First time to Boston - will this work?

I am so jealous! I LOVE Boston and Rockport! (I stayed at the best b&b in Rockport ... but yours looks LOVELY! I took some great pics at Front Beach) Have you heard about the lobster shack on Bearskin Neck? EAT THERE! (Sit on crates out back or take it to go and eat on the beach)

You do have A LOT planned and I am not sure if you will be able to do it all - but you can try I guess. Can I just make a few more suggestions for Boston?

The aquarium is really (REALLY) nice! It is one of my favorites! Also, you HAVE TO take a ride on a Swan Boat!
Definitely (and I MEAN IT!) go to Maria's Bakery in the North End. I get their biscotti (chocolate dipped) mailed to me (that is how much I LOVE them) They have the BEST cannoli you will ever eat (at least in the U.S.) and their tiramisu is to die for! (they have a website!
Also, if you want to eat a sandwich that you will dream about for the rest of your life, you have to go to Chacarero and get the combo sandwich (www.chacarero.com)

Blue Man Group is AWESOME! I saw them 2x on different trips to Boston.

Faneuil Hall is ok. I guess you need to see it at least. - But it isn't great. It won't take you long to wander through. You won't want to spend much time there. Spend more time around Harvard Square - or better yet, the MIT museum.

Yes, there is A LOT to do!! You may need to plan a second trip! (I have been there 4 times!)

bookmark

The Paul Revere House is in Boston's North End. I second the suggestion to visit Maria's which, if I recall correctly, is at the beginning of the North End within walking distance of Fanueil Hall. If your timing is right, you could get an Italian sandwich lunch, maybe take-out, in the North End. We took the Culinary Tour of Boston's North End a couple of years ago. Some of the little shops have great take-out food.

It sounds like you are driving back to Michigan. Your return date is great timing for the lupine festival in NH's White Mountains. If you went to Portland ME which I think is different from the Rockport area you could head to the mountains (about an hour to the Conway area from Portland). There are also areas in Maine which have fields of these beautiful wildflowers but I think they are much further north than Portland (remember lots in the Searsport area). You could go from Rockport to Portland for lunch then overnight in the White Mountains. There's a lot blooming around Polly's Pancake Parlor.
The Peabody Essex Museum has a pretty good cafeteria. We liked lunch there. Also liked the Indian restaurant but had a friend who helped us make menu selections. A quick lunch with local flavor could also be had at Red's in Salem. I think we walked from the parking area at the wharf. It's very crowded but quick service. Good food, lots of menu choices (but no mac and lobster).

I noticed that on Day 3 you have Harvard, MIT, and the Kennedy Library. Since the Kennedy Library is in Dorchester, on the southern side of Boston, I'd recommend that you start there, so you don't get involved with rush-hour traffic, which starts about 3:00. Charlie's Sandiwch Shoppe, in the South End, isn't near anything else you've planned but is near Copley Square so you might go there on Day 2 instead.

I'm concerned because you seem to assume that you can easily find parking near everything you've planned, which is not the case especially in Cambridge, Beacon Hill, and the North End.

People often use the term "Faneuil Hall" to refer to the entire complex that includes Quincy Marketplace which has dozens of places to eat, of varying themes and quality. And the Omni is still referred to by locals as the Parker House.

Your DH may have some trouble with Plimouth Plantation - there are some hills and while not hugely spread out, it is more than the walking tolerance you mentioned in an earlier post.

Day 2 lunch - I would leave this open and wherever you happen to be on the hop on/hop off tour grab something. Qyuincy Market area is fine for routine lunch - if it is nice you can sit outside and people watch - just to minimize distances walked.

Although I like Portland, ME it may not be worth the detour. Picturesque harbor, a nice ride to see some lighthouses and lots of fun and quirky little shops down a couple of long alleyways - not exactly walker friendly either. Although others have differed, there is an art museum that was so bad it was funny, although I have heard there are some newer exhibits.

This is exactly what I was looking for - great feedback. Thanks! I am thinking that maybe we should skip Plimouth Plantation and have another day in Boston. I really wanted to go to the aquarium and that will leave more time for wandering around, shopping, etc.

I thought Charlies was near Cambridge....but maybe I'm thinking of Mikes City Diner - is that near Cambridge?

Maria's Bakery sounds great. And we love to people watch.

Yes, skip Plimouth Plantation for an extra day in Boston but I'd go to the MFA or the ICA rather than the aquarium unless you're particularly fond of fish.
Bear in mind the aquarium is a long inclined winding walk around a central cylindrical tank so if you husband finds it easier to walk downhill take the elevator to the top and walk down ... or vice versa

I'll only comment on Days 2 and 3. I assume you plan to use public transport on Days 1, 2 and 3, right???

Day 2
Take Beantown Trolley Tour. We want to visit Faneuil Hall, the USS Constitution, Paul Revere House, Old North Church and can hop on and off.
Question: What to do for lunch? I've read that the food at Faneuil Hall isn't that great. I also love old buildings and think the Omni Hotel looks neat. I was thinking perhaps the Last Hurrah would be good for lunch? Looks like they have good sandwiches and appetizers.
Dinner at Atlantic Fish Co. and maybe some shopping in the area - I think this is near Copley Square where there's good shopping?

I always recommend Neptune Oyster in the North End. Their lobster roll (not cheap) is rated as the best in Boston. That can be your lunch stop.
http://www.neptuneoyster.com/

For shopping, it depends on what you're looking for. It may be more fun to stroll down Newbury Street for shopping/window-shopping.
http://www.newbury-st.com/

However, stores close around 6 or 7pm; while the 2 malls (Copley Place and Prudential Center) open until 8pm I think. (double check). So you definitely need to do shopping before dinner.

Day 3
Breakfast at Charlies Sandwich Shoppe because we enjoy diners. Shop at Harvard Square. Maybe go to the MIT Museum. Head over to JFK Library. End with an early dinner at Myers + Chang (we love asian food). Or should we head to Chinatown?

Again, I assume you plan to use public transport to get to all these places today?

I don't know what your interests are, but choosing MIT Museum is an odd choice. Harvard has several museums as well. Their Art museum is currently under renovation, but the "best of the bunch" are still on view. There's also the Havard Museum of Naturual History.

I wouldn't bother going to Myers + Chang. Reviews of M+C has been plus and minus. Also, it's in the South End which is really out of the way (and a pain to get to by public transit). If you really like Asian food, I'd go to the authentic places in Chinatown - for much better food and much less money. Some places I recommend in Chinatown are:

Gourmet Dumpling House or Taiwan Cafe for Taiwanese food
Peach Farm for Cantonese
Xinh Xinh for Vietnamese
Penang for Malaysian
Montien for Thai
If you feel adventurous, you can try one of the 2 shabu-shabu places in Chinatown. Shabu Zen or Kaze Shabu Shabu.

Mike's City Diner is not near Cambridge, it's in the South End, which is a great neighborhood to spend an afternoon in and have lunch or dinner. I also wouldn't bother with Myers + Chang.

Locals, no opinions regarding the cannolis at Maria's vs. Mike's vs. Modern? C'mon!!!

Hi sf7307 - If you (or Fodors) send me a check, I'll gladly volunteer and go do a taste test and come back here to post a full report (at the risk of increasing my waistline)!

Harvard Square has wonderful restaurants, www.harvardsquare.com. My favorite is Upstairs on the Square.
Also when you're at Harvard Square, you're just a few minutes walk across the historic campus from the extraordinary Harvard museums-- dinosaurs and the Glass Flowers at the Harvard Museum of Natural History, exploring cultures of six continents at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology, or the Harvard Art Museum at the Sackler, with Picasso --so much to see. More info here: http://www.harvard.edu/museums/index.php

yk, send me your address!

<Day 2
Take Beantown Trolley Tour. We want to visit Faneuil Hall, the USS Constitution, Paul Revere House, Old North Church and can hop on and off.>

May I suggest that you take the Old Town Trolley Tour (orange and green trolleys) instead of the Beantown? Every time I've taken visitors on a trolley tour other than Old Town I've always regretted it. The Old Town Trolley has the largest number of trolleys so you don't have to wait very long for the next one to come along. I've also thought the driver/guides were better on Old Town.

I like yk's list of alternative restaurants instead of Myers + Chang.

I just called your hotel, because I was curious. For transportation you can either take the green line at Riverside, which we both agree is about a 45 minute ride, or you can take a cab. Neither of us agreed when I mentioned the website stating that they were a 10 minute trip to Boston. Some marketing genious likely did a miracle trip to the closest city limit.

So on the day to visit Harvard, you will likely travel 40 minutes to the red line and then 10 minutes to Harvard Square, not accounting for time waiting for a train. The same would be for Kennedy Library. Green line to red line in the opposite direction.

Given time travel, your husbands recovery, and the cost of commuting, you may be better off biting a higher tarriff to stay in Boston. That way you are nearby your hotel for an afternoon rest before dinner, etc. The train in from Riverside has many many stops, and the hotel thought they have no express lines.

Your plan asks too much for a healing knee.

Rockport is a fantastic area.

Giaccomos in the Northend has become a bit of a tourist trap, with long lines and unpredictable quality. However we are regulars at the southend restaurant which is spot on and a much calmer, neighborhood environment.

Please, Indigo looks like a great place to stay, but it really isn't convenient when one begins one of the most walkable cities in the country with a handicap.

best
g

Riverside into Boston is definitely 45 minutes. This could be greatly increased if the Red Sox have a home game that night. There are no Express trains.

Also we are regulars at Franklin Boston and love the Gloucester sister restaurant. Great choice.

Are you renting a car for all or part of your trip?

I just checked the Sox schedule. They are playing the Yankees the 7th thru 10th. The subway will be insane as those games are sellouts and will be quite rowdy. These trains are shoulder to shoulder before and after the game. Restaurants / bars near Fenway will also be packed.

I live near Riverside Station and therefore very familiar with the location of Hotel Indigo and riding the Green Line D into town.

1) The pro of the hotel is FREE PARKING.
2) There are 2 options to get into town via public transit:

a) Green Line D train - it is about 35 minutes to Kenmore, 40-45 minutes to Park Street station

b) EXPRESS BUSES.

Express Bus 500 runs 7 times a day (M-F). It goes on Mass Pike and you can be in town within 33 minutes. It makes 2 stops in town:
Stop 1 is Lincoln & Beach - in between Chinatown and South Station, handy for the REd Line
Stop 2 is Federal & Lincoln - handy for Old State House and picking up Freedom Trail
http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/bus/routes/?route=500

Express Bus 555 runs in the evening only and takes 34 minutes. It has 2 stops in town.
Stop 1 is Federal & Lincoln (see above)
Stop 2 is St James and Dartmouth @ Copley. This will be handy for you to get home on Day 2 after dinner at Atlantic Fish.
http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/bus/routes/?route=555

Express Bus 558 runs slightly more frequently than 500 and 555. However, it loops through Waltham before going on Mass Pike so it takes longer @ 45 minutes.

It also has 2 stops in town, exactly the same as 500.
http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/bus/routes/?route=558

I just think that you should try to stay in town. I did a quick search on Kayak.com for your dates. The Collonade has a rate of 167, has a roof top pool and close to everything. I never looked further, but think you should really reconsider your lodging.

I would not bother, but you husband is healing, and a healing like his should be paid due attention. A rest period if needed should not be an hour commute away, only to try to take the commute back for dinner.

If you want to have a slower time, exclude the USS Const., all the other places are near eachother.

After Sunday evening dinner, try a North End Cafe, Vitoria or Paradiso, for coffee/dessert.

Another consideration, replace JFK library, which will be time consuming to get to, instead shop and eat on Charles Street on Beacon Hill, maybe the prettiest street in Boston.

I think the OP will have their own car and intends to drive into Boston and park (with disabled permit?)...

Have you thought about a B&B while in Boston?

I always stay at the Morrison House (I LOVE Ron and Linde!!) They are technically in Somerville, but you are right by the T (red line) and so close to everything

Also, for food I wanted to give you this website:
http://www.phantomgourmet.com/

I also want to double check on something ... you did mean Rockport, Ma right? (I am sure I saw your b&b was by Front Beach) - There are other Rockports on the east and reading some replies I think there was some confusion.

Wow....I have a lot of planning/replanning to do. I will take the hotel downtown into consideration. I didn't realize that we were that far away. It would be nice to be near the room for resting or napping before dinner. The hotel website was very misleading! We will have a car and free parking is nice. Please bear with me - would driving into Boston, parking and then using the T to get around the downtown areas be insane?

I am sure I will have more questions but you all have been so wonderful.

The Red Wings are about to finish their series against the Ducks - have to go for now. Thanks again!

The $ you saved from the free hotel parking, *may* be enough for parking in the city every day.

Ahhh....good point yk!!! How is South Boston? There is a Marriott Courtyard there, with free parking even. I called the hotel and they said that the T stop is only a few blocks away - should be doable with DH. The reviews looked ok - it does look like the hotel is kinda in the middle of nowhere, but we would have a car for locations close to the hotel. I'm trying not to spend a ton of money on the hotel so we have more to spend on all of the wonderful meals we plan on having! Any thoughts on this hotel?

I was curious so I just checked Hotwire -- there is a 3.5* Boston Common area hotel for $92 a night for June 7-10, and a 4.5* Quincy Market area hotel for $133 a night (as well as others). Have you used Hotwire, or are you willing to try it? It's usually fairly easy to narrow down what hotel it will be. Anyway, how bad can a 4.5* hotel be???

I have not used Hotwire. To be honest, it scares me a little. How do you narrow down what hotel it will be?

Can anyone tell me anything about the Holiday Inn Express in Cambridge? I found a decent rate there as well. Would that be a better location than South Boston?

I've stayed at the Marriott Courtyard south Boston but only to park and fly and I noticed they're now charging per person for the airport shuttle so not such a good deal for me anymore!

It's not convenient for downtown Boston... better than your other hotel but not great. Taking the T does involve a fair amount of walking including plenty of steps so don't imagine just getting to the T-stop will be the bulk of actual walking.

Hotwire sounds like your best bet. I very rarely use that site but I narrow down the hotel by comparing the details of the amenities with the hotel websites (only 4 star hotel in area x with a pool would be Z for example) but others might be able to give you better strategies to do this.
Maybe the better bidding site helps negotiate hotwire site?

Yes, the HI express is in a better location. Check these reviews on Tripadvisor..
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60890-d94234-Reviews-Holiday_Inn_Express_Boston_Cambridge-Cambridge_Massachusetts.html

It's close to Lechmere T and it that proves too difficult for your DH then you could try driving into Boston and parking another day.

It's very close to the Science museum too which wasn't on your itinerary but is worth a visit. Great views over the Charles river from inside the museum too.

The HI Express Cambridge location is fine.

Another possibility is the HI Express Boston Downtown (next to North Station). I think it's pretty new.
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/bosfs?rpb=hotel&crUrl=/h/d/ex/1/en/availsearch&ias=y

To narrow down the possibilities on Hotwire, you compare the listed amenities with the lists provided on betterbidding.com. Also, many, if not most, of the hotels on Hotwire also tell you the TripAdvisor rating and number of reviews the hotel has gotten, so you can match those up.

For example, betterbidding shows that there are three 4* hotels in Back Bay-Copley Square - the Westin Copley Place, the Colonnade and the Lenox. It lists the amenities for each. Matching those up with what's available on Hotwire, the hotel shows on Hotwire as having a spa, so it's not the Colonnade. It could be either the Lenox or the Westin. Hotwire says the TripAdvisor rating is 4.0 and it has 240+ reviews. The Westin is a 4.0 with 258 reviews, while the Lenox is 4.5* on TripAdvisor, so it's very likely the Westin.

Obviously, it's not for everyone, but we have used Hotwire very successfully over the years, even before there were resources like betterbidding.

Hope that helps.

I think, for the OP, the HI Express Cambridge option may be the best. based on the website, the HI Express Cambridge offers:

1) complimentary parking
2) complimentary breakfast

Therefore, if the rates there are comparable to the Hotwire rates, the HI Express Cambridge definitely has the edge. One can easily be paying $40/night parking at any of the 4* Back Bay hotels, plus at least $10/day for take-out breakfast from Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks.

Of course, the HI Express is more like a 2.5* hotel. but it sounds like the Cambridge one has been renovated not too long ago, so unless the OP is looking for 4* luxury, the HI Express should be just fine.

I didn't see a great price for HI ExCamb....what rates are you seeing?

Where are you driving from? I would suggest parking at 128Westwood Amtrack stop, just off Route 95 for $12 a day. Taking the commuter rail in and going for either 3.5 or 4 star in Copley area on Hotwire/Priceline. At this point your car is parked, your husband has only walked from the car to the train, and the train to any of the wonderful hotels in copley from BackBay station. He's good to go for whatever adventures you have in store, and a short trip back to the hotel for a rest.

http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/stations/?stopId=178

oh and if you take my advice, and I am thrilled that you took it in regards to Riverside....I love the Paramount on Charles Street for breakfast. A nice morning stroll down Comm Ave, thru the Public Gardens and down a couple of blocks of Charles Street. Sounds better than the same distant to the train station in cambridge.

I did book the room at the HI Express (I can cancel if needed). I am a little concerned with Hotwire/Priceline because I want a hotel close to the T. But I will check out better bidding. I so appreciate all of your help. I really had no idea how bad of a choice the Hotel Indigo would be - especiall with the Sox/Yankees games!

We were in Boston for a conference last year and loved it!

We stayed in a B&B within 10 min walk of Copley and loved it. It was cheaper than hotels, had a mini kitchen, we got personal attention, and because it was in a building with apartments we could easily pretend we lived there.

If you look up my post on chow.com (search either by my screenname or by the title--something like 'making a break' or hinterlands) you will see several restaurant suggestions for the area around Faneuil Hall and a few for Cambridge as well. Our trip report is called "Country mice in the city" and mentions the chocolate shop we loved at Harvard Square (also suggested in the first post). It's a good brunch spot.

Whalewatch tours leave from right next to the New England Aquarium in Boston, so if you happen to decide you are up for more that day (we saw a bunch of whales, but the trips out to and back from where the whales are take 30-60 min, during which we just hung out), you can stay on the same theme. There are also combo tickets, but then you would have to know in advance that you were going to do the aquarium.

Have a great time!

In all honesty, anything you book in the two areas suggested would likely be much closer to a tstop than the 5 minute walk - cambridge choice. And they are likely to be closer to your original accomadations.

Either way, you are headed in a much better direction to serve your needs. So glad it is all working out.

Bookmarking for future reference

I am a Boston girl born and bred. It sounds like you are going to see a lot of great stuff while you are here! I think you will love the city. And I agree that you might prefer to stay right in the city if you can. The T (subway), especially at rush hour and baseball time can be PACKED. Copley Plaza and the Prudential Center do have a ton of shopping. The Colonnade Hotel is right near them both as well, so it would be a good place to stay. If you like baseball, you can tour Fenway Park http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/tour.jsp which is a lot of fun. I also support those that said the museums at Harvard are great and Harvard square is a lot of fun. If you are looking for a fun place to eat in the square, Bartley's burgers is terrific. http://www.mrbartley.com/mrbartleys-home.html If you decide to stay in Somerville or on your way to Cambridge Kelly's Diner is fantastic http://www.kellysdiner.net/ I also second (or fifth?) those that say visit Maria's in the North End. Strolling around the North End in the evening and getting dessert and a coffee in one of the pastry shops is always terrific. http://www.northendboston.com/marias/
And I also think you will enjoy Salem quite a bit. Portland is fairly different from Salem, but I think if you are on a short time span, it may not be worth it. However the ride up to Portland along Route 1 is gorgeous, but takes a while. If you do decide to go to Portland and are looking for good shopping, the outlets in Kittery Maine are AWESOME. http://www.thekitteryoutlets.com/ Also check out Amato's subs in downtown Portland on India St. Portsmouth, NH is also a great place to see and just outside Portsmouth is Newicks which a really yummy seafood place.
The Clam Shack in Ipswich is great as is Woodmans in Essex. If you like clams make sure you try some steamers. Local tradition and really yummy. http://www.woodmans.com/
Sorry, not sure if I helped or just added more for you to think about. Hope you have a wonderful trip.

Oh and I forgot to say, I agree with the person who said the Swan Boats are a must!! Plus the Public Gardens are gorgeous. And you can look for the Duckling statues from "Make Way For Ducklings". http://www.swanboats.com/

Last thing I swear. I think you will enjoy the extra time in Boston more than Plimouth Plantation. Seeing Plymouth Rock is an interesting historical monument and the Plantation can be cool too, but probably not going to be the highlight of the trip. Plus the time you are here is getting to the end of the school year in Mass. and it may mean there are a LOT of school groups there on field trips. Very popular field trip destination.

I agree with the above... if your husband is not at 80-85% on his knee you may find yourself riding in taxi's. I've had bad cartilage in my knee so I know how sensitive it can be... Bring heat wraps and ace bandages and make sure the hotel/B&B has a jacuzzi in the room or a heated pool. (He will thank you for it).
I try to stay out of Boston as a rule but I live in Salem so I'll emphasize doing Lunch at Reds...
Remember the old adage: Eat where the locals eat. There are more expensive places to eat but there are no better places to eat. Capt's is serving good food but they are pricing for a high paying clientele (also Fins and Victoria Station).
The cafeteria in the PEM are ok and convenient but Red's will give you a great meal for a few dollars. They're only open for Breakfast and lunch but you can get either all day.
The pancakes hang over the sides of the platter so when your waitress asks if you REALLY want three instead of one take it as she knows what's best for you.

Jeff
www.vistaphotos.net

Jeff - thanks for the letting me know about Reds - sounds like my kind of place. Jckimba - thanks for the tons of great suggestions. And saacnmama - I loved your trip report on chowhound.

Right now it's looking like HI Cambridge. I will keep checking for specials though. Maybe a good last minute deal will pop up. Thanks again everyone. We have tons of awesome suggestions thanks to you all.

Hi tdmort,

I live in Wisconsin, and I have been to Boston 6 times since 2002 for sightseeing, but mostly to do genealogy research for my New England families. I feel you have picked a very good hotel at the HI Express, Cambridge. The Lechmere T stop is remodeled and close, and the HI Exp is remodeled also. All rooms have micro/fridge/wet bar, no self-service laundry though. I usually look for that with a longer trip. And there is a full service grocery store next door. (Shaw's, although you have some excellent restaurant choices and suggestions!) I will remember some I haven't been to, for my NEXT TRIP TO BOSTON!

I also like the Duck tours, as you can sit the entire time and have commentary (humorous!) as well as historical narrative. You don't need to get on and off if walking is getting tiring. It goes in the Charles River as well as the dry land. But the trolleys are great if you want to do Freedom Trail in its entirety. Sounds like you have some great things to do!

Enjoy, and please report back after you have returned to the great Northern Midwest, and let us know what you did and enjoyed the most

cb51

cb51 - I will post a trip report for sure! And thanks for confirming my hotel choice - makes me feel a little better. I did see that the rooms have been remodeled.

tdmort - Just saw your post and, as a native, wanted to add a few comments: Staying in town is the best decision. You may also wish to check the Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers. Check their web site first as they have very low rates for weekend stays, and you can also get low rates through any of the bidding sites mentioned above. The location is a block from the Public Gardens and next to the T. I second the advice of going to a restaurant in Chinatown for Asian food. If this is your first visit to Boston I suggest sticking to our best known museums, and you will not be disappointed.
The most scenic restaurant in Rockport, especially for a special dinner, is My Place by the Sea. It is located at the end of Bear Skin Neck (you can walk from your motel and one walks everywhere in Rockport as driving and parking in season is a nightmare) and sits smack on the ocean with spectacular views of the harbor and out to the open sea. You can choose to sit inside or out on the terraced patios.http://www.myplacebythesea.com/. The Greenery is great for lunch. And either The Clam Shack or Woodman's (in Essex; a bit closer to Rockport) are a must. A bit of local knowledge: there is a footpath that winds from downtown Rockport around Marmion Way. Cape Ann (Rockport, Gloucester, and Manchester) is filled with one spectacular view and beach after another. If you can't spend much time driving and walking in the area, plan to do so on your next trip! http://www.mass.gov/czm/coastguide/online/descriptions/rockport.htm Have a wonderful trip!

Tdmort,
I am the owner of The Fat Cat and just want to say it is an honor to have someone planning a trip with us involved. I have seen your posts on "other" sites and just want to thank you. It would be an honor to serve you on your visit and you are more than welcome to call the restaurant when you are in town. Even if you don't make it to Quincy I wish you a wonderful, eventful and safe trip to Boston.

I have lived in the Boston area now for over 30 years. I recommend that you plan a meal at one of the Legal Seafood restaurants. In my opinion, it is the best seafood in town and is a Boston tradition. There is one in the Prudential Towers near the Boylston Street entrance. This is near Copley Square. You can make reservations in advance for Legal Seafoods to avoid a wait. Prudential Towers is also close to where the Duck Tours start. The Duck Tours are another not to be missed adventure in Boston. I always take visiting guests on the Duck Tours as the top priority during their visit. You need to buy your tickets in advance, however. You can do this online. There is another Legal Seafoods by the Aquarium which is a short walk from Quincy Market. There are also harbor cruises that leave from the Aquarium area. If you are in the North End, the Daily Catch restaurant is a little "hole in the wall" type restaurant that is also a local favorite.
In Plymouth, there is a little restaurant right on the water just a few blocks south of Plymouth Rock. I don't remember its name but I had a great light lunch there last summer looking out on the water. It is right next to the marina and you can watch boats being lowered in and out of the water. Plimouth Plantation has alot of walking on dirt trails. It is a great place to take children for historical re-enactments. It might be difficult to navigate with knee problems.
Boston is a great city. I hope you have a wonderful time.

Has anyone had drinks and dessert at the Top of the Hub? It looks like it would be an amazing place to watch the sun go down...

A few restaurant notes from a local...

Skip Legal entirely if you must have seafood and are going to be anywhere near Essex/Gloucester/Rockport/Ipswich. The quality and value at numerous places there is better than anything at Legal. Of all those restaurants, Woodman's would be one of the last places I'd go, but I don't like sitting out on Route 133 to eat... You can do much better in Essex than Woodman's along that same stretch of road (Route 133). The Village, Periwinkles, Farnham's, Blue Marlin, Lewis, Tom Shea's....all of them offer up superior seafood, IMHO. Sure, Woodman's gets the press, but any of the above get my vote (I live about 6 miles from there and this is where my family has always eaten our seafood!) Also further down 133 into Gloucester are an amazing array of restaurants, seafood and not (Latitude 43, Franklin's Cafe, Passports, The Gull, The Gloucester House...).

Mike's vs. other pastry shops in the North End. I used to buy birthday cakes for work and would get them at Mike's, until I ordered ahead once and got one that was frozen solid through (no good for a lunch time party!). When I asked about it, they said they do that with all their pastry. I confirmed with locals that neither Modern or Maria's does that and since then, will never go to Mike's. I want fresh, not frozen. Most restaurants in the area get their pastry from one or the other of Modern or Maria's.

I've taken visitors to Top of the Hub several times. The drinks are expensive but it was worth the view for my guests. I don't do that otherwise though.

Agree about Top of the Bug. Great view but very expensive drinks. Even though the time I went, the 2 of us got talking with 2 people at the bar and were handed Sox tickets for that nights game...Great seats too.

FWIW, we ate at the Legal Seafoods in Cambridge just recently. The ambiance (and service) were very nice, the coleslaw was delicious, my cocktail was fabulous, but I've had much better whole lobster.

amyb - I love your restaurant list for the N Shore. I need to pay a visit sometime this summer (and bring a good appetite)!

Top of the Bug!!! I really need a coffee...

yk, would love to know when you're in the area! I'm looking forward to warmer weather which finds me more in Gloucester than during the colder months!

amyb - If you don't mind shooting me an empty email to me, I can then contact you via email in the future if I'm heading to the N shore. I am at yk fodors (no space between the 2) at hotmail.

Here are a few random comments on your trip (I live between Boston and Rockport):

Depending on what kind of fish you like, you might want to choose shellfish over fin fish. I grew up on the Gulf Coast and find most New England fish (except swordfish) very lacking in flavor by comparison. Clams and scallops here, however, are fantastic! (Personally, I am not that thrilled by lobster, but it is better than bland fish to me.)

I agree that Tom Shea's and Farnham's in Essex are excellent choices. Skip Woodman's - I think it is overrated. Be aware that they all are at least 30 minutes from Rockport. The Clam Box in Ipswich is even farther. But if you DO go to the Clam Box, save room for dessert and continue down the road to White Farms for some of their incredible ice cream (I am partial to their key lime pie ice cream, with bits of graham cracker crust in it). Order a kiddie cone - it is plenty big enough!

I really like the Causeway in Gloucester, too, although it can be hard to find if you are not familiar with the area. It is also pretty small, but the food is great. If you eat at the Greenery in Rockport, I recommend the breakfast menu (which is also available at lunch, if you ask) over the lunch menu.

I ate at Penang in Chinatown just the other night. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. Our waiter was not very attentive, but he seemed to be the exception. We felt ignored, while other servers around us paid much more attention to their parties.

As far as Quincy Market (which is pronounced QUIN-zee, by the way), just think of it as a huge food court (which it is) that is good for a quick lunch rather than as a culinary experience.

As far as what attractions to visit:

I have never been to the Aquarium, but I have heard it is a big disappointment. The swan boats also seem overrated to me.

Unless you REALLY like contemporary art, skip the ICA. I am not that big a fan of it, so I am glad that the one time I went it was on a free pass. The view of the harbor from the top floor is wonderful, though. The Museum of Fine Arts, however, is fascinating - and huge.

You definitely will want to have tickets for one of the trolley tours, as the Freedom Trail is a lot of walking (especially for one day, and especially to get to the Constitution - there is not a T stop nearby). Note that the masts on the Constitution are down for repair right now, so it is not as impressive as usual. But the tour guides, who are active duty sailors, do a nice job. The new Bunker Hill visitor center is supposed to have an interesting film and exhibits, and it is free (it's across from the Bunker Hill monument).

The Peabody Essex Museum is great as well. Be sure to visit Yin Yu Tang, the Chinese house (and don't miss the film on it).

The glass flowers at the Harvard Museum of Natural History make the trip there worth it. They also have a surprisingly large collection of stuffed animals and birds (as in formerly living, not teddy bears).

If you want an evening activity, check out the Boston Pops (http://www.bso.org/bso/index.jsp?id=bcat5220105). They are an American institution, and the concerts are a lot of fun.

The Bostix booth next to Faneuil Hall sells half-price tickets for many plays and other performances. You can check out their website (and buy online for a little more) at www.bostix.org.

Check with Faneuil Hall to see if the Great Hall will be closed to the public at any time during your visit. That is the real reason to visit the building. The Museum of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company on the 4th floor is worth a visit while you are there.

Just an FYI - last time I went up in the Prudential Tower, to the Skywalk Observatory, we asked if we could come back after dark (so we could see Boston by day and by night) and they just charged us a couple of dollars extra rather than having to buy a whole new ticket. It is worth a try! But be sure to ask BEFORE you leave.

Hope all that helps!

Lots of good advice here. A few additions:

-of the seafood spots well north of Boston, am thinking the best is The Clam Box in Ipswich. Farnham's in Essex is also very good, and if you want a sit-down spot instead of a clam shack experience, The Village Restaurant in Essex is worth a stop in. Am not so taken with Woodman's or Tom Shea's.

-in Gloucester, have been to both Duckworth's and Franklin Cape Ann -- and found both to be excellent. Both are notably better than anyplace in Rockport I've been to. But Rockport is a lot of fun to explore.

-have been to the Aquarium and did not find it disappointing -- am thinking whether you enjoy it or now will depend on how much you like this sort of attraction. But the point made above about the uphill circular ramp is correct and may not be very comfortable for someone with a bad knee. The Swan Boats in the Public Garden are actually a fun touristy thing to do.

-will agree that while Legal Seafood is not the worst seafood spot you could choose, you can do notably better at the clam shacks above or Neptune Oyster in the North End for food quality.

-some folks dislike Mike's Pastry in the North End. I'm fine with it, but will suggest that Maria's or Modern Pastries are arguably better. For a sit-down coffee and cannoli in the North End, would make Caffe Vittoria my first choice.

-I notably prefer Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe to Mike's City Diner for a South End area breakfast. Neither are especially near Cambridge.

-will echo the rest in saying Quincy Market is fun to visit but not a culinary destination. Durgin Park is probably the most interesting restaurant to eat at there, mainly because it does traditional Yankee style cooking better than anyplace else. Would not recommend either the Last Hurrah or Parker House Restaurant at all unless you want to try Boston cream pie there (they invented this dessert).

-definitely opt for a Chinatown spot over Myers + Changs. You've gotten good suggestions above. Back a while ago, I posted the following Chinatown possibilities on a Fodor's based thread:

Dim sum: China Pearl, Emperor's (aka Empire) Garden, Chau Chow City, Hei La Moon.

Chinese seafood: Peach Farm, East Ocean City.

Taiwanese: Taiwan Cafe.

Other good Chinese options: King Fung Garden, Hong Kong Eatery, New Shanghai, Grand Chau Chow.

Japanese: Shabu-Zen (shabu shabu), Ginza (sushi).

Malay: Penang.

Vietnamese: Xinh Xinh, Pho Pasteur, Pho Hoa, any bahn mi sandwich shop.

Some more great advise - thanks a ton. We are going to do one seafood meal in Boston and I'm thinking that Neptune Oyster is going to be the spot. I will avoid Woodmans as many of you have said.

Cranachin - thanks for the museum tips, the Harvard Museum of Natural History sounds great.

Also, thanks bachslunch for the Chinatown ideas - the menus and Peach Farm andKing Fung Garden look tasty!

I think part of an afternoon in the Public Garden with some nice sandwiches for lunch and a visit to the Swan Boats will be a nice break in the day and a chance for DH to rest a bit!

Thanks again everyone - feel free to post more suggestions. I will start a new thread with a revised trip plan as soon as I get it put together - 3 weeks from now we will be in Boston

The chocolate shop in Harvard Square is Burdick's.
Wonderful restaurants besides upstairs in the square are Rialto's , Henrietta's Kitchen, Harvest, Legal sea foods.
Legal has an outdoor bar in the plaza of the Charles Hotel with lots of tables. I go there often to meet friends for drinks and I can bring my little dog, Pastis.