Boston Area Peeps!

[kama_s]

We''re driving down to Boston over Easter long weekend to visit a friend. Wondering if any Boston locals can give us suggestions on things we shouldn''t miss while we''re there? We''re big foodies and enjoy walking around - love to inhale some of that sweet Boston culture!

Thanks!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Um...you shouldn''t miss meeting me. I''m free on Saturday and Sunday night.

Things to do....Duck Tour if they''re up and running, the North End (our little italy), Walking the Freedon Trail if the weather is nice, checking out the observation deck at the Prudential Building (second tallest building in Boston, has the most amazing views of the area), the Museum of Fine Arts, the Science Museum and the NE Aquarium, or Quincy Market and Faniuel (sp?) Hall areas. Also, shopping/strolling down Newbury St. and the Public Gardens.

 

[kama_s]

Date: 3/24/2010 2:56:00 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
Um...you shouldn''t miss meeting me. I''m free on Saturday and Sunday night.

Things to do....Duck Tour if they''re up and running, the North End (our little italy), Walking the Freedon Trail if the weather is nice, checking out the observation deck at the Prudential Building (second tallest building in Boston, has the most amazing views of the area), the Museum of Fine Arts, the Science Museum and the NE Aquarium, or Quincy Market and Faniuel (sp?) Hall areas. Also, shopping/strolling down Newbury St. and the Public Gardens.

Sweet! Thanks for the suggestions!

Would you be up for coffee or a stiff drink either of the two evenings? I''d love to meet you!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Well I can have coffee while you have a stiff drink...

 

[kama_s]

I have another (silly) question. We''ll be stopping for the night somewhere along the drive from Buffalo to Boston. Any suggestions for a nice city/town where we can have a meal at a pleasant restaurant, followed by a short walk around the town? I''d rather not stay at just any random motel along the way. If I get to see another city, it would be a huge plus.

 

[kama_s]

Date: 3/24/2010 3:11:50 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
Well I can have coffee while you have a stiff drink...

OH SHOOT! I forgot! YES, I get to see the bellaaayyyyyy.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Date: 3/24/2010 3:12:46 PM
Author: kama_s
I have another (silly) question. We''ll be stopping for the night somewhere along the drive from Buffalo to Boston. Any suggestions for a nice city/town where we can have a meal at a pleasant restaurant, followed by a short walk around the town? I''d rather not stay at just any random motel along the way. If I get to see another city, it would be a huge plus.

It depends on how you''re driving down, most likely you''ll pass through Syracuse, Utica and Albany, NY, right? I know nothing about those towns!

 

[kama_s]

Date: 3/24/2010 3:23:19 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk

Date: 3/24/2010 3:12:46 PM
Author: kama_s
I have another (silly) question. We''ll be stopping for the night somewhere along the drive from Buffalo to Boston. Any suggestions for a nice city/town where we can have a meal at a pleasant restaurant, followed by a short walk around the town? I''d rather not stay at just any random motel along the way. If I get to see another city, it would be a huge plus.

It depends on how you''re driving down, most likely you''ll pass through Syracuse, Utica and Albany, NY, right? I know nothing about those towns!

Yup, that''s the route. We''d probably want to stop somewhere between Rochester and Syracuse. I guess we''ll just pick either one based on our level of fatigue.

 

[Kismet]

Date: 3/24/2010 3:12:46 PM
Author: kama_s
I have another (silly) question. We''ll be stopping for the night somewhere along the drive from Buffalo to Boston. Any suggestions for a nice city/town where we can have a meal at a pleasant restaurant, followed by a short walk around the town? I''d rather not stay at just any random motel along the way. If I get to see another city, it would be a huge plus.

If I just happened to be driving by Lenox, MA (assuming you''re heading down rte 90), I would fit in a trip to see Richard Wise''s store.

 

[Bia]

HH gave a lot of great suggestions...

I would encourage you to start somewhere around Boston Common - especially if it''s a nice day. You can also shop on Newbury st which is right there (expensivo but they have a ton of shops). Again, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market (lots of shops and places to eat). Freedom trail, good idea if you''ve never been to Boston and you can appreciate the history - Boston has a lot of that, incase you didn''t know

I love the Commons because you get to see a classically beautiiful (and pristine!) Boston neighborhood - beautiful parks, brownstones, little cafes. The food in the area has nice places, but expensive/trendy. For good eats, I love Chinatown or the North End for seafood and/or great Italian. Back Bay is also a suggestion - around Copley Sq. Maybe checking out some of the university campuses for fun? Harvard/MIT isn''t far, right in Cambridge. If anything, it''s nice to walk around, get some ice cream, that kind of thing.

Personally, I''d try to get to the ocean if you have some time to venture up north a bit. If it''s nice out you''ll find a lot of seafood joints opening for the season. If that''s an interest of yours, I can give you some suggestions.

I''m so homesick right now

 

[kama_s]

Date: 3/24/2010 3:35:03 PM
Author: Kismet

Date: 3/24/2010 3:12:46 PM
Author: kama_s
I have another (silly) question. We''ll be stopping for the night somewhere along the drive from Buffalo to Boston. Any suggestions for a nice city/town where we can have a meal at a pleasant restaurant, followed by a short walk around the town? I''d rather not stay at just any random motel along the way. If I get to see another city, it would be a huge plus.

If I just happened to be driving by Lenox, MA (assuming you''re heading down rte 90), I would fit in a trip to see Richard Wise''s store.

OH CRAP. The hubster is SO not going to be happy to hear about this quick little pit stop! Heh. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Bia]

Lenox

If you're coming down through NYS into Mass, try to stop along the way in the Berkshires. Tons of great shopping and food.

 

[kama_s]

Date: 3/24/2010 3:39:48 PM
Author: Bia
HH gave a lot of great suggestions...

I would encourage you to start somewhere around Boston Common - especially if it''s a nice day. You can also shop on Newbury st which is right there (expensivo but they have a ton of shops). Again, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market (lots of shops and places to eat). Freedom trail, good idea if you''ve never been to Boston and you can appreciate the history - Boston has a lot of that, incase you didn''t know

I love the Commons because you get to see a classically beautiiful (and pristine!) Boston neighborhood - beautiful parks, brownstones, little cafes. The food in the area has nice places, but expensive/trendy. For good eats, I love Chinatown or the North End for seafood and/or great Italian. Back Bay is also a suggestion - around Copley Sq. Maybe checking out some of the university campuses for fun? Harvard/MIT isn''t far, right in Cambridge. If anything, it''s nice to walk around, get some ice cream, that kind of thing.

Personally, I''d try to get to the ocean if you have some time to venture up north a bit. If it''s nice out you''ll find a lot of seafood joints opening for the season. If that''s an interest of yours, I can give you some suggestions.

I''m so homesick right now

Thanks so much for all the info, Bia! I have Boston Commons, Newury St, Faneuil Hall/Quincy market place (I love markets!) and Freedom Trail on my must-see list.

We probably wouldn''t do Chinatown, because we live on the edge of the Toronto Chinatown. We love seafood and don''t get to eat much of that here - do you have recommendations for a specific seafood/Italian restaurant at the North End? I think at least one univ tour is definitely going to be on the agenda. I love walking around universities!

Yes, please, would LOVE suggestions for seafood joints around the ocean. Hopefully it''s not too far, but we do have a car so it shouldn''t be a problem.

Thanks so much, love. Would have loved to see you too, boooooo.

 

[Selkie]

If you do stop in the Berkshires, Stockbridge is a gorgeous little town just off the Mass Pike (Rte. 90). I''ve been to a wedding and stayed overnight at the Williamsville Inn, which was wonderful.

 

[kama_s]

Date: 3/24/2010 3:42:38 PM
Author: Bia
Lenox

If you''re coming down through NYS into Mass, try to stop along the way in the Berkshires. Tons of great shopping and food.

Hmm...just to confirm, would this be Berkshire County?

 

[kama_s]

Date: 3/24/2010 3:54:32 PM
Author: Selkie
If you do stop in the Berkshires, Stockbridge is a gorgeous little town just off the Mass Pike (Rte. 90). I''ve been to a wedding and stayed overnight at the Williamsville Inn, which was wonderful.

Oh, what a beautiful little inn. We probably wouldn''t stay over in Stockbridge though - that''s almost 8 hours away from us. We might need to crash a few hours before, considering we''re leaving in the evening after work. But would love to drive around, it sounds gorgeous!

 

[iheartscience]

Mmmmm lobster roll! Make sure to get one! I''ll ask my mom the name of the best place to go for one. She was born and raised in Charlestown in Boston. (Grew up right across from the Bunker Hill Monument!) You can also get cheaper (and still delicious) ones at Quincy Market but there''s this one awesome place to go!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Honestly, anywhere in MA is going to be too far for you guys to crash. I''d look for somewhere around Syracuse and Utica. There a major hotels all along the NY Thruway and there''s the Turning Stone Casino between Utica and Syracuse if you want something a little different. If you really want to be ambitious, I''d try and make it to Albany. Again, there will be plenty of places to stay along the way and it''s only about 3 hours from Boston.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Dolce Vita Restorante is DH and my favorite. The owner and waiters sing opera to you while you eat. There''s also Pizzaria Regina if you''re looking for something more casual. And Mikes or Modern Pastry for the requisite canoli and espresso. The north end is in walking distance of Quincy Market and Fanuiel Hall, which are right next to each other and very historic landmarks. The Old North Church is also in the North End, that''s where Paul Revere hung the lanterns the night the Redcoats marched towards Boston.

 

[Bia]

Date: 3/24/2010 3:48:24 PM
Author: kama_s

Date: 3/24/2010 3:39:48 PM
Author: Bia
HH gave a lot of great suggestions...

I would encourage you to start somewhere around Boston Common - especially if it''s a nice day. You can also shop on Newbury st which is right there (expensivo but they have a ton of shops). Again, Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market (lots of shops and places to eat). Freedom trail, good idea if you''ve never been to Boston and you can appreciate the history - Boston has a lot of that, incase you didn''t know

I love the Commons because you get to see a classically beautiiful (and pristine!) Boston neighborhood - beautiful parks, brownstones, little cafes. The food in the area has nice places, but expensive/trendy. For good eats, I love Chinatown or the North End for seafood and/or great Italian. Back Bay is also a suggestion - around Copley Sq. Maybe checking out some of the university campuses for fun? Harvard/MIT isn''t far, right in Cambridge. If anything, it''s nice to walk around, get some ice cream, that kind of thing.

Personally, I''d try to get to the ocean if you have some time to venture up north a bit. If it''s nice out you''ll find a lot of seafood joints opening for the season. If that''s an interest of yours, I can give you some suggestions.

I''m so homesick right now

Thanks so much for all the info, Bia! I have Boston Commons, Newury St, Faneuil Hall/Quincy market place (I love markets!) and Freedom Trail on my must-see list.

We probably wouldn''t do Chinatown, because we live on the edge of the Toronto Chinatown. We love seafood and don''t get to eat much of that here - do you have recommendations for a specific seafood/Italian restaurant at the North End? I think at least one univ tour is definitely going to be on the agenda. I love walking around universities!

Yes, please, would LOVE suggestions for seafood joints around the ocean. Hopefully it''s not too far, but we do have a car so it shouldn''t be a problem.

Thanks so much, love. Would have loved to see you too, boooooo.

waaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

For seafood in the North End, try Neptune_Oyster. Great oyster bar and great clam chowder. Honestly though, pretty much anywhere you go, you''ll find decent seafood. Since the North End is Boston''s answer to ''Little Italy'' you''ll find terrific Italian food - a friend told me Giocomo''s was really good. I would try just parking in the area and find a place that calls to you - unless it''s on a Friday/Sat night...then maybe make reservations. There are so many great restaurants in that area, imo, you''re bound to find something.

As for the ocean, you have two options. North Shore (I''m partial to the NS) and the South Shore. Both are at least 30 min away, depending where you go. BUT, if you have time, must sees include: North Shore - Ipswich, Essex (the BEST clams on the planet), Gloucester, Rockport (RT 1A or 133 will take you along the ocean and you''ll find TONS of places to eat). South Shore: Cohasset, Hingham, Scituate, Plymouth...and on to Cape Cod.

 

[Bia]

Date: 3/24/2010 4:09:04 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
Dolce Vita Restorante is DH and my favorite. The owner and waiters sing opera to you while you eat. There''s also Pizzaria Regina if you''re looking for something more casual. And Mikes or Modern Pastry for the requisite canoli and espresso. The north end is in walking distance of Quincy Market and Fanuiel Hall, which are right next to each other and very historic landmarks. The Old North Church is also in the North End, that''s where Paul Revere hung the lanterns the night the Redcoats marched towards Boston.

Let''s go to Dolce Vita next time I''m in Boston. I''ll buy you a shirly temple

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

I was trying to remember the name of Giacomo''s! I''ve heard it''s fantastic!!


Bia, ANY TIME!!!

 

[sugarpie honeybun]

If you have extra time, you should also venture over to the South End area of Boston. Lots of great restaurants. We enjoy eating at "Toro" on Washington Street. The chefs do an incredible job mixing up unique authentic Spanish tapas, and the cocktails are delicious.

If you're into jazz/funk/blues music, you should also check out "The Beehive" in the S. End. We love going here for cocktails and live music. The place is really cool and very "Bohemian-ish"

Sonsie on Newbury Street is a fanastic place to people-watch. Lots of athletes and famous people will stop in here when they're in Boston.

If you like martinis, you should try the bar at the Mandarin hotel on Boylston Street...

These are all suggestions for good night spots. DH and I used to go out a lot before becoming parents

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 3/24/2010 4:16:13 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
I was trying to remember the name of Giacomo's! I've heard it's fantastic!!

It is SO SO GOOD. But be prepared to stand on line b/c they don't take reservations and it's always packed. If you get on line at like 4:30 and can get in on the first seating that's the easiest way to do it but you do have to eat early. It moves quickly though and it is totally worth it! We go EVERY time we are in Boston. Seriously you need to go now.

And yes I agree about stopping in the Berkshires. It's where I grew up and it's awful pretty if I do say so myself! Richard's store is probably 15-20 minutes off the highway though unfortunately. But worth the trip if you have the time!

 

[kama_s]

Sweet! Thank you HH, Bia, Thing2, Selkie, Kismet, Sugarpie and Neatfreak for the wonderful suggestions. I *think* I have all our meals planned already based on all the recommendations I''ve received here, so we''re all set

Doesn''t take much to make Kama happy - as long as there is yummy and exotic food around, I''m set!

HH: I''ll message you elsewhere to coordinate our date!

 

[kama_s]

Date: 3/24/2010 3:59:01 PM
Author: thing2of2
Mmmmm lobster roll! Make sure to get one! I''ll ask my mom the name of the best place to go for one. She was born and raised in Charlestown in Boston. (Grew up right across from the Bunker Hill Monument!) You can also get cheaper (and still delicious) ones at Quincy Market but there''s this one awesome place to go!

Lobster in a roll?! I''M IN!!!!!!!!!!!! I paid 25$ last weekend to eat a tiny little lobster tail. Did I mention the tail was so tough I could barely chew. Yeah. That''s the quality of seafood we get here.

 

[iheartscience]

It''s so good!

I asked my mom and she said she LOVES the roll at Neptune Oyster, which I think Bia already mentioned. I want one so bad now that I''m talking about them!

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Date: 3/24/2010 4:16:13 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
I was trying to remember the name of Giacomo's! I've heard it's fantastic!!


Bia, ANY TIME!!!

Giacomo's is my favorite place in the North End. We've gone several times and haven't had to stand in line for more than 20 - 30 minutes. I loove the North End, though if you want something more Seafood-y, you could always go to Union Oyster House, then walk over to the North End and get dessert from Mike's. (ETA: oops--didn't see the Neptune Oyster suggestions, I'll have to try that myself!)

Everybody else has given you lots of great suggestions. Another restaurant I would consider is Jacob Wirth's (if you like German food) near the theater district. I think they even have sing-alongs on Friday nights.

I'd also suggest stopping in the Berkshires on your way home. DH and I have traveled to Buffalo/Niagara Falls and Toronto several times (we were just in Toronto a couple of weeks ago). We are freaks who like driving through the night, but the Berkshires is a nice semi-mid point from Buffalo.

 

[Bia]

Date: 3/24/2010 10:51:06 PM
Author: thing2of2
It''s so good!

I asked my mom and she said she LOVES the roll at Neptune Oyster, which I think Bia already mentioned. I want one so bad now that I''m talking about them!

SOOOO GOOD!

Do the buttered lobster roll...amazing!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Date: 3/25/2010 10:07:40 AM
Author: Bia

Date: 3/24/2010 10:51:06 PM

Author: thing2of2

It''s so good!

I asked my mom and she said she LOVES the roll at Neptune Oyster, which I think Bia already mentioned. I want one so bad now that I''m talking about them!

SOOOO GOOD!


Do the buttered lobster roll...amazing!

YOU GUYS ARE KILLING ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Lunch!