Hi!

I was hoping to be going to Boston in June, but it looks as if it might have to be May. Is May a nice time of year to be in Boston? I'm mostly concerned, if that's the word, about the whale watching. Is May just as good as June for this? I'm going to try to make it up there before the Impressionist exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts closes.

Thanks!

Betsy

The weather in May is wonderful, probably nicer than June because it is a bit cooler, but we have also had many warm days in May. The Public Gardens should be in full bloom -- take a ride on the infamous swan boats. All of the planters surrounding the Boston Common should be filled with flowers. Also, if you want to take a fun tour of Boston, take one of the Duck Tours -- it's an amphibious vehicle that also takes you into the Charles River.

Regarding whale watching, no matter what time of year you go, sometimes you just don't see a whale. However, the companies do have a caveat in their ticket sales -- if whales are not spotted they give you a voucher for future free whale watching. I've been on this cruise before and I actually found it very boring. Better to take one of the tour boats from Rowe's Wharf to see the Boston coastline.

By the way the reviews on the Impressionist exhibition at the MFA have been wonderful. I may be wrong, but I think the exhibition runs through February.

Thanks so much, Leslie! I feel better knowing that if May is it, I'll be ok.

As for the whale watching, that's terrific that they give out vouchers if whales aren't spotted. I would think it would be boring if you don't see anything, but imagine if you do? This is something I'd really love to do; as much as I love NY, these whales just don't oblige here!

I'm glad the Impressionist exhibit is what I expected it to be; I look forward to that exhibit, as well as checking out the rest of the museum. According to the website, the exhibit started only recently, and runs through June 9. I want to purchase tickets as soon as possible!

I've heard about the swan and the duck tours, but to be honest, I've left them out of my itinerary because they seemed too "touristy". However, if locals enjoy them as well...then what the heck. Anything that's fun is ok by me.

Thanks again!

May is an excellent time of year to be in Boston. The Swan Boats and Duck Tours are indeed touristy, but hey -- you're a tourist!

And they are completely different experiences -- the Duck Tours go throughout the city and then into the Charles River, using amphibious vehicles that date back to WWII. It's boisterous and corny, and everyone on them seems to be having fun. It's a good way to see some sights and get oriented.

The Swan Boats, on the other hand, are impossibly sedate, propelled by college guys pedalling a bicycle-type contraption, and they just go around a little pond in the middle of the Public Garden.

There is also some kids' tour related to the "Make Way for Ducklings" book and sculpture, but that's another story!

Suzy and I are in agreement, we might even become friends. Regarding the Duck Tours, they are excellent and a lot of fun and a huge tourist attraction in Boston. Even as a resident of the Commonwealth, I have enjoyed my tour.

The Make Way for Ducklings sculpture is my favorite one in Boston. I pass by it each day on my way to the office and it always makes me smile. It's on the corner of Beacon and Charles Streets at one entrance to the Public Gardens.

There's also a decent tour of the State House, but I must warn you that there's a lot of scaffolding in front as there is a multi-year, multi-million dollar program to restore the building. Across the street from the State House is a relief of the African American soldiers that served in the Civil War -- if you saw the movie "Glory" with Denzel Washington and Matthew Broderick you will know what I am referring to.

Can anyone tell me why the dome at the State House was repainted in gold leaf a couple of years ago before all of this other work was done? Seems like this is a from the top down project.

So people would have a landmark other than the Turnpike, of course! ;-)

Walk the Freedom Trail. You can pick up a map to this self guided tour thru history at your hotel or the visitors center. Lots of fun.

Speaking of the Freedom Trail, make sure you go to see the Constitution, and while you're walking in the North End (Freedom Trail goes right through there) stop at Mike's Bakery for cannoli and the chocolate covered biscotti.

Suzy, I do have other landmarks -- South Station, Macy's, Filenes, Boston Public Library, and my old favorite which is no longer there -- the orange lollipop statue in front of 100 Summer Street.

Thanks again for all your help!

The Duck tours do sound like fun....I know I sound like a travel "snob" but I hate to be one of those "tourists" that the locals everywhere deride as being so obvious and "touristy" if you know what I mean..

Cassie, I'm most looking forward to the Freedom Trail; I love history, and there's no better place to learn about American history than Boston. Leslie, I actually have never seen "Glory", but I am a Civil War buff, and I've made it a point to make sure I see that bas-relief.

Leslie, I think I'll be spending my whole trip in the North End, whatwith the tour, and the restaurants and the pastry shops.....!

Betsy, if you think you'd enjoy the Duck Tours, then you should try it! You'll look like just as much of a tourist with your Freedom Trail map!

Betsy, if you're traveling alone and want to meet for a drink or dinner in Boston or you need a tour guide, I will be around in May. Maybe Suzy would like to meet also.

Also check out the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. They frequently have exhibitions -- the two most recent ones were about Marlene Dietrich and the NYC September 11th Emergency Personnel. These exhibits are free.

I'm also up for giving tours of the Mass. Pike -- Suzy knows its my favorite landmark.

I suggest you order your tickets to the impressionist exhibit as soon as you have your travel dates set at mfa.org. I just took a peek and there seem to still be lots of time slots available - but my guess is that once word gets out about what a great show it is tickets will be snapped up quickly.

LOL Good point, Suzy! I give in....!

Leslie, I'd love to meet you (and Suzy and anyone else interested)! I'm not quite sure of the dates, but my guess sometime in the middle of May. I'd like to reserve a hotel room ASAP, so I would hope to know for sure within a couple of weeks.

Ellie, thanks for your advice, and that's one of the first things I plan to do. I definitely do not want to be shut out of this exhibit!

Betsy, while you are at the MfA, be sure to go to the Nearby Gardener Museum, One of my favorite places here.
The stll life show was a mixed bag, I was crazy over the cezannes, hated the lurid colored Van Goths, but art appeals differently to different people.
Overall a lovely show. The restaurant in the Frazier court is very good and there's a piano player in the evening.

Mimi, originally I had the Gardner on my list, but replaced it with the MFA. I should have time, though, and it sounds like a beautiful museum. I'll keep an eye out for those Cezannes!

OK, I'm in on the May get-together!

And I second the recommendation for the Gardner Museum. That Isabella was quite a gal! Though it makes me so sad to go in the galleries where major paintings are missing.

That's great Suzy! I'm looking forward to it already! It's way too early now, but let me know how you want to handle this.

I forgot to mention in my previous post that I'm going to make a point of checking out the Boston Public Library; anything to do with books is ok with me!

Don't overlook the courtyard at the BPL, my favorite place in the summer to pause.

Betsy, to find a room bid on Priceline. Bid only in Copley Square -- you'll get the Westin if available, which is across the street from the BPL. The Westin has been going for about $60 per night. Use the free money, I think it's $5 per night by going through www.smarterliving.com

I'd love to do dinner. Anyone up for Maggiano's Little Italy if we can get a crowd together? Then dessert at Finale.

Is anyone going to take me up on my tour of the Mass. Pike? Our Acting Governor Jane Swift (Governor in Waiting?) can use the money for her coffers. So is Jane going to win the election? Only if Peggy Davis Mullen runs against her.