How is this trip plan for my Boston and Rockport vacation?
May 29th, 2009, 06:38 AM
#21
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Since all the harbors (and marinas) face East, don't have too high of an expectation of "sunset" views here.
One place I REALLY ENJOYED around dusk/sunset, is actually from the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. Not sure if the Go Boston card covers it, but if it does, go there, take the elevators to the top floor gallery and proceed to the section facing the Harbor. It has 30-ft floor-to-ceiling windows and the view of Boston Harbor from there is gorgeous. We've been there around sunset several times and it never disappoints. The ICA is open until 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and free admission on Thursdays from 5-9pm.
http://www.icaboston.org/visit/hours-and-admission/
The Adams site in Quincy can be quite busy/popular during summer. You can only tour it by guided tours - and the entire tour takes about 2 hours. Since it's guided, the # of visitors allowed each day is limited; therefore I'm not sure if you want to wait until late afternoon to go there. You may want to call the visitors center beforehand to make sure the tours aren't filled up by noon time (last tour departs at 3:15pm)
http://www.nps.gov/adam/planyourvisit/hours.htm
In any case, you will be done with touring the Quincy site by 5pm, so you are going to have an early dinner @ Fat Cat. Sunset in Boston in early June is around 8:30pm, FYI.
One place I REALLY ENJOYED around dusk/sunset, is actually from the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston. Not sure if the Go Boston card covers it, but if it does, go there, take the elevators to the top floor gallery and proceed to the section facing the Harbor. It has 30-ft floor-to-ceiling windows and the view of Boston Harbor from there is gorgeous. We've been there around sunset several times and it never disappoints. The ICA is open until 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and free admission on Thursdays from 5-9pm.
http://www.icaboston.org/visit/hours-and-admission/
The Adams site in Quincy can be quite busy/popular during summer. You can only tour it by guided tours - and the entire tour takes about 2 hours. Since it's guided, the # of visitors allowed each day is limited; therefore I'm not sure if you want to wait until late afternoon to go there. You may want to call the visitors center beforehand to make sure the tours aren't filled up by noon time (last tour departs at 3:15pm)
http://www.nps.gov/adam/planyourvisit/hours.htm
In any case, you will be done with touring the Quincy site by 5pm, so you are going to have an early dinner @ Fat Cat. Sunset in Boston in early June is around 8:30pm, FYI.
May 30th, 2009, 03:35 AM
#22
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YK - thanks for the suggestion on the ICA. Unfortunately Thursday is the day that we drive to Rockport. It does look like an amazing building and we might try to stop by anyway.
Do you think things will be that crowded in early June? School should not be out yet while we're there, and our days in Boston will be weekdays. We were hoping to avoid the height of summer vacations.
Do you think things will be that crowded in early June? School should not be out yet while we're there, and our days in Boston will be weekdays. We were hoping to avoid the height of summer vacations.
May 30th, 2009, 06:35 AM
#23
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Early June should be okay; in fact that's probably the best time to come as colleges are out (so the tens of thousands of college kids are gone except the graduating seniors at Harvard & MIT), while tourists haven't quite flooded our city yet.
May 30th, 2009, 03:01 PM
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You might run into field trip groups at some places - don't know if it is late enough that schools will have stopped doing field trips. Last year I had guests the week after Memorial Day, and we ran into school groups at the USS Constitution and Plimoth Plantation (which was overrun with them!) as well as on a whale watch out of Gloucester (which surprised me). At the Constitution we just went over to the Cassin Young, a WW2 destroyer, until the group had cleared. Also, from what the guides said, school groups usually just tour the top deck of the Constitution and don't go below.
Kennedy Library and Adams historical site are prime field trip destinations, too. And there was a HUGE group of teenagers leaving Old North Church just as I arrived there with friends recently (but that was the week before Memorial Day, although it WAS a Saturday!).
I'm sure you could call places to see how many groups they have on what days if it is a concern. Shouldn't be an issue in Rockport.
Kennedy Library and Adams historical site are prime field trip destinations, too. And there was a HUGE group of teenagers leaving Old North Church just as I arrived there with friends recently (but that was the week before Memorial Day, although it WAS a Saturday!).
I'm sure you could call places to see how many groups they have on what days if it is a concern. Shouldn't be an issue in Rockport.
May 30th, 2009, 07:00 PM
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Yin Yu Tang is a 30-min visit, I believe. However, don't miss the gallery (when you exit Yin Yu Tang) and the movies. Apart from that, it depends on what your interests are. The Maritime section is huge, though it's not really my thing. Then there's the Asian Export section which is also HUGE, but has really fabulous objects (exquisitely carved ivory boxes, hand-crafted furniture, Ming dynasty blue-and-white ceramics etc) which can easily take an hour or two. In addition, there's smaller galleries on Korean and Japanese art. You can easily spend 3-4 hours there, but I'd say 2 hours at the least.
There's a nice restaurant inside the museum, though I've never eaten there. I usually just grab something from the atrium cafe, but I think the setting for the restaurant is very nice.
There's a nice restaurant inside the museum, though I've never eaten there. I usually just grab something from the atrium cafe, but I think the setting for the restaurant is very nice.
May 31st, 2009, 06:23 AM
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I have never taken a trolley tour in Boston but it seems to make sense for you and your husband since it will minimize walking. If you stop at #13 you would see a little of (the edge of) Beacon Hill which is a beautiful neighborhood.
I would pick the Gardner museum over the aquarium for a unique Boston experience and a great small art collection.
For day #4 you say "stay in CAmbridge." Your hotel is quite far from Harvard so going to Harvard Square will not be close to the hotel or the Museum of Science. Again, you need to look at the subway map since you will be taking the Red Line.
Harvard offers free campus tours. These might be too ambitious for you with your husband's mobility problems, but you could get a map at the information center. I believe there is also a brochure for a self-guided tour of Harvard Yard.
http://www.hno.harvard.edu/guide/to_do/index.html
Harvard also has three excellent museums that might interest you, the art museum (currently the Sackler is open with an exhibit from the entire collection--the Fogg is closed for renovations), the Museum of Natural History (which houses the famous glass flowers) and the Peabody museum (archeology and ethnology)
I'm not sure of the exact dates of your visit although somewhere on the thread it says June 7-12. Do NOT try to visit Harvard on June 4th, Commencement Day
In Salem, the National Maritime Historic site is interesting and not too spread out (so easy on your husband's knees). There is also a new architectural walking tour brochure for Salem
http://www.nps.gov/sama/index.htm
If you decide to continue along the coast north of Cape Ann, I agree that Portsmouth NH would make a good and convenient additional stop. I recommend the Strawbery Banke museum
http://www.strawberybanke.org/
I would pick the Gardner museum over the aquarium for a unique Boston experience and a great small art collection.
For day #4 you say "stay in CAmbridge." Your hotel is quite far from Harvard so going to Harvard Square will not be close to the hotel or the Museum of Science. Again, you need to look at the subway map since you will be taking the Red Line.
Harvard offers free campus tours. These might be too ambitious for you with your husband's mobility problems, but you could get a map at the information center. I believe there is also a brochure for a self-guided tour of Harvard Yard.
http://www.hno.harvard.edu/guide/to_do/index.html
Harvard also has three excellent museums that might interest you, the art museum (currently the Sackler is open with an exhibit from the entire collection--the Fogg is closed for renovations), the Museum of Natural History (which houses the famous glass flowers) and the Peabody museum (archeology and ethnology)
I'm not sure of the exact dates of your visit although somewhere on the thread it says June 7-12. Do NOT try to visit Harvard on June 4th, Commencement Day
In Salem, the National Maritime Historic site is interesting and not too spread out (so easy on your husband's knees). There is also a new architectural walking tour brochure for Salem
http://www.nps.gov/sama/index.htm
If you decide to continue along the coast north of Cape Ann, I agree that Portsmouth NH would make a good and convenient additional stop. I recommend the Strawbery Banke museum
http://www.strawberybanke.org/
May 31st, 2009, 08:29 AM
#28
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Bus #69 goes directly from Lechmere Station to Harvard Sq via Cambridge Street. Therefore, I'll definitely take the BUS for this route, rather than Green Line into town -> Red Line out to Harvard.
Map of #69 route here:
http://www.mbta.com/uploadedFiles/Do...Bus/069map.pdf
Schedule of #69 here:
http://www.mbta.com/uploadedFiles/Do...s/route069.pdf
Map of #69 route here:
http://www.mbta.com/uploadedFiles/Do...Bus/069map.pdf
Schedule of #69 here:
http://www.mbta.com/uploadedFiles/Do...s/route069.pdf
May 31st, 2009, 11:48 AM
#29
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For Rockport: get some streudel from Helmut's, and lobster from Roy Moore's. Also, don't miss Halibut Point State Park. It has gorgeous views.
Also nearby: Hammmond Castle in Gloucester. Even if you don't go inside (and it is worth going inside) the setting is beautiful.
Also nearby: Hammmond Castle in Gloucester. Even if you don't go inside (and it is worth going inside) the setting is beautiful.
Jun 1st, 2009, 03:37 AM
#30
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I was thinking you could take the shuttle at Cambridgeside Galleria to the Kendall Square stop to get the T to Harvard Square. The bus from Lechmere Station makes much more sense. Definitely my bad.
yk and others: Am I right that there are no buses up Brattle Street from Harvard Square to the Longfellow House? I know it is not a long walk but maybe too far with a bad knee.
yk and others: Am I right that there are no buses up Brattle Street from Harvard Square to the Longfellow House? I know it is not a long walk but maybe too far with a bad knee.
Jun 1st, 2009, 05:49 AM
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Vttraveler - Bus 71 runs West from Harvard Sq via Mt Auburn Street. There is a stop at Mt Auburn & Willard Streets, which is where the Longfellow Park is. From that stop, one can walk through Longfellow Park (1 block) north and arrive at Longfellow House.
http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_ma...utes/?route=71
http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_ma...utes/?route=71
Jun 2nd, 2009, 07:35 AM
#32
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You will definitely need a 5-day Go Boston Card and it looks like you will get your value out of it and then some!
Did you know that you board the Duck Tours at the Museum of Science with the Go Card? It's like that because lines are much shorter there, but depending on when you travel, I would always recommend making a reservation since they sell out ahead of time. You can make an advanced reservation for $3 per person. Because of the boarding location, you can do the Museum of Science and the Ducks in the same afternoon. The Museum of Science is "technically" located in Cambridge, but it's one T-stop away from North Station in Boston - which is where the BankNorth Garden is and it's two stops away from Haymarket T-Station, where the North End is located (for dessert at Mike's as you mentioned).
Day 2 seems packed, but if you use the trolley for transportation, you will have no problem getting around. Be sure to pick up your trolley ticket before boarding the trolley. There are two pick up locations. One is across the street from the Boston Common and the other is at the Prudential Center. I think the one across the street from Boston Common would be best for you. Take the Green Line to Boylston Street. Parish Cafe is across the street from the Public Garden. You'll see the store "Paper Source" - look across the street and there it is. Get the Sunni Roll - my FAVORITE!
Day 4 should be spent in and around Harvard Square since it's great for strolling and people watching. Do the Museum of Science on Day 1 so that you aren't running back and forth. You can visit the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and the Harvard Museum of Natural History while out there. Both are included with the Go Card and you can eat at Uno's Chicago Bar and Grill while out there. You save 20% with the Go Card.
Don't miss the Salem Witch Museum on Day 5. Everyone who has been to Salem will ask you if you went there. You at least want the experience. Both restaurants you mention are great.
Out of all the Museums, the Isabella Stewart Gardner is my favorite and I don't think you have it on your itinerary. You should plan to go there also do lunch there. It is exquisite.
Did you know that you board the Duck Tours at the Museum of Science with the Go Card? It's like that because lines are much shorter there, but depending on when you travel, I would always recommend making a reservation since they sell out ahead of time. You can make an advanced reservation for $3 per person. Because of the boarding location, you can do the Museum of Science and the Ducks in the same afternoon. The Museum of Science is "technically" located in Cambridge, but it's one T-stop away from North Station in Boston - which is where the BankNorth Garden is and it's two stops away from Haymarket T-Station, where the North End is located (for dessert at Mike's as you mentioned).
Day 2 seems packed, but if you use the trolley for transportation, you will have no problem getting around. Be sure to pick up your trolley ticket before boarding the trolley. There are two pick up locations. One is across the street from the Boston Common and the other is at the Prudential Center. I think the one across the street from Boston Common would be best for you. Take the Green Line to Boylston Street. Parish Cafe is across the street from the Public Garden. You'll see the store "Paper Source" - look across the street and there it is. Get the Sunni Roll - my FAVORITE!
Day 4 should be spent in and around Harvard Square since it's great for strolling and people watching. Do the Museum of Science on Day 1 so that you aren't running back and forth. You can visit the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and the Harvard Museum of Natural History while out there. Both are included with the Go Card and you can eat at Uno's Chicago Bar and Grill while out there. You save 20% with the Go Card.
Don't miss the Salem Witch Museum on Day 5. Everyone who has been to Salem will ask you if you went there. You at least want the experience. Both restaurants you mention are great.
Out of all the Museums, the Isabella Stewart Gardner is my favorite and I don't think you have it on your itinerary. You should plan to go there also do lunch there. It is exquisite.
Jun 2nd, 2009, 12:20 PM
#33
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Its been a while, but I used to live in East Cambridge, not too far from your hotel. A good place for dinner nearby is the Helmand, where one of Hamid Karzai's brothers runs a nice Afghan restaurant. Seems like it still gets good reviews on Yelp. If you get tired of searching for restaurants another standby is Legal Seafoods - they are all over, including in Kendall Sq, a block or so from the Red line.
http://tinyurl.com/pojljx
As others have noted the Red line tends to get you to more places you want to go, usually faster than the Green line. Green line is what you want for Gardner and MFA, though. I think East Cambridge can still be kind of "gritty" but there are some very good Portuguese restaurants like Atasca and Portugalia. The #69 bus is a direct route to Harvard SQ, not very scenic though. It will take you to Inman SQ, which is home to some of my favorite places, the East Coast Grill, Christina's ice cream and Rosie's bakery (home of the chocolate orgasm).
I am another who really likes the Parish Cafe - didn't realize they do takeout. Another idea for takeout sandwiches is Artu - they have a location on Charles St. in Beacon Hill and a North End location. They do great panini.
Ok, now I'm hungry. Have fun.
http://tinyurl.com/pojljx
As others have noted the Red line tends to get you to more places you want to go, usually faster than the Green line. Green line is what you want for Gardner and MFA, though. I think East Cambridge can still be kind of "gritty" but there are some very good Portuguese restaurants like Atasca and Portugalia. The #69 bus is a direct route to Harvard SQ, not very scenic though. It will take you to Inman SQ, which is home to some of my favorite places, the East Coast Grill, Christina's ice cream and Rosie's bakery (home of the chocolate orgasm).
I am another who really likes the Parish Cafe - didn't realize they do takeout. Another idea for takeout sandwiches is Artu - they have a location on Charles St. in Beacon Hill and a North End location. They do great panini.
Ok, now I'm hungry. Have fun.
Jun 2nd, 2009, 01:27 PM
#34
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I have been to the Franklin in Gloucester several times and have had a fantastic meal each time. That is definitely a good choice.
I also second the suggestion that you check out Rocky Neck while you are up there, though I would prefer The Rudder to the Mad Fish-- they both have great food, but The Rudder has a lot more coastal New England character.
If you are looking for a good lunch place, I would suggest Sugar Magnolia's or Passports on Main St. in Gloucester.
Have fun!
I also second the suggestion that you check out Rocky Neck while you are up there, though I would prefer The Rudder to the Mad Fish-- they both have great food, but The Rudder has a lot more coastal New England character.
If you are looking for a good lunch place, I would suggest Sugar Magnolia's or Passports on Main St. in Gloucester.
Have fun!
Jun 2nd, 2009, 04:20 PM
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Don't waste your time at the Witch Museum in Salem. It is a cheesy tourist attraction, not a real museum. In fact, that's the case with most of Salem's "witch attractions".
If you really want to see a site associated with 1692, go to nearby Danvers (the actual Salem Village, where most of the events of 1692 other than the trials occurred) and tour the Rebecca Nurse Homestead, the home of one of the victims. You can also visit the Giles Corey House in Salem, where one of the magistrates in the trials lived. Just go with the awareness that these sites are as much (or maybe more) about how the people of the day lived, not just about witch hysteria.
If you want to learn about the events of 1692, read a good book that presents the various theories of what happened and treats the people of the seventeenth century (accused, accusers, authorities, and the community in general) with respect.
If you really want to see a site associated with 1692, go to nearby Danvers (the actual Salem Village, where most of the events of 1692 other than the trials occurred) and tour the Rebecca Nurse Homestead, the home of one of the victims. You can also visit the Giles Corey House in Salem, where one of the magistrates in the trials lived. Just go with the awareness that these sites are as much (or maybe more) about how the people of the day lived, not just about witch hysteria.
If you want to learn about the events of 1692, read a good book that presents the various theories of what happened and treats the people of the seventeenth century (accused, accusers, authorities, and the community in general) with respect.
Jun 4th, 2009, 03:30 AM
#38
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Thanks again everyone for the suggestions. YK, gyppielou - you have been great. I will check out the Inman Square ideas for sure!
I've been checking the weather for next week (7-11th) and it looks like rain, rain and more rain
Does it rain a lot in Boston? Does the rain last all day? Can I trust what the weather is telling me now for next week?
I am so excited - my visit is going to be wonderful thanks to all of you!
I've been checking the weather for next week (7-11th) and it looks like rain, rain and more rain
Does it rain a lot in Boston? Does the rain last all day? Can I trust what the weather is telling me now for next week?I am so excited - my visit is going to be wonderful thanks to all of you!
Jun 4th, 2009, 03:45 AM
#40
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tdmort--if it makes you feel any better about the weather next week, I have been tracking the forecast for Boston/Cambridge for June 5 to 7 for about a week and it has changed several times during that period! Unfortunately in my case it is changing in the direction of rain instead of clear weather for tomorrow.
Here's a Mark Twain quote about weather in New England for you
I reverently believe that the Maker who made us all makes everything in New England but the weather. I don't know who makes that, but I think it must be raw apprentices in the weather-clerk's factory who experiment and learn how, in New England, for board and clothes, and then are promoted to make weather for countries that require a good article, and will take their custom elsewhere if they don't get it.
There is a sumptuous variety about the New England weather that compels the stranger's admiration -- and regret. The weather is always doing something there; always attending strictly to business; always getting up new designs and trying them on the people to see how they will go...
Here's a Mark Twain quote about weather in New England for you
I reverently believe that the Maker who made us all makes everything in New England but the weather. I don't know who makes that, but I think it must be raw apprentices in the weather-clerk's factory who experiment and learn how, in New England, for board and clothes, and then are promoted to make weather for countries that require a good article, and will take their custom elsewhere if they don't get it.
There is a sumptuous variety about the New England weather that compels the stranger's admiration -- and regret. The weather is always doing something there; always attending strictly to business; always getting up new designs and trying them on the people to see how they will go...
