Boston / Side Trip
Apr 17th, 2005 | 07:33 PM
#3
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 23,073
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There are stuff to see every direction, except straight east. If you want to see the coast, Cape Cod to the south east or the the North shore to the NE (Marblehead, Gloucester, Rockport) or further to the New Hampshire coast or Maine.
If you want to see the mountains, straight north to White Mountain in New Hampshire, NW to Green Mountains in Vermont, or west to Berkshires in Mass.
Or south to Newport, RI to see mansions; or Mystic, CT to see Mystic Seaport.
If you want outlet shopping, Wrenham just south of Boston, Kittery in Maine, or further up Maine to Freeport.
Largest casino in the US is Foxboro in SE Connecticut. And there's also Mohegan Sun next door.
Traffic will be pretty bad for July 4th weekend, especially going to Cape Cod. Keep that in mind.
If you want to see the mountains, straight north to White Mountain in New Hampshire, NW to Green Mountains in Vermont, or west to Berkshires in Mass.
Or south to Newport, RI to see mansions; or Mystic, CT to see Mystic Seaport.
If you want outlet shopping, Wrenham just south of Boston, Kittery in Maine, or further up Maine to Freeport.
Largest casino in the US is Foxboro in SE Connecticut. And there's also Mohegan Sun next door.
Traffic will be pretty bad for July 4th weekend, especially going to Cape Cod. Keep that in mind.
Apr 28th, 2005 | 05:01 AM
#4
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 23
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Absolutely keep in mind the Boston traffic, especially if you plan on doing it as a day trip and not staying over in the other area.
Another option is going up to Salem to see the witches. You can also get there by train, although its not difficult finding it by driving
Another option is going up to Salem to see the witches. You can also get there by train, although its not difficult finding it by driving
Apr 28th, 2005 | 07:12 AM
#5
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,265
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Just a little correction. The Casino is "Foxwoods". Foxboro is where the world champion Patriots play. 
Plymouth is a also a nice historical side trip. You can tour the Plantation and also take a whale-watching tour.
Make sure you take in the Boston Pops concert on the Charles River Esplanade on 7/4.
Plymouth is a also a nice historical side trip. You can tour the Plantation and also take a whale-watching tour.
Make sure you take in the Boston Pops concert on the Charles River Esplanade on 7/4.
Apr 28th, 2005 | 07:34 AM
#6
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 23,191
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There is always a week-long July 4 bunch of activities that will cover that time in Boston.
Boston Pops does play on Esplanade on July 4th - but if you want to be in area to see concert, you need to get there with blankets, coolers, etc in very early AM. Concert is blasted on speakers further down Esplanade (large outdoor park along Charles River). Fireworks after concert (actually during 1812 Overture)
Be aware that there will be some street closures during this weekend - and parking will be at a premium - don't know where you are staying, but that may effect your in and out of Boston plans. Many nearby cities and towns also have activities which may alter traffic patterns as well.
Definitely do not plan on heading to Cape Cod area as traffic will ruin your vacation. Also, heading in/out of town on Friday afternoon or Monday may be traffic-heavy. I might plan any day trip for Saturday or Sunday.
What type of activities are you interested in - historic, beach, hiking, etc.
Boston Pops does play on Esplanade on July 4th - but if you want to be in area to see concert, you need to get there with blankets, coolers, etc in very early AM. Concert is blasted on speakers further down Esplanade (large outdoor park along Charles River). Fireworks after concert (actually during 1812 Overture)
Be aware that there will be some street closures during this weekend - and parking will be at a premium - don't know where you are staying, but that may effect your in and out of Boston plans. Many nearby cities and towns also have activities which may alter traffic patterns as well.
Definitely do not plan on heading to Cape Cod area as traffic will ruin your vacation. Also, heading in/out of town on Friday afternoon or Monday may be traffic-heavy. I might plan any day trip for Saturday or Sunday.
What type of activities are you interested in - historic, beach, hiking, etc.
Apr 29th, 2005 | 07:05 AM
#7
Original Poster
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 49
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Thanks for all the info. I'll be staying at the Long Wharf Marriott. Will this location be in walking distance to alot of activities and sites? I'm not opposed to spending the night while on the side trip. I like historical sites, whale watching, and nature. I plan on making a return trip in the fall to see the foliage in New England and I will see the Cape Cod area then to aviod the crowds in July. I want to see Concord and Lexington for sure. As of now, I'm leaning toward heading North to see the coastal areas. Any favorite areas from Boston to Portland,ME?
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Apr 30th, 2005 | 09:15 AM
#8
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 196
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I would definitely see Rockport .. very quaint little town right on the water .. lovely little town .. Going North you could see Kittery, ME .. lots of good outlet shopping if you don't have it in your area .. Kennebunkport, ME ... Ogunquit, ME .. again lovely towns .. lots of good seafood and ocean views .. Portland, ME is a bit bigger and busier .. but just as lovely .. right on the water .. lots of cute stores .. (Stonewall Kitchens .. a favorite of mine) .. great restaurants .. and then you are not too much further to Freeport, ME .. home to L.L. Bean and tons and tons of outlet stores .. ! From Boston to Freeport .. about two hours or so .. but if you stop along the way ... that will change of course .. but I would do it .. I have always lived in the area .. and I never get tired of that particular trip ... !
Apr 30th, 2005 | 07:35 PM
#9
Original Poster
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 49
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Thanks mahs. If it only takes about 2 hrs to get to Freeport, I'll have to make that trip. Since my trip will be during the 4th of July weekend I know my travel times will be a little longer. And I'll definitely be making stops along the way!
May 1st, 2005 | 03:29 AM
#10
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 33,367
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Wait, didn't anyone mention Portsmouth NH? Visit historical Strawbery Banke and take a harbor cruise or cruise up the inland rivers. When you head back to Boston, first take Rt 1B thru Newcastle. It's a wonderful drive thru a very old town and then over to Rye to see the private mansions along the coast. Once you get to Hampton Beach, head over to Rt 95 for the trip back to Boston. Portsmouth offers great restaurants, nice shops and interesting downtown area. Prescott Park, across from Strawbery Banke, has beautiful gardens where you can sit and enjoy the ocean view.
You could take a short cruise, have lunch in Portsmouth, visit Strawbery Banke in the afternoon and still visit Maine in the evening. (It's across the bridge). Kittery Maine also offers tons of outlet shopping and the Kittery Trading Post.
Boy, one day, what to choose!
Marriott Longwharf is within walking distance of the Quincy Market/Fanueil Hall area and also Boston's Italian North End. Good choice.
You could take a short cruise, have lunch in Portsmouth, visit Strawbery Banke in the afternoon and still visit Maine in the evening. (It's across the bridge). Kittery Maine also offers tons of outlet shopping and the Kittery Trading Post.
Boy, one day, what to choose!
Marriott Longwharf is within walking distance of the Quincy Market/Fanueil Hall area and also Boston's Italian North End. Good choice.
May 1st, 2005 | 04:35 PM
#11
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 196
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I would absolutely go into the North End of Boston .. and I would go hungry .. I would eat my way through ... there are many wonderful restaurants there .. I have never been to a bad one .. some are pricey .. some are not ... lots of people would tell you to go to Pizza Regina .. but and personally I would have a nice dinner and save room for dessert at Mike's Pastry Shop on Hanover Street .. I think it is part of Boston history .. not to be missed ...
May 3rd, 2005 | 05:45 AM
#13
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 523
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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 - I think it cost about $1.00 a ride - very cheap but fun)
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.
- You didn't ask about food, but I agree with the posted above about http://www.phantomgourmet.com/frame.as
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.
This link may be of interest to those traveling to Boston.
http://boston.citysearch.com/best/ca...ws_generic_3_5
It lists readers choices and editors picks of the 10 best of everything you can imagine (attractions, day trips, food, hotel, free attractions, golf course, etc.)
I don't agree with all the choices but for the most part they are pretty good.
- 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 - I think it cost about $1.00 a ride - very cheap but fun)
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.
- You didn't ask about food, but I agree with the posted above about http://www.phantomgourmet.com/frame.as
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.
This link may be of interest to those traveling to Boston.
http://boston.citysearch.com/best/ca...ws_generic_3_5
It lists readers choices and editors picks of the 10 best of everything you can imagine (attractions, day trips, food, hotel, free attractions, golf course, etc.)
I don't agree with all the choices but for the most part they are pretty good.
May 3rd, 2005 | 04:45 PM
#14
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,421
Likes: 0
We love Salem, Rockport, Newburyport in MA, Portsmouth, NH, and Kennebunkport and Ogunquit on the southern coast of Maine. Any would be a lovely day trip. I'd not plan this for Friday 6/30 or July 5th, but those sound like your arrival and departure days anyway.
For avoiding traffic, your best bet is probably Rockport, Salem...so as to avoid the Hampton Toll Booth and Maine Turnpike. Route 1 in Maine will likely be very busy as well.
I'd save Lexington & Concord for fall.
For avoiding traffic, your best bet is probably Rockport, Salem...so as to avoid the Hampton Toll Booth and Maine Turnpike. Route 1 in Maine will likely be very busy as well.
I'd save Lexington & Concord for fall.
