arguably of the United States, Boston is often credited as America’s “Walking City”. You can walk just about everywhere and see everything, one great sight and experience working (sometimes pleasantly and unexpectedly) right into the next. That doesn’t mean everything is a one shot deal and there isn’t much to see and do- it just means there is a lot of awesome that is condensed for your enjoyment. If you get tired of hoofing it on foot, there are also numerous “Hubway” stops- hourly bike rental stations that allow you to pedal through one of America’s oldest cities. Additionally, Boston is home to the country’s oldest subway system, “The T”, which further facilitates travel within and outside the city proper. (The T is the oldest system, and operates like it hasn’t been updated since it came to be. It’s not bad, but can get bonkers crowded and slow sometimes to the point where walking is legit faster). For a really unique jaunt, hop a pedi-cab to hear all about the city from your driver as he pedals you around- don’t forget to tip! Whether you’re downing pints at Beantown Pub, quaffing “chowdah” at Legal Harborside, or simply taking it easy on the Boston Common, the city has something for you. If you’re anything like me, once you set foot in the city for the first time, you literally might never leave.“

[on hotels…]
Smack dab in the middle of Beacon Hill, the Omni Parker Hotel is the oldest continually operating hotel in the country, built by Harvey Parker in 1855. Classic elegance mixes with modern charm; this is a great location for a “home base”. Many great and interesting things got their start within the hotel walls- Malcolm X was a busboy there, Boston Cream Pie was invented there, and Ho Chi Minh served as a pastry chef there from 1912-1913. For those seeking a bit of a thrill, consider this: The Omni Parker Hotel is also widely regarded as one of the most haunted building in the city.

Baseball fans rejoice. You are steps from the Cathedral. Located in Fenway at Kenmore Square, Hotel Buckminster is steps from Fenway Park. Love or hate the Red Sox, there is something magical about watching a game in Fenway (this coming from a guy who doesn’t particularly care for baseball). With a multitude of bars and brew pubs a stone’s throw from the hotel, you will always find fun to be had. If you dig the local brews, check out Beer Works. Want a great hotdog and a surprisingly eclectic and robust beer selection? Look no further than The Lower Depths (cash only last I checked).
Want to save a few bucks but are worried that being far out will hinder your visit? Go with Hotel Indigo. Right off I-95, it’s a 5-minute walk to the D-line of the T. Despite what you may (rightfully) hear from locals about the “dreaded green line” (comprising B, C, D, and E branches), I have to say the D line is amazing. It’s fast (hotel door to Fenway will take you 20 or so minutes), you’ll be nearly guaranteed a seat since you’re picking it up as the first stop, and it goes all the way in to Park Street, allowing you easy access to everything you’ve read about thus far and to hop on the red line and head into Cambridge if you wish. Make sure you know when the T stops operating! Unlike NYC, it’s not 24/7 (it does run late on weekends, however).

[on food…]
Everyone will always say to go to “Legal Seafood” by default. Sure, it’s good, but I always go to Atlantic Fish for my birthday lobster. It’s near Copley Sq on Boylston, near the library. It’s a great combo of nice, upscale/casual-relaxed atmosphere with insanely good food and service every time I’ve been. Alternatives include Union Oyster House in Faneuil Hall (oldest restaurant in Boston/oldest continually operating in the US since 1826, a couple doors down from the Green Dragon Tavern, where the Sons of Liberty planned the American Revolution!), or Neptune Oyster House in the North End. (I’ve never been there, but I’ve heard it’s THE. BEST.)

The original Pizzeria Regina on Price St in the North End is always a good bet for pizza aficionados. With a wide variety of pies to choose from, a pitcher of beer and some pizza at lunch time will surely revitalize you after a morning of exploring. If you have room in your stomach, swing by Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry for the best cannolis of your life. OF YOUR LIFE, I SAY.  Located near the first red line stop in Cambridge (Kendall/MIT), Meadhall is a short 5-10 minute walk on Broadway. What’s the appeal? Apart from genuinely great American cuisine, they have over 100 beers on tap. You’re welcome.  Tucked away on Temple St, just off of Tremont and the Boston Common, I’ve often described Stoddard’s like this: “Think Olde England meets New England with a bit of a Prohibition-y vibe. I could see Robert Downey Jr’s Sherlock Holmes being very comfortable there.” On top of that, they ALWAYS have great, hard to come by brews on tap/cask, amazing cocktails, and their menu is actually very reasonably priced for what I would say is slightly upscale food. Example? I’ve ordered rabbit there, and it was affordably delicious. It’s my go-to if I am downtown.

If you’re going to be in the seaport, you would be remiss if you didn’t stop in to Drink on Congress St for at least one cocktail… though more will likely happen. They don’t really have menus, so to speak. Basically, pull up a stool, talk to the bartender about what you like and dislike in a drink, and watch with amazement as they craft something wondrous for you. Trust me; they know what they’re doing. Word of advice- if you want a more relaxed and enjoyable time, go on the earlier side during the day. If you want a hip, young crowd looking to par-tay, head there after dark.

The Black Rose, in Faneuil Hall, has a good menu of American cuisine for a more relaxed meal amidst the hubbub of shopping in the area. Bonus: live music nearly every night. Alternative: Ned Devine’s, more closely situated in the shopping porting of Quincy Market.

[on things to do…]
See a different side of Boston… from the water! Travel throughout the streets in a giant amphibious vehicle as you listen to your guide expound on all that is Boston, then saddle up as he drives you… RIGHT INTO THE HARBOR. Don’t worry- amphibious, remember? Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the waters of the Boston Harbor as your colorful guide continues to wow you with cool Boston facts. Vehicles load up from the mall at Prudential Center (near the Shaw’s grocery), Museum of Science, and the Aquarium.  For the history buffs, take a stroll through Paul Revere’s old home in the North End, which has been kept historically accurate. A really interesting experience, especially juxtaposed with all the “contemporary” we’re used to in this day and age.

Breweries! SO MANY BREWERIES. Samuel Adams (off the orange line in Jamaica Plains), Harpoon and Trillium in the Seaport and Beer Works in Fenway are all easy to access. If you have a car, head outside Boston to Chelsea for Mystic Brewery, and head to Everett for Idle Hands and Night Shift Brewery (Night Shift is, in my opinion, the best brewery in the Boston area). [ed. note: Idle Hands lost their brewing space and is brewing at Night Shift.]

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