I love Boston – there is no other way to put it. Whether it is because of the old buildings, the great parks, how great the food is – there is something truly special about Beantown. It feels strangely familiar, to me, who lives in England… as my friend Lauren and I said.. it is like England, but it’s new!
Before we headed to Newport, in nearby Rhode Island, it was time to give Boston a little Mrs. O love. I say a little, as we only managed two days. And after a 6-year break, it simply wasn’t enough!
Our day started bright and early? Why? Because I couldn’t go to Boston, without briefly getting into nearby Cambridge, MA, which is surely one of the smartest towns in “the world”. Home to MIT and Harvard, it is quite a quirky location, not totally full of geeks. There is something in the air, and not being particularly silly myself (I have a business studies degree and an MBA), I like soaking in as much inspiration as I can. As classes had already ended, the grounds were calm and quiet, but you could smell the knowledge in the air. You could also smell it particularly well at the Harvard Bookstore, which is one of the most dangerous places for me. Every time I have been, I have come back with dozens of books. They are just all there – it is almost worse than my fetiche for shoes! This time, I managed only 3, which is an achievement in itself!
After so much knowledge and information, my brain needed feeding… so we drove back over to Boston and went to one of my favourite places in the world: Legal Seafoods! This time round, we went to its newish Harborside location (notice the spelling, it is not “Harbourside”) and I can’t tell you how surprised I was. For me, Legal Seafoods is a Boston institution, not a particularly cool place, so to speak. But I must tell you, there was a little cool scene going on at the rooftop bar. The restaurant has 3 floors, with different menus and great views. The only downside to the rooftop bar is that it is more of a bar, but you can of course still indulge in a clam chowder!
We spent a lazy afternoon doing what I do particularly well, and that is helping the local economy! Boston has great shops and Newbury Street is so nice, it is quite ridiculous. I love it that besides all the usual suspects, it still has many unique boutiques, which really adds to the atmosphere. Copley Place, not far, is also a great mall where some serious damage can be done. Oooops (I was good, only 1 pair of shoes…)
We also took our time and strolled around Boston’s Public Garden which was beautiful. It was the first sunny day in a while (do not underestimate the “New” England connection), and everyone was in such good spirits. It was a lovely afternoon!
Before we knew it, it was time to check-in at our hotel, the Four Seasons Boston, which was comfortable and nice, but a bit too corporate (when compared to other FS hotels). What it lacked in decor (which will be updated soon), it doubled in character, thanks to one thing: the people. If there is one hotel chain that is special in that sense, is their people, for consistency and passion. Ron was possibly the coolest doorman in the world, and I can’t tell you how welcome he made us feel during our stay. And how is this for the coolest hotel welcome ever?
After a quick wardrobe change, it was time to head out for drinks and dinner. And when you are in Rome, well, know know.. so we headed to the Intercontinental hotel’s Rumba bar where you can actually get some fantastic views. Part of the bar was really busy, the other was a little bit dead, but we still enjoyed some nice cocktails.
Before dinner, we headed to the newly-refurbished Oak Long Bar + Kitchen at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. It was so nice (and different from the rest of the hotel)! The hotel is very classic, and the contrast was really quite interesting. Definitely worth a repeat visit when I am next in town!
Dinner took place at the Bistro du Midi, which was absolutely fantastic. Located just a block from the Four Seasons, it was like having a bit of Provence right there. We had a great meal, and a glass or two of wine… from this incredible bottle!
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed my day in Boston. It was lovely, and I can’t wait to get back again.. and I promise you, it won’t be another 6 years!
xo
Mrs. O
Disclaimer: I was a guest of the Four Seasons Boston on this trip, who provided us with a lovely bed for the night, cocktails and possibly one of the best brunches I have ever enjoyed. We were also invited for drinks by the Intercontinental and the Fairmont.