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So, what's a must do in Boston ??

I know it's going to be chilly, but what must a Brit try to do in a 4 day stop-over in Boston at the end of February?. Any same ideas (to include the wife!!) welcomed.

It probably will be very cold then - if our current weather trend sticks... If you can take the cold - my favorite things to do in Boston are: 1) take the tours that take you all through Boston and you have a guide - you can get on/off at any of the stops and catch the next bus/trolley - there's also a Duck tour company - something like that. Very interesting. 2) Shop on Newberry Street - very interesting and different shops 3) The Aquarium - which is also near Fanuiel Hall - nice to stroll around 4) Go over to Cambridge and stroll through that area 5) the Art galleries - very nice (Museum of Fine Arts and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum) 6) Go to the Italian section and have a great Italian dinner (never had a bad meal - I'd ask your hotel for recommendations). There's some ideas, anyway. Have a great - COLD - time....

It is an absolute sin to go to Boston and not have a cannoli and cappucino at Mike's or Modern's in the North End. GO to the Florentine Cafe for lunch (right across the street-Hanover that is!). Make your way over to Fanueil Hall and do some shopping. Take the T over to the Prudential building and take a ride to the top for some wonderful views. Enjoy!

The Duck Tours don't begin operating until April. However, you can take one of the Beantown Trolley Tours, which is a hop on/hop off bus tour. To add to the suggestions, take the water shuttle from the Aquarium to Charleston and take a free tour of the USS Constitution aka Old Ironsides, given by the US Navy. The "Italian section" in Boston is called the North End. Being that the weather has been unseasonably bitter cold and we have received more than our fair share of snow this season, you might also be interested in going to the JFK Library or even taking a free tour of the State House. Lastly, if you skate, for a minimal fee, you can ice skate in Boston Common on the Frog Pond.

Do not miss the NORTH END -- if you have the opportunity for a day trip (4o miles) GO TO Rockport -- quaint, ocean town - have cinnamon bread at the Coffee Shop or clam chowder at Ellen's -- yum.

Whatever you do, do not miss the Red Sox winning the World's Series. I've been here for 47 years and it's bound to happen soon! Or is it? MM

That's it! If we play the series in February we might win it!!!

When you want to take a break, do this: Go to the Union Oyster House in the afternoon, sit downstairs at the Oyster Bar and have a pint (or two) of Bass while eating shellfish. It's one of the oldest bars in America and it's great fun. FYI, upstairs you'll find the "Kennedy booth".

There is a similar thread at the moment titled "4 Days in Boston - what to do" and the last post was at 10:15. There are other and good suggestions included in that post. I definitely second the idea of taking a trolley tour although I recommend Olde Towne Trolley (orange and green trollies). I believe they have the largest fleet of trollies so it is easier to hop on and off and not have to wait too long for the next one to come along. The trolley tour gives you a great orientation to Boston and therefore I recommend that you take it early in your visit so you can then visit the sites of most interest to you. Definitely bring warm clothes. As stated in other posts it has been very cold, snowy and windy this winter. Welcome to Boston!

Follow the yellow footsteps on the Freedom Trail walk to see the North End Church of Paul Revere fame and the old cemetery where Samuel Adams and other greats are buried, plus other sights with historical markers. I haven't done this in a long time, but I think it still exists and hope I remember correctly.

I thought this link might be of interest to those traveling to Boston. It lists reader’s choices and editors picks of the 10 best of everything you can imagine (attractions, day trips, food, hotel, free attractions, golf course, etc.) I don't agree with all the choices but for the most part they are pretty good. http://boston.citysearch.com/best/categories/2002?cslink=cs_news_generic_3_5 Not all great in the winter, but my favs: - Take a stroll along the Charles River (great views, people watching and sailboats) - Walk down Charles Street (quaint shops) and Newbury Street (pricey shops) - Walk through the Boston common (see the frog pond) 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) 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. 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 (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 obscure historical stories (like the great Boston molasses flood). - Eat dinner in the North End (Italian section) and then have desserts at Mike's Pastry (or look for a quaint coffee shop) - 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) - See a Red Sox Game and get a tour of Fenway Park - Head up to Gloucester, Newburyport, Portsmouth NH, Salem, Rockport or down to Cape Cod for a day to see the ocean or check out some of the witch museums (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 is literally hundreds of these, all beautiful (near Kenmore Square). This site lists many of the parks: http://www.emeraldnecklace.org/tourtheparks.htm - 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). - I'd skip Fanuel Hall and the Cheers Bar and stay away from all the dives on Route 1 and Revere Beach. - You didn't ask about food, but try http://www.phantomgourmet.com/frame.as Billy Costa DJ at WXKS 108 FM a popular radio station also has a cable TV show called Phantom Gourmet. He is brutally honest about food quality, service and ambiance. He has never steered us wrong!!! There is also a section where locals & visitors can comment on their dining experience.