First trip to US - many questions
Jun 19th, 2007, 01:14 PM
#41
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Huh, didn't see your post before I replied, Ackislander! Thanks a lot. The Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford is on the list, too, together with Mark Twain House and Harriet Beecher-Stowe House. We probably won't have the time to fit in the art museum in Worcester, MA, though.
We will return our car upon arrival in Boston and use public transportation during our stay there to avoid problems with parking. Thanks a lot for the restaurant tip - sounds very good.
One thought about Mystic - we consider a day trip from Hartford to Mystic. Too far? It's definitely not an option on the way Boston - Newark since we will go through Hartford where we will again meet our friends there. At least this is how it is planned!
We will return our car upon arrival in Boston and use public transportation during our stay there to avoid problems with parking. Thanks a lot for the restaurant tip - sounds very good.
One thought about Mystic - we consider a day trip from Hartford to Mystic. Too far? It's definitely not an option on the way Boston - Newark since we will go through Hartford where we will again meet our friends there. At least this is how it is planned!
Jun 19th, 2007, 01:19 PM
#42
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It is never recommended that you use Priceline in NYC for a hotel room for more than 2 people who can share 1 bed. They are only obligated to give you a room with one bed for 2. Someone just did a trip report today and had bid when it was her and daughter and go the Roosevelt Hotel. Her friend decided to join them and she phoned the Roosevelt and was able to get a room with 2 double beds, but that was lucky.
Jun 19th, 2007, 01:27 PM
#43
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No it's not too far Hartford to Mystic and back. I haven't done it myself (as I use Mystic as a pit-stop on I-95), but it shouldn't be more than an hour-ish each direction. Your friends in Hartford will be able to tell you the best route to take.
Jun 19th, 2007, 01:36 PM
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mclaurie-You're right away Priceline. I think someone before my post mentioned they would have to get two rooms if they did Priceline but I should have added that in my posting also. Thanks for the reminder.
Jun 20th, 2007, 06:29 AM
#45
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Hope you have a delightful
trip to USA. I don't know much
about the area, but did check with
the hotel we stay in when in NYC,
the Michelangelo, and it was not
available. Wish I was able to help
you. We will be traveling to
your country in September and I have
learned much from kind Fodorites.
trip to USA. I don't know much
about the area, but did check with
the hotel we stay in when in NYC,
the Michelangelo, and it was not
available. Wish I was able to help
you. We will be traveling to
your country in September and I have
learned much from kind Fodorites.
Jun 20th, 2007, 06:36 AM
#46
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Hey violetduck, you don't have to fit your text into the little box while you are typing. You can just keep typing and the text will appear as "normal" sentences after your post your reply.
This is what it looks like when you try to fit it in the box -
Hey violetduck, you don't have to fit
your text into the little box while
you are typing. You can just keep
typing and the text will appear
as "normal" sentences after your post
your reply.
This is what it looks like when you try to fit it in the box -
Hey violetduck, you don't have to fit
your text into the little box while
you are typing. You can just keep
typing and the text will appear
as "normal" sentences after your post
your reply.
Jun 20th, 2007, 06:47 AM
#47
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Thanks everyone, you've answered some of my queries too! I'll be in Boston on the 13th en route from Jackson NH to New York. I had read about the John Jeffries House and thought it sounded suitable for my budget. However, I didn't have any luck getting a reply from them. I ended up going with the College Club. Any thoughts?
McLaurie, I checked out the Whizz Holiday car rental site and got a great quote. In fact, sounded a bit too good to be true. Is this a good choice or are there some drawbacks I didn't notice? I did notice there's a deposit to be paid.
McLaurie, I checked out the Whizz Holiday car rental site and got a great quote. In fact, sounded a bit too good to be true. Is this a good choice or are there some drawbacks I didn't notice? I did notice there's a deposit to be paid.
Jun 20th, 2007, 07:59 AM
#48
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Greetings Ingo - For your Hartford leg, I'm seconding the Wadsworth Atheneum museum - it's the site of the 1st surrealist exhibition in the US, and has a number of Salvador Dalis along with lots of works from Connecticut natives Alexander Calder ("stabiles" and mobiles) and Sol LeWitt (who did the atrium entry). If you're interested in other local trips to see small towns with great "old" (to American eyes!) New England architecture head Southeast to Essex, once ranked the most beautiful small town in the US, and Chester. Nearby in East Haddam is the intriguing Gillette Castle, an odd-looking stone mini-castle built above the Connecticut River with beautiful views and some very unique furniture etc. designed by the owner/builder, who became famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes (originating the hunter's cap and pipe).
See http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2716&Q=325204
Mystic is certainly doable, and if you want restaurant recommendations and other things to do down that way just say the word... Have a great trip!
See http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2716&Q=325204
Mystic is certainly doable, and if you want restaurant recommendations and other things to do down that way just say the word... Have a great trip!
Jun 20th, 2007, 08:01 AM
#49
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starrsville, Bugs me also! I have tried that over and over and it automatically just jumps to the next line even leaving one word on a line after I edit it. I have an Apple computer,don't know if that makes a difference.If you know the solution let me know.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Jun 20th, 2007, 08:09 AM
#50
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It worked right that time. 
Just type and ignore the box. Use "Preview my reply" to see how it looks before your post your reply.
My guess was that you were adding "carriage returns" or pressing the enter key to make your text fit in the box. If not, my apologies.
Just type and ignore the box is the best hint I know.
I like your screen name, by the way!
Just type and ignore the box. Use "Preview my reply" to see how it looks before your post your reply.
My guess was that you were adding "carriage returns" or pressing the enter key to make your text fit in the box. If not, my apologies.
Just type and ignore the box is the best hint I know.
I like your screen name, by the way!
Jun 20th, 2007, 09:00 AM
#51
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starrsville,how weird the reply turned out right because it looked narrow and the same when I previewed it. I have another problem maybe you or someone can help me with-when I try to print (and I click on the right side of the page as it says) I can never get anything except the first page to print. Suggestions for that would be appreciated. I am interested to see how this reply prints.Thanks.
Jun 20th, 2007, 09:04 AM
#52
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What works for me when printing -
Highlight the part of the thread - or all of the thread - that you want to print.
When you choose "print", choose the option of "Print selection". It should print your highlighted text.
Highlight the part of the thread - or all of the thread - that you want to print.
When you choose "print", choose the option of "Print selection". It should print your highlighted text.
Jun 21st, 2007, 09:58 AM
#55
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Thanks for the heads up on using Priceline. I am sure I'll have plenty of questions about *that*, but I'll ask them as we get closer to the bidding process. However, I do understand it correctly that I can bid for two rooms in the same hotel, right?
No problem violetduck! And enjoy your time in Germany!
Hi AHaugeto! Thanks for the recommendations. One of my American friends sent me a small brochure about Essex and it looks intriguing. I had the Gillette castle and the Goodspeed Opera House on my list, but I guess I'll have to scratch something. The list is getting too long!
I would like to get some restaurant recommendations. We plan on treating our hosts at least once (pssst!) in the Hartford area and in Boston, but I'd also like to know some places for more casual dining - good value for not too much money.
Ingo
No problem violetduck! And enjoy your time in Germany!
Hi AHaugeto! Thanks for the recommendations. One of my American friends sent me a small brochure about Essex and it looks intriguing. I had the Gillette castle and the Goodspeed Opera House on my list, but I guess I'll have to scratch something. The list is getting too long!
I would like to get some restaurant recommendations. We plan on treating our hosts at least once (pssst!) in the Hartford area and in Boston, but I'd also like to know some places for more casual dining - good value for not too much money.
Ingo
Jun 21st, 2007, 12:55 PM
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Note from the UK
Skip a night in Boston and stay a night on Cape Cod - from your terms of ref - DO NOT miss it - you get the feeling that this is where the old money of NE has been putting its feet up for 100 years.
Chatham drips charm withou ever being tacky.
ps DO NOT go to Salem unless you have lots of time to kill and there is nothing on cable TV
Skip a night in Boston and stay a night on Cape Cod - from your terms of ref - DO NOT miss it - you get the feeling that this is where the old money of NE has been putting its feet up for 100 years.
Chatham drips charm withou ever being tacky.
ps DO NOT go to Salem unless you have lots of time to kill and there is nothing on cable TV
Jun 22nd, 2007, 10:31 AM
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Hi,
I own a townhouse in Jackson, NH and absolutely love it up there. We get up there as many weekends as possible and are never bored. Early October is a beautiful time as the foliage will be out.
There is plenty to keep you busy for 4 days - it is a quaint village. I would choose a hotel in the village as you will then be able to go for early morning walks and then walk to breakfast.
For more than a century, visitors have been “strolling the mile,” a mile-long village loop around Jackson. The “Village Mile” is one of nine walks and hikes outlined in a handy guide published by the Jackson Resort Association.
The Snowflake Inn is a newer B&B in the town center (2-3 years old). Every room has a jacuzzi and fireplace and it is an adult only hotel. I think the room comes with an in room massage. The owner makes cookies/pastries for the guests. We went over to an open house once it was a nice place.
The Inn at Thorn Hill is another nice place. They have a great restaurant and wine list and an in house spa. I have never seen the rooms but the inn burnt down several years back and was rebuilt so it is also newer. It is slightly up the hill from the village (mabe 1/8 of a mile). They have gotten tons of awards (check out their website).
Not sure where you live but the Wentworth (www.thewentworth.com)is also a good choice. Lots of Europeans stay here. The owners Ellie & Fritz are from Europe (Ireland & Germany). They have some really great rooms (as pictured on the website) and really bad rooms so make sure you ask for the ones on the website. They are across the street from the Snowflake. They have a cute bar and a piano player on Fri/Sat nights. The restaurant is pretty good too. This is where we own our condo - we don't rent ours out but others do through Ellie/Fritz you can get a 2 bedroom/2.5 bath condo with full kitchen/fireplace.
Last, the Lodge at Jackson Village is also a great choice (they are rated # 1 in Jackson on trip advisor). We also met the owners at an open house. They were very nice. The rooms are all very cute. They are located at the end of the village across the street.
Eagle Mountain House used to be a nice place years ago but they have really let the place go. We have golfed there and been to their Sunday brunch. They have been trying to sell off the units as time share I am guessing because they don't have the cash to put into the place. It is also about a mile ouside of the village.
You mention that you plan to go on the Cog Railway. I wanted to let you know that is is on the other side on Mt. Washington up near Bretton Woods not near Jackson. Also, it is a big rip off. A very slow smoky ride and then when you get to the top they let you look around for 5 minutes before they make you reboard and head down.
I would instead recommend the Mt Washington Auto Road. It is close to Jackson (about 10 miles) and you can stay on top as long as you like. If you don't want to drive your own car there are vans that will take you up. If you are hikers you can hike the Tuckerman's Ravine trail to the top (about 3 1/2 hour hike) which starts in Pinkham Notch near the Auto Road. You can hike down or take a van. We've hiked with a 5 year old and a 73 year old - it is a tough hike but doable. Just check the weather first they may already have snow in October.
As far as eating - lots of great places right in Jackson Village that you can walk to from any of the hotels I have mentioned:
Shannon Door Pub - Irish food, excellent pizzas and have 2 Irish guys with guitars on Fri/Sat - they accept only cash but have an ATM machine inside.
J-Town Deli - great place for picking up groceries, good lunch sandwiches/picnic food, breakfast is okay, not great but it is a great place to sit on Sunday with a newspaper and meet some of the locals.
Thompson House Eatery - mid to upscale dining - great food especially their salads.
Wilcat Tavern - fun on Tuesday nights, its an open Mike nite. They have a fine dining establishment and a pub. Both have great food. Under new ownership and I have to say it's gotten even better.
I have already mentioned the Wentworth & Inn at Thorn Hill - both are fine dining.
The Red Fox Pub - casual, affordable and really cheap good Sunday brunch. They have a kid's only room where families sit and kids can run around and do what they want - play with toys, watch movies, etc.
Yesterdays - awesome breakfast!!
Outside of Jackson try:
Horsefeathers in North Conway - has been around for years, great place, great food - casual dining but serve some unique foods. Try the Asparagus Crab Bisque.
For a great Sunday Brunch (a bit expensive but well worth the price - need reservations) stop by the White Mountain Hotel in North Conway (off of West Side Road at Hales Location). While there take a drive up Cathedral Ledge for great views of the valley.
Also check out Mae Kelly's Cottage Restaurant North Conway - good food (Irish) - the owners are very nice. Lots of locals go here on Friday evenings to sit out on the deck, have a few drinks and listen to the band.
For a great Italian meal check out Bellini's in North Conway. The owner Vito is very personable and goes out of his way to make sure his guests are happy - if you are from Italy this is probably not a good choice as it is not as good as the meals I have had there - but close!!
We have also had good meals at Delaney's Hole in the Wall, North Conway (they serve everything but have great sushi).
The 1785 Inn (North Conway) is very upscale & expensive but the food was great.
The Lobster Trap is good if you are looking for seafood (casual dining on Westside Road in North Conway).
Pick up a copy of The Mountain Ear - it's a free weekly newspaper that comes out on Thursdays that lists all of the local events/happenings.
A good overview is offered by the Five-Mile Circuit Drive up Route 16B into the mountains east of Jackson, a loop worth driving both directions for different perspectives. Look for spectacular glimpses of Mount Washington, and stop for a picnic, a swim or a stroll through the picturesque cascades called Jackson Falls, part of the Wildcat River just above the village.
Try to get up early or stay out at sunset. If you take a right out of Jackson Village and head to Gorham at early and late hours you are bound to see some Moose. Just drive slowly and keep your eyes in the woods. They seem to come out only in the spring and fall. We did this drive in April and saw 7 moose in a 10 mile drive. At the bar that evening we met a man who had seen 18 that evening.
If you make it out to Gorham (about 20 miles) have dinner at Libby's Bistro - the owner graduated from the same culinary school as I did. Call first as they are not open every night and its small so you may need reservations - really great food!!
Doesn't sound like you are in to shopping but if you are the North Conway Outlet stores will have some good deals.
Our favorite place to stop is White Birch Books a locally owned bookstore. You can sit and read or buy. Lots of books by local authors, guidebooks, hiking, etc...
North Conway traffic can be brutal - get a good map and use the road only locals know about to get around the center. North/South Road to the Intervale Crossroad back to Rt 16 to get to Jackson - or from Conway take West Side Road to Bartlett then 302 to 16 to Jackson. North/South Road is fastest.
If you want addional area information feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]. I will be in Prague for the entire month of July but will respond when I get back.
I have a friend who teaches at Harvard. I can give you her e-mail address if you want to ask questions about that area and the tour.
I own a townhouse in Jackson, NH and absolutely love it up there. We get up there as many weekends as possible and are never bored. Early October is a beautiful time as the foliage will be out.
There is plenty to keep you busy for 4 days - it is a quaint village. I would choose a hotel in the village as you will then be able to go for early morning walks and then walk to breakfast.
For more than a century, visitors have been “strolling the mile,” a mile-long village loop around Jackson. The “Village Mile” is one of nine walks and hikes outlined in a handy guide published by the Jackson Resort Association.
The Snowflake Inn is a newer B&B in the town center (2-3 years old). Every room has a jacuzzi and fireplace and it is an adult only hotel. I think the room comes with an in room massage. The owner makes cookies/pastries for the guests. We went over to an open house once it was a nice place.
The Inn at Thorn Hill is another nice place. They have a great restaurant and wine list and an in house spa. I have never seen the rooms but the inn burnt down several years back and was rebuilt so it is also newer. It is slightly up the hill from the village (mabe 1/8 of a mile). They have gotten tons of awards (check out their website).
Not sure where you live but the Wentworth (www.thewentworth.com)is also a good choice. Lots of Europeans stay here. The owners Ellie & Fritz are from Europe (Ireland & Germany). They have some really great rooms (as pictured on the website) and really bad rooms so make sure you ask for the ones on the website. They are across the street from the Snowflake. They have a cute bar and a piano player on Fri/Sat nights. The restaurant is pretty good too. This is where we own our condo - we don't rent ours out but others do through Ellie/Fritz you can get a 2 bedroom/2.5 bath condo with full kitchen/fireplace.
Last, the Lodge at Jackson Village is also a great choice (they are rated # 1 in Jackson on trip advisor). We also met the owners at an open house. They were very nice. The rooms are all very cute. They are located at the end of the village across the street.
Eagle Mountain House used to be a nice place years ago but they have really let the place go. We have golfed there and been to their Sunday brunch. They have been trying to sell off the units as time share I am guessing because they don't have the cash to put into the place. It is also about a mile ouside of the village.
You mention that you plan to go on the Cog Railway. I wanted to let you know that is is on the other side on Mt. Washington up near Bretton Woods not near Jackson. Also, it is a big rip off. A very slow smoky ride and then when you get to the top they let you look around for 5 minutes before they make you reboard and head down.
I would instead recommend the Mt Washington Auto Road. It is close to Jackson (about 10 miles) and you can stay on top as long as you like. If you don't want to drive your own car there are vans that will take you up. If you are hikers you can hike the Tuckerman's Ravine trail to the top (about 3 1/2 hour hike) which starts in Pinkham Notch near the Auto Road. You can hike down or take a van. We've hiked with a 5 year old and a 73 year old - it is a tough hike but doable. Just check the weather first they may already have snow in October.
As far as eating - lots of great places right in Jackson Village that you can walk to from any of the hotels I have mentioned:
Shannon Door Pub - Irish food, excellent pizzas and have 2 Irish guys with guitars on Fri/Sat - they accept only cash but have an ATM machine inside.
J-Town Deli - great place for picking up groceries, good lunch sandwiches/picnic food, breakfast is okay, not great but it is a great place to sit on Sunday with a newspaper and meet some of the locals.
Thompson House Eatery - mid to upscale dining - great food especially their salads.
Wilcat Tavern - fun on Tuesday nights, its an open Mike nite. They have a fine dining establishment and a pub. Both have great food. Under new ownership and I have to say it's gotten even better.
I have already mentioned the Wentworth & Inn at Thorn Hill - both are fine dining.
The Red Fox Pub - casual, affordable and really cheap good Sunday brunch. They have a kid's only room where families sit and kids can run around and do what they want - play with toys, watch movies, etc.
Yesterdays - awesome breakfast!!
Outside of Jackson try:
Horsefeathers in North Conway - has been around for years, great place, great food - casual dining but serve some unique foods. Try the Asparagus Crab Bisque.
For a great Sunday Brunch (a bit expensive but well worth the price - need reservations) stop by the White Mountain Hotel in North Conway (off of West Side Road at Hales Location). While there take a drive up Cathedral Ledge for great views of the valley.
Also check out Mae Kelly's Cottage Restaurant North Conway - good food (Irish) - the owners are very nice. Lots of locals go here on Friday evenings to sit out on the deck, have a few drinks and listen to the band.
For a great Italian meal check out Bellini's in North Conway. The owner Vito is very personable and goes out of his way to make sure his guests are happy - if you are from Italy this is probably not a good choice as it is not as good as the meals I have had there - but close!!
We have also had good meals at Delaney's Hole in the Wall, North Conway (they serve everything but have great sushi).
The 1785 Inn (North Conway) is very upscale & expensive but the food was great.
The Lobster Trap is good if you are looking for seafood (casual dining on Westside Road in North Conway).
Pick up a copy of The Mountain Ear - it's a free weekly newspaper that comes out on Thursdays that lists all of the local events/happenings.
A good overview is offered by the Five-Mile Circuit Drive up Route 16B into the mountains east of Jackson, a loop worth driving both directions for different perspectives. Look for spectacular glimpses of Mount Washington, and stop for a picnic, a swim or a stroll through the picturesque cascades called Jackson Falls, part of the Wildcat River just above the village.
Try to get up early or stay out at sunset. If you take a right out of Jackson Village and head to Gorham at early and late hours you are bound to see some Moose. Just drive slowly and keep your eyes in the woods. They seem to come out only in the spring and fall. We did this drive in April and saw 7 moose in a 10 mile drive. At the bar that evening we met a man who had seen 18 that evening.
If you make it out to Gorham (about 20 miles) have dinner at Libby's Bistro - the owner graduated from the same culinary school as I did. Call first as they are not open every night and its small so you may need reservations - really great food!!
Doesn't sound like you are in to shopping but if you are the North Conway Outlet stores will have some good deals.
Our favorite place to stop is White Birch Books a locally owned bookstore. You can sit and read or buy. Lots of books by local authors, guidebooks, hiking, etc...
North Conway traffic can be brutal - get a good map and use the road only locals know about to get around the center. North/South Road to the Intervale Crossroad back to Rt 16 to get to Jackson - or from Conway take West Side Road to Bartlett then 302 to 16 to Jackson. North/South Road is fastest.
If you want addional area information feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]. I will be in Prague for the entire month of July but will respond when I get back.
I have a friend who teaches at Harvard. I can give you her e-mail address if you want to ask questions about that area and the tour.
Jun 22nd, 2007, 10:36 AM
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One more thing I forgot to mention. Jackson is very close to Fryeburg Maine. If you are there between September 30th and October 7th stop by the Freyburg Fair. It is an experience.
http://www.fryeburgfair.com/
http://www.fryeburgfair.com/
Jun 22nd, 2007, 10:50 AM
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Sorry - I just noticed you were from Germany. I think your best bet would be to contact Fritz at the Wentworth Hotel in Jackson - he will make you feel right at home!! He and Ellie are good people.
I had posted some info on Boston awhile back, I am copying it here since you will be in Boston too:
Take a stroll along the Charles River (great views, people watching and sailboats). In May you'll start to see ducklings if you get over there early enough.
- Walk down Charles Street (quaint shops) and Newbury Street (pricey shops)
- Walk through the Boston common (see the frog pond - http://www.bostoncommonfrogpond.org/) 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) http://www.swanboats.com/new/welcome.shtml
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 - if you are there on mother's day there's a kids parade through the park.
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 or Science Museum (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 little known historical stories (like the great Boston molasses flood). http://www.bostonducktours.com/
- Eat dinner in the North End (Italian section) and then have desserts at Mike's Pastry (or look for a quaint coffee shop). Over by the water there is usually a group of older Italian men playing outdoor bocce ball - it's great to watch – on a hot summer night I have watched them for hours. They don’t seem to mind being photographed.
- 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) – Tavern on the water (same owners) in the Charlestown Navy Yard is also fun.
- See a Red Sox Game and get a tour of Fenway Park (sometimes you can get tickets using the Craig site website – kind of like EBay but free and organized by location - http://boston.craigslist.org/)
tickets: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/ticketi...x.jsp?c_id=bos
tour: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/tour.jsp
- Head up to Gloucester (whale watches), Newburyport (shops/food), Portsmouth NH (shops/food), Salem MA (check out some of the witch museums), Rockport (quaint shopping and picture taking ) or down to Cape Cod or Newport RI – there is a ferry service found in between the aquarium and the Marriot Longwarf you can go out to the harbor islands and hike (mostly flat) or take a fast ferry to Provincetown.
Side trip websites:
Rockport: http://www.rockportusa.com/ (day trip)
Newburyport: http://www.newburyportchamber.org/ (day trip)
Portsmouth: http://www.portsmouthnh.com/(day trip)
Salem: http://www.salemweb.com/(day trip)
Gloucester: http://www.cape-ann.com/gloucester.html(day trip)
Newport: http://www.gonewport.com/ (stay overnight)
Cape Cod: http://www.capecodchamber.org/ (stay overnight)
Nantucket: http://www.nantucket.net/ (stay overnight)
Martha’s Vineyard: http://www.mvy.com/ (stay overnight)
White Mountains, NH (need at least 3 days): http://www.visitwhitemountains.com/
- If you do a day trip to Salem to visit the witch museums (take a train/blue line – the traffic is crazy all summer) visit the Rockmore Floating Restaurant. You catch a small boat out to it from Pickering Wharf – they have burgers, salads, etc. The best is throwing your French fries to the fish swarming the area (because they know about the French fries) – also great views back to 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 are literally hundreds of these, all beautiful (near Kenmore Square).
This site lists many of the parks:
http://www.emeraldnecklace.org/tourtheparks.htm
Another favorite: The Arnold Arboretum is a 265-acre botanical garden and educational research facility run by Harvard University. Over 5000 kinds of trees, most originating from northern temperate forests, are featured. Two of the arboretum's highlights include the Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection and the Lilac Collection. In 1872, the Arboretum's first director, Charles Sprague Sargent, designed the grounds in collaboration with the landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted as part of Boston's Emerald Necklace park system http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu/
- 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).
- The JFK library is also great. http://www.jfklibrary.org/JFK+Librar...essibility.htm
- Then there's the aquarium & IMAX theater (although I have been to much better aquariums in other cities - the best in Valencia, Spain)
- The Museum of Fine Art http://www.mfa.org/ and the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum http://www.gardnermuseum.org/ are also nice.
- I'd skip Fanuel Hall and the Cheers Bar and stay away from all the dives on Route 1 and Revere Beach.
One other thing, check out:
Formaggio Kitchen
244 Huron Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
tel: (617) 354-4750
toll-free: (888)-212-3224
www.formaggiokitchen.com
It's just outside of Harvard Square (maybe a mile? - you can walk, drive or take a bus) and has amazing stuff!!! Granted none of it seems to be native to Boston but they have tons of stuff from Europe (mach of which is exclusively distributed to them) - cheeses (that you can taste), wines, olive oil, pasta, bread, pastry....
Great sandwichs too - good little shop to stop at for picnic food and sample some cheeses....
They also have other locations in South Boston & NY, although I have never been to them.
I had posted some info on Boston awhile back, I am copying it here since you will be in Boston too:
Take a stroll along the Charles River (great views, people watching and sailboats). In May you'll start to see ducklings if you get over there early enough.
- Walk down Charles Street (quaint shops) and Newbury Street (pricey shops)
- Walk through the Boston common (see the frog pond - http://www.bostoncommonfrogpond.org/) 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) http://www.swanboats.com/new/welcome.shtml
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 - if you are there on mother's day there's a kids parade through the park.
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 or Science Museum (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 little known historical stories (like the great Boston molasses flood). http://www.bostonducktours.com/
- Eat dinner in the North End (Italian section) and then have desserts at Mike's Pastry (or look for a quaint coffee shop). Over by the water there is usually a group of older Italian men playing outdoor bocce ball - it's great to watch – on a hot summer night I have watched them for hours. They don’t seem to mind being photographed.
- 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) – Tavern on the water (same owners) in the Charlestown Navy Yard is also fun.
- See a Red Sox Game and get a tour of Fenway Park (sometimes you can get tickets using the Craig site website – kind of like EBay but free and organized by location - http://boston.craigslist.org/)
tickets: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/ticketi...x.jsp?c_id=bos
tour: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/tour.jsp
- Head up to Gloucester (whale watches), Newburyport (shops/food), Portsmouth NH (shops/food), Salem MA (check out some of the witch museums), Rockport (quaint shopping and picture taking ) or down to Cape Cod or Newport RI – there is a ferry service found in between the aquarium and the Marriot Longwarf you can go out to the harbor islands and hike (mostly flat) or take a fast ferry to Provincetown.
Side trip websites:
Rockport: http://www.rockportusa.com/ (day trip)
Newburyport: http://www.newburyportchamber.org/ (day trip)
Portsmouth: http://www.portsmouthnh.com/(day trip)
Salem: http://www.salemweb.com/(day trip)
Gloucester: http://www.cape-ann.com/gloucester.html(day trip)
Newport: http://www.gonewport.com/ (stay overnight)
Cape Cod: http://www.capecodchamber.org/ (stay overnight)
Nantucket: http://www.nantucket.net/ (stay overnight)
Martha’s Vineyard: http://www.mvy.com/ (stay overnight)
White Mountains, NH (need at least 3 days): http://www.visitwhitemountains.com/
- If you do a day trip to Salem to visit the witch museums (take a train/blue line – the traffic is crazy all summer) visit the Rockmore Floating Restaurant. You catch a small boat out to it from Pickering Wharf – they have burgers, salads, etc. The best is throwing your French fries to the fish swarming the area (because they know about the French fries) – also great views back to 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 are literally hundreds of these, all beautiful (near Kenmore Square).
This site lists many of the parks:
http://www.emeraldnecklace.org/tourtheparks.htm
Another favorite: The Arnold Arboretum is a 265-acre botanical garden and educational research facility run by Harvard University. Over 5000 kinds of trees, most originating from northern temperate forests, are featured. Two of the arboretum's highlights include the Larz Anderson Bonsai Collection and the Lilac Collection. In 1872, the Arboretum's first director, Charles Sprague Sargent, designed the grounds in collaboration with the landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted as part of Boston's Emerald Necklace park system http://www.arboretum.harvard.edu/
- 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).
- The JFK library is also great. http://www.jfklibrary.org/JFK+Librar...essibility.htm
- Then there's the aquarium & IMAX theater (although I have been to much better aquariums in other cities - the best in Valencia, Spain)
- The Museum of Fine Art http://www.mfa.org/ and the Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum http://www.gardnermuseum.org/ are also nice.
- I'd skip Fanuel Hall and the Cheers Bar and stay away from all the dives on Route 1 and Revere Beach.
One other thing, check out:
Formaggio Kitchen
244 Huron Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
tel: (617) 354-4750
toll-free: (888)-212-3224
www.formaggiokitchen.com
It's just outside of Harvard Square (maybe a mile? - you can walk, drive or take a bus) and has amazing stuff!!! Granted none of it seems to be native to Boston but they have tons of stuff from Europe (mach of which is exclusively distributed to them) - cheeses (that you can taste), wines, olive oil, pasta, bread, pastry....
Great sandwichs too - good little shop to stop at for picnic food and sample some cheeses....
They also have other locations in South Boston & NY, although I have never been to them.
Jun 26th, 2007, 05:53 AM
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Wow, Linda, what an amazing reply! Sorry to respond late. Thank you a lot for your wonderful recommendations. I checked the Wentworth and they have an apartment available as it seems. Will contact 'Fritz' ;-)
Thanks also for the many tips re: Boston. They're very helpful. I will definitely check the links you gave me out and then get back to you (email).
Btw, funny that you'll be in Prague the entire month of July. I live only two hours away and will be in Prague as well for a couple of days visiting friends. Small world!
Ingo
Thanks also for the many tips re: Boston. They're very helpful. I will definitely check the links you gave me out and then get back to you (email).
Btw, funny that you'll be in Prague the entire month of July. I live only two hours away and will be in Prague as well for a couple of days visiting friends. Small world!
Ingo
