We will be in Boston for 2 1/2 days at the end of August. What are the not-to-be-missed sights for the first time traveler to the area? Also, any recommendatons for moderately priced, fun restaurants would be appreciated. Thank in advance.

I know you're going to get some very helpful answers, but in the meantime, there's a fun web site that you can visit and get a vague idea of stuff in Boston: www.frommers.com/destinations/boston/

Have a great trip.

Kathy B.

My opinion of must-sees in Boston: Museum of Fine Arts (Huntington Ave., - Green Line T), Quincy Market(Gov't Center or State T), Public Garden, streets of Beacon Hill, New England Aquarium (Aquarium T). Great views from the observatories of either the Prudential Tower or the John Hancock building. Other good sights: Science Museum, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Cambridge around Harvard Square... Boston has tons to see & do! Also it's qite walkable and when you take the subway, it's easy & it's cheap ($.85/ride last I knew).

Other recommendations: Computer Museum (have you ever seen an Apple I? They've got one there!); Lexington/Concord historic sites; Plymouth Plantation; MIT Museum; Faneuil Marketplace; Filene's basement; Mapparium at the Christian Science Center; Harvard Museums; Copley Square

All really good suggestions for places to visit so far. Try the North End (a short walk from Fanueil Hall/Quincy Market and the Aquarium) for more great Italian restaraunts that you can shake a stick at. If you like seafood, The Daily Catch can't be beat for fresh fish dishes (although it's so small you actually sit in the kitchen). It's also in the North End. Close by to the Aquarium is the Barking Crab. A little louder, but a great view of the waterfront, and it makes an appearance in the new movie "Next Stop Wonderland". The Union Oyster House near Fanueil Hall is pricier, but it's also the oldest restaraunt in the U.S.
Harvard Square hosts some fun eateries such as The Border Cafe on Church Street, Fire and Ice (Mongolian Barbecue) and the original House of Blues. The Back Bay, along Newbury Street, has a plethora of diverse and eclectic restaraunts, like Tapeo (for Spanish style tapas) or Sonsie (if you want to hang out with the beautiful people). The Hungry I on Charles Street is the most romantic little place this side of the movies, and Olive's in Charlestown is fantastic. Enjoy your stay!

Just back from Boston yesterday. All of the recommended sights are excellent, but the thing that I enjoyed most was whale watching. It was magnificant. My last experience from L.A. had been such a bust. Only saw spouts and fins from far away. But this time it was really different. We went into the feeding grounds. The whales came right up next to the boat. At one time we were surrounded by 15-20 humpback whales, several were mothers with calves. One whale kept running along side the boat and jumping out of the water. He was also skim feeding, which means he was swimming right on the waters surface with his mouth wide open to scoop up plankton. He couldn't have been more than 100 feet from our starboard side. I can't even begin to explain the thrill. I can only hope that my pictures do the trip justice. I traveled with the tour from the New England Aquarium. Took the A.M. tour. Departs aquarium dock at 10:00 A.M. cost $24. I recommend paying the extra $10 for "captain's lounge" seating. Much more comfortable padded seats (its an hour and a half trip to the feeding grounds each direction) and the lounge is enclosed which was really great when it started to pour rain. You can call the Aquarium and make advance reservations. August is the very best time of year to see the whales in this area. Our naturalist guide said that they sometimes have whales right under the boat (its 100 ft long) with their tail sticking out one side and their head sticking out the other side of the boat. I guess the whales are as curious about us as we are about them. Do try this, especially if you have children along. Feel free to email if you have more questions.