Boston for a week in late June with younger teens
Apr 17th, 2010, 08:23 AM
#21
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Fantastic recommendations already posted. Is there a historical ship there that the boys might enjoy also?
I love their convention center and it is right next to Newbury street. I would walk all around that area and through the public gardens. The Freedom trail may encompass and overlap some of these walks.
I love their convention center and it is right next to Newbury street. I would walk all around that area and through the public gardens. The Freedom trail may encompass and overlap some of these walks.
Apr 17th, 2010, 08:27 AM
#22
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Plimouth Plantation is an excellent living history museum. Our kids loved it in elementary school. By their teens they were a little more embarrassed by the play acting required to interact with the interpreters.
We go swimming at the north shore beaches in the summer, but we are used to cold water from swimming in our spring fed pond here in north central Vt.
We go swimming at the north shore beaches in the summer, but we are used to cold water from swimming in our spring fed pond here in north central Vt.
Apr 17th, 2010, 09:05 AM
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that's what I was thinking of, yk! glad to know my memory isn't failing me. My son would LOVE that.... he is a big history buff. I was thinking of doing this trip as well this summer break but just ended up booking Rome instead. We'll start with some truly ancient history and maybe save Boston for next summer, lol.
Apr 17th, 2010, 09:50 AM
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Ocean analysis here. Unless one is a polar bear or under the age of 18 I think it is always too cold to swim in the ocean in New England. The deeper the water, the colder.
Therefore, some of the shallower beaches on Cape Cod (there are some around Wellfleet) or Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester (North Shore of Boston area) are tolerable. Anything with waves is going to be freezing.
If the kids want waves, South Shore offers more waves. Cape Ann (north) tends not to have great waves. If one wants to go a bit further north into NH or southern Maine (Hampton, North Hampton, NH) you get waves.
Basically, pick waves or freezing to near death. However, others may disagree with me - and most teens seem immune to cold water.
Therefore, some of the shallower beaches on Cape Cod (there are some around Wellfleet) or Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester (North Shore of Boston area) are tolerable. Anything with waves is going to be freezing.
If the kids want waves, South Shore offers more waves. Cape Ann (north) tends not to have great waves. If one wants to go a bit further north into NH or southern Maine (Hampton, North Hampton, NH) you get waves.
Basically, pick waves or freezing to near death. However, others may disagree with me - and most teens seem immune to cold water.
Apr 17th, 2010, 01:41 PM
#26
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Well, I'm from NE and I swim in the water by late June/early July. Some summers the water is warmer than others and it depends on how hot it is outside. But if it's a warm day, you'll find plenty of people swimming in the ocean, I'm sure your boys will love it.
Apr 17th, 2010, 06:56 PM
#27
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If you decide to go to Cape Cod, go on a weekday, not Fri or Sat. You can combine Plymouth plantation with a beach afternoon if you make it a long day. Sagamore beach is close to PLymouth. It is right on the Cape Cod canal. You do not need to go over the bridge to the Cape. The water is still cool early in July, but I bet your boys will still enjoy it.
Spend some time in Cambridge. Walk by the Charles river. Take the "T"(subway/light rail public transportation) You do not want to drive in the city any more than you have to.
Spend some time in Cambridge. Walk by the Charles river. Take the "T"(subway/light rail public transportation) You do not want to drive in the city any more than you have to.
Apr 17th, 2010, 08:25 PM
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DH and I visited Boston a year ago and loved it. Although it was just the two of us, some of the things we did would be enjoyed by your boys, I think.
Old Town Trolly tour. The tour guides were great, and funny. Some might be a little over the top for 2 teenagers, but I think it's a great way to hit the must-dos.
Spending an afternoon in Cambridge/Harvard. They had a really neat bookstore that I could have spent many hours in. Also - grab a burger at Mr. Bartley's Burgers. It was a fun place to hang out - college vibe and all, think your boys would like it. Make sure they try a ricky - very tasty.
A few things to keep in mind, although you will be there later in June than we were so you might not have the same experience - it was cold. Cold and rainy. And from what I gather, that wasn't very unusual. Not that it stopped us from doing what we planned. But it did mean a trip to Old Navy to buy a few pairs of jeans and sweatshirts!
Regarding the North End - we loved it!!! Please plan on eating here. I think even your boys will love the history. The architecture is amazing....the old narrow streets just ooz charm. We ate at Giacomo's and loved it. Two things to remember, it's very small and there was a long line of people waiting to eat. Also, it's cash only. Did I mention it's small? I'd never believe the size of some of the dining rooms if I didn't see them with my own eyes. I saw that someone also mentioned Neptune Oyster....it was by far my favorite meal in Boston. Also the most expensive.
Lastly, we went to the Rockport area after we left Boston. If you're looking for nice beaches it might be an option for you. I loved the quaint sea-side village feel of it all.
Another thing to do one day might be to visit Halibut Point. Good trails that end with a beautiful view of a quarry. Don't miss it.
Do not, please, whatever you do, do not drive in Boston. We are from the Detroit area - we drive 696 often. I thought driving could not be as bad as everyone says. It is.
Have fun!
Old Town Trolly tour. The tour guides were great, and funny. Some might be a little over the top for 2 teenagers, but I think it's a great way to hit the must-dos.
Spending an afternoon in Cambridge/Harvard. They had a really neat bookstore that I could have spent many hours in. Also - grab a burger at Mr. Bartley's Burgers. It was a fun place to hang out - college vibe and all, think your boys would like it. Make sure they try a ricky - very tasty.
A few things to keep in mind, although you will be there later in June than we were so you might not have the same experience - it was cold. Cold and rainy. And from what I gather, that wasn't very unusual. Not that it stopped us from doing what we planned. But it did mean a trip to Old Navy to buy a few pairs of jeans and sweatshirts!
Regarding the North End - we loved it!!! Please plan on eating here. I think even your boys will love the history. The architecture is amazing....the old narrow streets just ooz charm. We ate at Giacomo's and loved it. Two things to remember, it's very small and there was a long line of people waiting to eat. Also, it's cash only. Did I mention it's small? I'd never believe the size of some of the dining rooms if I didn't see them with my own eyes. I saw that someone also mentioned Neptune Oyster....it was by far my favorite meal in Boston. Also the most expensive.
Lastly, we went to the Rockport area after we left Boston. If you're looking for nice beaches it might be an option for you. I loved the quaint sea-side village feel of it all.
Another thing to do one day might be to visit Halibut Point. Good trails that end with a beautiful view of a quarry. Don't miss it.
Do not, please, whatever you do, do not drive in Boston. We are from the Detroit area - we drive 696 often. I thought driving could not be as bad as everyone says. It is.
Have fun!
May 11th, 2010, 11:18 AM
#29
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The ferry to Provincetown is a great idea. The town is a combination of an old fishing town and what is now a legendary free spirited artists community. Definately not the midwest! The beaches are awesome as are the dunes (take Art's dune tour). Whale watching is abundent as is the shopping (for everyone) - they have a great game store (non-electronic games).
http://www.provincetown.com/
http://www.provincetown.com/
May 11th, 2010, 12:09 PM
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For the Sturbridge/Plimouth Plantation debate. They portray two different periods in American history.
Plimouth Plantation is a recreation of Plymouth as it would have been in 1627. The animals have been downbred to breeds that the Pilgrims would have had. The workers take the part of actual people who lived in Plymouth in 1627 and they speak with the dialect and vocabulary that that particular character would have used. You get to see them going about their daily lives doing the chores that they would have done then. You can interact with them as much or as little as you want.
Nearby is the replica of the Mayflower which was built in England and arrived in the harbor in 1957. I remember it being a big celebration and our family watched it arrive from the porch on my aunt and uncle's house on a bluff not far away. Even better was that it was a school day and my mother let us not go to school for the day.
At the edge of the Plantation is a recreated native American village with actors portraying who would have lived there.
On the other hand Sturbridge portrays early nineteenth century life when our country was still young and people were bursting with new ideas and inventions. The house here are authentic old houses which were moved here for preservation. You will see crafts and jobs being done. You also will see a school, church and various businesses (bank, stores, blacksmith, etc) as people began to move toward more specialized occupations. It is spread over a wider area and involves quite a bit of walking.
As a history buff, I enjoy both places for different reasons. In my experience, Plymouth would be just a bit nearer to Boston than Sturbridge. Sturbridge involves getting on Rte 90 (Mass Pike) which goes right into downtown Boston and heading west. Plymouth is right off RTE 3 (southeast expressway) heading out of Boston. In Boston, as others have pointed out, driving can be a nightmare, but once out of the city, you can sail right along. Boston's streets do not follow a grid and as they wind through the city, they often change names (like being in some European cities). But walking is a joy, as there is something different around every corner.
Another suggestion is on a clear day, go to the top of the Pru (the Prudential building) for a view all the way to New Hampshire. There is a restaurant up there but there is also an observation deck.
No one has mentioned the Christian Science Center. I always loved going through the glass globe on a walkway where you view the earth from the inside out. Perhaps it is too tame for this day and age, but I found it fascinating.
Plimouth Plantation is a recreation of Plymouth as it would have been in 1627. The animals have been downbred to breeds that the Pilgrims would have had. The workers take the part of actual people who lived in Plymouth in 1627 and they speak with the dialect and vocabulary that that particular character would have used. You get to see them going about their daily lives doing the chores that they would have done then. You can interact with them as much or as little as you want.
Nearby is the replica of the Mayflower which was built in England and arrived in the harbor in 1957. I remember it being a big celebration and our family watched it arrive from the porch on my aunt and uncle's house on a bluff not far away. Even better was that it was a school day and my mother let us not go to school for the day.
At the edge of the Plantation is a recreated native American village with actors portraying who would have lived there.
On the other hand Sturbridge portrays early nineteenth century life when our country was still young and people were bursting with new ideas and inventions. The house here are authentic old houses which were moved here for preservation. You will see crafts and jobs being done. You also will see a school, church and various businesses (bank, stores, blacksmith, etc) as people began to move toward more specialized occupations. It is spread over a wider area and involves quite a bit of walking.
As a history buff, I enjoy both places for different reasons. In my experience, Plymouth would be just a bit nearer to Boston than Sturbridge. Sturbridge involves getting on Rte 90 (Mass Pike) which goes right into downtown Boston and heading west. Plymouth is right off RTE 3 (southeast expressway) heading out of Boston. In Boston, as others have pointed out, driving can be a nightmare, but once out of the city, you can sail right along. Boston's streets do not follow a grid and as they wind through the city, they often change names (like being in some European cities). But walking is a joy, as there is something different around every corner.
Another suggestion is on a clear day, go to the top of the Pru (the Prudential building) for a view all the way to New Hampshire. There is a restaurant up there but there is also an observation deck.
No one has mentioned the Christian Science Center. I always loved going through the glass globe on a walkway where you view the earth from the inside out. Perhaps it is too tame for this day and age, but I found it fascinating.
May 11th, 2010, 12:12 PM
#31
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Forgot to mention the Beaver II, the recreation of the ship where the Boston tea party was held.
If you go north of Boston, in the Gloucester area is Hammond Castle, built for some wealthy family. It is right on the water.
If you go north of Boston, in the Gloucester area is Hammond Castle, built for some wealthy family. It is right on the water.
May 11th, 2010, 12:24 PM
#32
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The Boston Tea Party ship has been closed (moved for restoration) for several years now. The recent news is that it'll reopen in summer 2011. http://www.bostonteapartyship.com/
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