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3 day weekend in Boston: What to do, where to stay, etc. (1 Viewer)

T

Tiger Fan

Footballguy
Search function and it's family are being a ####, so I'm starting my own thread. Here are the details, looking for any and all recommendations. Feel free to ask questions, I'll answer

  • We both have enough Hilton Points, and after a quick bit of research have Hilton Boston Downtown/Faneuil Hall as our target - we want to be as "central" as possible, close to transportation, etc.. Also heard Hilton Back Bay is good
  • Going in July, arriving late on a Thursday and leaving early on a Sunday.
  • Red Sox are in town, so we're going to hit that up on Saturday. Other than that, we're wide open.
  • Me, my wife and another couple
  • We like to eat, drink, go out, bands, comedy, etc - open to anything (sans orgy)
  • Somewhat of food snobs....but really interested in high quality local food
  • Not opposed to a little history/culture - but we both have 3 days away from the kids, so want to enjoy
  • Heard there are good beer tours/brewreys...would definitely be interested in that
:thanks: :popcorn:

 
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If you go for cannoli on Hanover in the north end... Don't listen to the folks suggesting Moderns... Go to Mike's.

... Or Go get one from each and A/B taste test them together to pick your favorite.

 
I have no idea if the Hilton Back Bay has upgraded, but it didn't have AC when I was there. The heat was on; and they could have one or the other, not both. Since you are going in July, that probably doesn't matter. But I'd still go with the Downtown location if you can get it. Following the red bunny trail of 1776 goodness should cover lots of stuff. The acquarium is great. Eat at Modern Pastry. The ricotta pie is amazing.

 
I guess the Freedom Trail goes without saying and it goes through the North End. Harvard yard, the Museum of Natural History and Glass Flowers. You don't need a car for 3 days, just walking, public transportation and Uber. All the walking will make you hungry & thirsty. For tradition and traditional food, the historic Union Oyster House - oysters and clam chowder. James Hook is good for lobster roll. My daughter said the Sam Adams tour is good.

 
Fenway is a must if the Sox are in town. Hit Boston beerworks beforehand for brews, then hang on yawkey for an hour or so at least before the game To soak in the spectacle. Grab a bite from el tiante if luis is out there hanging out.

 
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Find a place with a proper New England shore dinner.. Specifically lobster with steamers (steamed soft shell clams)... They are a New England version of the crawfish boil. Grab a bucket of a few pounds, open shell, de-skin neck, dip in wash, dip lightly in drawn butter (optional), and pop in mouth. Best enjoyed with pint of Sam adams or Mt Wachusetts. They are sweet.. Like seafood candy. Prob my favorite part about going back to visit...

You could do worse than legal, but for the money you could probably do better. Hell I'm not even sure they have soft shell steamers. Others may have recommendations as it's been several years since I've gotten steamers downtown, but I'll check with family for current suggestions.

 
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[icon] said:
Specifically lobster with steamers (steamed soft shell clams)... They are a New England version of the crawfish boil. Grab a bucket of a few pounds, open shell, de-skin neck, dip in wash, dip lightly in drawn butter (optional), and pop in mouth.
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Nonsense! Chewing on a little beach sand gives the full steamer experience. :) Plus, if the water isn't really hot, it will make the steamers cold.

 
Raider Nation said:
[icon] said:
Specifically lobster with steamers (steamed soft shell clams)... They are a New England version of the crawfish boil. Grab a bucket of a few pounds, open shell, de-skin neck, dip in wash, dip lightly in drawn butter (optional), and pop in mouth.
Click to expand...
Nonsense! Chewing on a little beach sand gives the full steamer experience. :) Plus, if the water isn't really hot, it will make the steamers cold.
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:lol: yeah definitely make sure the broth/wash is hot if you're gonna use it.

Little necks are okay... But give me a big ####### bucket of steamers any day. They're not cheap these days though.

Basically if you like seafood, you'll be in good shape.

Also a good fish & chips.... Gotta be cod (for me)... Douse the fries/chips in malt vinegar with a liberal dusting of salt. It's a dish that's spread out past New England but it was a staple for me growing up. Have found a couple places down here in Memphis that can at least not #### it up.

 
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Raider Nation said:
Franknbeans said:
eat in the North End if you like Italian
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Listen to this guy, TF. Walk around and then throw a dart. Can't go wrong.
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:goodposting:

We're planning on going to Boston for the third time next month. Last time we only checked out the North End on the last night and were bummed we didn't go sooner. So many options to eat. We also hung out in this cool little underground cigar bar, former speakeasy. Stanza dei Sigari. Great area.

 
Restaurants:

Island Creek Oyster Bar or Row 34 - Seafood

Toro - Tapas (can't make reservations)

Myers & Chang - Asian

Mamma Maria - Italian (Giacomo's is definitely good but almost always you have to wait in a long line)

There are finally some very cool places to go out in Boston at night. The Liberty Hotel is a good scene and their lounge is fun. The Emerald Lounge in the Revere Hotel is a good spot if you like the high end lounge/club feel.

In terms of comedy, there are a few different spots and obviously mostly depends on who is playing that night.

Pre-Fenway there are a ton of options beyond Icon's Boston Beer Works suggestion, I suspect he hasn't been to the city in over a decade.

 
The Sam Adams brewery is a little out of the way. I went and it's nothing to write home about. I don't think I'd put it on my list of to-do things. I haven't been to the other breweries in town.

I would suggest starting a walk from the beginning of Newbury Street, where it meets Mass Ave. It's a cool street for people watching. Lot's of good stores and restaurants. At the end of Newbury Street is the Public Gardens. A walk through the gardens brings you an old cemetery where a lot of historic figures are buried. A short walk from that is Faneuil Hall which is basically a tourist trap but very short and it leads the way to the North End. Between Faneuil Hall and the North End is the Rose Kennedy Greenway which is a great walk.

 
Eastern Standard before the Sox game, under the Commonwealth Hotel

Tia's on the Waterfront for happy hour on Friday afternoon, before a short walk to North End for dinner

 
[icon] said:
Find a place with a proper New England shore dinner.. Specifically lobster with steamers (steamed soft shell clams)... They are a New England version of the crawfish boil. Grab a bucket of a few pounds, open shell, de-skin neck, dip in wash, dip lightly in drawn butter (optional), and pop in mouth. Best enjoyed with pint of Sam adams or Mt Wachusetts. They are sweet.. Like seafood candy. Prob my favorite part about going back to visit...

You could do worse than legal, but for the money you could probably do better. Hell I'm not even sure they have soft shell steamers. Others may have recommendations as it's been several years since I've gotten steamers downtown, but I'll check with family for current suggestions.
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Thx. I know we definitely want to do something like this (in fact I should update the OP). Suggestions are definitely welcomed!

 
Baloney Sandwich said:
Pre-Fenway there are a ton of options beyond Icon's Boston Beer Works suggestion, I suspect he hasn't been to the city in over a decade.
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That's true... except I was back last year for a wedding... and was on the field at Fenway for BP pretty recently as well. Generally back home at least once a year.

Beerworks is far from the best beer in town, but it's the only brewpub within walking distance of fenway, to my knowledge anyway. It's worth stopping in for a round before Yawkey Way if you're trying to grab a local pint at the source. :shrug:

 
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[icon] said:
Harry Manback said:
[icon] said:
If you go for cannoli on Hanover in the north end... Don't listen to the folks suggesting Moderns... Go to Mike's.

... Or Go get one from each and A/B taste test them together to pick your favorite.
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Mike's is so overrated.
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:shrug: we tested Mike's vs Modern's cannoli and 6/6 preferred Mikes. Can't go wrong with either... that's why I suggested trying both. The women dig that sorta thing.
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I mean, cannoli's aren't really my favorite.

I like lobster tails and more of the fruit tart things. But it's also been awhile. They are all good places, but to me, the stress/aggravation of waiting in the line at Mike's (which is not a line so much as a mass of people trying to jump ahead of everyone else) isn't worth any added quality of the pastry.

 
Cunk said:
I was going to recommend this as well.
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Our bartender at our hotel recommended Bricco over Giacomo's....they took reservations and it was phenomenal.  Plus there was a great rooftop bar at Fiore across the street where we went for a few drinks before.

Went to Atlantic Fish Company the next night and that was excellent as well.

1st day we walked the freedom trail, stopping at a few pubs/restaurants along the way.  2nd day, Sox game.  Good little quick trip

 
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I'm surprising my partner in August for her 40th for a long weekend in Cape Cod. Plan was to fly to Boston late Thursday, catch the ferry over Friday morning then come back Sunday with a flight out Monday.

WTF is up with the hotel cost in Boston? Any recommendations?

 
beavers said:
I'm surprising my partner in August for her 40th for a long weekend in on Cape Cod. Plan was to fly to Boston late Thursday, catch the ferry over Friday morning then come back Sunday with a flight out Monday.

WTF is up with the hotel cost in Boston? Any recommendations?
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Where on the Cape?

 
Mr. Ected said:
Where on the Cape?
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Provincetown. I was trying to get a quaint bed and breakfast not too far from Commercial St, but with a two night stay, it was impossible so I resorted to the Foxberry Inn. The cost per night is cheaper there than in Boston!

 
beavers said:
Provincetown. I was trying to get a quaint bed and breakfast not too far from Commercial St, but with a two night stay, it was impossible so I resorted to the Foxberry Inn. The cost per night is cheaper there than in Boston!
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My brother and his partner go to Provincetown all the time. They have a wonderful time and they love the nightlife.

We grew up just south of Boston, and my brother now lives in NYC, and he has lots of friends there.

I don't know much about places to stay, I think my brother usually stays with friends. When you get closer to going, buzz me and I will ask for recommendations of places to go to eat and such.

 
Mr. Ected said:
My brother and his partner go to Provincetown all the time. They have a wonderful time and they love the nightlife.

We grew up just south of Boston, and my brother now lives in NYC, and he has lots of friends there.

I don't know much about places to stay, I think my brother usually stays with friends. When you get closer to going, buzz me and I will ask for recommendations of places to go to eat and such.
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Perfect, thanks! I'm super stoked!

 
beavers said:
I'm surprising my partner in August for her 40th for a long weekend in Cape Cod. Plan was to fly to Boston late Thursday, catch the ferry over Friday morning then come back Sunday with a flight out Monday.

WTF is up with the hotel cost in Boston? Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
You should be able to get a decent price at the Westin near Southie, when you call say that you work for Bank of America and get their corporate rate.

 
beavers said:
I'm surprising my partner in August for her 40th for a long weekend in Cape Cod. Plan was to fly to Boston late Thursday, catch the ferry over Friday morning then come back Sunday with a flight out Monday.

WTF is up with the hotel cost in Boston? Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
I checked Trivago and found a studio in Bricco Suites (attached to the Italian restaurant mentioned by Tiger Fan) for $167/night.  The studio size is effectively a small hotel room.  Super clean and well appointed with the most friendly and attentive concierge I have seen at any price. It's in the heart of North End right on the Freedom Trail.  About to head to Modern (sorry [icon] an overwhelming majority of locals questioned said Modern>>>>>Mike's) which is on the same block as Bricco for some pastries and have dinner reservations at Lucca, right across the street.

 
Chaka said:
I checked Trivago and found a studio in Bricco Suites (attached to the Italian restaurant mentioned by Tiger Fan) for $167/night.  The studio size is effectively a small hotel room.  Super clean and well appointed with the most friendly and attentive concierge I have seen at any price. It's in the heart of North End right on the Freedom Trail.  About to head to Modern (sorry [icon] an overwhelming majority of locals questioned said Modern>>>>>Mike's) which is on the same block as Bricco for some pastries and have dinner reservations at Lucca, right across the street.
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Wow, great find! Thanks, I'll check this out!

 
Back in Boston for the same conference we went to last year.  Staying through Monday again because we loved it so much last time around.

Raider Nation said:
http://giacomosblog-boston.blogspot.com/2007/04/menu-for-giacomos-northend-restaurant.html
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So we tried this last year based on the recos in here and, frankly, were kinda disappointed.  Maybe our expectations were too high (and we weren't).  Not terrible but not great Italian food and the line was kind of ridiculous. It seems like an institution so it may be worth it for some because of that but I think one can easily do better in the North End.

 
SoBeDad said:
James Hook is good for lobster roll. 
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I'm such a California dork that right up until I got to the counter at James Hook I thought that a lobster roll was some kind of sushi roll.  Now it is perhaps my all time favorite sandwich. It is difficult to get a bad lobster roll in Boston but I think James Hook was our favorite (and the clams casino were excellent too).

[icon] said:
Find a place with a proper New England shore dinner.. Specifically lobster with steamers (steamed soft shell clams)... They are a New England version of the crawfish boil. Grab a bucket of a few pounds, open shell, de-skin neck, dip in wash, dip lightly in drawn butter (optional), and pop in mouth. Best enjoyed with pint of Sam adams or Mt Wachusetts. They are sweet.. Like seafood candy. Prob my favorite part about going back to visit...

You could do worse than legal, but for the money you could probably do better. Hell I'm not even sure they have soft shell steamers. Others may have recommendations as it's been several years since I've gotten steamers downtown, but I'll check with family for current suggestions.
Click to expand...
Any suggestions for where to get a proper New England shore dinner?

Cunk said:
I would suggest starting a walk from the beginning of Newbury Street, where it meets Mass Ave. It's a cool street for people watching. Lot's of good stores and restaurants. At the end of Newbury Street is the Public Gardens. A walk through the gardens brings you an old cemetery where a lot of historic figures are buried. A short walk from that is Faneuil Hall which is basically a tourist trap but very short and it leads the way to the North End. Between Faneuil Hall and the North End is the Rose Kennedy Greenway which is a great walk.
Click to expand...
Did this last year and it was great.  Looking forward to walking it again tomorrow.  Boston is such a great walking city.

Harry Manback said:
I personally like Bova's for pastries.
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Last year was our first time in Boston so we did Mikes and Moderns (we preferred Modern but, whatever you can't go wrong).  However we walked past Bova's a few times and I kept wanting to try one but since we were newbs we passed.  Definitely going to be our first stop tomorrow.

Tiger Fan said:
Our bartender at our hotel recommended Bricco over Giacomo's....they took reservations and it was phenomenal.  Plus there was a great rooftop bar at Fiore across the street where we went for a few drinks before.
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We stayed at Bricco last year and are doing so again this year.  We only had appetizers and drinks at the bar but it was excellent.  Definitely having dinner there this time around.

 
Chaka said:
I checked Trivago and found a studio in Bricco Suites (attached to the Italian restaurant mentioned by Tiger Fan) for $167/night.  The studio size is effectively a small hotel room.  Super clean and well appointed with the most friendly and attentive concierge I have seen at any price. It's in the heart of North End right on the Freedom Trail.  About to head to Modern (sorry [icon] an overwhelming majority of locals questioned said Modern>>>>>Mike's) which is on the same block as Bricco for some pastries and have dinner reservations at Lucca, right across the street.
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Found almost the same deal at Bricco this go around.  A week earlier the same room was $250 but we booked less than a week out and the deal was great.

And Lucca, which is definitely kind of spendy, was the best Italian meal we had last year.  Not going back this time because we want to try new places but I highly recommend it for a nice night out with the SO.

 
Mrs. Rannous said:
Try Trattoria Il Panino.  (That's the place on Parmenter, not the diner-type place on Hannover.)

For dessert, you'll be wanting Modern Pastry just across Hannover from there.  The ricotta cheesecake is amazing.
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Thanks. It's a stone's throw from our hotel. We will check it out (the two locations look to be virtually next door to each other).

Been to Modern and will go back but gotta try Bova's first.

 
So we love, love, love Regina's Pizza and are going again today. Got a recco for Penguin Pizza but that was based on their beer selection. 

Any other favs for pizza?

 
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