Boston Trip Report - 8/16/8/23
Aug 29th, 2011, 06:47 AM
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Boston Trip Report - 8/16/8/23
Everyone has been so helpful in creating my itinerary during the last few months that I wanted to write a trip report before I forget the details! My husband and I are in our 40’s and this was our annual vacation. I thought about making this a two part post but kept it all here. For that reason it is VERY long.
Arrived on Tuesday and was at the Sheraton Back Bay by 2pm.
* Took the 4pm Duck Tour. It was a great first step to see the city!
* Ate at Atlantic Fish Co.. The food was great!
Wednesday
* Bought a Charlie Pass for the week.
* Took a freedom trail tour through Lessons on Liberty (http://lessonsonliberty.com/). This was a great move on our part. If you want to hear the stories from a historian this is the way to go. It would probably be boring for a kid but it is a great way to learn from a history teacher!
* Ate lunch at “The Purple Shamrock”. This is where the tour ended which is before the freedom trail ends. I knew this beforehand from their website. This is where I had my first lobster roll which was good. I also loved that it was such an old bar (even though I learned it had moved several times).
* Continued the freedom trail to the North Church and took the tour through the church. That was very interesting.
* Went back to the hotel to get ready for our sunset cruise. It was hot so we needed a shower and to change into nicer clothes.
* Took a cab to the seaport district and had a drink at “The Whiskey Priest” since we were early for the cruise and it was right next door.
* The “Spirit of Boston” cruise was OK. They had booked a lot of people from various companies who took up two of the decks. Because of this we were escorted to a seat that wasn’t that great on the lower deck. We got there so early to get a better seat and we paid the full amount so I wasn’t happy that I couldn’t sit where I wanted. I understand that they book large groups and I don’t know what the answer is for those of us who are not in the large groups but it put a damper on our evening. The food was great and once we were finished eating we went outside and that was nice. I think the price was high for what we got.
Thursday
* Took the Fenway Park tour. The guide had a good sense of humor which made the tour more fun.
* Took the T to Long Wharf and ate at Legal Seafoods…expensive but good food.
* Took the ferry to Charlestown to finish the freedom trail.
* The USS Constitution was great. We waited about 20 minutes and took the guided tour which was very interesting.
* We continued on the freedom trail to Bunker Hill. We climbed the monument (296 steps) which turned out to be a mistake on our legs for the next few days! It was worth it though. How could you go without climbing it if you are in decent shape…right?
* After taking the ferry back we stopped at Goodbar for a drink.
* Went back to the hotel to freshen up. Took a walk around the Back Bay and found “Abe & Louie’s”. We had no idea what we were in for! Upon arriving at the restaurant in shorts and sandals we went to the hostess and immediately realized this was an upscale place. We then expected to be turned away. Instead she told us to go upstairs and ask for “Randy” (which I am sure is code for …not acceptable for general area!). They sat us at a small table next to the bar and the bartender waited on us. I wasn’t that hungry so I only ordered clam chowder. My husband wasn’t hungry either until the bartender told him about the steak special. He ordered that and ate the entire dinner! My food was great too. However this was the most expensive place we ate during our trip! We actually loved where we sat, the bartender, the food and the drinks so it was worth it and we would do it again!
Friday
* Took a lighthouse tour to the Little Brewster Island. When arriving at the dock to get on the boat we were told they had great news. The USS Constitution was taking a ride around the bay! We had just gone through it the day before and thought that it was nice but realized quickly what a big deal that was. For the rest of our visit people all over the city were talking about how it only happens a few times a year and were so impressed that we were on the water to see it. We took many pictures and videotaped it.
* The guide provided narrative during the ride and we were greeted by the “Lighthouse Keeper”. We were on the island for about two hours. They had displays up with volunteers to explain the lighthouse, etc. We then climbed the 76 stair lighthouse which was great (remember that we climbed a 296 circular staircase the day before!). The rest of our Boston visit when we looked at the water we would look for the lighthouse.
* After docking we went to “No Name” Restaurant. It was not terrible but it was not great. We aren’t very picky but I know some would say it was horrible. We wouldn’t recommend it.
* Friends of ours were also in Boston so this was the night we met up with them at their hotel in the seaport district (Tamo’s bar). They were there for a convention. The plan was to go to a bar (can’t remember the name) but they had a line out the door so we went to another bar which was on the same street…Revolution. This would have been a great bar in my 20’s but not in my 40’s. Of course my husband and the other guys loved the scenery! There were about ten of us and we left at about 11.
Saturday
* Walked to the public garden and rode a swan boat. My husband didn’t think it looked like fun so I told him I would just go by myself. Of course he got on with me and thought it was totally lame! For the rest of the trip he gave me trouble about it! I am glad we did it.
* We took the T to the Museum of Science. This was one of the many times that the T was being worked on so we had to get on a bus for the final part of the trip. We loved the lightning show!
* We then went to Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall and saw the Holocaust Exhibit.
* We ate lunch at the Green Dragon which was a good choice. This was another old “pub”. I think this is where my husband discovered Samuel Adams “Brick Red” beer which can only be sold at some locations. That is what he drank for the rest of the visit when it was available
* We then went back to the hotel to freshen up and went to the Hatch Shell to see “KC and the Sunshine Band”. The people, the weather and the location were great. The band wasn’t but we were glad we went anyway because it was still fun meeting other people.
Sunday
* We went to Trinity Church and of course we couldn’t take the tour because they were having services (maybe not the best day to go!).
* Next stop was the Mary Baker Eddy Library to go through the Mapparium. What a great experience! The whole thing was only about 30 minutes but well worth it!
* We then hopped on the T to go to the Beacon Street Cheers. We had appetizers which were good and a few drinks. We bought a few mugs and I got a shirt.
* We went to Quincy Market again and watched some street performers. They were dancers who were fun to watch.
* Went to the hotel to freshen up.
* Took the T to the North End for Fisherman’s Feast.
* Went to Rabia’s and had a great meal. We ate at the front window and saw the procession where they carry the Mary Statue. I videoed that since it was so cool!
* Walked through the vendors and went to the fenced in place to buy a drink. We met several people and stayed there for hours. Where we were standing we could see the entire “Flight of the Angel” and the confetti that came down. Very cool!
Monday
* Took the ferry to George’s Island to see Fort Warren. I can’t believe more people don’t go out to these islands. It was very educational and beautiful!
* Ate at Chart House on the outside patio – great food!
* Since this was our last day in Boston we took the opportunity to go anywhere that we missed and wanted to see so here they are…
*Took the ferry back to Charlestown because we forgot to go to Warren Tavern when we were there. I think we forgot because our legs were shaking from climbing Bunker Hill! Maybe you can tell by now that we just love the old “pubs”.
* Walked the freedom trail back because we hadn’t actually walked through that path. We had always used the ferry. It didn’t matter to me but my husband wanted to say he had “walked” the entire thing.
* While we were walking I saw someone with a “Mike’s Pastry” box and realized I had forgotten to go there! The line wasn’t that bad and I bought two canollies and three cookies. We had never had canollies and didn’t like all of the cream in the middle. This had nothing to do with Mike’s I just don’t think we are canolli lovers. We ate the last of the cookies on the plane which were very good!
* Went back to Quincy Market to see the street performers and had a drink and some oysters at the Union Oyster House. I had been told the food wasn’t that great so I didn’t want to eat an entire meal here.
* Went up to the Prudential Tower. It may sound strange that we did this on our last day but it was cool to see the sites that we had already been to. We did it right before sunset so that made it even better.
* That was supposed to be it for our trip but we were so sad to be leaving that we went back to the North End to have a pizza. We went to PushCart Pizzeria and each had a slice. It wasn’t the best pizza but it was OK.
* The First Church of Christ, Scientist was next to our hotel and we had been there several times to see the kids playing in the fountain. We decided to do that one last time before we went to bed for our last night
It is a great city to visit. The only things we did not do that I had planned were a day trip to Plymouth and a Samuel Adams Brewery tour. Not a big deal since we saw so much! I appreciate everyone’s help when responding to my itinerary posts since the feedback was very helpful!
Arrived on Tuesday and was at the Sheraton Back Bay by 2pm.
* Took the 4pm Duck Tour. It was a great first step to see the city!
* Ate at Atlantic Fish Co.. The food was great!
Wednesday
* Bought a Charlie Pass for the week.
* Took a freedom trail tour through Lessons on Liberty (http://lessonsonliberty.com/). This was a great move on our part. If you want to hear the stories from a historian this is the way to go. It would probably be boring for a kid but it is a great way to learn from a history teacher!
* Ate lunch at “The Purple Shamrock”. This is where the tour ended which is before the freedom trail ends. I knew this beforehand from their website. This is where I had my first lobster roll which was good. I also loved that it was such an old bar (even though I learned it had moved several times).
* Continued the freedom trail to the North Church and took the tour through the church. That was very interesting.
* Went back to the hotel to get ready for our sunset cruise. It was hot so we needed a shower and to change into nicer clothes.
* Took a cab to the seaport district and had a drink at “The Whiskey Priest” since we were early for the cruise and it was right next door.
* The “Spirit of Boston” cruise was OK. They had booked a lot of people from various companies who took up two of the decks. Because of this we were escorted to a seat that wasn’t that great on the lower deck. We got there so early to get a better seat and we paid the full amount so I wasn’t happy that I couldn’t sit where I wanted. I understand that they book large groups and I don’t know what the answer is for those of us who are not in the large groups but it put a damper on our evening. The food was great and once we were finished eating we went outside and that was nice. I think the price was high for what we got.
Thursday
* Took the Fenway Park tour. The guide had a good sense of humor which made the tour more fun.
* Took the T to Long Wharf and ate at Legal Seafoods…expensive but good food.
* Took the ferry to Charlestown to finish the freedom trail.
* The USS Constitution was great. We waited about 20 minutes and took the guided tour which was very interesting.
* We continued on the freedom trail to Bunker Hill. We climbed the monument (296 steps) which turned out to be a mistake on our legs for the next few days! It was worth it though. How could you go without climbing it if you are in decent shape…right?
* After taking the ferry back we stopped at Goodbar for a drink.
* Went back to the hotel to freshen up. Took a walk around the Back Bay and found “Abe & Louie’s”. We had no idea what we were in for! Upon arriving at the restaurant in shorts and sandals we went to the hostess and immediately realized this was an upscale place. We then expected to be turned away. Instead she told us to go upstairs and ask for “Randy” (which I am sure is code for …not acceptable for general area!). They sat us at a small table next to the bar and the bartender waited on us. I wasn’t that hungry so I only ordered clam chowder. My husband wasn’t hungry either until the bartender told him about the steak special. He ordered that and ate the entire dinner! My food was great too. However this was the most expensive place we ate during our trip! We actually loved where we sat, the bartender, the food and the drinks so it was worth it and we would do it again!
Friday
* Took a lighthouse tour to the Little Brewster Island. When arriving at the dock to get on the boat we were told they had great news. The USS Constitution was taking a ride around the bay! We had just gone through it the day before and thought that it was nice but realized quickly what a big deal that was. For the rest of our visit people all over the city were talking about how it only happens a few times a year and were so impressed that we were on the water to see it. We took many pictures and videotaped it.
* The guide provided narrative during the ride and we were greeted by the “Lighthouse Keeper”. We were on the island for about two hours. They had displays up with volunteers to explain the lighthouse, etc. We then climbed the 76 stair lighthouse which was great (remember that we climbed a 296 circular staircase the day before!). The rest of our Boston visit when we looked at the water we would look for the lighthouse.
* After docking we went to “No Name” Restaurant. It was not terrible but it was not great. We aren’t very picky but I know some would say it was horrible. We wouldn’t recommend it.
* Friends of ours were also in Boston so this was the night we met up with them at their hotel in the seaport district (Tamo’s bar). They were there for a convention. The plan was to go to a bar (can’t remember the name) but they had a line out the door so we went to another bar which was on the same street…Revolution. This would have been a great bar in my 20’s but not in my 40’s. Of course my husband and the other guys loved the scenery! There were about ten of us and we left at about 11.
Saturday
* Walked to the public garden and rode a swan boat. My husband didn’t think it looked like fun so I told him I would just go by myself. Of course he got on with me and thought it was totally lame! For the rest of the trip he gave me trouble about it! I am glad we did it.
* We took the T to the Museum of Science. This was one of the many times that the T was being worked on so we had to get on a bus for the final part of the trip. We loved the lightning show!
* We then went to Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall and saw the Holocaust Exhibit.
* We ate lunch at the Green Dragon which was a good choice. This was another old “pub”. I think this is where my husband discovered Samuel Adams “Brick Red” beer which can only be sold at some locations. That is what he drank for the rest of the visit when it was available
* We then went back to the hotel to freshen up and went to the Hatch Shell to see “KC and the Sunshine Band”. The people, the weather and the location were great. The band wasn’t but we were glad we went anyway because it was still fun meeting other people.
Sunday
* We went to Trinity Church and of course we couldn’t take the tour because they were having services (maybe not the best day to go!).
* Next stop was the Mary Baker Eddy Library to go through the Mapparium. What a great experience! The whole thing was only about 30 minutes but well worth it!
* We then hopped on the T to go to the Beacon Street Cheers. We had appetizers which were good and a few drinks. We bought a few mugs and I got a shirt.
* We went to Quincy Market again and watched some street performers. They were dancers who were fun to watch.
* Went to the hotel to freshen up.
* Took the T to the North End for Fisherman’s Feast.
* Went to Rabia’s and had a great meal. We ate at the front window and saw the procession where they carry the Mary Statue. I videoed that since it was so cool!
* Walked through the vendors and went to the fenced in place to buy a drink. We met several people and stayed there for hours. Where we were standing we could see the entire “Flight of the Angel” and the confetti that came down. Very cool!
Monday
* Took the ferry to George’s Island to see Fort Warren. I can’t believe more people don’t go out to these islands. It was very educational and beautiful!
* Ate at Chart House on the outside patio – great food!
* Since this was our last day in Boston we took the opportunity to go anywhere that we missed and wanted to see so here they are…
*Took the ferry back to Charlestown because we forgot to go to Warren Tavern when we were there. I think we forgot because our legs were shaking from climbing Bunker Hill! Maybe you can tell by now that we just love the old “pubs”.
* Walked the freedom trail back because we hadn’t actually walked through that path. We had always used the ferry. It didn’t matter to me but my husband wanted to say he had “walked” the entire thing.
* While we were walking I saw someone with a “Mike’s Pastry” box and realized I had forgotten to go there! The line wasn’t that bad and I bought two canollies and three cookies. We had never had canollies and didn’t like all of the cream in the middle. This had nothing to do with Mike’s I just don’t think we are canolli lovers. We ate the last of the cookies on the plane which were very good!
* Went back to Quincy Market to see the street performers and had a drink and some oysters at the Union Oyster House. I had been told the food wasn’t that great so I didn’t want to eat an entire meal here.
* Went up to the Prudential Tower. It may sound strange that we did this on our last day but it was cool to see the sites that we had already been to. We did it right before sunset so that made it even better.
* That was supposed to be it for our trip but we were so sad to be leaving that we went back to the North End to have a pizza. We went to PushCart Pizzeria and each had a slice. It wasn’t the best pizza but it was OK.
* The First Church of Christ, Scientist was next to our hotel and we had been there several times to see the kids playing in the fountain. We decided to do that one last time before we went to bed for our last night
It is a great city to visit. The only things we did not do that I had planned were a day trip to Plymouth and a Samuel Adams Brewery tour. Not a big deal since we saw so much! I appreciate everyone’s help when responding to my itinerary posts since the feedback was very helpful!
Aug 29th, 2011, 10:35 AM
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Thanks for the report. You really did maximize your time and saw a lot of our city. You're very lucky to see the USS Constitution sail in the harbor. I haven't been to the Brewster lighthouse... I should do that some time.
It's bad timing for you at Trinity Church. They are actually open for a FREE tour on Sundays AFTER their morning service. You might have been able to visit it if you had gone to Mapparium first.
I don't know what they put inside Mike's Pastry cannoli. I always get mine from Modern. They fill their cannoli w/ricotta, and they are only filled when ordered. I've read that Mike's pre-fill all their cannoli.
I still remember my climb up/down Bunker Hill Monument from a few years ago. My legs felt like spaghetti on the way down. I thought they were going to give out!
It's bad timing for you at Trinity Church. They are actually open for a FREE tour on Sundays AFTER their morning service. You might have been able to visit it if you had gone to Mapparium first.
I don't know what they put inside Mike's Pastry cannoli. I always get mine from Modern. They fill their cannoli w/ricotta, and they are only filled when ordered. I've read that Mike's pre-fill all their cannoli.
I still remember my climb up/down Bunker Hill Monument from a few years ago. My legs felt like spaghetti on the way down. I thought they were going to give out!
Aug 29th, 2011, 03:02 PM
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Yes, you really did see old Boston. Since moving here we have seen bits and pieces...and also previous visits. For example, during an Elderhostel a few years back we stayed near USS Constitution and focused on art and architecture and learned about inbound and outbound on the T. Not long ago again taking a friend to Bunker Hill, btw, purchased by my ancestor George Bunker. Do enjoy Warren Tavern. You might have enjoyed Old South Church on Copley Sq. which is where our son is now a deacon.
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