tuscanlifeedit

I've been thinking about visiting Boston where I've never been.

At the end of March/beginning of April, there is a Boston Ballet program that I find interesting.

Here are my questions for now: is this company (Boston Ballet) worth traveling to see perform, if one usually travels to see top dance companies? (I can see less than the best in my home city).

And is Boston generally experiencing winter or spring at that time of year?

Thanks.

nytraveler

That time of year in Boston/New England is late winter and early mud. You may have some early spring days but do not count on warm.

Sorry - can't comment on that company.

Inakauaidavidababy

I posted a detailed response that disappeared. Waiting to see if mods can/will restore it before I start from scratch.

Inakauaidavidababy

I'll try again.

Boston Ballet is a world class ballet company that has in their histories past worked with the best of the best. It's a great company with fantastic principles. They don't tour often, but have been welcomed in many European cities.

I'm not familiar with the program Wings of Wax, but I do know the original choreographer, Jiri Kylian is under contract on this and has worked closely with the company in the past. The company over the years have contracted many of the big names to guest with them.

So yes, I think it may be a production worth travelling to.

Here is a marketing video for next season that may be of interest.

https://vimeo.com/157668337

The Opera House is a gem. It was rescued and carefully restored after being dark and in condemned conditions for many years. A historied building with a renowned architect and cloistered, Senator JFK's office from back in the day.

As I'm not familiar with the program, perhaps you will also be treated to a world class orchestra. Sometimes contemporary pieces do not require a live orchestra.

As far as the weather, we years ago had the April Fools Day blizzard that dumped over a foot of snow. Other years have been balmy almost tshirt weather. There's just no way to know until the week before, as weather is better predicted these days in that timeline for packing.

Go for it. Leave your email address and I could help you more.

cw

As already said, the weather can be anywhere from the 40s to the high 60s as a rule. The trees will still be bare, but the days will be longer and the sun brighter than in the winter.

If you haven't yet been to Boston and want to see the performance, I'd say definitely come.

Hotels quite close (walking distance) to the Opera House are the Omni Parker House, the Nine Zero, and the new Godfrey. It is conveniently near the Park St. T station so is accessible to most places where you might stay.

gail

Weather is Boston March/April is not usually what most people think of as spring. It can snow. It can be rainy and raw. There are usually not a lot of spring flowers blooming. Or you could get lucky and have some milder days - but that means 40s/50s - not warm spring.

If you want to visit Boston and are informed about the weather, not a bad time to visit. Hotel rates are a bit lower - although never low.

As far as Boston Ballet and "I can see less than the best at home" - I wold not consider it one of the best. It is good, but not one of the country's greatest ballets. But you would likely see a quality performance and I am guessing enjoy yourself. Some of my best trips are to see 1 specific things and I end up enjoying everything else at least as much. Try to figure out a way to afford to stay right in heart of Boston - at that time of the year strolling long distances might be uncomfortable.

tuscanlifeedit

These are great responses; thank you all so much.

I should have known what to expect weather-wise, but your comments help.

I like the advice to stay in the heart of Boston.

A question on that: if there was decent weather, would it be reasonable to rent a car for a day or so to see historic sites outside the central city?

I will check for art shows this year in Boston. Perhaps there may be something that calls to me.

My email is elvis mom twothousandtwo (numbers) at yahoo dot com.

We usually travel to NYC in February or early March for ballet and cheaper hotel prices; I was thinking about switching that up and trying Boston.

If I could, would it be better to hold off Boston until spring or fall? I'm guessing that there are plenty of attractions aside from a performance...

NewbE

Even if there aren't specific art exhibits that speak to you, the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum is a gem, and the MFA, which is virtually next door, could keep you occupied for hours.

Outside of Boston proper, I really, really enjoyed the Louisa May Alcott home. I'm a big Little Women fan, but I think anyone with a passing interest in her would find the museum moving. We also took a peek at Walden Pond, and the Ralph Waldo Emerson home, which we didn't have time for, is also nearby.

cw

Spring and Fall are popular times in Boston. Avoid coming mid-April when the Boston Marathon is held and work around dates in May because of all the college graduations in the area.

October has foliage tourists, college football games, parents' weekends, conventions, and the Head of the Charles Regatta (usually the 3d weekend in October). Hotel rates are higher because of demand.

Concord and Lexington are good spots for a day trip but make sure some of the sites are open when you come. Salem is also worth a trip, especially to the Peabody Essex Museum, but you can get there easily by train from Boston. The Adams National Historical Park opens in mid-April and can easily be reached by subway.

In addition to the Gardner and the MFA, the JFK Library and Museum is worth a visit, both for its stunning location and its exhibits.

If you are remotely interested in sports, take a tour of Fenway Park. It really is fun. And definitely visit the sites on the Freedom Trail.

NewbE

SO loved both the JFK Library and the Fenway tour--found both really memorable.