Boston/Philadelphia trip advice needed
 

Ok, here are the facts:
I am traveling alone to Boston and Philadelphia in mid-October. I plan on spending 4 days in Boston and 4 days in Philadelphia. I will fly into Boston, rent a car the day I leave Boston, and drive to Philadelphia. After 4 days in Philadelphia, I will drive to DC and fly home (Nashville). My interests are primarily to see historic sights, but I also enjoy impressionistic art.

Questions:
1. I will be staying at the Thomas Bond house in Philadelphia. I am still looking for a B&B in Boston. I have checked out the various B&B websites and see many options. Does anyone have an specific experirence related to a particular B&B in Boston? I'd like to stay as close to the historic downtown area as possible. I will spend up to $125 per night, but prefer closer to $100.

2. On my final day in Boston, I will rent a car, drive to Concord/Lexington, and then drive to Philadelphia at night. I may stay in Hartford that night. Any advice on the drive between Boston and Philadelphia?

3. Will I need a car in Philadelphia? I'm a little confused as to the public transportation situation. I will be driving to DC after 4 days in Philadelphia. Should I keep a car for the entire time, or return it upon arrival in Philadelphia and then rent another?

4. I want to focus mainly on historical sightseeing, but I will definately spend some time in art museums. If I end up having to choose between the large art museum in Boston and the large art museum in Philadelphia, which is best for impressionistic art?

Thank you for any advice you can give!!

Boston is a very compact city. Given that and the convenience of the T, I wouldn't worry about being far from the historic sites in town. Having said that, my only recommendation for lodging is the Newbury Guest House, right in the heart of the Back Bay. It will come in at the top of your price range, but it's well worth it.

As far as Impressionist art, both the Boston Museum of Fine Art and the Philadelphia Museum of Art will have some pieces. The MFA seems to be better-regarded vis-à-vis their permanent collection (and it IS quite good)-- while the Phillie has the Rodin museum. But really, the best museum for Impressionist art in the US is the Art Institute of Chicago, so don't expect either place to have room after room after room after room of Dégas and Monet and Manet and Cassatt and Seurat etc.

Thanks for the info. The Newbury Guest House looks great, but it's booked for my week. I'll keep my eye out for cancelations.

Philadelphia - Visited three summers ago, didn't need a car. There is a bus, on and off (Philly FLash?), that takes you around the city. We stayed at the Omni there is a stop just outside the hotel. Boston - was there last September enjoyed the city and it is very compact. Public transport and walking, you won't miss a site.

I wouldn't bother staying in Hartford. It is only 1 1/2 to 2 hours from Concord/Lexington at night (without traffic). If you drive straight through, you will end up in Philadelphia too early to check into your hotel. I think that you should drive through NY at night and find a place to stay or stay overnight in Concord and get up early to travel to PA. If you decide to stay over in CT., there are hotels all along 91 and 84. What a great trip for someone into history and impressionism. I hope you have a great time.

If interested in Impressionist Art, make certain to make arrangements to see the Barnes Foundation collection while in Philly. Reservations MUST be made in advance, and the limit is 400 guests a day -- NO exceptions. They often sell out weeks in advance, so choose wisely.

I agree with the above; Philly is a city whose highlights can be seen perfectly well without a car. Indeed, if you've never driven in East Coast traffic (and you note you're from Nashville), a car in Philly will be more of a headache than it would be worth.

Washington is another city where a car would be totally unnecessary. Check out mass transit options of getting from Philly to Washington; you'll probably end up saving a lot of money and hassle.

I agree, you might want to look into taking Amtrak from Boston to Philly and then on to DC, it will probably save you quite a bit of money, and you will have less hassle. The train station in Philly and DC are both easy access to everything. Philly is right on Market St. and you can take a bus from there or a cab to your hotel.

Both cities are very walkable and having a car is more of a hassle than a help with traffic and nowhere to park.

Hi Katie

Chack out http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/ent...rforming_arts/

http://www.barnesfoundation.org/

The Barnes is outside the city but you can get there via PT.

I would definitely not rent a car. First of all, you don't need it in either city. Further, the rental cost, plus the parking costs in Philadelphia and Washington make it a bad investment. The train will be much more convenient, and probably cheaper.
While it may not match the Art Institute of Chicago (but then whose does?), the Impressionist collection at the Boston MFA is quite, well, impressive!

I did this trip in separate pieces on my own .
First of all you MUST check out John Jeffries House Hotel in Boston--my report is on www.tripadvisor.com -May 25..
When I made my trip I flew into BWI took train to Philly ...very easy process --stayed 5 days and on to Boston by train..
Boston MFA (get there via the green line) is "good" but some of the impressionist are on loan to Japan (they do have a great cafeteria!!!)
Plus really try to go to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum at 280 Fenway (2 blocks from greenline)
It has a fantastic Venetian villa interior with all sorts of art which she personally collected as this was her home for many years..Also in Cambridge (easy acces via red line)
is the Fogg Museum --wonderful assortment of art with great guided tours..
another MUST is the Barnes collection in Philly worth the ride (PT) to see it...be sure to check far in advance to get reservations--many, many Reniors...
as if you didn't have enough resources if you do a "search" on this site--for Boston or Philly and you will get even more info..
Have a great time---I can't wait to go back to Boston..
PS truly the Chicago Art Institute IS the best collection of Impressionists..

Great advice everyone! I've been to DC many times and love the public transportation system. I'm feeling more confident about Philadelphia's, after your comments. One concern about the train between cities (particularly between Philly and DC)... is it easy to take with luggage? I will have one large suitcase (with wheels) and maybe a smaller laptop case or large purse. I don't want to be an annoyance to other travelers. Is it pretty common to take these trains with luggage?

Thanks again!

The Amtrak has luggage space at both ends of each car, so you don't really need to worry.

I also agree with taking public transportation rather than driving.

If you do decide to drive, drive at night. I've driven Boston-Philadelphia quite a few times and I definitely preferred nights as the traffic is much lighter (I would leave around 11pm or 12 mn and get in in the middle of the night.)

For B&B in Boston, you can also try look for the ones in Brookline, like Longwood Inn or Beech Tree Inn.
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/brook...achusetts.html

Brookline is just a few stops on the T from downtown/Back Bay area.

You absolutely, have to, must see the Barnes. When you call for reservations ask them the best way to get there via Public Trans. I think there is a stop on the train line near it (perhaps Wynnewood or Gladwyne) It has been many years since I had that line memorized.

Amtrak is so easy...I wished I had started using it long ago! I make frquent business trips to NYC and Philly and use the train. Business class is comfy and there is plenty of room for your bags above you or at either end of your train. Very relaxing!

I looked at the Amtrak website - you could leave Boston and be in Philly for $132 in business class and less in coach.The trip would be around 5.5 hours - well worth it! You will arrived refreshed. The scenery between RI and NY is nice too - you go by lots of marinas and a few beaches.

Progress! I've reserved rooms at the Beacon Inn in Boston. Thanks to those who pointed me in the right direction.

I think I'll certainly take the Amtrak from Philly to DC at the end of the trip. Am still debating on the Boston to Philly stretch. I'd like the freedom of having a car in Concord/Lexington, and traveling to Philly at night. I'm sure I will be ready for a rest by then, though. Hmmmm.. will think some more.

Boston is updating their T stops and some are shut down randomly for construction. They provide busses between stops in some areas. Some T stops use tickets and other are still on the old tokens. The problem is they don't do both. You can check for updates on www.mbta.com.

I grew up in Boston (Lexington, actually) and now live in Philly so I travel between the two all the time. A couple of pieces of advice:

First, unless you are really interested in seeing Lexington/Concord, don't bother with a car. Boston and Philly are both very walkable cities, and in Boston the public transit is very good. That is less true of Philly, but the vast majority of tourist sites in Philly are in a very compact area.

If you don't rent a car, consider flying between Boston and Philly. US Air currently has one-way fares of ~$50, and flights just about every hour. It is cheaper than taking the train, and almost as convienient, unless you hate airports. Defintely take Amtrack on the Philly->DC leg.

If you are really interested in Lex/Concord, you might consider renting a car for the day and then dropping it off at the airport and flying to Philly that night. The drive from Lexington to the airport is actually very easy. I might be jaded because I grew up there, but I'm not sure that the sites in Lexington/Concord are really *that* interesting. But in October, the trees will be gorgeous, so renting a car for a day just to drive around Concord and look at the colors might be worth it.

Museums: the Philly musuem of art has just about as good a collection of Impressionists as the Boston musuem of art (MFA) - I'd be hard pressed to decide which one is better. I'd highly recommend both of them as well as the Barnes. But, if you are only going to see one musuem in Philly, it should be the Barnes instead of the main art musuem.

For the Barnes - I'd make reservations as soon as possible. They often sell out 6-8 weeks in advance (and more quicky in fall/winter than in summer).

If you'd like Philly restaurant suggestions, let me know. My wife and I love to eat out, and I could list dozens of good Philly restaurants.

Oh, and about the T in Boston, by October all the updates should be done, so you won't have to worry about some stations taking tokens and others taking cards.

I’ve made reservations for the Barnes and am very much looking forward to it! I’ll play the other museums by ear. I am tentatively going to Chicago for a weekend in August to see art, so I may lower that as a priority for the Boston/Philadelphia trip.

msackton...the main purpose of my trip is to see historical sights related to the Revolutionary period. A secondary purpose is to see other historical sights. So, I think I’m pretty set on Lex/Concord! I think I’ll take your advice on renting a car for the day and flying between to Philly. I hadn’t even thought to check flights! I’ve checked and they have great rates. Being able to pick up and drop off a car at the same location will save me some money also.

The trees are a plus also. I couldn’t stand being in New England in the fall for over a week and not driving through at least one park. That was one of my motivations for driving to Philadelphia.

Restaurants…I could use some advice there. I will be alone and enjoy eating at places where you can sit alone, read, and relax. I won’t be spending much on food, and don’t eat a lot. I will probably skip lunch, or have a snack, and then have a relaxing dinner after museums and attractions are closed for the day. I don’t eat seafood. Whatever suggestions you have would be great!

Thanks so much!

A couple of restaurant suggestions near Independence Mall area...

First, there is always Cosi, a cozy coffeeshop/sandwich/salad place, which is good for eating alone with a book. (It's a NYC-DC-Philly chain)

A couple of good Italian places: Raddichio Cafe which is a bit cheaper than Ristorante Panaroma and Wine Bar. But Panaroma has a great selection of wines by the glass, and might be nicer by oneself.

Bistro 7 is pretty good, and there is a nice "bar" by the kitchen where one can eat and watch the chef cook (they don't serve alcohol, hence the quotes around bar). Karma has great Indian food in a low key setting. Fork is very good new American style food, in an elegant setting. They also have a gourmet take-out place, Fork Etc, which might be a nice option if the weather is picnic friendly.

Also, it is a bit farther afield, but you really should have a gelato from Cappigrio Gelato at 13th & Sansom (between Chestnut & Walnut). It's the best ice cream I've had in this country.

Best place to linger for along tiem eating and reading is the Trident Bookstore Cafe on Newbury Street. ITs ok there to bring books and magazines to your table and then put them back when you are done. Sebatsians inside the Boston Public Library allows you to take library books into the cafe with you mostly light food there).

Check out Panicifico, Les Deserts and Cafe Vanille on Charles Street for relaxing and reading.

ON Hanover Street in the Nroth End Cafe Pompei and Cafe Vittoria.

In Philly try Corsi's-many of them
If its warm enough Loie-sitting outside and La Colombe right next to it.
Good luck

My experience in Both Boston and Philly is that cafe/coffee houses are great for reading/hanging out by yourself, restaurants not as good or comfortable.

I suspect Katie has gone and come back by now...

Why would you think that? In the OP, she said she was traveling in October.

I stayed at the Longwood Inn in Brookline. It is about two blocks from the T and very convenient. The rooms have individual window ac units, some have toilets and others share. It is a nice area and, last summer, when we were getting on the T, Governor Dukakis was waiting as well for a ride into Boston proper. He lives in the area. The price is around $75-100. You don't get breakfast but downtown Brookline is just a few minutes away.

The OP has reported that she already made her hotel reservation for Boston.

So, how was he Thomas Bond B & B. I just booked it for October and want to be surer I made a good choice.

You do not need a car in either city.

I recommend flying. Airfare rates between the 2 cities are not high. I just bought a Boston-Philadelphia ticket for $85 (United). This is probably less expensive than a car rental, and certainly a lot easier than driving.

For great info on Phila., check out
www.gophila.com
They list activities, hotels, restaurants, etc.

I really enjoyed the Thomas Bond house. It felt historic and was very close to all of the Revolutionary period historic sites. It probably isn't the best place to see if you are not focusing on that aspect of Philadelphia.

There were no elevators, which made it a little difficult to get to the top floors, where I stayed. It didn't bother me at all, but it would be difficult for people with mobility issues.

The breakfast was very good. I would stay there again if I return to Philadelphia.

If you are interested, my trip report is at http://lostinfounders.blogspot.com/2...1_archive.html. The posts from October 19, 2005 - October 22, 2005 are related to Philadelphia.

Enjoy your trip! Philadelphia in October was wonderful!

Thank you for the info and I loved your comments and will reread them before I go. The mint sounds interesting and I can prepare for that ahead of time. Barnes sounds great!

I'll be in Philadelphia from Monday - Thur in September. Unfortunately the barnes Foundation is not open on those days. Too bad.

About the Mint. They don't allow cameras in and have no place to store them.

I would just like to emphasize what others have said :

Rent a car for a day trip to Concord and Lexington. They are a great visit !

But, do not drive to Philadelphia from Boston ! This is one of the most heavily traveled routes in the East, and with many trucks both night and day.Take a train. Or, as someone suggested, fly.

Well - you won;t need a car in downtown Philly - so unless you plan on heading out of town Iwoud bag the car and just take the train. Definitley cheaper - and more comfy - than paying for a car to sit, plus parking, while not being used.

Amtrak from Boston through DC is very reliable and has numerous trains a day.

She took this trip 2 years ago so I doubt she is still looking for transportation advice.

I would not exclude the Phila Museum of Art. They are having a major Renoir exhibition in October-so you might wish to check that out. I also would make a little time for the Rodin Museum--second largest collection of Rodin sculptures in the world.

The new Constitution Center is supposed to be worthwhile with plenty of interactive exhibits. This is walking distance from the Thomas Bond House.

Thomas Bond House is in Olde City, and there are a ton of dining options there. I have not eaten in that section in ages, but remember the more high end restaurants like the Fork and Buddakan as being very good. There is a huge singles scene there, too, since many nightspots are around there.

I am not sure if you are into Egyptology, but the Archeological Museum at the Univ. of Penn has one of the top two Egyptology collections in the country.

You might wish to rent a car to go out to Valley Forge for the day. It is rather difficult to get out there with public transport.

THE POST IS TWO YEARS OLD>>>>>the link to her trip report is also posted above

Hey,

Maybe she wants to go back again and use the same thread for more ideas.

The original post was two years ago but I am going to Philadelphia and Estern Virginia this October, 2007. Any suggests are appreciated.

beasy,

My wife and I visited Philadelphia last year and had a good time. The old city center with Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell is very walkable and comfortably done in a day, especially so in October, I would surmise. I've got a list of a dozen or so Philadelphia to-do's listed here:
http://piytravel.com/pages/where/na/...phia_brief.piy

I highly encourage you to take a stroll over to the Reading Terminal Market for lunch. They have a great selection of food vendors.

If you are visiting eastern Virginia, I suppose that will include Williamsburg. If so, I highly recommend that you make reservations for dinner (however many nights you are there) at one or more of the historic restaurants that operate in the colonial section. That was the highlight of our trip years ago.

Good luck!