Boston questions--I can help!
 

I have been living in downtown Boston for the past 5 yrs. and helping friends and family plan trips here. If you have any questions, please feel free to direct them my way!

Could you tell me how big a problem it is to ride the "T" from Logan to Boston College area with a small piece of wheeled luggage? There is still no locker rental allowed at Logan....<BR>Thanks for your advice.

All depends on what you define as a problem - it is doable. You first take a shuttle bus from terminal to Blue Line of MBTA. Ride that to change to Green line, which has several branches. You may or may not be able to get on a specific Boston College train at that point, or you may have to get off and change to a BC branch train. There are info booths if you get confused and other riders are usually able to give directions. You can wheel luggage onto Blue Line, but green line train involves stairs. MBTA stations all have elevators and/or escalators, and sometimes they are working. You will need to know where in "BC area" you want to get off train.

Hi Lisa - thanks for the kind offer!<BR><BR>My partner and I visit Boston each year (just before Christmas) for shopping and relaxing. I adore the City - its my favourite US place to visit!<BR><BR>However, one thing I have never been able to do is get tickets for the Boston Ballet's Nutcracker at the Wang Centre.<BR><BR>I love the ballet and would really like to see this so can you tell me how early the tickets go on sale at the Wang? I know I should use Ticketmaster but I arranged tickets for a broadway show once and they weren't at the box office as arranged/payed for - so I'm a bit unahppy about using them again!<BR><BR>Also, how easy is it to get tickets at the Fleet centre for an Ice Hockey game - are they sold out quickly?<BR><BR>Thanks very much.<BR><BR><BR>

Dear Lisa<BR> We are flying into Boston for the day on June 1st. Please advise us on a seafood resturant that has items that are not deep fried. We plan to eat seafood for both lunch and dinner. For lunch I would love a salad topped with lots of good seafood and no mayo. Also looking for a good bakery. We plan to walk the freedom trail and the waterfront. Thanks

Kathy, most of the better seafood restaurants will prepare fish without frying. In fact, frying is probably one of the least ordered preparations at the better ones. Legal Seafoods has a dish which is my favorite, stemed shrimp and broccoli around jasmine rice, topped with melted cheese (optional). Just don't go to the NoName or other lesser expensive places, but even there I'm sure they would broil for you. <BR><BR>As for a bakery, do you want bread or pastry? Go to the North End and visit Mikes. There are also bakeries there which specialize in breads (Mike's is for pastry...try the canolli, it's filled right when you order). I don't think there's a bad bakery in the North End. You'll pass many of them when you walk the Freedom Trail up to the North Church. Have a good visit. Too bad it's only for one day.

Hello Lisa<BR><BR>Thanks for offering advice. I am coming to Boston in mid July for a short family vacation. I will have two children with me aged 7 & 5. I want to take them whale watching. Do you have any advice on the best tour ? Is it worth driving up the coast to get a boat or do the tours from Boston harbor offer the same thing ?<BR>Thank you

Where's Lisa, aka the Boston concierge?

Hi Ian! <BR>I went whale watching last July around the same time you will be in town, and I believe that it is actually a little late in the whale watching season (most of the whales have already moved to a more northern feeding spot. Check out<BR>http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/whalewatch/. They offer the best whale watching boat excursions, and they can probably also answer any questions you may have. Their number is 617-227-4321 or <BR>1-877-SEE-WHALE (733-9425). Good luck!<BR>

For the Nutcracker it would be highly recommended to get tickets right now. As for the whale watching, the Aquarium sponsors I believe a boat right from that area. Also in Boston for great seafood we like SkipJacks on Clarendon Street...there is no need to eat fried foods..I do agre that the Legal shrimp with jasmine rice is incredible.. Right now, this very second I have a yen for fried clams...with the bellies thank you very much..and lobster is coming back. If your lucky you'll be here for a Italian Festival in the North End.. and I absolutely agree about Mike's..

Kathy,<BR>Indeed, Legal Seafoods will definitely fit your bill for your seafood preferences. Although there are numerous locations, I would recommend staying away from the one in the Prudential shopping center downtown, unless you are prepared for a long wait. There is a less crowded and equally good Legal Seafoods in the Copley Place shopping mall, also downtown and just a few blocks away. Or, if you are out exploring Cambridge or Harvard, you can just hop on the Red Line T and go to the Kendall/MIT stop (about a 1-minute train ride) where nearby there is also a Legal Seafoods. For some alternative seafood spots, try Chinatown, which has great hidden treasures!

OK some thoughts from someone who spent 10 years in Boston: Legal Seafood is very good; so is the No Name restaurant on the Fish Pier. The whale watching tours all go to the same spot so it makes perfect sense to start your trip in Boston itself. There's a great children's museum you might want to visit if you're traveling with kids. Boston is a great city so I hope you enjoy yourselves.

OK...I'll take the free advice. I'm considering a weekend trip w/ my husband in August. Never been to Boston before. I will do my own obsessing over where to eat, but can you make suggestions on things to do, neighborhoods to visit, best areas for strolling around window shopping,etc. We don't usually "do" monuments and stuff, but are interested in good museums.<BR><BR>Also what is the best part of town to stay in. Hotel suggestions? I like industrial-chic stuff better than traditional luxury.<BR><BR>Thanks.<BR><BR>

Danna,<BR>Before you do any planning, try to find a hotel room using an online discount reservation site, such as www.hoteldiscounts.com, Priceline, or Hotwire.com. Unfortunately, this is the best way to book slightly affordable rooms in Boston ($110-$190), whereas if you pay normal prices, you will be shelling out exhorbinant amounts for very normal accomodations. The hotels that you can get through these sights are all very nice, and if you specify a that you want a hotel downtown, you will likely not come up with a lemon. That said, if you are looking for "industrial chic" over traditional luxury and are willing to pay "normal" rates, check out XV Beacon, or Nine Zero (www.ninezerohotel.com), both very posh, great locations, with a more modern feel. As for things to do, the Isabella Stewart Garnder museum is outstanding, and try to get tickets ahead of time (do a search for their website) to avoid standing in lines once you arrive. Strolling is a great summer activity in Boston. Stroll up to the North End, have a meal, walk past the harbor, and don't leave without grabbing some tasty pastries. Stroll through the Boston Commons, and up Newbury St.--Boston's Rodeo Dr.--for great people watching and outdoor eateries. Take a "duck tour"-they depart from downtown outside of the Prudential shopping mall. Walk along the Charles River and feed the ducks. Have fun planning your trip!

I agree with what Lisa said, except that rather than "downtown" you'd probably prefer a hotel in the Back Bay/Copley area. Closer to more attractions (Public Garden, Newbury Street, etc.) and a nicer area in general.

Yes, when searching for hotels, the "Back Bay/Copley" area is the one you want to go with! "Downtown" may refer to the financial district, which is not as central to all the attractions!

Lisa, how gracious of you! Family of four kids 16 and 14 will be visiting 6-17 thru 6-22. We have lodging but no set plans on things to do and places to see. WE would like ideas on things to do including day trips outside of Boston. also ideas on food that will fill up a teen but won't empty Dads pockets. BIG BIG question how do I get from Boston to airport in Providence (flying Southwest) Is there a shuttle or something along those lines

The Bonanza Bus company runs a bus from Boston to the airport, via Providence. (T.F. Green airport is technically in Warwick, south of Providence.)<BR><BR>http://www.bonanzabus.com/bospro.htm

Brian, <BR>If I know where you will be staying, it will be easier to give you some recommendations. Thanks!

Dear Lisa,<BR> Thanks so much for the help. My favorite bakery items are cookies but, nothing with chocolate. We hope to come back to Boston and travel up the coast this year or next.

Lisa, brookline or brooklyn. south and west of boston proper thx Brian

Suzy, thanks this site is priceless!

Lisa, Have you had eaten at Jimmy's or no anyone who has? Any information would be appericated.

Hi Lisa<BR>My plan is to visit Boston from 28/6-1/7. What's the best accommodation (economy rate) for a single traveller? Most hotels check-in time is 3pm, what happens if I arrive as late as 7.30pm?I've heard the train is very effective in Boston. How far from the airport to the train station? How much for

Hi Lisa<BR>My plan is to visit Boston from 28/6-1/7. What's the best accommodation (economy rate) for a single traveller? Most hotels check-in time is 3pm, what happens if I arrive as late as 7.30pm?I've heard the train is very effective in Boston. How far from the airport to the train station? How much a shuttle bus charge? Is it easy to get on and off the train with a suitcase?

If you arrive late, the hotel will hold the room for you IF you have "guaranteed" it by giving them a credit-card number. Also, you should contact the hotel now to let them know that you will be a late arrival so they can note it on your reservation. And call them again before 6 PM on the afternoon of your arrival, if possible.<BR><BR>There are two types of trains in Boston: (1) a subway system that serves the city and nearby suburbs, and (2) a system of "commuter rail" trains that serve the outer parts of the city and the suburbs. You can also get the inter-city Amtrak trains (to New York, etc.) in Boston.<BR><BR>At the airport there is a free shuttle bus that will take you to the nearest stop on the subway system (the "Airport" stop!). A token to ride the subway costs $1.<BR><BR>You can find details about the subway and commuter rail systems and schedules at www.mbta.com.

Thanks for the offer. I will be visiting Boston July 4-8. Any suggestions on activities during that time? <BR><BR>Also, would like your opinion on the best historical sites to visit, walking tours, etc.<BR><BR>Thanks

Hi! Thank You for your time. Can you recommend a four/five star hotel. I will be traveling with a five year old, so I would really like a place with a pool and babysitting service. Can you help?

- Take a stroll along the Charles River (great views, people watching and sailboats)<BR><BR>- Walk down Charles Street (quaint shops) and Newbury Street (pricey shops)<BR><BR>- Walk through the Boston common (see the frog pond) and public garden and take a ride on the Swan Boats (get there early in the morning so you don't have to wait in line) <BR><BR>During your walk through the public gardens (Charles Street entrance), don’t forget to stop by the “duckling” monument put up to honor the classic story of a family of Mallard ducks in downtown Boston from the book “Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey, Viking, 1941, A Caldecott Medal winner.<BR><BR>A copy of the book makes a great gift for kids. It can be found at most Boston gift shops. I give it to all new mothers as part of the shower or christening gift.<BR><BR>- Spend an afternoon in Harvard Square (lots of shops, really great people watching and lots of history)<BR><BR>- Take a Duck Boat Tour. This is the best way to ride by all the sights. It is a land and water tour which you can catch at the Prudential (reserve ahead). Not only do you get to see the harbor but you get to ride in it (all kids on board get a chance to drive the boat for a minute or two). The guys who ride are really animated, in costumes and tell obscure historical stories (like the great Boston molasses flood). <BR><BR>- Eat dinner in the North End (Italian section) and then have desserts at Mike's Pastry (or look for a quaint coffee shop)<BR><BR>- Depending on what you like, stop by Charleston to see the Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument and then stop by the Warren Tavern for lunch or dinner (small, quaint and great food - gets a little too crowded for me on Wednesday nights)<BR><BR>- See a Red Sox Game and get a tour of Fenway Park<BR><BR>- Head up to Gloucester, Newburyport, Portsmouth NH, Salem, Rockport or down to Cape Cod for a day to see the ocean or check out some of the witch museums (Salem)<BR><BR>- Boston has a lot of great parks. My favorite is the Back Bay Fens. Local residents who don't have a yard take a spot and turn it into their own garden. There is literally hundreds of these, all beautiful (near Kenmore Square). <BR><BR> This site lists many of the parks:<BR> http://www.emeraldnecklace.org/tourtheparks.htm<BR><BR>- You may also want to consider a day at the Science Museum. If you don't want to take the entire day you can get tickets to their Omni theater which is quite good (a few hours for a show).<BR><BR><BR>- I'd skip Fanuel Hall and the Cheers Bar and stay away from all the dives on Route 1 and Revere Beach.<BR><BR>- For food, try http://www.phantomgourmet.com<BR>Billy Costa DJ at WXKS 108 FM a popular radio station also has a cable TV show called Phantom Gourmet. He is brutally honest about food quality, service and ambiance. He has never steered us wrong!!! There is also a section where locals & visitors can comment on their dining experience.<BR>

Lisa,<BR>My husband and I will be visiting Boston for the first time in Sept. We'll be staying 2 nights and bringing our kids ages 1 and 3. I'm looking for hotel suggestions. We'd like to be able to walk to many area attractions, as the kids get antsy with too many car rides. Larger rooms and/or suite-type accomodations are preferable.<BR>Thanks,<BR>Sandy

I liked Linda's (adnil1962) post but if you've got kids, I wouldn't rule out Fanuil Hall/Quincy Market for some quick eats. Plenty of variety, a little pricey, but a nice diversion. We thought the "Cheers" bar a total waste of time. MBTA used to have an all day pass, not sure if they still do, but if you're planning on hitting several places it may be worth looking into.<BR><BR>The WWII destroyer (name escapes me) alongside "Old Ironsides" is fascinating too.

Lisa,<BR><BR>Thanks for all the help.<BR><BR>What's the best "adult entertainment facility" in Boston? Ever been/worked there. You sound like a fun gal. maybe we can meet up sometime.

Where's Boston?<BR><BR>What's a diarama?<BR><BR>I'm Idaho.

I live in one of the suburbs of Boston and next weekend i want to bring my wife to a romantic hotel in boston.<BR><BR>I want it to be a nice Birthday surprise for her... and i am in search of a romantic Hotel.<BR><BR>Please help with suggestions.

Vivek,<BR>Not quite the answer you're seeking, but I just got back from a short trip to New England which included a stay up in New Hampshire --- the Colby Hill Inn, a wonderful bed & breakfast in Henniker, a tiny town about 30 minutes outside of Concord, NH. Quiet, peaceful and the restaurant at the B&B is excellent!<BR>

Lisa,<BR> You may just be my savior! My husband and I will be leaving for Boston in just a few weeks and I am desperatly trying to get information to plan an itenerary. We are flying into Logan and renting a car and driving to the Cape for four days, so our time in Boston is very limited. I found your thread from looking at other questions that people had posted. We are going to be exploring the city upon arrival and we will have vistors one day passes on the T, which I found online. I am desperate to find a place to park our rental car for the day! I have gotton some good advice already, but I am still confused. I don't want to have to drive to far from the airport if possible to find hopefully affordable parking. I know that some T staions have parking, would you have any idea how much they cost for a days parking. This is a bit of information that was left out ot the websight. Do you know of some parking rates anywhere? Or where I can go to find them. I have been looking around and I still haven't gotten the information that I so desperatly need. I really need your help. Thank you for listening.<BR><BR>Jennifer Greenfield, IN

Lisa has left the building!

Logan Airport in Boston is virtually right in the city -- it's not miles and miles away, as in some other cities. It's well-served by the public transit system. My advice would be to take the T into the city and not pick up the rental car until it's time to head to the Cape. If there's a luggage problem, go through the rental desk, put the luggage in the car -- and still leave it in the rental lot until it's time to head south.<BR><BR>You will not be able to find an open parking space at a T station on a weekday from about 8 Am until mid- to late afternoon. If you're arriving on a weekend, I'd recommend the parking garage at the Braintree T station at the end of the Red Line, since it's on the way to the Cape and not hard to find for a newbie driving out of Boston for the first time.<BR><BR>FYI, the visitors one-day T pass is not a great buy -- it costs $6, and a ride on the subway costs just $1, and the bus even less. So to make the pass cost-effective, you'll have to ride the subway 6 times. Boston is such a great walking city, most visitors won't do that.

Jennifer, my beau and I just came back from Boston where originally we had arranged to pick up our rental car at Logan, stay the night at the Westin and then drive up to Andover the next day for the weekend.<BR><BR>Upon arriving at the airport we learned that all the car rental agencies are off site and we would have to take a cab to their local. Then it would cost $32 to park at the Westin. No thanks!<BR><BR>We called the rental company and told them we wouldn't be picking the car up until the next day. Cabbed to the Westin, $20. Then the Westin actually found us a better rate at Enterprise where we could just walk over to Copley Plaza and pick up the car the next day. Did that- pulled up to the Westin where our bags were waiting and away we went! Dropped the car back off at Copley Plaza after checking into our 2nd hotel for a few more nights in the city before heading out. Took the T to the airport on the way back - $1.<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip!

Suzy---------We already asked about storing the stuff in the rental and picking it up later, unfortantly it is a no can do. Thanks for your input.