A Perfect Weekend in Boston
Being on twitter as a blogger allowed me not only to actually start this blog, but also to meet some amazing people from all over the world, with whom I share many things in common. One of the most special people I have met, actually in person, and loved is the fab @loladimarco who has since become a good friend of Mr. and Mrs. O. I love her blog, her style and her way of thinking and of course I had to ask her to write a guest post for me, while I am away. Lola *just happens* to live in Boston.. which *happens* to be one of my favourite cities in the world. She’s sharing her favourite places with us. Love xo Mrs. O
Hancock Building reflected in the Hancock Tower by I. M. Pei
Boston
One of the United State’s oldest cities, Boston makes a perfect weekend getaway destination for so many. It is a short drive for many United States East Coast cities and a short flight from some further away US destinations. From the US West Coast or Western Europe, the flight is a bit longer but still worth the trip as you can see and do so much in a long weekend’s time frame.
Where To Rest Your Head
The Ritz-Carlton Boston
Four Season Boston
There are many lovely options in Boston. You could go with an iconic institution like The Ritz or Four Seasons or you could try a newer kid on the block like The Liberty Hotel or Ames. Obviously, you know the standards you are receiving along with the price tag at The Ritz or Four Seasons. The Liberty Hotel and Ames are potentially more affordable and the service there is exceptional too. All have unique things to offer amongst them. And, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There is everything else in between. No lack of property options here, however, Boston is a popular destination so plan to book your stay ahead.
The Liberty Hotel
Ames Hotel Boston
Good Eats and Dining Treats
Barbara Lynch’s Sportello
Ideal dinner options are among any of the Barbara Lynch restaurants. Lynch is an institution in Boston dining and for a good reason. All of her restos are wonderful and the staff is some of the most knowledgable around. In the South End, there’s B&G Oysters or The Butcher Shop which are both unique in their approach and delicious. In the Fort Point Channel area there’s Barbara’s Sportello, a modern interpretation of the classic lunch counter, and Drink, a unique cocktail lounge. These two, one on top of the other, are amongst my favorite Boston hotspots. Though not in the Lynch family, I am quite fond of Island Creek Oyster Bar. The decor is fantastic, service fabulous and the food to die for. ICOB also has a great cocktail menu and serves wonderful drinks.
Island Creek Oyster Bar
Some wonderful lunch spots are The Met Bar off of Newbury Street. A perfect stop during a shopping spree as well as Towne Stove & Spirits on Boylston. If you’re planning to take in some art during your visit, the Museum of Fine Arts has the New American Cafe as well as the nicer Bravo restaurant.
Towne Stove & Spirits
My ALL TIME favorite breakfast spot is Paramount in Beacon Hill. A comfortable bistro, Paramount’s breakfast is cafeteria style but made to order for you. You go through the line, place your order, watch it be prepared and then pay and take your delicious breakfast to one of their open tables. It is worth any wait! Brunch options are aplenty in the South End. A recent fabulous discovery, Kitchen, presents food with a take on historically inspired foods which is a burgeoning trend right now. With every dish on the menu, Kitchen tells you how old the recipe is.
Drinks and People Watching
Cocktail Hour
With Boston being such a walking city, people watching is fantastic all over. Another place I enjoy the “see and be seen scene” is a great hotel bar and many of the “where to rest your head” options are perfect for cocktails and people watching. Four Seasons’ Bristol Lounge is a great place to kick off an evening as is Ames’ Woodward. Recently, I’ve enjoyed post-dinner drinks at Red Lantern, a relatively newer hotspot. Liberty Hotel’s Clink is a perfect place to close out a night on the town!
Strolling, Shopping & Culture
The Old State House where the Boston Massacre took place along The Freedom Trail
The Swan Boats in the Boston Public Garden
It depends on your preferences, of course, but in Boston there’s something for everyone. You could just stroll the Esplanade along the Charles River or choose to take in some history on The Freedom Trail. Self-guided tours make these easy options to do at any point during a long weekend. Personally, I love the Boston Public Garden – it’s so enchanting. Shopping options also abound in Boston. There’s the notoriously stylish Newbury Street but wonderful boutique shops can also be found in the North End or South End or Beacon Hill – even Cambridge. New discoveries and favorite-finds await you. And for culture – well, I’m not one to wish to spend all day indoors on a quick getaway but I would say it’s worth checking out what is the visiting exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts. They often have the most amazing shows and an audio tour typically only takes about an hour out of your day. Other cultural things you might consider partaking in could be a symphony at the Boston Symphony Orchestra or a concert at the many different music venues around Boston. Then there’s the legendary Boston professional sports alternative for the die hard sports fans. Bottom line, you won’t run out of options for things to do in the ole “Hub of the Universe”.
Who is Lola?
Lola
Lola’s Travels – lolastravels.com
A sassy, fun-loving, and flirtatious traveler, Lola has a flair for finding adventure and making new friends. A typical Lola trip is only a few days, so she’s a master at getting the most out of her getaway. A Frommer’s guide this is not, but Lola does spotlight exceptional places to stay, eat, shop and play in a playful, yet informative way.
You can also follow Lola on Facebook and Twitter.
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Great post and lovely images. Boston is a beautiful place. A lot seems to be happening there.
Need to visit again as my last trip was kind of rushed –
http://usimages.blogspot.com/2011/03/boston.html
Thanks for sharing
always good to go back!
i agree with Mrs. O. after spending a month in many fabulous European cities i realized i had forgotten how much Boston reminds me of so many of them.
We absolutely love Boston! The dining in the North End never fails to satisfy and the citie’s culture is wonderful. There is always so much to do. Some of our favorites include the Aquariium and harbor cruises. We haven’t been in about 5 years, we also must go back soon! Maybe 2013 will be the year for us as well.
I think my last trip was in 2006. I love it!!
hi Kevin! come on back…Boston keep getting better & better!
Mrs O and Lola – fab post? I am tasting the oysters already and sampling some cocktails! It is a great city and we are well overdue a return visit. When we do the list of recommendations will be tried. Can’t wait to return and thanks for reawakening the memories. A lovely city.
I know – we really need to go and see Lola. We haven’t been for years
hint, hint
Totally agree – I loved our weekend there and glad I got a chance to go with you at last!
Great post! As Australians, we haven’t been to a lot of big cities outside NY but we have been to Boston and it was our favorite so far(including kids)! It has so much to offer: food, history, great buildings, and a very nice feel to it! We would love to return and will bookmark your post for new ideas:) Thanks!
Hi! So pleased you liked it. I haven’t been to Boston for years (love it too – for all the reasons you mentioned!) and can’t wait to go back.
Great photos! I will add Boston to my next destination list! Thanks for this post!
yep. those make way for duckling duckies are adorable. once upon a time i had my photo taken sitting on the mama duck. wonder where that picture is…
TWEET UP! TWEET UP!
I’d love to see that photo and I think a Boston tweetup is a marvelous idea!
Francesca recently posted..On driving and surviving in Costa Rica
I’m all for a Boston tweetup!! I love Boston and need to get back for a longer visit. My daughter had the best time at the Public Garden and fell in love with the “Make Way For Ducklings” duckies
Awesome post, Lola!
Francesca recently posted..Capturing the colour of my travels
I had a great time in Boston when I visited a few months ago, but that was before I knew Lola. Next time I’ll have a few more places (and drinks) to check out.
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: San Francisco skyline
i will be your cocktail tour guide & more, Pola. come on over to Massachusetts again soon!
we seriously don’t know when it will happen, but boston NEEDS to be on our list before this year is over. it’s absurd we haven’t been yet. great post, ladies! xo
the lazy travelers recently posted..no travel required
Totally agree
very keen to check out all these places!
it’s sounding more & more like a tweet up should take place!
Great post Lola! Love the Liberty Hotel pic. WOW!
Never thought of visiting Boston, but now that I read this one, I may just pop past on my way later this year…
xxx
Exactly what I thought.. haven’t been for over 5 years.. toying with the idea of booking for 1st weekend of November!
please come you two! would love to see you both!! xx
Great timing. Off to Boston on Thursday. Can’t wait. Thanks for all the info
Pleasure John! Would love to hear your feedback about the trip!
hope you had a wonderful visit to Boston, John. did you do any of what i wrote about?
I have never been to Boston which sort of boggles my mind…Probably should change that…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..Check Out Time – The Week in Travel
I have been a couple times, but not for over 5 years. Need to change that too!! Tweet-up??
YES!! Beantown tweet up should be mandatory at some point soon. i’ll lead the cocktail charge
I LOVE Boston, but have only been once. I’ll remedy that this weekend when I visit my favorite boa-wearing travel blogger. I had a chance to eat at the Liberty Hotel. It was really cool. A former jail, it still had the bars in some of the windows. I’d gladly go back to spend the night. And I’m dreaming of those oyster places. You must take me!
Leah Travels recently posted..Texas Tuesday: Houston’s Discovery Green
Can’t wait to hear all about your weekend there! So jealous!
the oysters were good, were they not, Leah? i loved our weekend together! Boston is the BEST in the summertime.
Boston is one of my favourite cities in the world and I haven’t been back for ages. We need to change that. Thank you for doing this incredible write up – I shall be inspecting each recommendation in person and I am sure I am going to LOVE them all!
@mrsoaroundtheworld recently posted..Boston, Massachusetts – A Perfect Weekend in Beantown
i want to be your personal tour guide, Mrs. O. are you coming in November?? fingers crossed xx
Sadly no
air tickets changed dramatically and it will be NYC later in November. But we will go to Boston in 2013. Promise!