Lobsterman

If you like pizza, go to Pizzeria Regina's in the North End, fabulous but be prepared for a line, especially on weekends. Well worth it, and you can make new friends. They've been around for about 100 years-seriously.

Rick

sf7307

Regina's is great - be sure to go to the original rather than outposts such as Faneuil Hall ( where we were served slices that weren't hot)

propita

Finally had a chance to get back here!

Hubby wants to fly into NYC (we were there 3.5 days in April), stay 4-5 days, then take amtrak to Boston, similarly to how we got to NYC from DC in April. Leaving Fresno on a Tuesday, October 2 or 9, returning on a Thursday, October 11 or 18. He's vetoed going to New England this trip. Living near Yosemite, we've seen mountainsides full of color, so that's okay.

As I posted, we like walking around but not marathoners. And we're not hikers. We raced around DC and NYC, but hope to take things slower this time.

Since we saw a lot of our "must see's" in NYC in our crazy race, we can take things slower in general and enjoy more. Catch things we missed and repeat where we wanted to spend more time. Funny, when talking with Hubby, the things he mentioned were all FOOD! We're familiar enough to figure out what else we want to see--the NY Public Library in more depth, that museum on the Lower East Side (can't remember the name), St John the Divine, maybe the High Line and a play or musical, and spend at least half a day in Central Park if the weather's good.

As for Boston, we're looking at the Freedom Trail, walking around Harvard and MIT, Fenway Park. Things like that. By not leaving the immediate area, we figure we can take it slower, since Boston's doesn't look huge and there's a good chance this will be our only visit. The "T" looks like great transportation, so I don't think we'll need a car. I grew up in the LA area, where a car is needed because everything you want to see is at least 20 from everything else you want to see.

I guess what I'm seeking is help on places to stay in Boston...In the city? In Cambridge? Elsewhere? Any specific deals on hotels? We're hoping for $200 or less (much less?) a night.

yk

Early/mid October is HIGH season in Boston - between the leaf-peepers and parents of students here for parents' weekends, it'll be impossible to find anything

tomfuller

Many years ago I went to a wedding somewhere SE of Boston.
We stayed in a hotel near Braintree and got a ride to the T station to go into the city of Boston. http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/
As I recall the nice hotel was somewhat cheaper than staying in the city. We enjoyed the Science Museum which had Van DeGraff generators built by VanDeGraff himself. A man standing in a steel cage talks to you while lightning hits the cage.

Ackislander

I think tomfuller may be talking about the Sheraton in Braintree. No atmosphere, busy commercial area, but generally good prices.

The Hilton in Dedham is within walking distance of a commuter rail station. This isn't as convenient as the T, but their prices have been consistently much cheaper than city hotels and are often available on Priceline.

Both of the **** hotels at Logan are not terrible places to be for touring, but I would not bid on any of the *** on Priceline because of location issues.

Yurtgrl

There is a reasonably priced guest house on Newbury Street...it may even be called the Newbury Street Guest House or inn. You really do need to book soon.
If you do decide to rent a car for an excursion I second the recommendation for Portsmouth NH ( about an hr north) you would not be disappointed.

propita

Now, after all this great info, things don't look so good. Hubby's job is going a bit strange. Not a threat of losing it, but he's frustrated. Very toxic place. He's trying to transfer. In the meantime, a friend living in Hawaii until the end of the year invited us to stay with her for a vacation. We might have to do that (yes, HAVE) for the bargain, to see our friend, and because Hubby needs a break before he breaks.

sf7307

Well, I don't know how far it is for you to go to Hawaii, but I will say, if you need a break, Hawaii is the place to do it! Hope things get better.

propita

We're in Fresno, CA. Any flight would transfer from LAX or SFO, but that's fine.

Our Friend is in a 2bd/2ba place, with parking for 2d car and car rental 2 bulks away! How perfect can you get. I just need to wear long sleeves or use high level sunblock. I went to Hawaii 26 years ago with my parents and did not use a high enough sunblock. Severe 2d degree burns from shoulder to shoulder across the top 3" (skin exposed when standing in water), leading to ER visit. So laying in the sun is not for me; laying in the shade is just fine.

Friend suggests a 3-4 day tour of the other islands, so I'm looking into that. We could have as much as 11 day. Hubby wants to see Oearl Harbor/Arizona Memorial.

All dependent on Hubby actually being able to get the time off. Assuming he does, are there things/places that advanced reservations are really required?

china_cat

you should definitely start a new topic, and tag it hawaii. Otherwise you will not get the right people looking to help you out.

It sounds like a great idea though..Hawaii is the place for a real break

propita

@china_cat
I did just that as I realized exactly what you said.