OVERWELMED-Boston
 

Been reading through all the posts and what a wealth of information! Have a few initial questions to get me started. Planning a trip to Hartford, Ct to visit family. From there would like to head down to Mystic and then to Boston for a couple of days. Want to hit some of the highlights in Boston in 2 days. WHat would you recommend, where to stay and how is early to mid Aug.? Then I want to head to Salem.

Boston is smaller than most people think. If you get a central city hotel you will be in walking distance (or subway) of most places. Don't even think about driving around Boston. Barring an aweful heatwave, I would enjoy the outdoor cafes and concerts rather than the museums. Hotel will cost more than you think unless you use priceline. As far as neighborhoods go focus on the North End, Back Bay and Beacon Hill.
Salem has some lovely areas downtown and a wharf with restaurants and boatrides. You can take the commuter rail from Boston if you choose.

well, mid August is hot. but then you probably knew that :-)

You have to let us know your budget idea, then we can make some hotel reservations. Hotels are expensive. And I'm guessing you will have a car, so you have to plan $30/day to park it. Back Bay or Copley area is probably the most convenient area to stay.

Its a great time of year for taking a harbor cruise. or going to a baseball game (if you can find tickets...not easy to get Red Sox tickets these days).

When you go to Salem, you may want to check out the Peabody Essex Museum. Its a gem.

Yes, tell us if it is just you or how many people, approx hotel budget and depending on where you are staying, there may be parking options less expensive than hotel- maybe not, but maybe, that we can give you directions to.

As far as 2 dys in Boston, to get a good overview; a good first day would be to go to the Skywalk Observatory at the Pru, see an amazing view, and some exhibits there on history of Boston, then a nice walk around Boylston/Newbury/ Charles St to the Charles River, thru Boston Public garden, Boston Common, stopping at some spots on the Freedom trail and going into the North End and perhaps ending there with a nice dinner and dessert.

Day two you could concentrate on something you like: architecture, museum, harbor Islands tour, depends on what you are interested in - give us some idea of what you like and suggestions could be better tailored.

some good sites to look at - www.gobostoncard.com - you wouldn't purchase one b/c of the shortness of your stay, but it is a good site w/ some overview of top attractions, etc and might help you narrow things down.
also the freedom trail site www.thefreedomtrail.org to see if all or parts of it interest you.

www.bostonislands.com will give yoyu some info and help you decide if you'd like to see if that might interest you esp in the summer - to see George's Island or one of the others.

I think it was a good mention prior post to take public transport to Salem, easier on you -unless you are heading there for another reason than sight seeing and need your auto.

Depending on what you say you like, people here might suggest certain museums (ICA or isabella Steward gardner, dpening on your interests) as good choices for you.

You could also think of theater tix for one night, or if you want a special pub or restaurant.

Depending on how much time you're spending there, when you're in Salem you can take a whale watch cruise. http://www.theinsider.com/Boston/Fun/whalewatch.htm

From Salem or Gloucester, they take about 1/2 day; from Boston, they are usually longer.

Mid-August will probably be more comfortable than early August, since the nights will have started to cool down.

With just 2 days, you'll have to do some research and set priorities; as escargot indicated, it will depend on whether you'd prefer to focus on art, history, harbor, shopping, etc.

i loved the newbury guest house. great location in the back bay area. if you reserve a parking spot in advance (they only have a few) it was $15 last summer.
i enjoyed taking the "duck tour" my first morning. gave a good overview of the city. from the back bay area, you can walk to many places along the freedom trail and there are several subway stops around there. tons of restaurants.

Sorry, I have been on vacation. I also should've been more clear on my requests. I will be traveling with my husband and possibly my 19 year old son. I try to keep in the low budget area though it's imperative. I do have a problem spending over $130 for a motel. Maybe I shouldn't be staying in Boston. I really am flexible, if we could stay some where else and take public transportation. Definately want to whale watch. We are not much on museums but enjoy general "overview" things. My dh's attention span is pretty short. LOL. Food/Seafood would be another highlight as we do enjoy the whole dining experience (not expensive, just good food, possibly waterside or outside) Hopefully that helps a little. THanks for the reply.

I think it will be challenging to find a hotel in Boston for $130 or less. You might look into the Quincy Marriott which is near a T stop (our subway)or something like the Doubletree suites near the JFK museum (and another T stop). You do not want to drive in Boston. It's very difficult to do even if you live here--no rhyme or reason to most of our street layouts (they started as cow paths), poor signage, terrible drivers.

Hey owinsmom,

I agree; there is truly a weath of information on these posts. These posters are great! And, since I've been on the receiving end of lots of info, I figured I'd give you some advice on my hometown......

As far as the weather goes, who knows? There really is no formula. It can be great, or not so great. But it can't be awful. Anyway, you'll be on vacation and that's what matters.

Two days is tough. One thing's for sure: once you're here, you'll be wishing you had more time. Because of that, it would be best to stay right in Boston and not spend time trekking back and forth, but I understand if you don't. The rates can be ridiculous.

With that said, here are a few places you might want to look up and see what you can get for rates:

SHERATON COMMANDER in Cambridge - This small hotel is in Harvard Square (a destination in itself) which means you can jump on the subway and be in downtown Boston in 10 minutes. It's a lively area with plenty going on. Street performers, etc. I don't think it's a terrific hotel in itself, but I probably would stay there because the location is great. So great that you can be out walking at midnight if you like. Being that it's a college area (even in the summer, it's jumping), there are always people around and, although it is the city, it feels safe. I doubt they have free parking, but I'm sure the daily rate there is cheaper than the $30 or so you'd pay in downtown Boston. Plenty of restaurants and treats around:-)

HOLIDAY INN in Brookline - This is just outside Boston (10 minute walk to Fenway Park) and another great location in itself, pretty and reasonably safe. The best thing is that just outside your door is the public transportation trolley line that will, for $1.25, take you downtown in just 15 minutes or so. (And as a bonus, since this is an above-ground line, you'll get to see sights on the way.) This too, is a college area (Boston Univ is a stone's throw away.)with lots of young professionals around so there's always something going on here too. Plenty of restuarants and treats also.

HAMPTON INN in Cambridge (Rt 28) - Another inexpensive alternative in Cambridge. The bonus here is that they have free parking and you're only a 3 minute walk to the subway station which will get you into downtown Boston in about 15 minutes. There's not too much going on here in terms of tourism (you are close to a big mall and strip plaza though), but it's a good "nearby" location. You can hop on the bus to go to Harvard Square pretty easily too ($1.00) if you're looking to extend your day into night.

HAWTHORNE SUITES in Arlington - This one I added because of it's major difference. You get a kitchenette here if that interests you. This place is only a few years old and looks (from the outside anyway) decent. Arlington is a very nice "urban" suburb just outside Cambridge (which is just outside Boston) and, again, is a place I would have no problems walking around at night. (I keep saying this because it's very important for me, when I'm on vacation, to be able to make my days last well into the evening and not have to worry about getting back at night.) I know they have free parking and there are some decent restaurants (especially if you like Greek food and pastry) around within a 5-15 minute walk or so. Right outside the door, you can hop on the bus to, again, Harvard Square or you can walk about 10 minutes to a subway station (you can park here too if you don't mind paying a couple of bucks)which will bring you right into downtown Boston in about 15 minutes.

Well, those are some of the hotels within a very close proximity of Boston that I can think of that might have rates less than $150 a night. I would suggest that you start your planning and book early because summertime is busy here and if you're talking late August, schools and parents will be coming back to town.

ACTIVITIES -

I agree with the others about taking the commuter train to Salem since a day is plenty there. It's about a 40 minute ride by train. You might, however, want to drive which will allow you to see sights along the way. That way you can continue driving on up to Newburyport, (quaint seaside town which is very popular with tourists) and you can take your whale watch from there. Lots of walking and restaurants there too.

In terms of Boston activities, the must dos:

Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall Marketplace - Plan on spending the better part of the day/evening here. Lots of shops, restaurants (indoor and outdoor), street performers, etc. You all will enjoy it there. You can also walk over to the waterfront and take in some great sights there too. And, if Little Italy is your thing, the North End is within walking distance. There you step back in time and visit Boston's Italian section. Great dining (if you're not stuffed from Quincy Market)

PRUDENTIAL/SKYWALK/NEWBURY STREET - A big tourism area with shops, lots of outdoor dining and lots of people watching. Skywalk is the top of the building where you can go and get terrific views of the city and beyond. (Similar to the Empire State Bldg)

OUTDOOR CONCERTS - If you're lucky, there might be an outdoor concert on the banks of the Charles River at the Hatch Shell. These free summer concerts are great (you bring a blanket or pick up some cheapy beach chairs) and spend the night listening to free music. It has a great atmosphere, some people picnic, play games, we used to rollerblade or walk over with our dog. The Oldies radio station here, Oldies 103.3 (look up their website), in the major sponsor of them with groups like: the Rascals, KC & the Sunshine Band, Tavares, the Tempations, Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, the Grass Roots, Three Dog Night. I don't know if this interests you, but there are other nights also which feature classical, blues, etc. The oldies ones are on Saturday night, but the others can happen on just about anynight.

Sorry, but gotta run for now. If you have any other specific questions, I'll be happy to answer them when I get a chance.

Otherwise, good luck and happy planning!!

$130 will be very tough. And honestly, staying outside of Boston isn't too appealing. You could try the Wyndham on Broad St in the Financial District. It's in a good location and while you probably won't get it for $130, you might see a rate of $160 or so.

What about the Park Plaza? Granted, it's not the nicest hotel in the city but the location is great and I am always hearing about the deals they offer (through clients and friends that have stayed there).

Well, you have all certainly given me a lot to go on. We are now in a quandry. We are thinking that maybe this year we should just go visit the nephews in CT and maybe visit Mystic Seaport since we are so short on time, and then come back next year when we could spend more time in Boston then head up to Maine and visit another nephew. We just are short on vacation this year. THank you to all who gave me a weath of information. I have printed it all and will heed advice. Happy Spring!

A great hotel in an ideal location in Boston is the Charlesmark on Boylston St. You can walk to just about everything, or take a very short cab ride if you don't want to walk.

Also, check out "Boston Duck Tours" -- it could be a little hot for it, but they're often alot of fun.

Thanks Ariella, I will check both of them out. :)

If you do go to Salem, do not miss going to the Essex-Peabody Museum (PEM)
There is a fantastic Japaneese house that was imported piece by piece and assembled there. And now the special exhibit that will be on til September is
"Painting summer in New England featuring more than 100 paintings by Some of America's most cherished artists including Winslow Homes, John Singer Saregent, Edward Hopper, Norman Rockwell, Andrew Wyeth and others that capture the essance of summertime in New England.
There's a good restaurant that you can sit outside in a Japaneese Garden.
We Bostonians consider PEM, one of the special three, MFA, Gardner, and PEM.

there's an ongoing show of Native American artworks

Sorry, I meant Chineese House

darn CHINESE!!

Ditto on doing the Duck Tour -- http://www.bostonducktours.com/
As a recent visitor (& former resident of area), I went on the tour a few weeks ago .... and concur with all the positive opinions of it.

And also enjoyed the Peabody Essex in Salem -- http://www.pem.org/homepage/ -- and seeing 'Yin Yu Tang', a/k/a the Chinese house at the museum.