Boston questions--I can help!

Old May 31st, 2002, 05:59 PM
  #21  
brian
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Lisa, brookline or brooklyn. south and west of boston proper thx Brian
 
Old May 31st, 2002, 06:05 PM
  #22  
Brian
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Suzy, thanks this site is priceless!
 
Old Jun 2nd, 2002, 09:22 AM
  #23  
Travelin Girl
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Lisa, Have you had eaten at Jimmy's or no anyone who has? Any information would be appericated.
 
Old Jun 2nd, 2002, 11:35 PM
  #24  
Anne Hoang
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Hi Lisa
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
 
Old Jun 2nd, 2002, 11:38 PM
  #25  
Anne Hoang
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Hi Lisa
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?
 
Old Jun 3rd, 2002, 03:50 AM
  #26  
Suzy
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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.

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.

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.

You can find details about the subway and commuter rail systems and schedules at www.mbta.com.
 
Old Jun 3rd, 2002, 08:19 AM
  #27  
andy
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Thanks for the offer. I will be visiting Boston July 4-8. Any suggestions on activities during that time?

Also, would like your opinion on the best historical sites to visit, walking tours, etc.

Thanks
 
Old Jun 3rd, 2002, 10:41 AM
  #28  
Jackie
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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?
 
Old Jun 3rd, 2002, 12:45 PM
  #29  
Linda
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- Take a stroll along the Charles River (great views, people watching and sailboats)

- Walk down Charles Street (quaint shops) and Newbury Street (pricey shops)

- 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)

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.

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.

- Spend an afternoon in Harvard Square (lots of shops, really great people watching and lots of history)

- 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).

- Eat dinner in the North End (Italian section) and then have desserts at Mike's Pastry (or look for a quaint coffee shop)

- 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)

- See a Red Sox Game and get a tour of Fenway Park

- 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)

- 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).

This site lists many of the parks:
http://www.emeraldnecklace.org/tourtheparks.htm

- 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).


- I'd skip Fanuel Hall and the Cheers Bar and stay away from all the dives on Route 1 and Revere Beach.

- For food, try http://www.phantomgourmet.com
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.
 
Old Jun 10th, 2002, 01:59 PM
  #30  
Sandy
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Lisa,
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.
Thanks,
Sandy
 
Old Jun 11th, 2002, 06:36 AM
  #31  
r-travels
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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.

The WWII destroyer (name escapes me) alongside "Old Ironsides" is fascinating too.
 
Old Jun 11th, 2002, 06:43 AM
  #32  
Dirk
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Lisa,

Thanks for all the help.

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.
 
Old Jun 11th, 2002, 06:50 AM
  #33  
Ralph
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Where's Boston?

What's a diarama?

I'm Idaho.
 
Old Jun 15th, 2002, 12:03 PM
  #34  
vivek
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I live in one of the suburbs of Boston and next weekend i want to bring my wife to a romantic hotel in boston.

I want it to be a nice Birthday surprise for her... and i am in search of a romantic Hotel.

Please help with suggestions.
 
Old Jun 19th, 2002, 12:35 PM
  #35  
Tina
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Vivek,
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!
 
Old Jun 20th, 2002, 12:19 PM
  #36  
Feff
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Lisa,
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.

Jennifer Greenfield, IN
 
Old Jun 20th, 2002, 12:48 PM
  #37  
Elvis
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Lisa has left the building!
 
Old Jun 20th, 2002, 02:10 PM
  #38  
Suzy
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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.

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.

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.
 
Old Jun 20th, 2002, 03:05 PM
  #39  
Wendy
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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.

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!

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.

Enjoy your trip!
 
Old Jun 20th, 2002, 05:20 PM
  #40  
Feff
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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.
 

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