The Visitor's Guide to Boston

[Montecristo]

In less than 3 weeks I will be crossing Fenway off of my bucket list! My fiance and I are coming into town May 26-29th and am looking for a few suggestions on things to do.

1) We will most likely be going to the game on Saturday at 4:10pm. Is the Fenway tour worth doing if you are going to the game?
2) My fiance loves seafood but I love steak. I understand most restaurants cater to either one or the other. Is there a place that you could recommend that excels at both?
3) The other night we would like to go to a place in little Italy. Any recommendations?
4 Any tips on what to see or do are also appreciated. We would prefer outdoor things vs museums and galleries. We definitely want to see the Universities.

I'm sure I will have a few more questions as we get closer. Hopefully the Celtics will still be playing!

Thanks,

La famiglia giorgios is one of my favorites in the north end in Salem street.

 

[ODAAT]

La famiglia giorgios is one of my favorites in the north end in Salem street.

sounds too mobster like, if I was travelling with buddies, for sure, but no way am I taking Mrs. Odaat there, no need to be terrified while eating my pasta

 

[Montecristo]

sounds too mobster like, if I was travelling with buddies, for sure, but no way am I taking Mrs. Odaat there, no need to be terrified while eating my pasta

There are certainly some mobster type vibes I suppose with the red table cloths, the Italian food and the family style eating, its not unlike most other restaurant in the north end. What I can speak to is the cleanliness of the kitchen. Unfortunately most restaurants in Boston have disgusting kitchens in my experience and la famiglia is by far the cleanest kitchen I've ever walked through. Al the owner is a great guy and the food is great. Plus it's more authentic feeling since it's off of Hanover and on the street running parallel.

Everyone has their own restaurant they bring their significant others to and I bring mine to either la familglia or giacomos if we are in a hurry (they get people in and out of that place since the dining room is so small and the line to get in is so long.)

 

[LucicBergeronNeely]

La famiglia giorgios is one of my favorites in the north end in Salem street.

Most fine restaurants in Boston offer both seafood and meat selections.

DelFrisco's in the Seaport area, has an outstanding offering to suit all palates. Also features a lengthy wine list.

Scroll through these pages and you'll find ,good suggestions for outdoor activities. Walk the Freedom Trail.

"Little Italy" is the North End. Tresca's, on Hanover Street, Ray Bourque's place, is highly recommended. Maybe you'll bump into celebrities like Odaat.

Thank you very much. I will certainly look through this thread for some more ideas on things to do. I think we will go ahead with the tour at Fenway. I'm also looking into Sam Adams tour, duck boats and cycling. If anyone has any recommendations on the best places for this let me know!

There are certainly some mobster type vibes I suppose with the red table cloths, the Italian food and the family style eating, its not unlike most other restaurant in the north end. What I can speak to is the cleanliness of the kitchen. Unfortunately most restaurants in Boston have disgusting kitchens in my experience and la famiglia is by far the cleanest kitchen I've ever walked through. Al the owner is a great guy and the food is great. Plus it's more authentic feeling since it's off of Hanover and on the street running parallel.

Everyone has their own restaurant they bring their significant others to and I bring mine to either la familglia or giacomos if we are in a hurry (they get people in and out of that place since the dining room is so small and the line to get in is so long.)

Good to know. I will look into those options. I am so excited! Thanks!

 

[jgatie]

Go to the Common and Public Gardens. See the duck statues. Do the Swan Boats.

 

[LucicBergeronNeely]

Go to the Common and Public Gardens. See the duck statues. Do the Swan Boats.

Thanks. We are staying at the Park Plaza so I believe we are close by.

Someone recommended ETALY. Anyone here try this place before?

Have also been told to do hop on hop off tours?

Lastly, the opening thread mentions something about a sports museum at the Garden but the link is broken. Does this still exist and is it worth checking out?

 

[Ratty]

Thanks. We are staying at the Park Plaza so I believe we are close by.

Someone recommended ETALY. Anyone here try this place before?

Have also been told to do hop on hop off tours?

Lastly, the opening thread mentions something about a sports museum at the Garden but the link is broken. Does this still exist and is it worth checking out?

Wife and two adult daughters tried Eataly this past Saturday. Mario Batali's place, recently opened. They all had high praise for the authentic quality of the menu and the knowledgeable, friendly service they received.

It is located in the Prudential complex on Boylston Street. Place is large and features fine dining, take away service and a grocery store. No reservations during the day, only for dinner.

 

[meowwcat]

Thanks. We are staying at the Park Plaza so I believe we are close by.

Someone recommended ETALY. Anyone here try this place before?

Have also been told to do hop on hop off tours?

Lastly, the opening thread mentions something about a sports museum at the Garden but the link is broken. Does this still exist and is it worth checking out?

The Sports Museum at the Garden is still there, and in my opinion worth checking out. I don't know what link you had, but here is a link that works:

http://www.sportsmuseum.org/

There are also tours of the Garden, tickets for those are at the Pro-Shop on the 2nd level.

 

[talkinaway]

Is there a separate tour of the Garden versus just the Sports Museum? My impression is that there's just one tour, and you get to poke around a little more (ie visiting locker room, arena floor) during the off season.

I haven't done the official tour, but I think most of the memorabilia is on floors 5 and 6 - the Club/Suite/SportsDeck/Heineken Lounge levels. It's free to look at during games/concerts...if you've spent the money for those tickets.

There are plaques by each exhibit, but I imagine it'd be worth the nominal fee to have a guided tour. Most of the stuff there is old equipment/unis with some photographs to go along with it...the thing most folks would remember is the old Boston Garden seats. And I'm sure they'll take you out to the club seats for a good view of the arena and all the banners in the Garden. Everyone knows about the Bruins on the east side and the Celtics on the west...but check out the middle area, where our local tourneys (Beanpot and Hockey East) have their banners. The actual trophy for one (maybe both? I forget) of the tourneys is on display for everyone to see on loge/Level 4 - behind section 10, IIRC. I don't know if that's part of the tour.

Speaking of the ProShop, if you're looking for hockey jerseys and are in the US, skip the ProShop, IMO. I could be wrong (jersey geeks feel free to correct me), but I think they're the same jerseys you get at shop.NHL.com (which is also the same as/"powered by" fanatics.com), but they cost about $40 more - and fanatics often has sales, maybe 2 or 3 weeks out of every 2 months. The wall of hats they have at the ProShop is impressive - but I'm not really a hat person, and I've never comparison shopped.

 

[Fenway]

Is there a separate tour of the Garden versus just the Sports Museum? My impression is that there's just one tour, and you get to poke around a little more (ie visiting locker room, arena floor) during the off season.

I haven't done the official tour, but I think most of the memorabilia is on floors 5 and 6 - the Club/Suite/SportsDeck/Heineken Lounge levels. It's free to look at during games/concerts...if you've spent the money for those tickets.

There are plaques by each exhibit, but I imagine it'd be worth the nominal fee to have a guided tour. Most of the stuff there is old equipment/unis with some photographs to go along with it...the thing most folks would remember is the old Boston Garden seats. And I'm sure they'll take you out to the club seats for a good view of the arena and all the banners in the Garden. Everyone knows about the Bruins on the east side and the Celtics on the west...but check out the middle area, where our local tourneys (Beanpot and Hockey East) have their banners. The actual trophy for one (maybe both? I forget) of the tourneys is on display for everyone to see on loge/Level 4 - behind section 10, IIRC. I don't know if that's part of the tour.

Speaking of the ProShop, if you're looking for hockey jerseys and are in the US, skip the ProShop, IMO. I could be wrong (jersey geeks feel free to correct me), but I think they're the same jerseys you get at shop.NHL.com (which is also the same as/"powered by" fanatics.com), but they cost about $40 more - and fanatics often has sales, maybe 2 or 3 weeks out of every 2 months. The wall of hats they have at the ProShop is impressive - but I'm not really a hat person, and I've never comparison shopped.

Tour info

http://www.sportsmuseum.org/visiting/hours-and-admission.aspx

The Pro Shop will have a massive sale on all the Reebok gear as soon as the Celtics season ends.

 

[whatsbruin]

Went to Boston for Easter, driving from NY.
On Saturday we stopped at Sturbridge Village. It was pretty interesting.
Wife and I really enjoyed the working Saw Mill, Grist Mill, and Carding Mill.
All powered by water.

Then on Sunday on to Boston. Took in a Harbor Whale watch. First time.
Nice boat ride and got to see whales and dolphins.

Went to eat at the Oyster House. It was okay. A bit expensive, but cross it off
the bucket list. Probably won't go back. I think there are better options.

 

[ODAAT]

59 days until Mrs. Odaat and I hit our favorite city in the states for Tom Petty and some grub at Bourque`s place, she must be excited, she asked me yesterday if a particular dress was ok for dinner

Arriving the afternoon of the 19th, concert on the 20th so we`ll be out and about during the day, if anyone see`s a slightly pudgy dude with a hot woman by his side and a fanny pack looking lost around Faneuil Hall, say hello

 

[Elvis P]

What do you guys think of the Basketball Hall of Fame? I've never been there.

 

[jgatie]

What do you guys think of the Basketball Hall of Fame? I've never been there.

I think it's nearly 2 hours away from Boston via one of the most boring drives you will ever take, and I wouldn't volunteer to go to Springfield for any reason.

 

[Elvis P]

I think it's nearly 2 hours away from Boston via one of the most boring drives you will ever take, and I wouldn't volunteer to go to Springfield for any reason.

Okay. I knew what city it was in and that it's not the NBA HoF. Thanks.

 

[Ratty]

Okay. I knew what city it was in and that it's not the NBA HoF. Thanks.

The Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame is, indeed, the hall of fame for NBA players, coaches, founders, etc. Springfield, especially downtown, is undergoing a renewal thanks, in part, to the new MGM Casino under construction. Try Student Prince for ambiance and good German, Hungarian, Czech delicacies.

 

[LucicBergeronNeely]

Leaving for Boston in a few days. Have majority of the trip planned two last questions before we take off.

We are really looking forward to bars with live music. I have heard to check out Mr. Dooleys, Black Rose, & Durty Nellys. Are these spots good? Any of them better than the other? Any other ones similar to this you recomend?

Secondly, thinking of going to the Improv Asylum has anyone been before? Any good?

Appreciate the help. Go Celtics!

 

[Elvis P]

The Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame is, indeed, the hall of fame for NBA players, coaches, founders, etc. ...

It's also a HoF for high school players and coaches, college players and coaches, ABA players and coaches, women's college and WNBA players and coaches, international players and coaches, and the Harlem Globetrotters.

 

[Kate08]

Leaving for Boston in a few days. Have majority of the trip planned two last questions before we take off.

We are really looking forward to bars with live music. I have heard to check out Mr. Dooleys, Black Rose, & Durty Nellys. Are these spots good? Any of them better than the other? Any other ones similar to this you recomend?

Secondly, thinking of going to the Improv Asylum has anyone been before? Any good?

Appreciate the help. Go Celtics!

Durty Nelly's is a wicked dive bar, Dooley's is a more classic Irish pub, and Black Rose is a Fanuiel Hall hot spot on Friday/Saturday nights for the younger crowd, but a great spot to stop for a few drinks during the day.

If you want live music, a lot of the bars on Union St right off the Haymarket T stop tend to have stuff on the weekends. Check out Hennesey's, Paddy-O's, and Blackstone Pub...conveniently all in a row.

 

[LucicBergeronNeely]

Durty Nelly's is a wicked dive bar, Dooley's is a more classic Irish pub, and Black Rose is a Fanuiel Hall hot spot on Friday/Saturday nights for the younger crowd, but a great spot to stop for a few drinks during the day.

If you want live music, a lot of the bars on Union St right off the Haymarket T stop tend to have stuff on the weekends. Check out Hennesey's, Paddy-O's, and Blackstone Pub...conveniently all in a row.

Thank you very much. I am so excited! Hopefully we get some good weather, especially for the game on Saturday. Fingers crossed.

 

[LucicBergeronNeely]

Had a great trip. Weather could have been a bit better but we made the most of it and saw so much of the city.

Loved Fenway, we were there for the complete game shutout! The Black Rose had some great live entertainment which we throughly enjoyed. Harvard was very neat. Breakfast at paramount was worth the wait and the gelato at Eataly was amazing! Hope to get back one day for a Bruins game.

Thanks to all those who helped

 

[MrKabukiman]

What do you guys think of the Basketball Hall of Fame? I've never been there.

I went for the first time a few months ago with a neighbor and his son. We had a blast. Its about 90 minutes from Boston via the Mass Pike. Granted, the area around the HOF isnt that great, but we ate at a nice Italian Restaurant about a 5 minute drive from the HOF, the Red Rose Pizzeria. Be sure to go hungry, and expect leftovers!

 

[NDiesel]

Posted this in the wrong thread:

I have a question for all Bostonians here. I am a 24 year old heading to Boston for the first time ever in July to see a concert. What are some good areas/things to do while I'm there (looking for both Bruins related things if there are in July and non-Bruins related) that I should check out? Any certain restaurants or bars that I must check?

Thanks for any info! Feel free to PM me or post here, I'm open to all suggestions!

 

[jgatie]

Posted this in the wrong thread:

Originally Posted by WithOutPaperss

I have a question for all Bostonians here. I am a 24 year old heading to Boston for the first time ever in July to see a concert. What are some good areas/things to do while I'm there (looking for both Bruins related things if there are in July and non-Bruins related) that I should check out? Any certain restaurants or bars that I must check?

Thanks for any info! Feel free to PM me or post here, I'm open to all suggestions!

TD Garden will be open, you can do the NE Sports tour and shop at the pro shop.

As for the rest, review the thread, including the first post. Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in the country, there is something for everyone, and its not so big that you are overwhelmed trying to see too much at once.

Listing your interests or favorite types of activities could also give us some hints. Bars, beaches, dining, history, museums, waterfront, music, etc.

 

[NDiesel]

TD Garden will be open, you can do the NE Sports tour and shop at the pro shop.

As for the rest, review the thread, including the first post. Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in the country, there is something for everyone, and its not so big that you are overwhelmed trying to see too much at once.

Listing your interests or favorite types of activities could also give us some hints. Bars, beaches, dining, history, museums, waterfront, music, etc.

Bars, beaches, dining, history, waterfront and music would all be interesting to me, thank you for the tips and I'll look through the thread a bit more when I'm off work, I appreciate it!

Very excited to visit the city of my favourite sports franchise (and rep my Bruins gear while doing it).