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Places to go and things to do in Boston!

Jul. 8, 2008

Hi again!

How about a list of activities and things to do around Beantown? Ask and you shall receive!

Newbury St is great for shopping and strolling, of course, but did you know there are many art galleries you can visit? Newbury-st.com is the place to go to search for restaurants, shopping, art and nightlife on what is perhaps Boston's most famous street.

A trip to Fanueil Hall marketplace may tickle your fancy. You can pick up some souvenirs, take your photo with Red Auerbach (you'll see what I mean) or just window shop!

Want to go to a museum?  We've got plenty!  From the Museum of Science to the Museum of Fine Art, there is sure to be something oof interest. Boston-online.com  offers a list of local museums and their websites.

How about a trip to the New England Aquarium? You can visit shark, ray, seal and penguin exhibits!

Take a trip to the Boston Public garden and ride the swanboats!

The City of Boston site has a visitors area with loads of information!

Below is a list of activities with websites and phone numbers (in case you want to print a copy to take with you!)

Enjoy your stay in Boston and let me know if you have any questions.

 

List of activities with web address and phone numbers
Swan Boats www.Swanboats.com 617.522.1966
Boston Harbor Cruises www.bostonharborcruises.com 617.227.4321
Duck Tours www.Bostonducktours.com 617.267.DUCK
Visit the USS Constitution www.ussconstitution.navy.mil 617.242.5601
Walk the Freedom Trail www.thefreedomtrail.org 617.357.8300
Boston University Observatory (wed eves, weather permitting) http://www.bu.edu/astronomy/opennight.html 617.353.2630
John F Kennedy National Historical Site www.nps.gov/jofi 617.566.7937
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreational Area www.nps.gov/boha 617.223.8666
The Museum of Fine Arts www.mfa.org 617.267.9300
The Museum of Science www.mos.org 617.723-2500

Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum

www.gardnermuseum.org 617.566.1401
The JFK Library Museum www.jfklibrary.org 617.929.1200
The New England Aquarium www.neaq.org 617.973.5200
Newbury St activities www.newbury-st.com  
Faneuil Hall Marketplace www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com  
The Children's Museum www.bostonkids.org 617.426.8855
The Museum of Afro American History www.afroammuseum.org 617.725.0022
Boston Public Library www.bpl.org 617.536.5400
     
City of Boston Visitors Area www.cityofboston.gov/visitors 888 SEE Boston

 

 

 

 

 

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Where do you go to have fun in this town?

Jul. 7, 2008

 Friend of Pathway Home Realty Group and Boston resident, Alyse Mariani, was kind enough to contibute this post. Alyse will tell you the hottest places to be seen around the city!

Be sure to visit MBTA.COM, Boston's public transportation system for information about the trains and buses. You'll find routes and schedules here as well.

Enjoy!

 

Welcome to Boston! It doesn't come as much of a surprise to me that the Women's Council of Realtors selected the prettiest time of year to hold their conference in Beantown.  Living here for the past 8 years has made me well aware that although fun can be found in the winter, it's the summer that keeps me sticking around. I am excited to have the chance to give some tids and tads about where to find fun in Boston. I have limited historical knowledge, but that kind of  information is readily found in any guide book.  What I know is where to go if I want to watch the sunset over water, or what days to visit the Museum for a discount and where to park to avoid tickets.  I hope that my tips are helpful, and if you would like more information, I am happy to respond to emails. I can be reached at alyse.mariani@gmail.com.


Where to get Happy Hour Cocktails: TIAS
One Word Summary: A Boston Summer Standard
Location: WATERFRONT
Contact:
http://www.tiaswaterfront.com/
True, after about 10:00pm, most of the patrons of Tias are two sheets to the wind. As a popular after-work drinking spot, with great waterviews and outdoor patio, it's known as a come and leave early watering hole. Considered amongst my girlfriends as a great place to pick up a date, you might choose to dedicate an evening beyond 10pm to Boston's active dating scene. They do have a restaurant, and although I have eaten there I can't remember much about it (enough of a statement in and of itself).  Its close proximity to the Marriott Long Wharf and refreshing cocktail list make it aneasy choice for this blog.  My suggestion would be, meet the ladies here for a drink, enjoy the sunset over the harbor, then head to the North End for dinner.



Where to Eat: Monicas
One Word Summary: Authentic North End Italian
Location: NORTH END
Contact:
www.monicasonline.com
A little background on the neighborhood:  A short walk from the Waterfront, the North End is a historically rich Boston neighborhood. Because of the close proximity to the the docks and waterways, the North End has been home to many different immigrant populations through the years.  However, since the early 1900's it has been known as the  "Little Italy" of Boston.  At its height in the 1930's the North End had nearly 44,000 Italian-American occupants and was more densely populated than Calcutta.  Today, the population is closer to 11,000 and of that only 41% are Italian-Americans. Despite the change over the years, the heritage of the North End can be found in most American pantries.  Prince Pasta and the Paestene Corporation of Italian food products both had their start in this neighborhood.

For more information:
www.northendboston.com

What I have to say about it:
  Really, all of the North End, like many Italian locales, is dedicated to the pleasures of eating and drinking.  The one thing to watch out for is the tourist trap restaurants that offer "EPCOT-Style" interiors and less than desirable cuisine.  Located just off Hanover Street, Monica's is a place locals and 'in the know' visitors will find the seasonal menu of homemade pastas, fresh seafood and meats.  Reservations are recommended for weekend dining and large groups.  If you opt to not order desert, grab a cannoli  and espresso at "Mikes Pastry's" instead. This is one place that being elbow to elbow with other out of towner's is worth it.


For a Night on the Town:  Beehive
One Word Summary: Bohemian Hotspot
Location: South End
Contact:
www.beehiveboston.com

What I have to say about it:
Live Jazz music, eclectic decor and exciting menu options have made the Beehive Boston's latest hotspot. Modeled after a Bohemian Parisian Cafe where the performing artist would supply the dinner to the audience members, the menu is a mish mosh of world flavors and cooking styles.  The interior design itself if something to see, a mix between your Great Aunt's Attic and an artists studio, even if you don't like it, I am confident that you will appreciate it.  Weekends usually mean there is a line to get into the downstairs bar after 10pm.  The bar upstairs is nice, but is the holding pen for the large bar and stage downstairs. The best way to avoid this is to a) make a reservation for dinner, and request a table in front of the stage, order appetizers and then roll in with the crowd downstairs or b) get there early and scoot downstairs before the crowd.  Also...don't be alarmed if your wine is served in a vessel you may not be expecting...it's not a mistake, just part of the charm.


Where to go for a Cultural Excursion: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
One Word Summary: The Original Women of Influence in Boston
Location: Fenway
Contact:
www.gardnermuseum.org

What I have to say about it: This is by far my favorite museum, not only in Boston, but in the world. Isabella Stewart Gardner was a patron of the arts, active Red Sox and Harvard Football fan and a woman well beyond her time.  Residing in Boston at the turn of the century, she constructed a Venetian Style Palazzo in Boston's marsh fens and filled it with carefully selected art pieces.  Don't look for placards, because you won't find them, the experience is about the whole of the experience not about specific works. As willed by Mrs. Gardner, the permanent collection has remained untouched since her death in 1924.  If you decide to visit this museum, it's a good idea to either buy the guide book or read about it online in advance, it will create a much more enriching visit.  The best way to complete your time, is to sit in the cafe's outdoor gardens and enjoy lunch. 

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