Hi!

I may be visiting Boston this weekend for 3 days, but it's not definite. I hope Red Sox fans won't mind helping a Yankee fan!

I haven't been to Boston in 15 years, and I definitely want to go back again, and as soon as possible. I'm not thrilled to go in the dead of winter, but I'm tempted. Should I postpone a trip to Boston until warmer weather, say in the Spring?

Thanks!

I say go now. So what if it snows. They're used to it. Just don't rent a car.

Weather can be great, or bitter, even in the same day. Agree that you don't want a car ... no matter what. Find lodging near a MBTA "T" stop, and use the subway. Most things you might want to see/visit will be near a stop too. Boston parking, and driving, is a major pain.

I went to Boston last Feb. for a week and loved it! Was it cold?? Hell yes!!! But it was gorgeous and it just gave us an excuse to stop in many pubs!!

Thanks so much! We definitely won't rent a car; we're thinking about the Millenium Bostonian.....

I lived in Boston for three years and I can say that it won't make a difference if you go in winter or spring. It'll be cold in both. I wore my heavy winter jackets until near the end of May. I didn't realize until I left that it's the windiest city in the US. That's right, even more than the Windy City itself, Chicago.

So it doesn't matter. It's a beautiful city year round and that's coming from a native New Yorker and die hard Yankee fan.

I live just outside of Boston and so far we can not complain about our winter. Boston is beautiful when it is snowing and all stores, restaurants, shows and Boston Pops are always open. The Boston Gardens are absolutely beautiful with skating on the duck pond. I say bring a warm coat, hat, gloves and just enjoy Boston.

Nanc, it's nice of you to speak up for Boston, but when was the last time you actually entered the city? Or went to the Pops?

The Pops concerts take place in the spring/summer, they are not "always open," and the 2002 schedule hasn't even been posted yet.

The skating is at the FROG POND in the BOSTON COMMON, not in the Public Garden, which has a duck pond. There isn't any place called Boston Gardens, you might be thinking of the hockey/basketball/concert arena called Boston Garden that was torn down several years ago?

Sheesh, Nanc, where do you really live? Marshfield?

AARRGGHH. As a former NYer, I need to set the record straight: the difference between NYC and Boston weather is MINIMAL. I hate to hear people malign Boston like it is a suburb of the actic circle. Check the weather in NYC and Boston on any given day and you will see that there is typically a three or four degree difference - typical is low 30's in Boston, mid-30's in NYC. I will admit that we get more snow but that's because our temp hovers around 30, NYC's is usually just above freezing and they get sleet or rain. If you are coming from the South or California you will be cold, but likely no colder than if you were visiting NYC.

If you are a NYer, a visit any time of the year will be great and should wear the same clothes you would wear for a visit to NYC (coat, gloves, hat in winter, shorts, light clothes in summer).

Now that I've vented ... Betsy, you will enjoy Boston any time of the year. My walk to the office this morning was beautiful - a light snow is dusting the Back Bay's townhouses and the Public Gardens' statues with fine powder (only 1-2" predicted). This afternoon I'll go for a walk to see the skaters on Frog Pond in the Common and soak in the serene quiet a light snow casts over the city.

Come this weekend and enjoy yourself. You will be amazed how much the city has changed in 15 years (I moved here 11 years ago and have seen so much happen). Then again, Boston is a city of permanence, so it really doesn't change too much. Have a great time - you will find that we welcome even the staunchest Yankee fan (go sox!).

Like I said, the wind in Boston makes a big difference between NY and Boston weather, even if the temperature itself is not too different. Check the stats, Boston is the windiest city. I'm not bashing it, I love the city. Just dress appropriately and go anytime of year.

(Bostonian, that post was hilarious!)

Betsy, just remember to bring a pair of comfortable, waterproof boots! As long as your feet are warm and dry you'll be able to walk anywhere (given you'll be wearing the hat/coat/gloves previously recommended) and enjoy our city. If it gets too harsh, just duck into the Prudential Center, the MFA or any of our many indoor attractions. You'll love it.

Weather forecast for this weekend (go to www.boston.com or www.bostonchannel.com) is for cold and dry. Highs in low 30s and lows in 20s.
(We're all hoping this benefits the Patriots Sat night in Foxboro).
should be ok to do anything.
I agree except for NorEasters, Boston weather is much like NYC.

Hi Betsy
I work in downtown Boston. I'd prefer springtime myself. Only because chances are it will be a lot milder. But the worst you'll get now is probably in the 20's. A little chilly, but you'll still have fun checking out the sights. The freedom trail offers some interesting attractions. I think you should come in the winter and the spring : ) Go Sox......Go Patriots !!! Big game Saturday night in foxboro !! Root for the Pats !!!

Liam~how are things? Hope everything is going as well as can be expected ,thinking of you and your wife.C

Work in Boston, although I live like 30 minutes from the city. If you don't mind cold and snow, and the oh so gentle wind in you face(sarcasm of course), then go for it. I highly recommend using hat, gloves, scarves and a few layers under your clothes, unless you are planning to hit the indoor places vs outdoor(parks and sightseeing stuff). Whatever you decide to do, hope you have fun...

betsy - we visited boston between xmas + nye (my first time back in 25 years!) and loved it. cold, but that didn't slow us down a bit. stayed in copley sq (lots of hotels) near 3 "T" stations; walked everywhere we could including the freedom trail thru the north end across the bridge to "old ironsides"; saw 3 shows ("I Love You, You're Pefect" highly recommended); did the museums; ate at skipjack's; discovered the best little coffee shop just off copley sq. in the ywca; go! enjoy!