The Best Boston Hotels For You

If you are traveling to Boston on business or pleasure you should not miss out on the hospitality offered by the best Boston hotels. Whatever your budget you will be more than pleased to find numerous hotels that will please you.

XV Beacon
The XV Beacon is one of Boston’s very best hotels. With only 60 rooms to offer, this hotel is quite a gem. It is a Beaux Arts building and is reminiscent of the golden era. The cage elevator is an original and adds to the eclectic ambiance of the hotel.

The interiors of the hotel are modern and rather chic. Each room is designed and decorated differently. You will enjoy the mahogany cupboards, fireplaces and canopied beds, all tastefully chosen to match the discerning patrons of the hotel.

Four Seasons Hotel
The Four Seasons Hotel in Boston lives up to the reputation that it has set for itself. With 273 rooms, the hotel promises an experience you will never forget. Located in the Back Bay area it is conveniently close to Boston Common and Beacon Hill. The soothing ambiance of the hotel is the perfect background for its wonderful hospitality. Take the time to check the seasonal offers available for guests. Do opt for a room that faces the Boston public garden.

Mandarin Oriental
The Mandarin Oriental offers its guests a warm and hospitable stay. The hotel is designed to offer a luxurious and pleasant experience. Patrons are especially pleased with its friendly staff and their attention to detail. The hotel is connected to the Prudential Center. This makes it a great choice for people who have traveled to Boston on business. It is also located close to the city’s historic and tourist sites.

Hotel Commonwealth
The Hotel Commonwealth is ranked as one of the best Boston hotels by critics as wells as guests. It is located in the Back Bay neighborhood and has a terrace that looks over the famous Fenway Park. The hotel is perfect for guests who are visiting the city, and for events too. The newly appointed rooms of the hotel are modern and stylish.

If you are fan of the Boston Red Sox then you will enjoy staying at the Fenway Park Suite. It is curated in partnership with the Boston Red Sox. The suite balcony has original Fenway park seats.

Encore B&B
The Encore B&B is a boutique hotel with only four rooms that are named after famous theatrical stars. The 19th Century townhouse is well maintained and offers a comfortable and delightful stay. It finds its place on the list of the best Boston hotels simply because of the superior experience it offers its guests. And like the name says, guests like to return for an encore.

Chandler Studios Boston
If you like to avoid bigger hotels that may seem impersonal, then Chandler Studios is the place to stay when you are in Boston. The contemporary boutique hotel is located in South End on a street lined with Brownstone town houses and trees. Guests love staying here because it seems like they have a residence of their own in Boston. This makes the Chandler Studios an excellent choice for families.

Rooms are available in several sizes and come with their own kitchenettes. Wooden floors, soothing walls and bright accents are some of things you can look forward to when you stay here. The studios are opposite the Chandler Inn and the staff is helpful and can help you plan your days and experiences in Boston.

Choosing from the long list of Boston hotels is an interesting task. You can choose from renowned five star hotels or opt for smaller, intimate boutique hotels. You will find modern, historical and eclectic hotels to select from. It is important that you opt for one that suits your preferences.

Best Craft Beer In Boston

Boston is well known for its prominent role in the craft beer movement. It is home to some of the most famous and delicious craft beers you can find in America, and indeed, the world. From traditional to innovative, you can find any type of beer you desire, as long as you know where to look.

Top Craft Beer Breweries in Boston

With the city’s fast growth and vast array of restaurants and bars, it may be tricky to figure out where to go if you are unfamiliar with the city. Fortunately, I took care of the (arduous) task of sampling beers all over the city to create this, the definitive list of must-visit craft beer destinations in Boston.

Harpoon Brewery

One of the largest craft breweries in the area, this gem can be found in the Seaport District, one of Boston’s fastest growing neighborhoods. Beer lovers can take a tour to learn about the brewing process; it costs $5, with proceeds donated to charity. Included in this price are free samples in the tasting room. The samples include standard Harpoon flavors that you find at bars and in stores, as well as limited edition small batches that the brewers are experimenting with.

After the tour (or in lieu of the tour) you can spend time in the brew hall, where in addition to full size beers for purchase, Harpoon offers delicious fresh baked pretzels made from the spent grain that is a by-product of the brewing process with your choice of delicious dipping sauces. You can also buy growlers of beer or Harpoon-themed merchandise to take home.

Boston’s Sam Adams Brewery

The tour isn’t quite as good as Harpoon’s, the brewery is harder to get to, and the sample selections are limited (especially given the extensive product line that Sam Adams offers). However, the tour is free, and beer is delicious, so it’s worth the trip.

The Publick House

Photo by Kalman Zabarsky for Boston University Photography

The Publick House is off the beaten path for tourists and even most residents, but it offers one of the most extensive beer menus in the greater Boston area. It features beers from all over the world and many local selections as well. The staff is very knowledgeable and all the beers are delicious and unique; it is more reminiscent of an authentic Belgian beer cafe than your typical Boston restaurant. As an added bonus, the food menu, though limited, features tasty offerings that complement the beer perfectly.

Historic Cemetaries in Boston

Boston is a city synonymous with the independence struggle of the United States. Due to this, it is rich in history. Among its important landmarks are the numerous historic cemeteries. These cemeteries date back to 1630 and are located in different Boston neighborhoods. Here are some of these burying grounds and the names of some of the famous people buried in them.

Granary Burying Ground in Boston

This cemetery was

The burial site of Samuel Adams.

established in the year 1660. The Granary Burying Grounds was established to take off pressure from the nearby King’s Chapel Burying Ground that was overcrowding. The burying ground got its name from a granary that was built there in 1737. Currently, the Park Street Church occupies the site of the granary. All burials in this cemetery, however, stopped in 1880 and it is now a historic site.

Some of the important historic figures whose remains are at the Granary include John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine, and Samuel Adams who signed the declaration of independence. Also interred at this site are Paul Revere, Peter Faneuil, Benjamin Franklin’s parents, and James Otis.

Eliot Burying Ground

Formerly known as Eustis Street Burying Ground and Old Roxbury Burying Ground, Eliot Burying Ground is the third oldest cemetery in Boston. This cemetery, which saw its first interment made in the year 1630, is also the site of the Roxbury Neck fortifications. The years 1854 was when the last interment occurred in this burying ground though there were those that went on in family tombs.

Among the famous buried here include Governors Thomas Dudley and Joseph Dudley in 1653 and 1720 respectively. Others include Colonel William Dudley in 1743 and Chief Justice Paul Dudley in 1752 both in their family tomb. Others include John Eliot in 1690, Benjamin Thompson, and five ministers of the First Church of Roxbury.

Phipps Street Burying Ground

The Phipps Street Burying Ground was established in 1630 by Charlestown’s founding fathers just after their settlement. The landscape of this cemetery has however dramatically changed over the years due to landfills and urban renewal activities. During its early years, the cemetery was bordered by an estuary of the Charles River at the rear side of the hill and marshy flats at the south and west.

Some of the famous people interred here include Nathaniel Gorham who was president of the Continental Congress and a signer of the Constitution, John Harvard who helped start a college at Cambridge, and Thomas Beecher. Famous families buried here include the Phipps, Hurds, Frothinghams, Harvards, Hunnewells, and Russels.
Boston is rich in history. When visiting historical sites in the city, be sure to visit these burying grounds too.

Quick Nature Trips Outside Of Boston

Wanting to get away from Boston for the weekend?

If you’re looking for a quick dose of nature without leaving the Boston city too far behind, the Boston Harbor Islands are a great option. With camping areas available on Bumpkin, Grape, Lovells, and Peddocks Islands, you can experience an outdoor adventure and still see the gorgeous city skyline. The islands offer tent and yurt camping with individual and group sites available, each with picnic tables and grills nearby.

Hiking Outside of Boston

For an excellent hiking spot, check out Peddocks Island, Spectacle Island, and Worlds End Park. With a variety of terrain and scenery for all levels, from walkers to experienced hikers, you’ll find well organized trail systems, and a variety of trees and wildlife. Spectacle Island also houses the North Drumlin. As the highest point in the harbor, you will see breath-taking views of the entire harbor.

Camping, Fishing, Boating

Further out from the city, Myles Standish State Forest offers more of the “Great Outdoors” feel with miles of trails, campsites, and a pond. This is a great spot for fishing, boating, and swimming and offers individual and group campsites and yurts. With 35 miles of equestrian trails, the forest is horse friendly and has several horse camp sites, which can accommodate two to three horses with a trailer and room for a corral. At around 50 miles from Boston, this spot is far enough from the hustle and bustle, but still close enough for a weekend getaway.

Just 20 miles north of the city, Harold Parker State Forest offers camping and hiking, with canoeing, swimming, and fishing available at Berry Pond. Lorraine Park Campground has over 80 campsites available, with picnic tables and grills on each site. Though there is no electrical hookups available, there are bathroom and hot shower facilities available at the campground. With hiking, walking, biking, and horse riding trails, this spot is sure to have enough activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Nickerson State Park is not far from Boston

Nickerson State Park, located in Cape Cod Bay, is the perfect weekend retreat to nature. With miles of wooded trails and fresh water kettle ponds, you can easily relax and enjoy the serene forest. This site offers over 400 campsites, yurts, hiking trails and bike paths. Flax pond offers swimming and canoeing while Higgins Pond has catch and release fishing available. This spot also accommodates R.V and trailer camping, as well as horse back riding trails. At just over two hours from Boston, this location is an easy, nearby vacation from city life.

Best Summer Sports in Boston

Popular Outdoor Sports in Boston

Summer weather in Boston is ideal for outdoor activities. Among them, several sports are popular with residents of all ages. There are leagues for children and adults alike, throughout the many fitness centers and sports clubs in the region. Here are five of the most popular sports we play in Boston.  Social sports clubs, like Social Boston Sports, is a great place to meet people and get involved in a variety of sports.

Outdoor Kickball

Outdoor kickball is becoming popular again, among adults. This sport is often a favorite among children of all ages. Adults are discovering they can have fun and get much needed exercise, through this activity. Some sports centers offer Summer leagues. Anyone can learn kickball and prior experience is not required. There are leagues for children and separate leagues for adults. Many informal neighborhood games are played at a moment’s notice. This sport is a good choice for family gatherings, picnics, and other get-togethers. It doesn’t require much, in the way of equipment, and can be played in any open space or at any city park.

Softball

Softball is another popular sport in the region. Leagues are offered for children in different age categories, as well for adults. There are co-ed, men’s, and women’s leagues available to residents. Participants can choose from slow pitch or fast pitch leagues as well. Some leagues play games on specified days and times, such as Sunday afternoons or Friday nights.

Flag Football

This sport is a favorite among children and adults of all ages. Girls, boys, men, and women now enjoy a weekend game of flag football. Leagues and organized games are offered in several sports centers. Many people who participate do so to improve fitness levels and have fun, in a mildly competitive environment.

Field Hockey

Field hockey is wildly popular in Boston! This sport attracts both men and women. Leagues are offered throughout the city’s recreation and sports centers. This sport requires minimal equipment and is played on a grass field. Participants can practice in the back yard or in any open field.

Disc Golf

Outdoor disc golf is often thought of as a sport for young adults. But, leagues and tournaments are open to people of all ages and skill levels. Boston has plenty of parks and open fields for participants.

Where to find the best Clam Chowder In Boston

Want Authentic New England Clam Chowder?

Boston’s rich history dates back to the 1630s with the arrival of the first Puritans. Later Boston became a popular nesting ground for colonists who rebelled against the heavy tax levy imposed by the British government. Today, Boston’s rich history continues with its love for education, cultural stimulation and diversity.

Tourist visiting Boston should enjoy exploring the scenery and visiting some of the best
restaurants in the area. The best dish to try is authentic New England Clam chowder. Not many restaurants in Boston make it the same way. Each recipe is unique, but here are a few restaurants you may want to try.

The Summer Shack

Don’t let the name fool you. The Summer Shack owner/ chef has several locations throughout Boston, and another location in Connecticut. This chef literally wrote the book on clam chowder. Chowder was first introduced in Canada and the Northeast more than 100- years- ago, and is now served in restaurants across the country. The one- dish sensation features clam, bacon, black pepper, spices, herbs, chives, bay leaves and fennel. Although, the recipe varies. It was not until the 1940s, that a French chef introduced cream as an additional ingredient in chowder, and now everyone who comes to Boston wants good chowder.

Island Creek Oyster Bar

Oysters is not the only specialty the chefs are cooking up at Island Creek. This restaurant makes the tastiest clam chowder, with special attention given to the ingredients. The clams are dug by hand, the bacon is house- cured, and the potatoes are nicely cubed. The broth seals in the flavor, and when you add the oyster crackers, there is no going back. By the way, you can try the chowder with homemade mini buttermilk biscuits.

The Barking Crab

Crabs don’t bark, but the clam chowder here has a bite. The Barking Crab’s chowder here is made fresh from scratch every day, and served with wine soaked, poached quahogs. When you add the black pepper, smoked bacon, celery, onion and delicious cream, it’s a wrap. The restaurant serves the chowder in a cup, with no reflection on taste. It’s still delicious.

The Oldest Bars in Boston

A few of my favorite Original Bars in Boston

When traveling to Boston, there is a rich history that you would be downtrodden to miss out on. Boston is home to some of the oldest bars in the country, each with a rich history of its own.

The first of these bars is the Green Dragon Tavern. It was built in 1654 and is the oldest bar in Boston, although the original building no longer exists today. Along with the rich history, famous people such as Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Joseph Warren, and was even know as the headquarters of the American Revolution in 1788.

Another popular historic bar in Boston is the Warren Tavern, which was built in 1775. This bar is the only historic bar that is still in the original building in which it was built. There have been a number of famous people that have passed through this bar, including people such as George Washington and other Patriot soldiers.

Bell in Hand was built in 1795 and has been deemed America’s oldest continuously operating bar and tavern. This bar was built after Boston’s last town crier gave up the business and decided to open the bar, with a play on what he used to deliver the news with. Along with its rich history, famous people such as Daniel Webster and Paul Revere used to frequent this bar.

The Best Oysters in Boston

Last but not least is the Union Oyster House. Although the Union Oyster House was not always a bar, it is the oldest oyster bar in Boston and has been in business since the Colonial Age. Patrons of this oyster bar and restaurant include the likes of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, George Washington, and Daniel Webster.

Although this list is not inclusive due to the rich history of Boston, it highlights some of the oldest and most historic bars that Boston has to offer. If you are in the area, do yourself a favor and visit these historic bars. You never know, you might find yourself sitting in the exact same seat or at the same table that George Washington or Paul Revere himself used to sit.

Best Museums in Boston

What is the Best Museum in Boston?

Boston is a city rife with history, waterways, amazing seafood and great museums. It is nearly impossible to choose just one, and there are great museums all over town. Still, I will point out a couple of my favorites.

In the Seaport area, be sure to visit the Institute of Contemporary Art, a waterfront building offering galleries and shows, and lots of kid-friendly art displays. Nearby, make a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts and the Children’s Museum.

Near the city’s ivy-league schools, you will find the Museum of Natural History at Harvard Square, and the Museum of Science at Cambridge. Of course, these two schools are living history lessons themselves and not to be missed!

For the ultimate Boston history experience, don’t miss the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. This museum tells the story of Boston’s place in the founding of our nation and is a favorite for travelers.

Interesting Landmarks Near Harvard

Harvard itself is one of the most interesting places in the country, but it is surrounded by areas of historical significance as well. Check out some of these cool places, and keep your camera ready!

Harvard Yard

Harvard Yard is entered through historic archways and surrounded by the stately buildings of the college. It is a quiet and park-like area with seating for visitors under ancient shade trees.  Great place for lunch or just to relax. Be sure to see Widener Library and the Memorial Church while in the Yard.

Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall is the home of Sanders Theater, where there is always something happening. Here’s an awesome little tidbit: the dining hall here was the inspiration for the one in the Harry Potter movies. Beautiful architecture and stunning stained glass windows abound in this building.

Weeks Footbridge

This stunning bridge is for pedestrians only, and is one of our favorite places to walk. You get a full view of the college and forget all about the traffic that is all around the river.

Prospect Hill Monument

How much history can you stand in one day? This is the first place our flag was ever flown, and New Year’s Day brings a celebration with a faux George Washington! I love the view of the city skyline from up top.

Best Springtime Parks In Boston

Don’t miss these Boston Parks!

The spring is glorious in New England as the region climbs out of winter and hits its stride toward summer. However, any time is a great time to celebrate the season at hand at one of the many public parks in Boston. I have selected a few of my favorites and offer them to you in no particular order.

Flowering Parks of Boston

Boston boasts a healthy selection of parks whose main draw for me and many others is their gorgeous floral displays. Among the top parks of this type is the Boston Public Garden, situated across Charles Street from its sister park, the historic Boston Common. Flowers and flowering trees make for the perfect stroll and provide an escape from the stresses of the city. This also is the park that features the famous swan boats, which are constantly circling the lagoon.

Other parks with a botanical flair include the Emerald Necklace, which features seven miles of garden delights. Popular with joggers, it also features a guided evening tour. Another part of the Emerald Necklace system of parks is the Arnold Arboretum, which consists of 281 acres that are home to more than 15,000 shrubs and trees.

Parks for Exercise and Entertainment

Boston Commons is best known for its historical significance. The 50-acre site is America’s oldest park, where at one time cattle grazed and public hangings were held in the 1600’s and 1700’s. Lesser known outside Boston is that it also features a playground and a splash pool for children, an old time carousel, and a bandstand where musical and theatrical performances are held.

Best Park For Live Springtime Music

The Charles River Esplanade also hosts live musical concerts on the stage of its Hatch Shell performance arena. With or without musical accompaniment, visitors can enjoy three miles of greenery along the banks of the Charles River where once were only mud flats. While walking or jogging on land, tourists can enjoy the sight of kayaks, sailboats, and sculling boats making their way down the river.