Planning our first family vacation in August to Boston. I have done some research and read from this forum and have gotten ALOT of great suggestions on places to visit and things to see and do. Trying to narrow down our choices now. Is there any place or thing that we should TOTALLY avoid? I know, "one man's trash is another man's treasure" but any suggestions would be VERY helpful. Thanks so much!

This is just one person's opinion, but I think you'll get a lot more useful information, he you ask what you should not miss, not what you should avoid.

P.S.: Adding to above post: Or perhaps you could list the places and thing that have been recommended to you and ask for opinions on these.

Darlene,

Search for a thread called "Been there, done that, don't bother." It hits a few areas on the East Coast that you might otherwise stumble upon. It is also amusing.

I can't think of any site in Boston that I did not find interesting on some level. As for one thing not to do, I would say don't drive in Boston any more than you have to. One place you may be considering for a daytrip is Salem, MA - I thought Salem was too commercialized with all the witch trial stuff. The place feels too much like Halloween rather than giving a realistic understanding of Puritan life. Salem, however, is not without some redeeming places like the House of Seven Gables & Peabody Essex museum.

Well, there are lots of wonderful tour guides in the bookstores. Access is one of my favorites. And, when you arrive, you'll find tons of literature. Your best bet is to do some serious research and determine what you, personally, would or would not find appealing.

Darlene, the only place in Boston that I have ever really heard was a waste of time is the Cheers bar on Beacon Street. Tourists line up there for an hour, only to look inside of a small bar which, I understand, doesn't even look like the bar on the TV show! I've never been inside, but I'd guess this was the case. On the other hand, the restaurant above Cheers, the Bull and Finch, is supposed to be a fine establishment. That is my only suggestion for what to avoid in Boston...not bad for a city??? Have a great visit.

Oh, another two cents on Salem. I absolutely agree that the witch stuff is overblown, and way too touristy, but the National Park center, the Peabody Museum , and the House of Seven Gables make this a fine destination. You can even take a boat trip up there if you want to avoid driving (there's also a train, but in summer the boat is a very nice way to travel). Have a great visit.

Another vote about Cheers. It does not look anything like the show on the inside. The outside however, is exactly the same. DO plan on taking a duck tour. Your kids (and you too!) will have a blast. Be sure to go early to get tickets as they sell out fast. I believe their website is www.bostonducktours.com