Hello,

Im taking my husband to Boston for a long weekend in March and wanted to get some suggestions on things to do and places to eat. We're going to be staying at the Westin Copley Place, and havent been to Boston for years. Thank you for your input!

Which weekend?

How about visiting the Stewart Gardner Museum, returning for a cocktail at the Oak Bar at Copley Plaza Hotel, freshen up and then dinner at the new Great Bay in Kenmore Square. Just a thought, been there, done that, loved it. Oh and call ahead to the front desk and ask for a riverview and higher floor! Another day would be walking, if the weather is good, the Charles River all the way down, dinner in the north end, maybe the aquarium if it's cold or rainy, and if you happen upon Charles Street, stop by Upper Crust for a slice to save your appetite for dinner. You could also get tickets to Movin Out or the Ballet....Good Luck!!!!

Take the train up to Rockport for the day- a wonderfully romantic, sleepy little town you can see on foot... fun shops & places to eat.

- Visit Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
- Listen to some great Irish music that will be all around preceding St. Patricks Day. Maybe you'll be in town for the Chieftains at Symphony Hall.
- See the Flower Show at the Bayside Expo Center.
-Rejoice with all Bostonians that maybe just maybe winter will be over and spring will be peeking around the corner - go for a walk on the Esplanade. Or if spring is still being shy definately go to Gardener Museum to see the courtyard for a taste of spring on a drab day.
-Eat in the North End for Italian. Eat in the South End for trendy.
- Try your hand at candlepin bowling - only available in New England - small balls, different looking pins - 3 balls per turn. Bowling is hip again in Boston.
-Buy some Red Sox memorablia - Opening Day is only a few weeks away!!!. Red Sox hopes spring eternally.
-Buy some Patriots Super Bowl XXXVIII Championship memorablia- the recrowning of the Pat's as champs will still be fresh in our memories.
-Have a great time.

I wasn't being flip when I asked which weekend. In March, the Flower Show is a VERY welcome ten-day event, plus there's the St. Patrick's Day parade, and other specific events that might be of interest.

Anonymous - I don't think anyone would have thought you were being flip. Knowing when someone is visiting is helpful.

Well, I happened to ask it immediatey after the OP posted, but we haven't gotten a reply.

Yikes...just realized I'd be landing in Boston on St Patrick's Day after reading this post (March 17)....So for you Bostonians out there, what kind of troubles can I expect? I plan on taking the T from Logan and spent the rest of day walking aroung downtown....Alterations in plan needed??

The St. Patrick's Day parade is in South Boston on the Sunday before the 17th (it's the 14th this year) so you won't run into any traffic congestion or rowdiness. Just wear something green, stay away from ethnic or student-y bars that night, and you'll be fine.

Here's a tip - avoid anywhere that sells green beer that day. Its a sign that the place is tacky and not really Irish or is catering to low class types. There are many very nice Irish pubs in town that will have great music. Or see if you can get tickets to one of the many concerts that will be going on - Ronan Tynan is around, the Chieftains always place at Symphony Hall, the Saw Doctors (my personal favorite!) usually make an appearance at either the Paradise or Avalon.

St. Patrick's Day is a Suffolk County holiday (the county of Boston) under the guise of "Evacuation Day". Actually an excuse for city and some state workers to get the day off. So there is somewhat less business traffic in the city - compensated for by an increase in drunk non-business people.

That said, with the 17th being mid-week, much of the celebrating will be on weekend.

Do not get overly concerned about dangerous drunks, however. In Boston, we only do stupid or dangerous things like flipping cars and running over pedestrians when one of our sports teams wins. (or sometimes when they lose).

The Irish Tenors (one of which Ronan Tynan is) are playing the Orpheum (across from Boston Common on Tremont St) on 3/14. Tix are onsale now.

Amyb - thanks for the tip on the Tenors. I saw them at Christmas and loved them.

Thanks everyone for allaying my concerns....if traffic is lighter...maybe I'll even consider a shuttle rather than trying the T.....and I'll remember to wear something green!!! I just hope the weather holds out...it's been a yucky winter thus far!!