CI Living January 16 - Endless Activities in Downtown Boston
I grew up in New York and Boston was a frequent vacation destination. I continued to go occasionally. It had been about 20 years since I had been there when I was recently given an opportunity to go back.
Boston has too much for
me to cover it all in one story. I will have more at a later date on some other
areas to explore. You’ll find more than enough below to start planning a spring
break or summer vacation through the cobblestone streets, famous architecture,
and many sites in this city.
It’s not often a
baseball stadium is considered a historical site, but Fenway Park is in that
category. You can see a lot of it from the outside. There is a tour to take you
through off season or wait for a game to get the best good look.
Take a walk-through
scenic Boston Common, the oldest park in the United States, or Boston Public
Garden, which has been around since 1837. One of the things about Boston I
enjoyed is the historic statues throughout the city and its parks. Among them,
I was partial to the one dedicated to Edgar Allan Poe, a native of the city.
The Museum of Fine Arts is deserving of hours, if not a
full day, of your time. The collections encompass all types of art from around
the world. I found the jewelry especially interesting. Their special exhibits
are not to be missed. I saw “Power of the People: Art and Democracy” and “Georgia
O’Keefe and Henry Moore.” There is a Van Gogh exhibition coming this spring
through summer.
You can’t go to Boston
without stopping by the Cheers Bar, which looks like it did when it inspired
the long running television show. Although the bar is not operational, there is
a restaurant where you can get drinks (in Cheers mugs) among the memorabilia,
and eat from the large menu. There’s also a gift shop to visit on the way out.
The Prudential Center
is filled with stores and restaurants, but you really need to head to the View.
It has three floors filled with spectacular views of Boston. There is also a
lot of displays and videos about the history of the city and facts about its
importance now. The Stratus Bar, which has indoor and outdoor seating, is on
the 51st floor.
On the 50th floor, you’ll find The Beacon
Restaurant. The menu includes everything from sandwiches and salads to creative
entrees. You can purchase a ticket that includes the meal with the View.
More Restaurants to
Try
Treat yourself to a
fine dining experience at Davio’s Italian Steakhouse. Watch the freshly made pasta and
other specialties being cooked in the open kitchen and feast on such unique
items such as roasted beets with yogurt, pistachio brittle, ricotta, and
balsamic. You’ll also find a selection of seafood you’d expect in this city
surrounded by water. Be sure to save room for dessert as the selection is
beyond belief.
Tattes Bakery &
Café is a Boston stable with more than a dozen locations. It’s a must visit for
an unusual menu of coffees, teas, snacks, and meals. I had a Prosciutto &
Fig Panini (with pear and fig jam) with a Pistachio Latte, and a Halva Brownie.
It was all as good as it sounds.
For quick meals, Sal’s
of Boston has pizza and subs. Stop by the Omni Parker House and order a Boston
Cream Pie. It’s where the original came from, and you’ll be surprised at how
different it tastes from what we have now.
Where to Stay
The Verb is directly in front of Fenway
Park. Music is the theme here and it’s everywhere, even in the record player in
every room, which you can choose albums for. This hotel has a pool in the
courtyard heated all year round.
The Verb Hotelalso has one of the best
complimentary breakfasts I’ve ever seen. It includes waffles, an assortment of
fresh Danishes and muffins, fresh fruit smoothies, yogurts, and more. There is hot
coffee, and always free cold brew—including a latte option—in the lobby.
The Hyatt Regecy Downtown has everything you need in a perfect location downtown near the Theater District and Chinatown. It’s walkable to just about everything and is directly connected to a train station. I had a junior suite which was extremely accessible, down to the pocket doors and bathroom mirror that moves for wheelchair viewing. The Hyatt also is very family-friendly, with connecting rooms, and welcomes pets.
Making Your Way Around
Boston has a
particularly good public train system. There are also taxis, Ubers, and Lyft,
all of which have WAV (wheelchair accessible vehicles). For more personalized
service, I tried Go Airport Shuttle. You can arrange it in advanced, for a
group ride or to have a dedicated driver to pick you up, help you with your
luggage, and take you where you need to go.
I highly recommend Old Town Trolley for getting around to
the sites. I used it quite a bit and got to see a lot more than I would have on
my own. The drivers are truly knowledgeable and filled with information and anecdotes
on all spots Boston. You can even take the 13-mile tour around for two hours to
get better acquainted with the city before hopping on and off one of the 18
stops.
I received some complimentary accommodation, activities, and meals in Boston, but opinions are my own.
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