A Wicked Good Time- A complete guide to Boston
Written: Mar 06 '02 (Updated Mar 12 '02)
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Pros: Beautiful City, Lots of History, Plenty to see in a weekend!
Cons: can be expensive!
The Bottom Line: June and September are probably the best months to visit- not too hot, too cold or too busy- A wicked good time!
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| annecal's Full Review: Boston |
I have lived in Boston, Mass. for the last three years, and I constantly find myself entertaining out of town guests. I thought I would share with you the things I share with the people in my life when they come to Beantown for the first time. Most of my guests stay with me, and although I am sure you are a very nice person, the offer isn't on the table. I also do not feel qualified to suggest hotels, but almost everything else I do have an E-pinion on can be found below. As always, feel free to ask any questions in the comment box!
What is Boston, exactly- why are there so many cities within the city?
There are a number of places in the city that are part of the city, but aren't referred to as "Boston". Jamaica Plain, The Back Bay, The South End and The North End are examples of this. Cambridge is not a part of Boston, though they are generally grouped together. Cambridge has its own mayor, and is on the other side of the Charles River. It is easily accessible from Boston by T.
How is the shopping? Fantastic! If you've got some money to spend, don't miss Newbury Street this street runs perpendicular to the Public Garden, and starts with The Ritz. This is by far Boston's poshest Street, and is full of first, second and basement floor salons, spas, boutiques and stores. Some designers on this street are DKNY, Armani, Burberry, Diesel, Channel, etc. It's a great window shopping street as well. There are plenty of restaurants on Newbury Street, and anyone is a sure bet for a great meal.
If you are a bargain hunter, like I am, head to Filene's Basement- located across the Common, in Downtown Crossing. This is the Original Filene's Basement- located in the Basement of Filene's- it is what the chain store is based on, and the deals are amazing! On a rainy day, head to Copley Square downtown, which is connected to the Prudential, this "mall" is full of trendy shops- everything from Armani to Tiffany's. You can also head over to The Cambridgeside Galleria which is located in Cambridge, next to the Museum of Science.
I would suggest you do the museum instead of the mall if you can- they have a wonderful Omni Theater, and a very cool Planetarium, which also features Laser Shows. The New England Aquarium also has a new Imax theater, which sometimes features 3-D shows. Very,very cool.
Where is Cheers? Cheers is actually The Bull and Finch Pub. It is located on Beacon Street, across from the Public Garden. Only the outside of the pub was used on the tv show. Don't expect the interior to look anything like the show! This pub gets very crowded with tourists, and your best bet is to just take a photo of the outside staircase that leads down to the pub, since this is the only part you'd recognize anyhow!
You've mentioned the Common and the Garden a few times- what are they? The common and garden make up some of our Nation's oldest preserved green space. They are divided by Charles Street. The Common is the start of the Freedom Trail, and in the winter it is known for it's Skating Rink (aka the Frog Pond). From the Common you can more easily see the State House. The Garden is just opposite and is just that- more manicured garden space. In nice weather you can go on the famous swan boats. Be sure to look for the "Make Way For Ducklings" statues. In warm weather, you can also see Shakespeare performed, and see a free concert at the Hatch Shell, on the Charles. For more information about this ares, I suggest this site: http://www.boston-online.com/emerald.html
What is the Freedom Trail?
The Freedom Trail is a self guided 2.5 mile walking tour of Boston that begins on the Common. There's a great website with virtual tours online at:
http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/. To walk the whole trail takes the better part of an afternoon, so you may want to look at the site to decide if it is worth it to you based on your interests, and the weather.
Where are the best places to get a view? The Hancock Tower*** downtown has a great observation deck, which includes a presentation of how the city has changed over the years.
For an unforgettable dining experiece, have a meal at the Top of The Hub, high atop the Prudential Building. There is a slightly less fancy Bistro attached, that still has great views. Be sure to make a reservation! The food here is pricy, and not as good as you might expect for the cost, but the view is what you are paying for, and the food is above average and is generally well presented. The telephone number is 617-536-1775
Be sure to try and visit the following-
Fanueil Hall- full of great shops, restautants, and history! Within walking distance to the Italian North End (Mike's Pastries for a cannole), Paul Revere's Church...
Trinity ChurchOne of the cities oldest and most impressive churches- not far from the Garden!
If the season is right, take a Duck Tour! They are amphibious tours that leave from the Prudential. The website for further info is: http://www.ohwy.com/ma/b/bosducto.htm
Can you recommend a good bar?
Boston is packed with great nightlife. Here is a list of some of my favorite bars:
The Squealing Pig- a small Irish Pub (yes, the owner and most of the help are Irish), located off Huntington Avenue, across the street from the Harvard School of Public Health.(A few blocks away from the MFA). A great spot for a pint, or a quick bite. Their food is great! Can occasionally be overrun with college students on weekend evenings. No pool tables or other gaming options. A smoking and (small, but existent) non-smoking section. Very casual.
Flan O'Brian's is located around the corner on Tremont Street. Similar atmosphere, no food, can get very smoky, and they do have a pool table. And a jukebox.
Well, if I go into such detail with each of these, the opinion will never end, and E-pinions won't let me write seperate reviews for Boston and Boston bars and clubs, so here is an annotated list, and you can leave any specific questions in comments, and I'll be happy to answer them!
Casual (Jeans and sneakers are okay most of the time) Bars:Doyles, on Washington St. in Jamaica Plain- decent food, long history, known for political visitors; Jose MacIntyre's Near the north end- decent bands, fairly casual; Zuma located downstairs in Fanueil Hall- very small bar, but they make great margaritas- they serve Tex-Mex food (as advertised on the sign outside), but I've never eaten there; The Bell In Hand Very popular semi-casual bar in the North End, gets busy for a reason!; The Cantab Lounge on Mass. Ave in Cambridge- try to go if Little Joe Cook and the Thrilers are playing! The Sevens on Charles Street, in Beacon Hill (near common!)- serves great limited menu- beer and Wine only!; The Burren Irish pub in Davis Square in Somerville; The BHP (Beacon Hill Pub) Located at the end of Charles Street (farthest from the Common), has a little bit of everything, games, very diverse crowd, extremely popular with locals.
Dressier(No jeans, no sneakers. You might be able to wear them in these places during the day, but I certainly never would) Bars:Bar Code on Boylston Street, near Mass. Ave- look for the UPC symbol sign; The Good Life There are a couple of these in the city- very popular with 20 & 30 somethings); Charlie's On Newbury Street- the bar downstairs is spacious, the food is fantastic, and the staff is wonderful! Whisky Park By far the dressiest and trendiest of the lot. Located downtown. Don't be surprised if you see a sports star or catch a glimpse of a celeb. Very posh, great people watching, and not too much Euro Trash.
Dance Clubs: Landsdown Street is the place to go for club hopping. Most clubs open their doors at ten. Dress to impress. Avalon is Boston's most famous club. Gets very crowded. I avoid Friday's, even though the DJ's tend to be better, Friday's are Avaland, and there are a lot of younger people on Ecstasy, which gets old, fast. Check out their website:www.avalonboston.com for info about concerts. You won't be able to have a seat here, unless you're a VIP. Embassy- Similar to Avalon, but a bit smaller. Axis I enjoy this club a lot- they also have a great gay night! Atlas is at the end of Landsdown and is part of Jillian's. This is the most casual club, as it is part of a complex that features the club, bars, pool tables and game rooms.
Off Landsdown: My fave straight club is Pravda, located near Emerson College. Great atmosphere- the front of the club is a lounge, the back opens into a large dance floor! My fave gay club is Machine on Boylston Street. For Salsa dancing, try Sophia's- also on Boylston.
You should know, before heading out to a club or bar that nightlife in Boston isn't cheap- don't be surprised if a drink costs $10. Be prepared to wait in a very, very long line, unless you get there early. The T stops running earlier than many clubs close (2am), so take enough money to get a cab home. If it is winter, there will be a coat check, but be prepared to wait in another line, and shell out a little more money. Have fun!
I will update this review regularly with more updated and new ideas and information!
*** Note: The Hancock Tower observation deck is closed indefinitely. I should have realized this earlier, but the fact has only come to my attention this past weekend(03/10), when I tried to bring some out of town visitors for a look. I knew it had been closed, but I, like many others, had assumed it would reopen eventually. It's funny how the aftermath of 9/11 lingers in reminders you encounter when you least expect it. I lost a friend in this tragedy, as many in this area have, and my thoughts are with all of those who have passed, and their loved ones who remain. Blessed Be.
For more information about security changes in Boston, see:http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/070/nation/Mixture_of_security_becomes_way_of_life+.shtml
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
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Epinions.com ID:
annecal
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Member: Annie
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Reviews written: 125
Trusted by: 130 members
About Me:
Road test drivers over 75!!
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