My husband and I are going to Boston for the first time in early December. We will have all day Saturday and most of the day Sunday. We are in our 30s and like to walk around a lot but aren't big into more than one museum a trip. He is really interested in seeing some old ships. We just found out he would have a free weekend during a 3 week stay in Hartford, so we decided to meet up in Boston. We need ideas on where to stay and what to see. We aren't up for the Ritz prices but want to stay somewhere relatively nice. Thanks for all the help!

Greta

If you want almost, but not quite the Ritz prices you could stay at the Boston Harbor Hotel, which I think is great. They have an awesome Sunday brunch, although be forewarned, jackets and tie are required in the restaurant. Ask for a harbor view room. The Copley Fairmont is very nice also, and a little closer to shopping and the great restaurants in the back bay.

The best old ship that I know of is Old Ironsides. You could walk the freedom trail which starts at the Boston Common, and end at Old Ironsides. It will take you past many of the other important historical sights in downtown Boston. And if you are only going to do one museum, you might consider the Isabella Stewart Gardner. Its smaller than the Museum of Fine Arts, but has an excellent collection, and also much finer surroundings.

Greta - Beth was right on in her post. I don't know about hotels, but I too was going to say the Freedom Trail, Old Ironsides and the Gardner. (Although I would try to see both the Gardner and the MFA, but I'm a big museum lover.) For more info, go to Forums Home and then to the Past Hosted Forums-there was a recent one on Boston that may have more help for you in the way of hotels.

I just returned from my first trip to Boston and enjoyed it immensely. I've traveled quite a bit in and out of the U.S. and can't believe I'd never been to this wonderful area. Definitely do the Freedom Trail (it's been made an actual trail easy to follow). I loved Lexington and Concord, too; I plan to go back when I can make this a literary tour as well as a historical one. Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall are a must, too, lots of places to shop and eat there. (I guess they're on the Freedom Trail; we walked some of it and took a 3 hour trolley ride which let us off at Old Ironsides for awhile.)
Get started early and stay up late because you can't see it all - I didn't. Have a great time!

Boston is a great city and you'll have a ball. A lot of what you should see has been covered. I have a hotel suggestion, The Colonnade. Beautiful hotel with great, big old-fashioned beds. Pricey but not exhorbitant. Great location too. Good luck and have fun.

As far as ships are concerned, you may already know that "Old Ironsides" is the nickname for The Constitution. Near South Station is the REPLICA of the "Boston Tea Party" ship, which is pretty much a tourist trap. The Constitution is a much better ship to see, because it's the real thing, and it's wonderful to step aboard a ship with all its history. Occasionally, Boston gets visited by some very interesting ships from all over the world. Just walk around Charlestown Yard (where the Constitution is docked) and look at what has shown up; even if you can't board every ship they're worth a glance from the dock if you like ships.

I just noticed the Boston Globe web site has a pretty neat set of links with pictures of the stops on the freedom trail with maps and info. Check out: travel.boston.com/boston/trail.shtml

A day and a half is not much time especially with a museum; if you walk the freedom trail you could consider yourself in an out door museum; ie. the cemeery, state house, beacon hill etc. I would also suggest taking the red line subway to Harvard square and wald around the "yard" etc.

thanks for all your help everyone! Every trip I've gone on lately has been great with all the wonderful advice we get on these boards. We appreciate the time you give us!

Greta

Great advice from all! Boston is wonderful, you'll have a ball. I suggest the "Duck tours" - WWII landing crafts. Start on land, then drive directly into the Charles. Fun!