scdreamer

My husband and I have booked a flight to Boston for five days/four nights in late September - early October. We were given a two-for-one flight voucher, so kind of booked this on a whim for my upcoming birthday. Now we're trying to figure out where to stay, what to do. We're in our late 50s early60s ... enjoy history, walking tours, good food. Will probably skip art museums on this trip.

I'm kind of surprised at the high cost of hotel rooms in the city (we just returned from a few days at a very nice hotel in San Francisco ... for a much lower rate than I am seeing in Boston). We'd like to stay in the city center to take in the historical sights, but are hoping to keep our hotel expenses under $250/nt.

A friend told me earlier today that we should split our time between Boston and Cape Cod - does that seem realistic with five days? Is it feasible to see Boston in two days, rent a car and go to Cape Cod for two days? Not sure if that would be rushing things, and we certainly don't want to drive in the city.

Open to any and all suggestions! Walking tours, restaurants, hotels, etc. Thank you.

rhkkmk

with that short a time i would see if i could find an affordable place in bos for the whole time..

look at john jeffries house... simple but great location... look at B&B's too, esp in s. end...

cambridge is an alternative too..

staying in near suburbs too can save money: brookline, newton, braintree..

priceline at 4* level can work too..

there really are no bad areas in bos, except some "airport" ' hotels, n. of the city..

abram

We really liked walking the Freedom Trail and seeing the sights along the way.

dfrostnh

Check Michelle Topar's culinary tours. We loved both the North End and Chinatown. The Chinatown one ends with a dim sum lunch. Both tours include a lot of local history and food samples.

We generally make Boston a w/e trip. We have gone to the Kennedy Library on Friday before checking into the hotel (we drive in), a food tour on Sat, find discounted theater tickets for Sat night, etc. On Friday and Saturday, the pushcart vendors are in Haymarket Square (next to Quincy Market and North End area. Mostly vegetables and fruits but it's a historic tradition in Boston. Fridays aren't too busy. Saturdays are mobbed.
Instead of Cape Cod. I would consider going up to Salem to visit the Peabody Essex Museum. Get tickets for a tour of the Chinese House.
The Cape is lovely but in my opinion is a little too far for the short time you have esp if you have to face weekend traffic. I think it would be more fun to visit Newport RI for a day.

rhkkmk

that alone can take one full day... the kennedy library is another good take, the constitution, a ride in boston harbor, a whale watch cruise... walking beacon hill and parts of the back bay... one museum--isabella stewart gardner/small house museum...

the duck tour is a must from prudential center ...

walking in the public garden and riding the swan boats--unique..

visit the MA statehouse..

just thought of another hotel---buckminster hotel

go to a red sox game..

visit harvard square and harvard in cambridge

elberko

We stayed in a great place in June, it's a bit over your price in Sept-Oct, but it might be worth spending more for the convenience of the location. Easy walk to North End and Faneuil Hall:

http://harborsideinnboston.com

~Liz

sassy_cat

Boston is expensive at that time as it's peak season for leaf peeping and fall is probably the best time of year to visit the city.

Cape Cod is usually very nice at the end of September and you will probably get a better hotel rate there so IF you really want to see Cape Cod then it would be a good alternative to spending all your time in Boston (and would save a few dollars on accommodation). There would be very little traffic on weekdays and not so much on weekends after Labor Day if you avoid going down on Saturday morning and return Sunday afternoon.

4 nights is very short so you certainly wouldn't be able to see everything in Boston if you split your time but would have time for the highlights (take a duck tour FIRST, to get your bearings and then walk the freedom trail, visit an art museum (MFA) or Fenway if you wish.

scdreamer

Sassy cat - thanks for the info. I've been on the computer all morning, and have decided to rent a car at the airport, drive directly to Cape Cod. We found a waterfront resort in Falmouth that sounds great, so I booked it for three nights. While we're there, we can drive around the Cape to sight-see, and then we will return the car to the airport and taxi into Boston for our final two and a half days. The Duck tour will be our first activity while we're in Boston, and then maybe a walking tour or two. You are right that staying at the Cape is saving us enough money to splurge on a nice hotel while we're in Boston!

We are Left Coasters ... this will all be new to us, really looking forward to it. Wish we had more time, but we're still a few years out from retirement and freedom to be away longer.

My birthday will be our last night in Cape Cod (Saturday, Sept 29)- anyone have any ideas for a special restaurant? We love seafood and would like to try the local fare.

Also - any suggestions for dining in Boston will be appreciated, too.

Thank you everyone for all the suggestions and ideas.

cw

www.lastminutetravel.com often has some very good deals on Boston hotels. The hotels are not identified but can usually be named from the photos shown. Ask if you have questions, or post your dates if you need help.

Do take a day trip from Falmouth to explore the Cape Cod National Seashore, and perhaps drive all the way to Provincetown. That area of the Cape is completely different from where you'll be staying.

sharona

If your flight gets in early enough you can stop off at Plimoth Plantation on the way to the Cape. Then you can swing by to see Plymouth Rock but it is such a disappointment for most people I hesitate to even mention it, although the Mayflower replica nearby is worth a visit.

http://www.plimoth.org/

http://www.seeplymouth.com/things-to-do/plymouth-rock

sassy_cat

I think you've made a good choice and I'll keep my fingers crossed for good weather for you!

I'd recommend you book your Duck tour online if you're sure of the date/time as it might be cheaper and will guarantee your time slot as they do sell out.

I'd second cw's suggestion to drive all the way to Provincetown and explore the National Seashore on the Cape.

For Boston dining, do a search for threads on this site as there are many recommendations for Italian restaurants in the North End or seafood suggestions.

dshamritsky

Depending on how far you want to drive from Falmouth you can drive to Chatham and go to a very nice restaurant called the Chatham Bars Inn it is very fancy and has an amazing sunset view right on the water. Hope this helps.

dhutch2

Agree with the Freedom Trail, beautiful and educational walk. We went on our own which was great because we took it at our own pace and could always stop to eat or rest. There are so many great museums and librarys to see, there is also Harvard & MIT, Plymouth is cool to see and learn about history as well.