4th of July Fireworks and the Pops

I am considering heading to Boston for 2 nights over 4th of July. This would be my first trip to Boston and I will be traveling with my 5 yr old daughter. I have looked at previous posts for the 4th... but I am trying to get a true sense of how crowded it is at the Esplanade. When do people start camping out? I really would prefer not to make a whole day of it. Also, where is the best place to view the fireworks?

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I found this information:

http://www.july4th.org/esplanade.htm

Once the Oval reaches capacity, usually around 7PM on July 3rd and mid-morning on the July 4th, no additional wristbands will be distributed.

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Also, I am considering staying at the Omni Parker House (because I have a weekend voucher). How far is this from the festivties and is public transportation an option?

AND has anyone been in the Omni since the renovations?

Sorry for all of the questions! I would appreciated any information.

4th of July Fireworks and the Pops

Hi,

If you have a voucher for the Parker House, I would definitely use it. She%26#39;s a grand old dame, built in 1896 or somewhere around there. It was renovated in 2003. It%26#39;s a beautiful hotel in the public areas while the rooms themselves are definitely on the small side. Service is good. As far as location, it%26#39;s VERY good. Only blocks to Fanueil Hall and the wharf area which your 5 year old will like. It%26#39;s not too close to the Esplanade but the T stop is a very short walk where you can subway it there or anywhere else in the city that interests you. The T is both efficient and safe.

The Esplanade will be PACKED. Figure around 750k to 1 million in a very small area. If you want to be at the Oval for the Pops, you would have to get down there in the early morning. Cambridge side of the Charles River provides some nice views of the fireworks, but you don%26#39;t get the Pops experience. I would definitely recommend putting your daughter on a leash. I know it sounds weird but ALOT of families do this. It is very easy to get separated in such large crowds. The event itself shouldn%26#39;t be missed. It%26#39;s definitely top 3 in the U.S.

If you decided not to stay at Parker House, I would recommend staying at the Marriott Cambridge. This hotel has a front row seat to the fireworks and has far less people, maybe around 150k. It%26#39;s a HUGE event obviously but one you%26#39;ll never lose memories of. Hope this gets you started. Have fun if you come.

4th of July Fireworks and the Pops

If you don%26#39;t want to camp out, you can park yourself on one of the bridges or on the esplanade a fair distance from the hatch shell. They have jumbotrons, so you%26#39;ll still see/hear the concert. Just a warning - if you listen to the concert from the longfellow bridge, you%26#39;ll hear the music from both sides of the river and it will sound oddly echo-y. I%26#39;d suggest coming in mid-afternoon, taking the time to get your fried dough and scope out a place along the river, and settle in. I was never a fan of squashing myself in front of the hatch shell, where your view of the fireworks is obscured by trees. If you want to see the pops, I%26#39;d suggest going to their rehearsal the day before.

One way to do it with a 5 year old would be to show up early on the 4th and have friends stake out a spot and take the child away and come back later using cellphones to locate one another. it is VERY crowded... very... and at the end, it%26#39;s baby-steps off the esplanade. If you don%26#39;t like crowds, forget it.

That said, it%26#39;s WONDERFUL to see the fireworks and hear the Pops play...nothing like it.

If you don%26#39;t get there early, it can feel like musical chairs, walking around (getting yelled at for blocking someone%26#39;s view of the fireworks), moving along and not really able to stop anywhere. Did that one year. Won%26#39;t do it again. I either view them from outside the city (there are vantage points that offer convenience in exchange for a lesser view) or get in early and get a spot and guard it.

The other alternative is any number of harbor cruises that offer vantage points, but many of these aren%26#39;t really that family friendly (most serve alcohol).

I am also considering a trip to Boston for the 4th Weekend... and IIRC from the last time I was in Boston the Charles St station on the Red Line is elevated... does the platform of that station provide decent views of the fireworks??? I know it sounds a little odd, but what I%26#39;m really after is an uncrowded location with a decent view (probably not likely but it never hurts to ask!!!)

That%26#39;s a good question about the platform...Most of it is shielded by an overhang, but there is an open part that would have a great view.

The question is whether the T cops will let folks hang out there...or how many they%26#39;ll let hang out there... (i.e. if the platform is too crowded I can see them wanting to broom it.)

The best times I%26#39;ve spent on the esplanade have been when I%26#39;ve had a spot on the grass by the river. When you%26#39;re up and walking aruond, jockeying for a look... that%26#39;s never worked for me. Maybe it has for others out there. It%26#39;s always been a case of getting yelled at to keep moving... blocking views, etc.

gives out fashion advice

Mother's Day at Fenway

Fresh from my Red Sox e-mail: (and I%26#39;m jealous, as my Red Sox tour wasn%26#39;t remotely this good!)

The Boston Red Sox will once again host A Mother%26#39;s Day Walk in the Park at Fenway Park on Mother%26#39;s Day, Sunday, May 11, from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. While admission to the park is free of charge, fans can benefit the Red Sox Foundation by purchasing $10 tickets for the 2008 Ring Raffle that will enable nine lucky Red Sox fans to receive genuine 2007 World Series rings and a 10th lucky winner to receive a Volvo C30 Red Sox Special Edition car.

A Mother%26#39;s Day Walk in the Park offers families and loved ones the opportunity to stroll around Fenway%26#39;s warning track and see the left field scoreboard, dugouts, and bullpens up close. The 2004 and 2007 World Series Championship Trophies will be present from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. for fans to take pictures with it. In addition, an authentic 2007 World Championship Ring will also be displayed for the fans to take a close-up look of this remarkable piece of Red Sox memorabilia for the very first time!

Former Red Sox players will be in attendance as will Wally the Green Monster and his friends Lefty and Righty. Aramark, the ballpark%26#39;s concessionaire, will have food and beverages for sale at those areas and in the Big Concourse. The Big Concourse will also feature family-friendly entertainment by the brass band Big Tamales and the stilt-walker %26#39;Big League%26#39; Brian. Before or after their walk, fans can also visit nearby Game On! for a special Mother%26#39;s Day brunch.

';We are so happy to once again host A Mother%26#39;s Day Walk in the Park,'; said Sarah McKenna, the Red Sox Vice President of Fan Services and Entertainment. ';We want our fans to enjoy a free and family-friendly event with their mothers at America%26#39;s Most Beloved Ballpark by taking a comfortable stroll around the field that has given them, and their mothers, so many magical memories.';

Fans attending the Mother%26#39;s Day event on Sunday should enter Fenway Park through Gate C.

Mother's Day at Fenway

Hi-

I posted this during the dead time a couple of days ago, so I%26#39;m just bumping it up in case someone is looking for something fun to do with a Sox fan Mom tomorrow.

Happy Mother%26#39;s Day to all of the mothers who post here:)

Time for T

Hi Guys,

What time does the T run until in the evenings. I looked on the MBTA website but couldn`t find any info about running times. Unable to contact them by email as they need a Zip code which I obviously don%26#39;t have.

While I%26#39;m on how%26#39;s the weather in October?

Regards

Gordy.

Time for T

In general, the T subway runs until 1 AM, which means the last trains start somewhere around 12:30 AM.

Time for T

The weather in October is usually quite pleasant. Temps at the beginning of the month are in the high 50%26#39;s to mid 60%26#39;s. The end of the month could bring more wind, rain and chillier temps down into the high 40%26#39;s on some occasions. If you come in the second week or so (every year it varies) you%26#39;ll have the added benefit of catching the wonderful colors of Fall foliage.

Usually I tell people that they need to be in the subway station by midnight, to make sure they catch the last trains. You could probably get by with 12:15am as well.

The weather in October depends on when in October. Early October can still be warm and sunny and beautiful. Late October can start to get gray and cold and not as nice, or it can be gorgeous all month...or we can have our first snowflakes as well.

Plan for warmish days and cool nights, and bring at least one warm sweater and warm shirt and one short sleeve for warm weather.

Thanks Guys,

We will be arriving end of September (27th) and staying until the 11th. Sounds like your weather then is the same as ours. Four seasons in one day. We will prepare for the worst and hope for the best. What else can you do?

I leave you with a Scottish farewell.

Awrrabest. (All the best of good fortune be with you)

Gordy.

New England in the Fall

Greetings from Bonny Scotland.

My wife and I are hoping to visit New England in October and had planned on being based in Boston. However Boston hotel prices are very expensive. Can anyone recommend a different base that will allow us to see the area and allow us to visit Boston too?

Any other suggestions very welcome.

Regards

Gordon.

New England in the Fall

Do a search in the box above on ';hotels near the T';.

New England in the Fall

Another suggestion is Providence, Rhode Island - small, accessible, great restaurants and a short train ride from Boston. (And NOT Boston prices!)

FYI, Providence is an hour from Boston.

Aren%26#39;t there some budget chain hotels South of the city that more reasonably priced? Like in the Braintree and Quincy area? Those towns are on the T, easy access to downtown Boston. You could try searching there and see what you come up with.

Thanks Guys.

Have had a look at the John Jeffries House which looks quite nice. Awaiting a reply to my email.

Are places like Providence, Salem etc easily accessible by car and what are travelling times like? Could they be done as a day trip or would any places worth visiting require an overnighter?

The problem with coming from a small country is that you have no idea of distances between places on a map of a big country.

Regards

Gordy.

The John Jeffries House is very good and well situated. However, I think I remember a while back that there was some issue in them responding in a timely manner to emails. You might want to ';bite the bullet'; and call or fax them instead.

Many places, including Providence and Salem, are reachable via commuter rail, so you wouldn%26#39;t have to rent a car. Providence is about an hour south either way, and Salem 45 minutes to the north. Other places you might be interested in are Rockport, Newburyport and Newport, RI (here you%26#39;d have to drive).

AlanM

Hi,

As mentioned, if you do the search, you will come up with many ideas, as this has been discussed many many times in the forum.

There are hotels in the close-in suburbs of Boston that are near the T and much less expensive than staying downtown.

One other option is to bid for a room on Hotwire or Priceline. You can get some great bargains doing that.

Boston hotels are expensive, but if you stay in historic Quincy, it%26#39;s free to park your car at the hotel and the hotel rates are lower. Quincy is a 20 minute T ride from Boston and is a pleasant-enough place to be. Obviously, it%26#39;s best to stay in the city but if you can%26#39;t swing the hotel rates, Quincy is a compromise.

There%26#39;s SO MUCH to see in New England... White Mountains, Cape %26amp; Islands, Maine Coast, Berkshires, apple picking, county fairs, Newport, Mystic Ct, Vermont, etc. etc.

Hi,

I%26#39;ll be a bit different and I recommend staying in a place like the Blackstone River National Corridor. It runs from Providence, R.I. to Worcester, Mass. The best places to stay are in between the two cities. There%26#39;s great color, good places to visit and it%26#39;s within 1 hour to Boston. I have visited a place like Purgatory Chasm and it%26#39;s very nice and the scenery is great. Here%26#39;s the website to look around.

http://www.nps.gov/blac/

Thanks Guys,

Just when you think it%26#39;s safe to enter the forum you get lots of answers. so much more to think about.

Appreciate everyone%26#39;s help. If you are ever thinking about coming to Scotland I would love to return the favour.

Regards

Gordy.

PS what is the time difference? I am posting at 11.07pm.

What time does it say on the post your end?

Regards again.

Gordy

A week for a 30ish couple -- Cape Cod/Boston?

My boyfriend and I, both in our late 20s/early 30s, are contemplating our vacation options, and Cape Cod came up as a possibility. We have a whole week to spend -- is there enough for us to do around there for a week? We%26#39;re into walking/hiking, beaches, museums... we%26#39;re not really sporting types, if that helps, not really into kayaking or rock-climbing or any of that heavy-duty sort of stuff. Is it feasable, and/or a good idea, to maybe combine this with Boston, maybe stay in Cape Cod but day-trip to the city for more to do? Any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated.

A week for a 30ish couple -- Cape Cod/Boston?

If I had a whole week and wanted to visit both Boston and the Cape, I%26#39;d spend two or three days in the city and the rest of the time at the Cape; a day trip would not give you enough time. Just don%26#39;t plan your visit so that you%26#39;re leaving or heading to the Cape on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

For Boston, you might consider:

Duck Boat tour

Walk around Boston Common/Beacon Hill

New England Aquarium

Faneuil Hall

Historic sites in the North End

Museum of Fine Arts

For the Cape:

Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail

Museum of Natural History in Brewster

Dinner at the Ocean House in Dennisport

White Cedar Swamp - walk the boardwalk, visit Marconi Station

Day in Provincetown, maybe with a whale watch

Have fun!

A week for a 30ish couple -- Cape Cod/Boston?

I agree with Pastiche%26#39;s plan. You might also consider the Kennedy Museum in Hyannis. I%26#39;m sure you know all about the Cape Cod National Seashore. These beaches are incredible.

Splitting your time between Boston and Cape Cod makes sense. You might consider staying in Eastham for it%26#39;s central location between Chatham and Provincetown, nice towns for day trips, for its proximity to many fine dining restaurants on the outer Cape and in Orleans, and for the fabulous National Seashore beaches as well as Cape Cod Bay beaches. My personal favorite is the Fort Hill Bed and Breakfast in the National Seashore in Eastham. www.forthillbedandbreakfast.com There are gentle walks right out the front door with ocean views that will take your breath away. A whaling Captain%26#39;s museum across the street has tours and the visitor%26#39;s center is just up the road a mile or so. The Salt Pond Visitor%26#39;s Center has a nice museum, films about the history and culture of the Cape, and ranger guided activities (free!).

The Fort Hill B+B is in a quiet historic area with little traffic and pastoral views over fields to the marsh and ocean. The historic property has only two suites and a cottage so if you are interested you should move quickly. Other types of accommodations like motels, hotels are also available in Eastham but most of them are on the busy highway, Route 6. You can find more about Eastham at www.easthamchamber.com

A week on the Cape is a great way to spend your vacation. If you are beach people you%26#39;ll want to send a couple days on Old Silver Beach in Falmouth. There is great shopping on Main Street, trendy restaurants and outdoor concerts to enjoy. You can take the ferry from Falmouth to Martha%26#39;s Vineyard, too! I would rec. the Palmer House Inn or Inn on the Sound for you if you like B%26amp;B%26#39;s.

Spend a day or two in Beantown, but beware- it is hot %26amp; humid in the city. Be sure to visit Fenway Park (they have tours) or try to scalp some tickets. You%26#39;ll want to go to Boston Common, take a Duck Boat Tour(too much fun!) and check out the club scene there. If you are into history you can walk the Freedom Trail. Great food at Quincy Market or the North End. You can Google all these events and hotels.

A nice hotel is the Lenox.

Falmouth is only an hour away so it%26#39;s easy to make the trip when you are ready.

Good luck-

JIm

bowel cleansing

One Night Stay on Summer Weekend

I am looking to stay on the Cape for one night in July, a Sat. to Sun., but tI can%26#39;t find an inn that will take a one night reservation. Any ideas?

I%26#39;m looking for something nice for a special occasion so don%26#39;t want to do a motel or more basic types of accommodations. Looking for something a little special.

My budget is around $200 for the night, preferably with breakfast included.

All suggestions welcome!

One Night Stay on Summer Weekend

Hi JRGK, We have found ourselves in the same situation several times but have had good luck at the Fort Hill Bed and Breakfast in Eastham. If you do not have set dates in mind, give them a call. They normally have a 3-night minimum but we have found that they do accept shorter stays when their calendar fills up leaving them with one and two nights vacant between longer reservations....even during the busy summer months. www.forthillbedandbreakfast.com

Their rates for luxury suites are slightly more ($235-$265) than you wanted to pay but they give a full breakfast and there are no additional taxes or tips so the total price will work out to about the same as staying in a $200 room where you need to pay %10 tax and additional tip for housekeeping. They get good reviews on TA and have a location in the National Seashore that is second to none.

For additional options on the outer Cape call some of the Inns you can find on the Chamber of Commerce sites like www.wellfleetchamber.com and www.easthamchamber.com

One Night Stay on Summer Weekend

There are very few places that will accept a one night stay on a Sat night in July. That said, it never hurts to pick a few places you%26#39;d like to stay and give them a call or email, it%26#39;s always possible they have one room open for that one night simply based on the way reservations have come in. Good luck!

One night on the Cape? Are you coming from Boston because you won%26#39;t want to drive to far? Maybe Onset or Falmouth would be a good place to start.

long hair cut

Ipswich and North Shore-Good location for Boston trip

We are a family of 5 (children are older children--youngest is 15) planning a week long trip to Boston. I am looking for a place outside of Boston to stay and to make trips into the city for sightseeing for 3-4 days and to use as a base for traveling around other areas. We will be there in mid July.

Is Ispwich a good choice to do this? Can we get into the city fairly decently by train? What about if we have to catch an airplane flight out of Logan early on a Saturday morning--will traffic towards Boston be a problem?

Thanks for the input.

Ipswich and North Shore-Good location for Boston trip

Traffic will not be a problem. You do need to pay attention to the signs to Logan. You don%26#39;t need to go thru Boston from this point to get to logan.

I like Ispwich and the area and it is perfect in July.

Ipswich and North Shore-Good location for Boston trip

Good morning EGKDP,

Ipswich would be a good choice to do that yes, but the thing is I suppose, if you have a way of getting to the commuter rail (the Ipswich stop) which goes right in to North Station.

As a suggestion though, there%26#39;s two other places that I think you might want to consider. One of them is only 4 miles from downtown Boston, it%26#39;s the Hyatt in Medford. They%26#39;re not far from Logan International Airport at all. They have a complimentary shuttle service that would take you to the Wellington MBTA Station OR even to Davis Square if you wanted to explore Somerville/Cambridge. There%26#39;s a Pizzeria Regina and a Not Your Average Joe restaurant as well as a Kelly%26#39;s Roast Beef now at Station Landing, a short walk from the train station. If you missed the complimentary shuttle van there%26#39;s a bus that would take you right to this Hotel from the train station. It%26#39;s pretty convenient all around. You%26#39;d be in downtown Boston in no time from Wellington Station. The hotel is located a quarter of a mile from the station.

Just google Hyatt Place Medford, MA. for information on it. You can also check the reviews here to see what you think.

If you didn%26#39;t want to stay in Medford, if you wanted to go further north, there%26#39;s this Motel in Beverly, MA. that would be really convenient and they%26#39;re family friendly too! It%26#39;s called the Lakeview Motor Lodge. It%26#39;s got the (commuter rail) MBTA train within walking distance from this Motel, which would be ideal. If you go in to their site, you%26#39;ll see all the various restaurants, shops and all that that are within walking distance from this motel. It%26#39;s another good option for you...BUT with teenagers? I would think you%26#39;d want to stay where they have a pool may be?

www.lakeviewmotorlodge.com

Check this Inn out, I drive by it a lot and it%26#39;s pretty nice, I guess their rates are really good from what people say. They%26#39;re in Rowley, MA., not too far from Ipswich at all. You know you%26#39;ll need to rent a car though right? As this place is not within walking distance to a train or anything like that. BUT it%26#39;s got a pool and in July? You%26#39;ll be glad you thought of that with teens! So that%26#39;s something to consider:

www.countrygardenmotel.com

You could of course stay in Ipswich instead, but, like I said, you definitely need a car to get to the train or the many various sights and attractions as you know...

www.ipswichma.com

Have a wonderful time wherever you decide to stay!

Ipswich isn%26#39;t bad. It is close by the other towns on Cape Ann to visit as well as a short drive to Salem. Ipswich has Crane%26#39;s Beach for swimming and the famous Clam Box for good fried clams.

I would not say that the Hyatt Place in Medford is a quarter of a mile from Wellington Station. This makes it sound walkable. I think it%26#39;s got to be a mile at least (I would guess more.) and the station is accross a very complicated and busy set of intersections.

You might also consider Newburyport - which has train service to Boston, is near beaches, and has a terrific, small downtown waterfront. There is plenty to see in Newburyport if you don%26#39;t feel like going into town (you can go on whale watching cruises from there, for example). I imagine Ipswich would also be awesome (although I don%26#39;t know it as well as I know Newburyport).

Yes, you%26#39;re right, what was I thinking, I%26#39;m picturing it in my head as being only about a quarter of a mile from driving through that area a lot! So yes, it%26#39;s probably a mile may be a mile and a half to the train station from the hotel%26#39;s location. Yes, it%26#39;s definitely busy through the Wellington Circle area with that crazy intersection right there. Your best bet if you do stay there is to take the free complimentary shuttle service back and forth to the train, that way you%26#39;ll get used to it, especially if you%26#39;re only going to be there for a few days.

I still feel that this particular Hyatt is a great hotel for families to get in and out of downtown Boston, especially if they didn%26#39;t want to stay right in town. Regardless of what any one else here thinks about the location of it, it%26#39;s a great choice for them.

Thanks for the replies. I forgot to mention that if we stayed out of Boston I would be renting a car.

The problem I am running into is that hotels in Boston generally accomodate 4, not 5 and therefore want you to have 2 rooms which at the Boston prices can be fairly pricey for a week. We are used to staying in condos in Florida mostly when we vacation so the thought of being 5 people cramped in a hotel room--children are 24, 21 and 15 is not tremendously appealing for the price we would have to pay. So I have been looking at other alternatives outside of Boston. I had found two really nice houses on the water in Ipswich on VRBO so I wondered what the area was like and what it%26#39;s proximity to Boston was. If I did not want to drive into Boston--could I take the train from Ipswich? Is there a train station.

I also have contact with a lady in Salem to stay at a house there for the week. Would that be a better area? Also with a car.

Thanks for the input.

Hi EGKDP,

You had the correct interpretation of my handle, since I always thought that cheer was unique to LSU (but Hot Boudin is even more so!).

I think it will be hard to beat a house on the water in Ipswich if you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere than you%26#39;ll find in the city. But that may depend on what sort of activities you and your family are looking forward to during your vacation. I know my teenage son was bored to tears when we went to Sanibel a few years ago.

Oh, and one warning for you: the ocean water up here is COLD compared to the Gulf!

Hey Tiger Bait,

It%26#39;s hard to miss a Tiger fan--but I agree (Hot Boudin) is really unique.

Thanks for the information on Ipswich. I was thinking of it more as a base of operations from which we would spend 3-4 days going to Boston and then the other days taking day trips to Salem, etc (someone had mentioned the mountains--don%26#39;t see too many of those down here), etc. I mainly thought we might spend one day just there relaxing at the beach, etc. Can you do whale watching out of Ipswich?

Also, do you have any thoughts on Salem as a place to stay?

Thanks once again for all of the input. I didn%26#39;t realize going to Boston was going to be so complicated. I guess I%26#39;m not used to all these cities being so close together.

I think your point, that the cities/towns are all close together, hits the nail on the head. Don%26#39;t stress yourself our about it. Salem is a wonderful historic city with plenty to do and see. It is a little more urban than Ipswitch. I am not from the North shore but my impression of Ipswitch is that it has a lot of conservation land and is more rural. Which in my opinion is nice. Another town up in that area I hear recommended a lot is Marblehead. I noticed a number of loactions on VBRO there as well. Check out www.mbta.com (commuter rails/trains) for the train access into Boston. They have information on all the train stations and parking that%26#39;s available at each. I would find the nicest looking property for the best price in any of these towns and not worry too much about the specifics. I know there are great whale watches out of Glouster which is nearby as well. Good luck!

what do you think about this house?

We are considering renting a house which is in the heart of Chatham:43 Cross street. For one week this summer.

Do you think it might be noisy being in the heart of town? By chance does anyone know the house?

what do you think about this house?

Hi there: I sent you a message regarding this house. Check the highlighted envelope under the orange ';welcome floppyny'; sign in the top right corner of your screen.

what do you think about this house?

I know where this house is.....great location. Just off Main St.

Probably not too noisy, but it%26#39;s across the street from the Bradford Inn (B%26amp;B), so you may encounter cars pulling in %26amp; out of their parking lot (may not be many, since everything%26#39;s within walking distance).

New England Trip

Hi all, Would really appreciate some advice on a trip

around New England in late August. Will be arriving and departing from Boston.Have 12 days to spend and so far have figured on 3 days in Boston and 3 days on Cape Cod. Will be hiring a car to travel. Question is where to after Cape Cod for the

remaining 6 days.

Any suggestions appreciated.

New England Trip

Here%26#39;s a list of interesting places to visit in New England.

1. White Mountains of New Hampshire

2. Woodstock, Vermont

3 Acadia National Park, Maine.

4. The Berkshires of Western, Massachusetts

5. Newport, Rhode Island.

6. The Lakes Region of New Hampshire.

New England Trip

What about ye Glebe1?

I have the same problem in that New England is suddenly a lot bigger than we imagined. Have a look at my post ';New England in the Fall';

There are a couple of suggestions there you might find helpful.

Once you have decided what your tour is going to be please let me know so that we can maybe get a bit of inspiration from yourself, either on a post or email gormaxwell@blueyonder.co.uk

Awrrabest fae Bonny Scotland.

Gordy.

Hi,

New England isn%26#39;t big at all. Reaching Northern areas of Maine is the longest at 6+ hours or so. Everything else is perfectly easy, especially if you have a couple nights to spend once you arrive. Figure around 2-4 hours driving to these places at the most. For example, from Cape Cod to the White Mountains of New Hampshire is around 4 hours. From Boston, 3 hours. The ride especially becomes nice once up in New Hampshire and time flies by. I wouldn%26#39;t consider anywhere in New England unreachable when you have time to spend once you reach there. If I had 6 free nights, I would be loving it!

Will - there might be a cultural difference here - an older Irish cousin expressed surprise that we would drive from Galway to Dublin in one day (it is 3 - 3.5 hours!) She said, ';Oh, I forgot - in America, you think 100 years is a long time, in Ireland, we think 100 miles is a long way'; ;o)

Many thanks for your ideas guys.

I think I have the trip kinda sorted now.

Boston 3 days, Cape Cod 3 days, Woodstock 3 days

and Bar Harbour 3 days before heading back to fly out of Boston. Only part not sure on is Bar Harbour. Should

we be staying further south along the coast in Maine?

Boston weather - next week

Our trip to Boston is coming up in two days, and as the person in charge to pack all the stuffs I checked the weather.com for Boston next week weather. Unfortunately it doesn%26#39;t seem good. Rain, cloudy and rain.

As locals, what would be your best bet in term of weather forecast? I%26#39;ve watched CNN news just want to hear what it looks like in north eastern, also checked the weather.com.

While we%26#39;re in Boston we%26#39;ll rely on public transportations (probably not a cab, though). We%26#39;ll be staying about 2 blocks from the closest T. What would be our option to get from point A to B without getting drenched? There will be 2 small kids in 2 strollers with us. :)

Thanks for any suggestions.

Boston weather - next week

Also check thebostonchannel.com and wbz.com. Two of our local tv stations. Looks like rain on Monday and cooler than usual temperatures. Layers and umbrellas recommended.

Boston weather - next week

I wouldn%26#39;t over worry about the weather. Can%26#39;t do much about it, anyway. So how do you deal with it if we do have rain? The best thing is a nylon rain jacket with a hood. If it%26#39;s cold, you can always put on a sweater or sweatshirt underneath. Umbrellas can be useful if it%26#39;s not very windy outside. Personally, I don%26#39;t like hoods, so I have a jacket and a hat, supplemented with a small folding cheapie umbrella. Do make sure you have some thick-soled shoes that can handle walking through puddles, which there are many of in Boston.

The carriage, I%26#39;m afraid, you%26#39;ll have to figure out yourself. I%26#39;ve seen some with covers or attached little umbrellas, but I assume you either have these or not. Wish I could be more help on this.

AlanM

AlanM %26amp; MahJ, thanks for your replies. I always find some useful tips. I think I%26#39;d better go with stroller and raincover.

umbrellas and jackets. Quite cold and wet today... tht%26#39;s the forcast for the week. (Groan).... good for the gardens, though! Not a constant rain though, like off and on. This morning it was okay for walking but it was cold.. I needed a sweatshirt and a mid-weight coat over it.

Thanks, Queenslace.

I%26#39;m a light packer, but due to the weather... got to add one more suitcase for rain stuffs (aarrgghhh....). I hope the rain won%26#39;t be the downpour ones... (cringe..)

weather.com ten-day forecast is the only thing I pay attention to - it really doesn%26#39;t look all that bad this week in Boston. they predict 60% chance of rain on Saturday, but it%26#39;s virtually impossible 7 days in advance. yes, you will see it rain in Boston when you are here but it won%26#39;t be raining all the time. probably. :-)

it shouldn%26#39;t require a lot of extra luggage space. you can get cheap travel umbrellas here, in just about any drugstore. I personally wear a Marmot rain jacket, which I love, but you can get cheap plastic ponchos (not sure where exactly).

thanks Thomas!

I%26#39;m almost set. Everyone is in bed already, except me.. the packer. We%26#39;re travelling with 2 small kids along with their loveys, boots, etc. :) We%26#39;ll be in Boston in less than 24 hours.. Woohoo!!

Best of luck during your trip! We gave you good itinerary%26#39;s in the past. Monday should be rainy, so try and do the Children%26#39;s Museum that day, lol. Just take the T to south station, then ask for the bus to the museum, bus #7. If you have computer access, feel free to come back and ask any questions you have. Enjoy and safe travels.

egads, I just checked the 10-day forecast for Boston and it%26#39;s looking a bit more bleak. I guess I won%26#39;t have to worry about my lawn drying up while I%26#39;m in Sedona...

in anycase, there are lots of fun things to do in the rain in Boston.

thanks, Will007!

I printed out the itinerary that everyone suggested in the past. I really appreciate your tips. The T-line is absolutely a big help. We might change a bit our schedule due to weather.We%26#39;re in Denver right now and our plane has been changed into another aircraft that is not even here yet... so, not sure how long we have to wait :(

Options when it rains!

hi there, whilst we will be keeping our fingers crossed for dry weather next weekend, please advise what in door alternatives you would suggest we do whilst waiting out any heavy downpour!

Do the shops along the newbury street area come with sheltered walkways? Is the faneuil hall area all indoors?

Cheers!

Options when it rains!

Unfortunately, no and no are the answers. However, what I would suggest for rainy day activites are as follows: The Copley Place Mall and the Prudential Center Mall (which are both conveniently connected by overroad glass walkways), the Museum of Fine Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the Aquarium, the Museum of Science, Harvard Museum of Natural History. Otherwise, rain gear and umbrellas are the orders of the day.

AlanM

Options when it rains!

Thanks Alanm for your qwik response! looking forward to my trip!

The Pru would be my top recommendation too. And...though Faneuil Hall isn%26#39;t all inside, you can do a lot without going out into the wather and... you can dash from one part to another without getting too soaked. It%26#39;s an option.

bowel cleansing

hairdresser to cut this

Mom with Baby. Need Guidance. Thank you!

hello, i%26#39;d like to take my first vacation in a couple of years to Mass. this summer. i liked Martha%26#39;s Vineyard when i was last there about 10 yrs ago. i%26#39;ll be taking my 10 mo old son on his first traveling trip. i%26#39;d like to know how to get there with a car (need one for his car seat and stroller/all his gear!) and where to stay.

i like to stay in the middle of the kinda fancy, kinda touristy type neighborhoods usually. (eyeroll, i know). the people-watching, chi-chi boutique shopping, cafes, galleries kind of places. i also need recommendations for hotels that are very nice and reliable (not inns or b%26amp;b style though). thank you! i%26#39;m a little scared because we live on a barrier island in south FL so i hope it will be fun for us! thanks!

Mom with Baby. Need Guidance. Thank you!

Hi - I would suggest you stay in Edgartown and at the Harborside Inn. The Harborside has fridges in the rooms which is good when traveling with children. The Harborside is right in the middle of Edgartown, right amongst the shops and restaurants and is great for people watching.

http://www.theharborsideinn.com/specials.php

The only way to get your car to MV is by traveling on the Steamship Authority ferries.

http://web1.steamshipauthority.com/ssa/ You MUST make reservations and the sooner the better for summer travel.

Enjoy.

Mom with Baby. Need Guidance. Thank you!

i agree with mv2....edgartown sounds like right up your alley....

(hiya my2!)

(rats...i mean, mv2)

Summer Job

Hello all,

I%26#39;m a college student from central mass looking for a summer job as a waitress or a related position on the cape. Does anyone know of a resort that is always looking to hire? I%26#39;d really like a place with a lot of employees so I can meet other people while working. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Summer Job

On the Cape this weekend and noticing lots of help wanted signs in most shops and restaurants. Call the Chatham Bars Inn(good bet for higher tips) or any other resort on the Cape. Have a great summer!

Summer Job

Don%26#39;t forget to consider Martha%26#39;s Vineyard too.

try looking at capecodworks.com!

CBI vs Bradford

In doing my reading and research here, Im narrowing down to Chatham for a 2 night stay May 21-23. I can find the Bradford Inn at $140 and the CBI for $236 (with a little poking around) Is the CBI worth the extra money in your opinion?

Looking for a 2 nt base camp for sightseeing in the Cape. We wont be in the room all the time but would like to really experience the best of the area. Looking forward to any advice.

CBI vs Bradford

I wouldn%26#39;t hesitate at all to select the Bradford over CBI. CBI is like the ultimate ';summer'; resort in Chatham, one of the best on Cape Cod, but how much time do you need at the beach in May? The Bradford is closer to the restaurants and shops of Main Street, but not by much. CBI is like a mile away, while Bradford is a quarter mile. Both are in a good location, I just think the Bradford will save you money for a May trip. You%26#39;ll be off exploring the Cape anyways! The downside is that CBI has dining on site while the Bradford doesn%26#39;t. It also has waterfront views that the Bradford doesn%26#39;t, but that shouldn%26#39;t matter if your off exploring the Cape. There will be plenty of water to see. For this time of year, I like the Bradford. Regardless, have a great visit to Chatham and Cape Cod.

CBI vs Bradford

The Bradford is nearly on the corner of Cross and Main so very very close to all the shops and restaurants. Main St. is longish, but access to Main St. from the Bradford is really immediate.You won%26#39;t have to drive anywhere to get downtown for meals. Also, The Bradford is a short walk to Oyster Pond.

Do you have kids? The Bradford doesn%26#39;t allow kids under 12. In season, CBI is filled with families with kids. Perhaps not so many next weekend as schools haven%26#39;t gotten out for the summer break yet and it%26#39;s still very cool up here.

CBI is a total resort/spa experience. I mean...the place is across the street from the sea...the setting is gorgeous and you%26#39;ll pay dearly for every view.

Both places are lovely, but one would never compare or confuse CBI with The Bradford. This isn%26#39;t meant to detract from The Bradford at all, which is a nice, upscale lodging choice...There are ';inn'; rooms in the old house at the Bradford and newer rooms in ';townhouse'; type buildings.

I%26#39;d save the differential, stay at The Bradford and just have drinks on the front verandah of CBI and watch the waves crash about the sandbar from my rocking chair. What brought you to these two lodging choices?

Thanks to you both for the insight! I came across CBI from reading here in the forums, but then digging deeper got looking at the Wayside which led me to the Bradford. Ive also looked at the Captains House and the Carriage House - its starting to get confusing!

As much as I think Cape Cod must be the ';home'; of all B%26amp;B%26#39;s, hubby doesnt care for the feeling of living in someone else%26#39;s house (as he puts it)So then I have been looking more at Inns with 10+ rooms. I think we%26#39;re narrowing in on the Bradford, but certainly open to suggestions if you think there is something better that Ive missed?

My background is in hotel biz so Im always looking for wonderful/unique accommodation. Hubby on the other hand likes his driving and just wants a comfortable bed.

Take another look at The Wayside and see if you can get a room in the main inn. I am generally in agreement with your husband re: b%26amp;bs. Many people love them...but I prefer the ';anonymity'; and privacy a smaller hotel or larger inn can provide.

I think the Wayside Inn, if you get a main inn room, will be the perfect compromise between your wish for a small inn feeling and your hubby%26#39;s wish for privacy. The Wayside is right on Main St. and it%26#39;s a great place. See if you can get a room overlooking the park next door.

You%26#39;re really not going to make a mistake here. If you decide to stay at CBI....you%26#39;ll love that too! (Go boldy forth... :) )

Thanks FussyQuest...looks like my decision may have been made for me - no room at the Wayside OR the CBI (my fault for taking so long I suppose). So, back to the Bradford then...any room type or location I should ask for?

You might want to broaden your search to include towns nearby. Chatham is very lovely, but keep in mind that the towns on the Cape are small and it only takes 20 minutes or less to reach Chatham from Eastham, Orleans, Harwich and Brewster. So take a look at what some other towns have to offer. Take a look at Fort Hill Bed and Breakfast www.forthillbedandbreakfast.com in Eastham and highly rated on TA. You can find additional accommodations through the local chamber of commerce web sites like www.wellfleetchamber.com and www.easthamchamber.com

Another option might be A Little Inn on Pleasant Bay in Orleans.

Hi Roadster: As you%26#39;ve said you didn%26#39;t really want a B%26amp;B, you%26#39;ll be happy at The Bradford. It%26#39;s a great place and centrally located on a quiet street. I wouldn%26#39;t ask for a room in the main house as your husband might not like that kind of atmosphere. The other rooms are all very nice.

The Bradford is a collection of buildings, some old and some new, but all recently done...You might ask for a room in an older building that has been re-done...there%26#39;s a building that%26#39;s close to the street(but not the main inn) and it has an interesting window on the second floor...it kind of sticks out...not a turret room, exactly, but sort of. Anyway, I find it intriguing. It%26#39;s a good choice for lodging.

Also: You%26#39;ll be able to walk to shops, restaurants and the sea from The Bradford Inn. It%26#39;s on a quiet street but the location is not isolated and you don%26#39;t have to drive anywhere to have a drink or a quick meal.

You can do a walking loop....up Main, right onto Shore to the Lighthouse Beach, then right down Bridge, right on Stage Harbor to Cross St. (or stay straight on Stage Harbor to Oyster Pond.)It%26#39;s a nice morning walk or run. Enjoy!

I have been a huge fan of the Chatham Bars Inn but, finally had dinner and drinks at the Wequassett Resort. Staff and dining experience much better than CBI. Yes, the location is farther away from downtown Chatham but ambience etc. is worth taking a look at.

Free Beach Parking on the Cape?

Does anyone know of a decent beach on the upper cape that has free parking for non-residents?

Free Beach Parking on the Cape?

All the beaches I know of (a lot) require a sticker or fee. You could go after hours and then there isn%26#39;t a problem. Sorry I couldn%26#39;t be helpful.

Free Beach Parking on the Cape?

That%26#39;s my experience, too. Thanks Chaqueeta.

Depends on when you are going to be there. No charge out of season for the most part.

Do you happen to know of any beaches with free parking in season?

No ideas for the Upper Cape. But if you want the equivalent for Outer Cape/National Seashore I have an idea for you.

No charge for parking at Rock Harbor in Orleans as far as I know.

chaqueeta, yep, that%26#39;s what we ended up doing (several days) last summer. Honestly, it%26#39;s really the best time of the day to visit the beach, not hot, blazing sun ;-)

Naomi :-)

Nice Tip! When is ';After Hours';.

What would %26#39;after hours%26#39; be week of Aug. 16-23?

And what is the tip for Outer Cape? We are staying in Eastham.

Thanks much!

Usually after hours is after 3pm, or at least it was last time I check in Brewster. You can go to the town%26#39;s website or the chamber of commerce for that town and the information should (I would hope) be there. In Harwich if you are willing to walk a few minutes you can park in Harwich Port at the Chamber of Commerce for free.

4th most popular tourist attraction in the United States

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is listed as the 4th most visited tourist attraction in the United States according to Forbes:

forbestraveler.com/best-lists/…

Rather surprising, although if you consider ';Orlando'; as a single destination I think it would probably far outrank it.

One of my favorite statistics or factoids, which may or may not still be true, is that supposedly more people visit Orlando every year than visit the entire country of Italy. I wish I knew where I heard that. :-)

4th most popular tourist attraction in the United States

Except for Disney World and Disneyland, the top ten attractions, on the list, are ';free'; attractions and are frequently visited by both locals and tourists. Many tourists and locals would go to NY%26#39;s Time Square, DC%26#39;s National Mall and Memorial Parks, Boston%26#39;s Faneuil Hall/ Quincy Market and San Francisco%26#39;s Fisherman%26#39;s Wharf more than once per year and would account for such a high annual visitor count.

4th most popular tourist attraction in the United States

Number 22 of most popular Tourist attraction in the US --Cape Cod National Seashore!

Hey Remay --- I feel partly responsible for the National Seashore%26#39;s Popularity ... my family of 4 and three other families (11 people) visit at least once in May. Then in August, my family and our friends (family of 5) pay 2-3+ visits ... doing things that range from sitting on the beach to following the walking trails, watching movies at the vistors center and participating in ranger-led events.

rodents

Kid friendly hotel or bed and breakfast

Our family will be going to Boston in early June. We have two (very well behaved) children ages 12 and 7. My husband and I enjoy bed and breakfasts but understand most are not designed with children in mind. Can anyone give us good advice on where to stay? Thank you!

Kid friendly hotel or bed and breakfast

I don%26#39;t know about bed and breakfasts, but relatives of mine with kids 11 and 13 just recently had a lovely stay at the Mariott Long Wharf. The kids loved the pool and location, right near Faneuil Hall and the Aquarium. They loved it there...

Kid friendly hotel or bed and breakfast

Thank you! It%26#39;s so hard to visit somewhere you%26#39;ve never been and know where to stay. I really appreciate your advise :)

What%26#39;s your price range?

We%26#39;re pretty open on the price range. We are figuring an average of $150 per night on our trip, realizing that some places may be more expensive. Do you have any ideas?

The key is finding a B%26amp;B that you can all share a room in is the problem. Most in the mid $100%26#39;s are for a queen or double. I%26#39;ll keep poking around but there are 2 properties in Brookline that look interesting. The Samuel Sewall Inn and across the street The Bertram Inn. The Sewall says it accepts kids and the reviews on TA are good and average prices not bad. Its not downtown Boston but it says a block from the T.

Thanks for all of your help. We%26#39;ve revised our hotel budget for Boston -- it%26#39;s a little more expensive than Chicago where we stay frequently :) All of the suggestions have been wonderful.

bowel cleansing

Planning a Trip for 09 HELP

My husband and I just returned from a week in Englewood, FL. We go there every year and love the Old Florida quiet/privateness of it. After we returned, we decided as much as we love it, it%26#39;s time for a change. We%26#39;d like to try a similar location but in New England.

I have been scouring google looking for a old fashioned seaside New England town and came up with Brewster. Can anyone tell me if this is accurate, and if not (or even so) does anyone have any other suggestions? I%26#39;d like to look around at 2 or 3 more towns.

We are budget travelers who will have 2 children under the age of 3. We are looking for a quiet week or long weekend at a beach cottage, some good seafood, and some fun digging in the sand. That%26#39;s all. Nothing fancy, we don%26#39;t even eat out very often just 2-3 times during a week.

Thanks!

Michele

Planning a Trip for 09 HELP

Brewster is an ideal spot for your family. The bayside beaches and fresh-water ponds are perfect for small children. You can go to the Brewster Store, get penny candy and sit on the benches out front and watch the world come and go. In the early evening, ice cream and a walk to the beach to watch the sunset. A wide range of restaurants, from roadside ';clam shacks'; to fancy and everything in between. If you are going in the summer, a week-long cottage rental is fairly standard. A nice place, centrally located with a few family suites for a shorter stay is the The Sea Pines Inn.

Planning a Trip for 09 HELP

Also in Brewster: visit the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History (plenty of things for the little ones to see and enjoy) and the herring run at the old fulling mill.

Are you planning the trip to the Cape in April of next year? If so, you should know that it is not exactly beach weather. Will probably be colder than Pittsburgh at that time. You might also like Orleans where we have been staying for nearly 40 years. We like the Englewood area too. We stay on Manasota Key.

If you want a more laid back and traditional NE town, try Orleans or Eastham. They%26#39;re a bit farther north, but very pretty and less touristy.

Brewster is a great little town. People return to Brewster year after year and love it there. April on the Cape still has the potential to be very chilly..it certainly won%26#39;t be warm enough to wade in the water, but you might enjoy some uncrowded walks on the beach on the nicest days.

Another option: check out Chatham. Quick overview: Nice downtown with a charming Main Street, really great restaurants and an old Cape Cod atmosphere. Oyster Pond is ';waveless'; (perfect for toddlers) and has a great little guarded beach with a new bathhouse and sufficient free parking.

The Squire Restaurant on Main Street is where the locals (and tourists) go for good fresh seafood and kids are always welcome there.

For rental properties, check out these sites:

www.pineacresrealty.com

www.websterrealestate.com

www.kinlingrover.com

www.marthamurray.com

This is terrific! Just what I was hoping to learn. Thanks so much to everyone for your help. We were thinking of taking a long weekend in August or even late July. Does anyone know of daily rentals? Or are weekly our only options?

Any tips on the weather in late summer?

I am off to check out the towns you have all mentioned. I really appreciate your help!

The weather is perfect for the beach in July/August - probably low 80%26#39;s most days. The water is still chilly compared to Florida, but it%26#39;s as warm as it%26#39;s going to get!

A note on Chatham... I spent a week there last summer and loved it... however, based on your description, I would not call it an ';old fashioned seaside town.'; It%26#39;s very touristy, pricey, and crowded during the summer with long waits anywhere for dinner without a reservation.

It%26#39;s definitely a town you will want to visit for dinner and shopping one night, but it%26#39;s not necessary to stay right in town. You will have to travel out of town for a good (non-harbor type) beach anyways. If we go again, we will probably stay in Orleans.

Good luck!

Hi, I stand by my original response - Brewster is a perfect location for your family. The weather in August is awesome. Some inns %26amp; motels may have a 3-night minimum, but other than that, only the private cottage rentals will have a one-week requirement. If you really want to to splurge, look into the Ocean Edge Resoprt, otherwise the Sea Pines is a great option.

Brewster is a quiet town that would meet your needs...but it%26#39;s not the only one. Wellfleet and Eastham are known for their bay and ocean beaches with many small cottages for summer tourists. Take a look at the chamber of commerce sites for more information and some good leads on seaside cottages. www.easthamchamber.com www.wellfleetchamber.com

Eastham is conveniently located between Chatham and Provincetown and it is just 5 minutes from Orleans and 10 minutes from Brewster and Wellfleet. It is known as the ';Gateway to the Cape Cod National Seashore'; because it is the southern most town that was included in the original park. In Eastham you will find the Salt Pond Visitor%26#39;s Center with free activities for adults and children, fresh water ponds, calm bay-side beaches and pristine ocean beaches.

Hi There, You mentioned having children and that you are budget travelers. Long ago we selected Dennisport because Chatham, the Outer Cape, even Harwich, just the next town over, are a lot more expensive for accommodations. And yet Dennis has 16 beautiful beaches with Dennisport located all along the warm waters of Nantucket Sound. Our guests at our summer home regularly tells us that they have heard that Dennisport is the best for families. Not only for the safe beaches (no stones or deep drop offs for example)but for the genuine family friendly atmosphere, casual restaurants and activities. If you decide to leave the area to explore then you are well located at Mid Cape making for easy touring.

What month are you considering?

Boston w/Child - Not the Usual Stuff

My mother lives in Wellesley and we (me, husband, 6 year old) are coming to visit over Memorial Day weekend. It%26#39;s fun to take my son into Boston once or twice and he loves riding the T. But what to do once we%26#39;re there. He%26#39;s been to: the Public Gardens for the swan boats, the Aquarium, the Science Museum and the Children%26#39;s Museum and we don%26#39;t want to repeat any of those. He has absolutely no interest in history so Freedom Trail type places won%26#39;t interest him. Already potentially on the list for this or other trips are a Duck Tour and a visit to the Mapparium (which he%26#39;ll think is cool but will last 10 minutes, maybe 30 if we%26#39;re really lucky). Any other thoughts for fun things to do with a 6 year old boy who loves science and maps and general running around, but has absolutely no interest in history or sports?

Boston w/Child - Not the Usual Stuff

Hi,

I recently posted the same thing for another family looking for similar things to do this Memorial Day weekend with their young ones. So I%26#39;ll post it for you and you can decide if it%26#39;s something you might want to check out.

On Saturday the 24th. there is the WBOS Earthfest on the Esplanade along the Charles River. There will be adult musical artists/groups [some national headliners too] on the main stage as well as a separate Kids Stage with young performers/groups. There will be tons of Earth awareness type exhibits set up, magicians, face painting, food vendors, etc. It%26#39;s an all day event starting at 10am and it%26#39;s FREE.

Also on Memorial Day weekend at Fanueil Hall/Quincy Market will be the annual street performers fest. It%26#39;s an all weekend type event with performers from all over. This is also free.

Boston w/Child - Not the Usual Stuff

Hi,

The Street Performers festival is a great idea if the weather is nice; he should enjoy that.

Although you said no Science Museum, they have changing exhibits all the time, and certainly the Omnimax theater will have a movie that you haven%26#39;t all seen yet.

Have you been to the Harvard Museum of Natural History? If not, definitely take him there. It%26#39;s a great place, with dinosaurs and gorillas and lots of interesting exhibits. It%26#39;s a well-kept secret.

Although we had a long, drawn-out thread recently about the Franklin Park Zoo, in this case I%26#39;m assuming you have a car, that you are somewhat familiar with Boston, and your son would really enjoy a trip to the zoo, so I%26#39;d recommend it. Not that it even holds a candle to the Bronx Zoo, but they have a great Gorilla family living there, and it will definitely be good for a couple of hours.

Maybe he doesn%26#39;t like history so much, but what about the USS Constitution. He might like climbing around on the ship, perhaps? Or, a trip to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument, if for no other reason than the view from the top.

Speaking of views, how about the Prudential Center observation deck?

I don%26#39;t know if he might like this, but there is a great puppet theater in Brookline called the Puppet Showcase Theater. It%26#39;s recommended for ages 5 and up, so it might be a fun activity for him. They have some shows scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, according to their schedule on the website:

http://www.puppetshowplace.org/index.html

Hope that helps.

How about going to eat in Chinatown and exploring those locals-only markets with whole ducks, frogs, etc. on display hanging in the windows? There%26#39;s a bakery/bubble tea shop called Bao Bao that has an exquisite array of VERY GOOD pastries, all reasonably priced, and the Chinese bubble tea... the pastries are very good... did I say they were very good? Oink. Very good! :-) Chinatown is also fun for kids because there are those little stores with trinkets and also occasionally street vendors...

Have you taken him to the MIT museum? Or the Natural Science museum at Harvard? Harvard Square has great shops and getting there is a ride on the Red Line across the Longfellow bridge, which is nice. Harvard Square also has the street performers (juggling axes and flaming torches, that sort of thing) plus musicians and is nice into the evening...

How about an old fort? You can take a boat from Long Wharf out to Georges Island in Boston Harbor and have a picnic out there. What could be more fun for a 6-year-old than clambering around up, down, and all over this huge stone fortification? The island is scenic, has picnic tables and a food concession. Not to mention the thrill of a ferry ride!

Another idea--there%26#39;s an old car museum in Larz Anderson Park in Brookline, which is near Jamaica Pond. Museum of...? Anybody know? Seems like fun for a young one. You%26#39;d want to drive there, however, so no ride on the T.

Oh! George%26#39;s Island!! That%26#39;s a GREAT one! Love it! Bring a ball and picnic lunch too.

Larz Anderson is another great one if he likes cars.

Even if he doesn%26#39;t like history, he might get a kick out of the USS Constitution ... it%26#39;s not every day you get to go on board and antique battle ship.

Also, if you do George%26#39;s Island, then I recommend the free shuttle boat from George%26#39;s Island to Lovell%26#39;s Island. Lovell%26#39;s is also an old fort, but at one time it was a rabbit farm and there%26#39;s lots of rabbits there that are fun to see and there%26#39;s also a rocky swimming beach there. bbMem Day may be early for swimmng, but you can wade ...

The childrens Discovery Museum in Acton is a very good, hands on science museum.

http://www.discoverymuseums.org/

Lots of things that a 6 year old budding scientist would like to do there.

http://www.discoverymuseums.org/science.html

Consider the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. They have a fantastic origami exhibit with a hands on origami area for children which will still be there at the time of your visit. My kids didn%26#39;t want to leave.

The aforementioned Harvard museum is a good choice as well. Does he like rocks? They have a great rock collection!

You could take him for a ride in a canoe on the Charles River in Newton. They have other locations, too, including one in Allston.

http://www.paddleboston.com/rentals/july4.php

In Easton, there%26#39;s a small children%26#39;s museum that my kids loved. Your guy is just the right age for it:

www.childrensmuseumineaston.org/home.asp

Enjoy your trip!

A Duck tour will be a lot of fun. Your son might be able to drive when the Duck Boat hits the Charles River. Just reserve early as tickets tend to sell out.

The Boston Children%26#39;s Museum has been renovated recently so you might not want to rule out the Children%26#39;s Museum. There is a wonderful walk from the Children%26#39;s Museum to the Institute of Contemporary Arts, walking pass Fan pier to Rowe%26#39;s Wharf to the Aquarium, you can just take a look at the seals outside, then walk over to the North End.

The North End has fun dessert place for kids called

';Trani'; They inject ice cream into cupcakes and other pastries.

http://www.tranibrand.com/

Another option would be outside the city in Lincoln

The Decodova and Sculpture Museum

decordova.org/decordova/…sculp_park.html

Here is link of many other ideas to do with kids in Boston and the Boston area

http://bostoncentral.com/

I was walking from the Aquarium to Fan Pier on Saturday. I like to walk the Haborwalk, the one I recommended, but on Saturday there was a detour(due to construction) between India Wharf and Rowes Wharf. You need to go from Inda Wharf to the front of the Boston Harbor Hotel then cut thru the Rotunda to get back to Rowe%26#39;s wharf.

Does anyone from the forum know when the construction will be finished?

BOS Airport Hotel with transportation options

Looking for a hotel suggestion that has airport shuttle service and also is close to public transportation to get into the city. Thinking Hampton Inn or similar type. Trying to keep cost down. Thank you.

BOS Airport Hotel with transportation options

The cheaper airport hotels tend to be located a ways from the airport--they have shuttles, but i sort of wonder if you couldn%26#39;t get a good deal via priceline and get something downtown. Granted, the downtown hotels don%26#39;t have airport shuttles, but it%26#39;s a 2- T ride that takes about 15 minutes to get from the Airport downtown. You can try the Holiday Inn airport or the other lower-cost airport hotels (vis a vis the Hilton, etc.) but..I%26#39;d be curious to find out what%26#39;s available on Priceline. I suggest that because if you did end up in Revere, it adds travel time each way.

Just a thought

BOS Airport Hotel with transportation options

Thanks Queenslace

We fly in about 4:00 pm and need to get back to the airport at 9:00 am the next morning to pick up a rental car to head to the Cape. Thought if I could stay near the airport I could use their shuttle to pick me up and return me to the airport, and take public transportation into downtown Boston that evening. Trip coming up in September so I have time to plan.

Thanks

Hi,

Please be very cautious about hotels with shuttle service. Most of them run during daylight hours and will serve you no good getting back to your hotel after dark. Many will actually ';advertise'; they have extensive, or even 24 hour shuttle service that really isn%26#39;t true. Also, many of the ';shuttle'; hotels within Boston are so far on the outskirts, in less than desirable neighborhoods, that they use the shuttle as a lure. I suggest looking at a place like the Marriott Newton as a good hotel outside the city with good shuttle service and good T access. The hotel is nice, it%26#39;s in a very safe area and even if the shuttle isn%26#39;t running, a cab is safe, reasonable and quick to get you back at night.

I will say the Marriott Newton does not have airport shuttle service, but nor do even most of the downtown Boston hotels. You can hop on the T at Airport station, take it to Government Center and take the green line outbound all the way to Riverside stop. Cost would be $2 per person. The shuttle runs from the hotel to Riverside stop, not the airport.

Hi mrfuni,

When checking hotels with my travel agent they came up with the Comfort Inn Revere which advertises free shuttle and free parking.You may want to check out the reviews on TA.

Have a great holiday.

Gordy.

The closest off airport property would be the Embassy Suites on Porter Street in East Boston.

The next ones out would be the Holiday Inn Airport and then the Hampton Inn Airport. The Comfort Inn Revere is a good 5 miles away from Logan and sort of in a no man%26#39;s land surrounded by a couple of highway rotaries and a greyhound dog track. They do have a decent Mexican restaurant and there is a pub style place (The 99) which is walkable in about 10 minutes.

Try Priceline or one of the other sites to see whether you can get a cheapo rate.

The Hampton Inn should be OK for your situation. You just need a place to stay after 5 PM and leave by 9 AM. The suggestion of the Newton Marriott is not convenient for your situation. As BeansandCod posted, the hotels, most convenient to Logan Airport, (including the Hampton Inn) are in East Boston. Another option besides the East Boston location would be Revere or Winthrop. Here is a link to Winthrop lodging.

http://www.winthropchamber.com/lodging.asp

Considering you are talking less than a 15 hour stretch of time, I think the Hampton Inn would be fine. It really is only about 10 minutes or less from the airport. I know their shuttle runs early evening because they bring guests to a local eatery in East Boston that my family likes.

You probably will fare best if you stay on the same side of the tunnel as the airport. If you stay near the airport, you could easily go get the car in the morning and go back to the Hampton and pick up your bags. From there, it%26#39;s the Ted Williams tunnel to 93S to Rte 3S ... avoiding the downtown area all together -- and as long as you have one other person in the car with you, you are entitled to use the %26#39;express%26#39; HOV lane as you exit the tunnel onto 93S. Keep your eyes open, it%26#39;s easy to miss!! (This is not to be confused w/ the %26#39;zipper%26#39; lane which is northbound on weekday mornings and not in use on weekends.)

If the Hampton is booked, consider the Holiday Inn, East Boston or even Suburban Extended Stay in Winthrop.

I wouldn%26#39;t recommend walking from the Comfort Inn to the 99 ... now that the auto-parts store (former site of Bell Oldsmobile/York Ford) has been torn down and something is being built in it%26#39;s place it%26#39;s sort of dark and, in my opinion, a risky area to walk given the amount of traffic there.

forgotmypword...

Thanks..good info and a lot of help. Joe

odp.net charakterset

Sunday brunch & Walking tour help please

I%26#39;m visiting mid November for one week staying at Back Bay. Can anyone please offer any recommendations for Sunday Brunch nearby. Also, anyone know of any walking tours available - I%26#39;m particularly interested in food related ones, but any others would be useful too. I%26#39;m assuming the weather will be cold in November - can I expect lots of rain or snow?

Any advice much appreciated thanks.

Sunday brunch %26amp; Walking tour help please

There%26#39;s a nice food walking tour of the North End which features Italian food....

northendmarkettours.com/html/markettours/mar…

Sunday brunch %26amp; Walking tour help please

we had a GREAT brunch at Aquitaine a short walk to Tremont St. in the South End. FABULOUS. Sat. brunch is real deal but Sunday it was very affordable, real maple syrup and the best french toast I ever tasted.

Michelle Toper%26#39;s North End walking tour noted earlier sounds like it would be exactly what you are looking for. The other walking tour that runs year-round is Boston CityWalks at bostoncitywalks.com . They have a Back Bay to Downtown Walking Tour that includes Beacon Hill and the Freedom Trail, but no food.

AlanM

It can get pretty chilly in November, especially at the end of November, but it%26#39;s unlikely it will snow and even if it does it probably won%26#39;t ';stick'; or pile up. As far as rain goes, that%26#39;s totally unpredictable. Unlike some places we don%26#39;t have a rainy season or a dry season. It can rain at any time.

My favorite brunch in Back Bay is at the restaurant Skipjack%26#39;s on Clarendon Street. It%26#39;s a jazz brunch, and the food is really very good. The jazz (usually a trio) is great, and I think they take requests.

American Craft Beer Fest

I figured I would just start a new thread about this, since it seems a couple people were asking. This is possibly going to be the premier beer fest on the east coast. I%26#39;m just hoping it isn%26#39;t too crowded.

http://beeradvocate.com/acbf/

It is June 20th and 21st and there are three sessions. Tickets are $40.

Located at the Seaport World Trade Center which (I think) is a short walk from the South Station T-Stop.

So far, over 75 brewers and about 300 beers to try. There%26#39;s a long list of brewers at the link above.

American Craft Beer Fest

Thanks Chemmie:

I will be there in May not June. I was confused%26gt;LOL

But if you do like the beer fest scene. Really check out this site. It is at a GREAT location. Limited to so many people, so not crowded. We meet several people each year that travel far to hit this one.

http://www.greatlakesbrewfest.com/

Have a good trip to Boston.

bowel cleansing

Which area of Boston and itinerary

We will be arriving in Boston on either 10 or 11 July for the weekend and leaving on Monday 14. We haven%26#39;t yet decided between 3 or 4 nights there.

Which area of Boston would you recommend we stay in so that we have easy access to the main sights? We prefer small hotels or B%26amp;Bs and are considering Cambridge.

We would like to be near to a choice of restaurants.

The only things we have planned to do so far are the Freedom Trail, take a photo of the Cheers bar (without going in) and a tour of Fenway Park. As we can%26#39;t get tickets to a game without overpaying we would quite like to watch it in a bar maybe (either Friday or Saturday) but not a rowdy drunken bar.

In respect of the Fenway Park tour, what day is likely to be least busy and what time of day?

Thanks

Which area of Boston and itinerary

Lots of great B%26amp;Bs in Camridge, with attractions of its own, and an easy ride on the Red line subway into the sights in Boston.

Here are some resources.....

Places to stay in Cambridge

(nearest subway stop in parenthesis)

A Friendly Inn (Harvard)

http://www.afinow.com/

Harding House (Central)

http://www.cambridgeinns.com/harding/

Irving House (Harvard)

http://www.cambridgeinns.com/irving/

A Cambridge House

http://www.acambridgehouse.com/

Mary Prentiss Inn (Harvard)

http://www.maryprentissinn.com/

A B%26amp;B in Cambridge (Harvard)

http://www.cambridgebnb.com/

On www.bnbboston.com/cambridge/cambridge_1_e.htm

Prospect Place B%26amp;B (Central)

Birdhouse Suite (Kendall)

The Scholar (Harvard)

And lots of others

…harvard.edu/events/…biogeographylodging.pdf

opens a document originated by Harvard Univ. with a list of nearby accomodations

web.mit.edu/housing/och/guest_houses.html

another list, this one by MIT (Mass. Institute of Technology)

subway map

www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/subway/

Which area of Boston and itinerary

Hi,

You will be very surprised how easily walkable Boston is when you get here. Neighborhoods look so far away on a map when they%26#39;re really not far at all. Staying in any Boston neighborhood like Back Bay, Downtown, Financial District, Beacon Hill, Fenway, North End, they are all walkable. Anywhere is accessible by using the T. It%26#39;s cheap, conveinent and efficent. The only areas I wouldn%26#39;t recommend are the airport and South Boston waterfront. They are the least desirable. There%26#39;s other neighborhoods of Boston not desirable, like Dorchester and Roxbury, but they are further away from the main area of the city and usually not sought out by visitors. Any of the areas I listed above are perfect for Boston. Be somewhat cautious in selecting Cambridge as well. While the T covers most of the hotel areas, there are a few less than desirable areas mainly because of lack of access to the T to get you into Boston. The hotels along the Charles River in Cambridge are the best ones with a couple of exceptions, the Hyatt being one.

Some hotels worth looking into depending on your budget are Jurys. It%26#39;s a very popular hotel with the UK crowd. So is the Lenox. Hotel Commonwealth, Nine Zero, Onyx, and XV Beacon are a few more smaller, wonderful hotels to consider.

The Charles Hotel and Hotel Marlowe are solid choices in Cambridge.

B%26amp;B%26#39;s I recommend in Boston are The Charles Street Inn, Clarendon Square Inn and the Gyphon House. There%26#39;s several more good ones as well.

Never worry about being near restaurants in Boston. They are never far away. Every neighborhood has good choices and the others are a short walk or T ride away.

I always recommend taking a Duck Tour to first time visitors. They are a good laugh and give you a good oversight of the city of Boston as well as a bit of Cambridge.

There are several upscale type bars to watch the game around Boston. Stay away from the immediate area surrounding Fenway Park which will definitely be rowdy. Don%26#39;t worry about that either. There are many places, if not all, in every neighborhood that will have the game on. Just pick one that suits your mood.

The Fenway tour is the unknown. You%26#39;ll never know how many people will show up for the time you select, since there%26#39;s no reservations for the tour. It could be 10, it could be 100. Being that it will be July, plan on it being more than less. The best time to go would proabably be the first or second tour of the morning. First tour is at 9am and tickets for the first or second tours of the day can be purchased at the Red Sox store, not the Fenway Ticket office. The store is right at the park on Yawkey Way.

Feel free to ask any questions you have while planning your trip.

I would also suggest not giving up on the Sox tickets. Try their website as you get closer to the game since they do release some tickets.

I would go down to Fenway the day of the game and try to buy ';Standing Room Only'; tickets, which are released just before the game starts. As the name implies you don%26#39;t get a seat, but the seats aren%26#39;t very comfortable at Fenway to begin with and it%26#39;s a lot easier to get to the bathroom if you%26#39;re having a few brews while watching the game. If you can%26#39;t get tickets, you can always go to the Cask n Flagon to watch the game.

How soon before the day do they release more tickets on the website? We are travelling around in the 2 weeks before arriving in Boston and will not have easy access to the internet.

The games we are looking at are Friday and Saturday 11 and 12 July against Baltimore Orioles. Not knowing a lot about the game, are these big games? Just trying to assess our chances of getting tickets on the day. As we only have a few days in Boston, I don%26#39;t want to spend all day queuing for tickets if there is little chance of getting them.

BTW, thanks for the accomodation suggestions.

Head to www.stubhub.com for tickets in advance. it%26#39;s a safe and reputable site where tickets are bought and sold in advance. shipping, or pick-up is available. by the way, i just quickly checked tix for fridays game againbst baltimore, and there%26#39;s plenty of good tickets available.

I have been checking out some accomodations (with the help of TAs reviews of course) and have narrowed it down to the following:-

Clarendon Square Inn

Charles Street Inn

Gryphon House

Colonnade hotel

Jurys

Langham

Decided to stay in Boston, not Cambridge.

I do prefer B%26amp;Bs and small hotels to chains so have not really looked at the Marriots etc.

Of these, the Clarendon Square and Charles Inn are the most expensive but include breakfast, but is there something about B%26amp;Bs not being able to provide a cooked breakfast?

If we choose a hotel on a room only basis, are there some good places nearby to get breakfast?

Decided to book the Colonnade.

Any reasonably priced breakfast/dinner recommendations?

Depends on what you call reasonable, but the Brasserie Jo right at your hotel is fantastic. Good prices and the food is excellent.

Actually now I have looked at the menu it looks reasonable at $14

The one at the Langham for instance is $23

I have found in the past that some hotel breakfasts tend to be priced as though its all good quality freshly prepared food when you are actually getting a buffet thats been sat around drying under the lights.

I have a website called Citysearch that lists restaurants so I will check that out.

Thanks

La Quinta Somerville

We%26#39;re considering staying at the La Quinta Sommerville. Has anyone ever stayed there and if so, what were its strengths and weaknesses. Thanks,

La Quinta Somerville

Here%26#39;s what I know. It%26#39;s sort of a hit or miss place as far as cleanliness goes. Some people say it was fine while others say it was not so clean. I guess it depends on the particular person%26#39;s standard of clean and maybe what time of year you go. They may add additional staff in the busier, warmer months. One problem that seems to plague the property is it%26#39;s shuttle service. If you plan to stay out late in Boston, you may want to consider staying elsewhere. The shuttle shuts down early contrary to what they claim. I have heard of people having to walk the mile or so from the closest T stop at 10PM at night after the hotel claimed the shuttle would be available. Most shuttle hotels suck you in with the promise of shuttle service, but in reality, it%26#39;s more of a daytime service. The good side is the price. It%26#39;s certainly more cost friendly than staying in the city. Somerville itself is a blue collar working class city with mostly good areas and people. The hotel itself is very near the main highway, 93, and there%26#39;s probably not a whole lot happening there. That%26#39;s all I can tell you. Maybe someone else knows more in depth info on the hotel and where it%26#39;s located.

La Quinta Somerville

Pros: free parking, complimentary shuttle to nearby T stops, much less money than downtown hotels, good proximity to the highway for day trips

Cons: can%26#39;t walk out your door and walk to tourist sights, no quality restaurants nearby, feeling of detachment from downtown Boston

Stick to the hotel reviews here please, and don%26#39;t make uninformed comments on a neighborhood you obviously don%26#39;t know at all (except maybe to drive through)-- although no one seems to be giving first hand experience at the hotel either, just repeating what others have said and this poster could find on his own.

Cabs are easy enough to get from the Sullivan or Wellington stations or any other area station.

Somerville is NOT any longer a blue collar working class city any more than any other gentrified parts of the Boston area. There is, in fact, a lot going on artistically, musically, in terms of theatre, etc., etc. which might interest ';even'; a tourist.

And, as mentioned in a previous post, the restaurants are great, in particular the nearby Brazilian ones. I would rather have a piece of flavorful picanha sliced onto my plate right off the grill at Gauchao (quite nearby that hotel) than any pricey steak at Ruth%26#39;s Cris, Morton%26#39;s, Bonfire, or anywhere else!

Get to know the place before you knock it.

cantarelli, you seem a bit upset. The poster asked about the hotel in general and advice was given. Do you have anything more to add about La Quinta other than the nearby brazilian restaurants? You seem to know alot about Boston with an address of Brazil. Please share all of your knowledge without trying to put others down. :)

Florida Boy,

Look into both the Harborside Inn Boston or the Midtown Boston to be in a good location in the city to see all you want to see. The Harborside is right next to Fanueil Hall, while the Midtown is well, midtown close to the Back Bay and Downtown. Both are very reasonable and worth it money wise. Best of luck.

I%26#39;d rather be downtown...

Yes, Will, it%26#39;s one of the joys of the aviation age and telecommuting isn%26#39;t it -- but which TA%26#39;s software has not caught up with to allow acknowledging.

TA%26#39;s strength, though, is the first hand reports from folks who%26#39;ve personally experienced a hotel, for instance, or a restaurant, and the ease with which they can access that archived information without help.

It seems flaboy1 was still asking about this hotel after other posts where he was informed that it was not downtown. I myself enjoy exploring city neighborhoods on a trip, rather than just trekking around the tourist sights, so maybe he does too.

I do hope you have a pleasant stay in the Boston area wherever you end up, flaboy1.

However, when posters put something down without having direct knowledge (';The hotel itself is very near the main highway, 93, and there%26#39;s probably not a whole lot happening there.'; %26amp; ';no quality restaurants nearby';), you might expect a response from someone who knows the area other than from Google. The presence of the elevated Route 93 is not any better or worse than the elevated highway that ran through the tourist areas of Boston until recently. The hotel faces a vibrant, predominantly Brazilian neighborhood, so exploring it might be one thing to do, hence the restaurant recommendation. Culture through food.

What Google might have a harder time telling you is that also, within a few hundred yards of the hotel, are a pretty good pizza place (maybe better than the truck that serves the folks watching Little League at the park next door), a Spanish convenience store, a Salvadoran restaurant with great pupusas and yet another Brazilian store with fresh tropical juices and an assortment of savory snacks. In other words, the hotel is close to neighborhood life.

I also did a short summary of Somerville%26#39;s lively music, art, and restaurant scene in nearby Union Square and accessible Davis, on a couple of recent posts asking about Davis Square. The info%26#39;s out there on TA%26#39;s archive in case anyone--tourist, the recently transplanted or longtime resident-- feels like exploring the city with feet instead of fingers or tires.

Thanks to all who replied to our question about the La Quinta Somerville. Yes, we do understand that it is not in downtown Boston but the price for our 5 nights was very good..in fact, too good to pass up. We can pay for a cab in the evening if we return too late from the T to the hotel. Flaboy1

If you want any more specific info on the %26#39;hidden jewels%26#39; of the immediate neighborhood than already mentioned, I%26#39;d be happy to help. The major Boston area sights are pretty well covered by other posts. Have a great trip!