Boston in May
 

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

You're getting some great advice on what to see and do here in Boston. I hope that I can add some different thoughts. First, nightlife is fun and there are a few "areas" (and I apologize because I'm out of the loop somewhat). By Fenway Park, there are some clubs -- is it still Avalon? -- on Landsdowne Street. Near the Four Seasons, there are some clubs. Depending on your interests, the Four Seasons has an OUTRAGEOUS dessert bar on weekend nights starting at 10pm. Fun place (living room style) to hang out, eat sweets, and drink coffees or whatever. I once saw a few celebrities there, too. For shopping and eating and people watching, there is Newbury Street, Copley Place, and the Prudential (in that order). As to touring things, we have enjoyed the Old Towne Trolley, which is nice because they give you some background and you can get on and off as much as you want through the day. Hope you have a great time!!

The BPL is far more than just books. It's also archives and architecture. They've just restored some unbelievably beautiful parts of the original building.

Leslie, dinner in the North End would be perfect. However, what about one of these (I have them on my list to try):<BR><BR>Prezza<BR>Sage<BR>Mamma Maria<BR>Terramia

Leslie, dinner in the North End would be perfect! However, what about one of these (I have them on my list to try):<BR><BR>Prezza<BR>Sage<BR>Mamma Maria<BR>Terramia<BR><BR>Would these work for a get together?<BR><BR>I thought you were kidding about the Mass. Turnpike...is there something special about it? LOL<BR><BR>Oops about the BPL; I read about the architecture, and if I have the time, I may do a tour. I thought I was only going to need 3 or 4 days in Boston, but now I see that the week that I'm planning is just enough!<BR><BR>Thanks Jeri! I have gotten some great advice, and I appreciate yours. I have to admit I 'm not much of a club person...I'm rather dull that way! However, I am a dessert person, and I've been wanting to try Finale ever since I saw it featured on a Food Network special!<BR><BR>

Betsy -- any Italian restaurant that you want to go to is fine with me. I'll ask around in my office to see which one is best. There's another option which I saw on the Phantom Gourmet when it reviewed all of the top restaurants in the North End -- have only one course in each restaurant and move on.<BR><BR>I'll extend this offer to you though. I work in one of the tallest buildings in Boston, with some of the best views, both during the day and at night, so you're all more than welcome to stop by my office and ooh and ahh at the Boston skyline.<BR><BR>Jeez, I must be too old, cause I haven't been to a club on Landsdowne Street since - ugh -- the early 1980s -- ugh!!<BR><BR>

If you are going to try pastry in the North End, try the cannoli at Modern Pastry - small bakery on Hanover with just 3 tables but oh so good. (better than Mike's). Also please don't eat at Maggiano's - its a good chain restaurant and there's nothing wrong with the food but there are so many other better Italian restaurants in the North End it would be a crime to let Maggiano's stop you from experiencing real Italian. Stick with Terramia.<BR><BR>And check out the John Singer Sargent murals while at the BPL - recently restored in conjunction with a major exhibition at the MFA (that exhibition is long gone).<BR><BR>The Swan Boats you can make up your own mind about once you seen them. They are very picturesque to see but the ride is slow. Kids love it.<BR><BR>Try to take a stroll along the Esplanade if you can - its a lovely park along the banks of the Charles. Or better yet walk along the Memorial Drive side in Cambridge and see the Boston skyline.

Considering we are having very warm weather for February who knows what May or June will bring. If your planning on coming in June/May make reservations ASAP.. that is graduation time and hotels are packed. It is a wonderful time of the year with the trees coming out, the Pubic Gardens and the Swan Boats. Don't be afraid of doing the "touristy" things, that's the fun part. For dining want to recommend SkipJacks on Claredon Street across from the Trinity Church, much more reasonable than Legal Seafood and equally as good. If you have time in the evening check into whatever theatre is around like "I love you, your perfect, now change" or see what the Lyric Theatre is presenting.. If your interested in a whale watch I would recommend you come late June when the seas maybe better. Also, in Copley Square which by the way by that time will be glorious for people watching is a last minute ticket booth...you might try that. Come and enjoy Boston...

Leslie, I think that's what they do in Spain: people go to different tapas joints for different dishes. One place does one thing well, then they move on to another place that specializes in another dish, and so on. That's an interesting way of eating! Thanks for the offer of stopping by your office, but you might be upset that while you're hard at work, some people are on vacation! If you're ever in the NY area, you can stop by my office (we don't have a good view of anything, I'm afraid) and rub it in to me!<BR><BR>Bennie, I love cannoli! You're not the first person to suggest ‘Modern' over Mike's. My mouth is watering already! The Esplanade sounds lovely; I'll try to give myself a day or two when I don't have anything planned to just ‘hang around' and relax, and just strolling with no destination sounds wonderful...<BR><BR>Parrot, thanks for the reminder about booking early. I called the Millenium Boston, and they still have plenty of rooms available for mid-May. However, I don't want to take any chances, so I'm going to book within the next few days.<BR><BR>I really love planning trips; it's just so much fun!

And we love helping you plan them. It enriches the karma for when we plan OUR trips!<BR><BR>The Esplanade is indeed lovely, but doesn't require a major time commitment. It's not far out of the way if you're in the vicinity of the Back Bay, Newbury Street, Copley Square, Public Garden, etc. A nice side trip for a picnic lunch and a break from shopping and sightseeing. The Hatch Shell on the Esplanade, most famously the site of July 4 Pops Concerts, occasionally hosts some events as early as May.<BR><BR>I haven't lived in downtown Boston for 15 years and I'm starting to miss it!

Hey, Betsy. I just wanted to add in my 2 cents about the whale watching... My mom and I were in Boston a few years ago over Memorial Day weekend and took a whale watching cruise through the Aquarium. We ended up seeing a ton of whales (ha, ha), including a mother and her calf who floated right up next to the boat. It was incredible! The only problem was that the boat was pretty crowded and you sort of had to fight your way up to the front to get a good view. The ride out and back is also quite long, but if you're lucky enough to get some good whale action, it more than makes up for everything. I also liked the aquarium. If I recall right, we got a dual ticket that got us on the boat and also into the exhibits.<BR><BR>Have a great trip!

Betsy, you must have big bucks if you're booking a room at the Millennium. Since neither Suzy or I live in Boston, can we come stay with you? <BR><BR>Don't forget to spend a day in Cambridge and walk through the Harvard and MIT campuses. There are some nice boutiques there. Also, you should stop by the Brattle Street Bookstore.<BR><BR>Suzy, what town do you live in? I'm in Framingham.

Betsy i hate to burst your balloon but<BR>i dont think there is any whale wathcing till memorial day. and if Im not mistaken<BR>there are many more in june and after.<BR>ive done it a bunch of times in august<BR>and we have always seen whales. its a great experience ubt it can be pretty cold here in may at times and i dont think the whales in their wisdom migrate north that early. I could be wrong though. The suggestions people have made are great. I know hte library very well and would be glad to give you a tour if you like. the art museums are great too.<BR>I also like the fogg art museum at harvard and if you like books harvard sq is a good place to browse. Books are one of my favorite things. email me if you have any questions. Ive lived here 20<BR>years or so. Also Id love to be in on the north end dinner if there are openings. jo

Leslie, I'm in Milton now, but I lived on Beacon Hill for many years, walked my daughter to school in the Back Bay every morning, walking thru the Common and Public Garden, then took the bus to work from Copley. We went to the BPL every Saturday after her music lesson and dropped in on summer Esplanade concerts like they were in our backyard. Raising kids in the city is exciting!<BR><BR>P.S. I haven't been on the Turnpike in years. When was the last time you rode the Red Line? ;-)

I love this girls night out get together -- all of us honing in on Betsy's vacation to show her the best of Boston. We don't want Betsy to eat alone, but we're also all salivating at the thought of finding another hidden gem in the North End. I still don't know where we are going for dinner, but I know we're having cannolis at Modern -- I'm still going to Mike's for chocolate biscotti (and if you bribe me, I'll share them). But, where are we going for cappuccino?<BR><BR>Can we do this either on a Friday or Saturday night so I won't walk into work exhausted the next day?<BR><BR>Betsy, did you once ask about dining at Radius on High Street? If you did and you want to go there for lunch (when the prices are reasonable), I'll be happy to meet you as my office is across the street.<BR><BR>One more question, are there any males joining us?

Hi Betsy,<BR>I've been on the top of Mount Washington all week, so haven't been following the forums very closely. I'm still up here as a matter of fact, as a volunteer at the Mount Washington Observatory. <BR><BR>While you're over in Cambridge be sure to drop in at the Harvard Museum of Natural History to see the new installation of the famous glass flowers. They are unique in the world and I think you'll love them. <BR><BR>This North End get together is begining to sound like the one which never seemed to happen last fall. Am I mistaken? Did the New England get together ever happen? I was looking forward to it. I assumed it fell by the wayside after 9/11. <BR>

Nope, this dinner has only occurred because Suzy and I have become really cozy with Betsy. It's a welcome to Boston party. <BR><BR>Suzy, I was watching A&E's "Biography" last night about the Kennedy clan (ho hum). I just found out that Teddy is a graduate of Milton Academy -- which is where my boss' kids go to school.<BR><BR>I also saw WBZ's promotional ad for the MFA Impressionist exhibit -- it runs through June 9th.<BR><BR>Last time I was on the red line -- actually, a couple of weeks ago, but I really try to stay off the T. Sometimes I do ride the commuter rail, but I commute to work on the Peter Pan Bus. Unfortunately, we don't fly into Boston on the bus -- that's just a fantasy.<BR><BR>Betsy, since Ann mentioned the Mount Washington Observatory, you might want to check out the Blue Hill Observatory. That's in Suzy's neighborhood, so I'm sure she has tons of information on it -- all I can tell you is that it is historical and it was featured on the Weather Channel.

The Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory is a fine place, and very scenic, but it certainly wouldn't be on my list of top things for the typical person to do during a one-week visit to Boston. And certainly not a unique and intriguing place like Mt. W! But like many things in the Boston area, it's the oldest of its type. One of the things I like about Milton is that we have skiing at one end of town, and the Red Line at the other end!<BR><BR>http://www.bluehill.org/realindex2.html<BR><BR>The amount of money that is spent on the kids at Milton Academy is -- I'm sorry -- obscene.

The Brattle Book store is in Boston on west st. A stop if you are doing Filene's basement.

Suzy, I wish I knew as much about NYC (I live about 45 minutes from NY) as you do about Boston! I'm a bit ashamed of myself, and I have a very hard time getting around it. It seems to me the "T" is like the Paris metro; I can get around foreign cities, but NYC...forget it!<BR><BR>CG, How lucky you got! I'd kill for an experience like that. As for pushing through the crowd up front, heck....if I can push through the crowd at Penn Station at rush hour, this will be a piece of cake!<BR><BR>Jo, we'd love to have you. As per the New England Aquarium, they start whale watchings in April (weekends), then get going full bore starting in May. I did try and ask when how the whale watching is in May, but that particular staff seems to be on vacation. I'll follow up in a few days. <BR><BR>LOL Leslie.....I don't have big bucks, I just spend like I do! Truthfully, travelling is one of my biggest passions, and I'm able to splurge a bit when I go away because it's really the only thing I spend my money on....well, that and dining out. The only things I like shopping for are food and books; I hate shopping for clothes......! My brother went to school in Framingham...do you know Dean Junior College? My god, it seems like ages ago....I just remember staying in a hotel that looked like an enormous castle!<BR><BR>I definitely have a day in Cambridge (or two)planned, and I'm hoping to catch a tour of the Harvard campus by the students who do these things. I'm also hoping to meet a man at Harvard! LOL....and if it doesn't work out, I'll go to Yale!<BR><BR>Friday or Saturday is fine with me; I know what you mean about work. I wouldn't want to go out on a weeknight either. Leslie, if you'd like to meet for lunch at Radius, that would be great! It must get expensive, having that kind of restaurant so close by! I also love the Kennedys, by the way....I know, I know, but I can't help it!<BR><BR>

Betsy, for you I'll splurge and spend $25 for lunch at Radius, which I consider to be an immense rip off. But, I have been there but on someone else's nickle for Staff Appreciation Day. That's also how I got to go to No. 9 Park, which I actually like better.<BR><BR>Yes, I know where Dean Jr. College is, but I think it has merged into Mass. Bay Community College. The campus you mentioned was originally a junior high school, and is near my parents' home. The hotel you stayed at is the Sheraton Tara, which is at Exit 12 on the Mass. Pike (notice my love for the Mass. Pike, again, but it is the only money-making agency in the Commonwealth that supports the Big Dig). The bar, Molly Malone's is a lot of fun. The hotel is just a few miles from where I live.<BR><BR>Now that I mention it, there are walking tours of the Big Dig, if you're interested, and they are free. You even get to borrow a hard hat. I don't know if you get to see any rats (real ones, not politicians), but I'm sure that might be a different experience.<BR><BR>Back to Radius which is at the corner of High and Summer Streets, after lunch, you should walk to Downtown Crossing and at least walk through our infamous Filenes Basement -- it features automatic markdowns -- if an item has been on the rack for 14 days, its automatically marked down 25%, 21 days - 50%, 28 days 75%. <BR><BR>If you're not up for Radius, I can take you to one of my two favorite sandwich shops -- Viga on Devonshire, that makes awesome assorted $6 sandwiches on foccachia bread or Chachatero (the Cockroach), a Brazilian take out that makes sandwiches for $6. Chachatero is on the Franklin Street side of Filenes and only has outdoor seating. From there you could go to Emack & Bolio's on Washington Street for ice cream or chocolate.<BR><BR>It certainly sounds like this vacation of yours is coming together. Have you decided when in May you will be arriving? The reason I ask is that since its been years since I have spent a weekend in Boston, I might even bid on Priceline for one of the 4 star hotels in Copley Square if I can get my $60 bid accepted, as that is what the hotels are going for now.<BR><BR>I know what you mean about spending money on vacation, as I am off to Budapest on March 14th for 9 days. Surprisingly, my vacation in Budapest will be much less than your vacation in Boston. My dollar will stretch further -- I'm staying in a villa that was built in 1902 for the visit of Emperor Franz Josef -- at $28 per night including taxes and breakfast.<BR><BR>