I've never been to Boston but would like to go this summer. We would like to go see a Red Sox game and stay downtown somewhere. What area would be the best to stay in? We enjoy areas where we can walk rather than take a cab.

Boston is great, and if you stay in the Back Bay or Waterfront areas, you'll find the "tourist" sites are very accessible. But even if you can't walk, the "T" (subway/bus) is fantastic and easy to use. Also, if you have time, consider renting a car for a day and driving out to the Lexington/Concord area (about 30 miles from Boston) if you have any interest at all in American history and/or literature (Thoreau, Alcott, Emerson, and others all lived in the Concord area - it's where Walden Pond is).

> would like to go see a Red Sox game

Be aware that the Red Sox have sold out EVERY SINGLE GAME for many years. Make certain to have your tickets before you arrive. Do NOT attempt to get tickets for games against New York teams; you'll only experience legalized robbery.

If it gets closer to the time you want tickets and you haven't been able to get them yet, go to stubhub.com They are a legit reseller of tickets and can at times be very reasonable. I got them for my son for $16 each this fall. There are also tours of Fenway.

The "Sox" are not just a ballclub in Boston, it's more like a local obsession, so you need to get your tickets before you come, they will not be available at the "box office". The stadium is small compared to most of the fields for other organizations and the games are always sold out.

Boston is a great town and very walkable, I'd suggest staying somewhere the State House or Quincy Market so you can make the most of your time. Walk the Freedom Trail, which winds around Boston and will take you to most of the historical sites and you can take several days to really see everything.

Make a stop at the Museum of Fine Art and the Gardner Museum, as well as the Science Museum.

Hotels in Boston are expensive so expect a bit of sticker shock. I like the Marriott Customs House or The Harbourside Inn both located by Quincy Market, and the Blueline T is right at the door for easy access to Town.

Have a lovely time (my hometown).

Stay in the Back Bay. It's the most central location and you can walk to Fenway.

Back Bay is definitely a good location. Or stay in Kenmore square right by Fenway, its easy to get on the T, or walk to sites and the best place for going to a game. The Hotel Commonwealth is quite nice and has 2 outstanding restaurants in it, and is right by the Kenmore Square t stop for the green line.

Red Sox tix for the summer games will go on sale in February. If you have your dates set, you can get them then. I find that tickets are not as difficult to get as they were a few years ago. Yankee games are still tough to come by, and weekends will sell out, but weeknight games there are often decent tickets available about a week or 2 before the game, or you can get them from a reseller without too much of a premium.

I would suggest the Sheraton in Back Bay. Very tourist friendly hotel - and within walking distance to Fenway. It is attached to the prudential center and close to Newbury Street, the Public Library, etc.