OT: Visiting Boston? We are here to help.

Ratty

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Feb 2, 2003
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I'm jealous of you guys who live here! I arrived after 4 hours from maine, basically just wanted to toss keys at valet parking! Walked around for 2 hours downtown, amazing! Wife just couldnt hang with the beers! This city is amazing! Cant wait for tomorrow's game!
First impressions are lasting impressions. Glad you both enjoyed. Here's hoping you enjoy the game as much.
 

jgatie

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Sep 22, 2011
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So we went to Mr Dooleys tonight! Unreal time! Thanks for the suggestion! Wife got into the vodka sodas so we're back in the room early! Is Harvard worth visiting tomorrow before the game tomorrow?


Harvard is great. Their museums are underrated gems, especially the Fogg for art and the Natural History for . . . Uhhh . . . Stuff.
 
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sooshii

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I'm jealous of you guys who live here! I arrived after 4 hours from maine, basically just wanted to toss keys at valet parking! Walked around for 2 hours downtown, amazing! Wife just couldnt hang with the beers! This city is amazing! Cant wait for tomorrow's game!
You got a good one!

Going back to Boston week after Thanksgiving and just picked up a ticket for the game v. NYI - Rick Middleton night!
 

The Hockey Tonk Man

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May 3, 2007
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A4cade in Cambridge (I know) is a good spot for exactly what you stated above. It's worth going to Cambridge for it personally.

Roxy's A4cade - 300 Mass Ave, Cambridge, MA

There's a new bar in downtown near the Omni Parker House called Versus, which seems like it just opened about a month ago. Quick glance of their instagram shows arcade machines (Galaga, PacMan), pinball, skeeball, airhockey, and table top games.

Versus - 42 Province St., Boston, MA

As for sports bars, there's plenty around. I'm assuming you're thinking of the Greatest Bar. Not a bad place, but not my favorite either. Personally I'm a fan of the Fours on Canal St, which is basically across the street from the Garden.

Hope this helps.

Thanks! Ending up spending Friday afternoon at Versus then hit up a bowling alley/arcade near Fenway before the game Saturday.

It was so tough to keep my hat for Pasta's hat trick but I didn't want to get sick haha . It looked like he got a pretty sweet bear foam hat out of it, so now I don't feel toooooooo bad
 

JRull86

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Jan 28, 2009
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Thanks! Ending up spending Friday afternoon at Versus then hit up a bowling alley/arcade near Fenway before the game Saturday.

It was so tough to keep my hat for Pasta's hat trick but I didn't want to get sick haha . It looked like he got a pretty sweet bear foam hat out of it, so now I don't feel toooooooo bad
Glad you had a good time!
 

Quickdraw2828

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Aug 2, 2011
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I doubt any American city has changed as much as Boston has in this century. In 2000 the Seaport area was nothing but parking lots and now it is rivaling the Back Bay.

Stayed in Seaport over Thanksgiving weekend. For craft beer lovers, a room at the Marriott Residence Inn/Seaport (stunning architecture and history) and a one block walk to Trillium Brewery is heaven. I think the Residence Inn is out of my budget most of the year, but it was reasonable for the holiday weekend. One of the nicest places I've stayed. Nice restaurants in area too. One thing I noticed, there appears to be very little green (grass and trees) in Seaport, unless I just wasn't on the right streets. And I suppose the lack of green makes sense considering the location.

I also went to one of your tourist places too - Eataly, which was a hell of a lot of fun and a hell of a lot of money. Especially wine glass prices. I'll go back for bakery, shopping and fun, but I'll eat in North End next time.

Raised in New York but Boston is my favorite US city too. The city....not you f*s :D
 
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Rcknrollkillnmachine

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Sep 22, 2017
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Hej, guys!

I posted in August about coming from Finland with my wife for a two year work visa period to rent and we may take a place in Cambridge for six months until we can find something cheaper and will allow us to bring over our dog later in the summer; we arrive in four weeks or so.

Again thanks to the posters for rental suggestions so now I just want to get some tips about Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Cheers in advance.
 

JRull86

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Jan 28, 2009
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Hej, guys!

I posted in August about coming from Finland with my wife for a two year work visa period to rent and we may take a place in Cambridge for six months until we can find something cheaper and will allow us to bring over our dog later in the summer; we arrive in four weeks or so.

Again thanks to the posters for rental suggestions so now I just want to get some tips about Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Cheers in advance.
@Fenway help this man! Right in your wheelhouse.
 

Fenway

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It's insane to watch what's happened to Somerville over the past 10 or so years, hell even the past 5.

Just wait until the subway is extended into Somerville in 2021. Look what happened to Assembly Square once the subway station opened 4 years ago.

Throw in the casino that opens in 6 months :help: Those workers have to live somewhere.

Encore_Boston_Harbor_Everett_MA.png
 

meliz112

Registered User
Feb 6, 2018
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36
Boston, MA
Hej, guys!

I posted in August about coming from Finland with my wife for a two year work visa period to rent and we may take a place in Cambridge for six months until we can find something cheaper and will allow us to bring over our dog later in the summer; we arrive in four weeks or so.

Again thanks to the posters for rental suggestions so now I just want to get some tips about Cambridge and surrounding areas.

Cheers in advance.

I would rethink renting in Cambridge if your wife will be working in longwood. That is a hellish commute. It doesn’t look bad on a map but in practice she would be need to take the red line to park street( aka hell on earth) to change to either the D or E green line. It will be packed and it will take an hour plus. The other option is to take the longwood shuttle( bus for only employees) as it picks up in Harvard and central squares. It would also take about 45-60 minutes as you are dealing with street traffic, I’ve never had the trip take the estimated 20-30 minutes. Here’s the link M2 CAMBRIDGE-HMS | MASCO

Much more palatable would be to look in Brookline village or Coolidge Corner, maybe even Newton if it’s close to the D line. Fenway would be the best for walking, but it tends to run towards luxury new buildings or run down student enclaves.
 

Rcknrollkillnmachine

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Sep 22, 2017
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I would rethink renting in Cambridge if your wife will be working in longwood. That is a hellish commute. It doesn’t look bad on a map but in practice she would be need to take the red line to park street( aka hell on earth) to change to either the D or E green line. It will be packed and it will take an hour plus. The other option is to take the longwood shuttle( bus for only employees) as it picks up in Harvard and central squares. It would also take about 45-60 minutes as you are dealing with street traffic, I’ve never had the trip take the estimated 20-30 minutes. Here’s the link M2 CAMBRIDGE-HMS | MASCO

Much more palatable would be to look in Brookline village or Coolidge Corner, maybe even Newton if it’s close to the D line. Fenway would be the best for walking, but it tends to run towards luxury new buildings or run down student enclaves.

Cheers!. We haven't gotten a defi ite place yet so we are looking somewhere near Longwood commute wise.

Are these areas fun for bars, cafes and restaurants as well as affordable e.g. Cambridge, Sommerville, etc?
 

Fenway

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Cheers!. We haven't gotten a defi ite place yet so we are looking somewhere near Longwood commute wise.

Are these areas fun for bars, cafes and restaurants as well as affordable e.g. Cambridge, Sommerville, etc?

With Longwood a factor you can also look at Jamacia Plain.

There are no bargains anymore and a factor you need to consider in a commute is crossing the Charles River as ALL the neighborhoods are viable
 

meliz112

Registered User
Feb 6, 2018
36
36
Boston, MA
With Longwood a factor you can also look at Jamacia Plain.

There are no bargains anymore and a factor you need to consider in a commute is crossing the Charles River as ALL the neighborhoods are viable

The Jamaica Plain suggestion is a good one, especially if your wife will be on the Brigham side of longwood. Jamaica plain has lots of fun shops and restaurants and the loop around the pond would be perfect if you end up bringing your dog.

I would focus your search on the Coolidge corner area of Brookline. It’s full of shops and restaurants, plus a grocery store. It’s a fun neighborhood to live in, and your wife could walk to longwood in 10-15 minutes. It’s similar price wise to Cambridge, maybe somewhat more affordable, most of the lower cost apartments in Cambridge tend to be further out in Porter and Davis.

I’ve lived all around Boston and found that the T is almost always fine to use for social events. I never have a problem going downtown for dinner or to the garden for games, but the same trip that takes 30 minutes to go to dinner suddenly takes 75 minutes on a Tuesday morning trying to get to work.
 

Ryuji Yamazaki

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Jul 22, 2015
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Hey Bruins fans,

I'm planning to go to Boston for PAX and catch the Bruins - Panthers game on March 30th.

Never been to Boston before, can anyone recommend places to eat or things to do in that area? Thanks.
 

Brewin

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Nov 11, 2006
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Calgary, AB
First off, thanks to everyone who's posted in this thread. Lots of great ideas and things I wouldn't have thought of.

My dad and I are coming to town on Friday, catching the Pats game Sunday, and the B's game Monday. Excited doesn't begin to explain it!

I do have a couple of questions I'm hoping a local can help with:

- Luke's Lobster. I heard on the recent Flames pregame broadcast the pbp guy was definitely stopping in for a lobster roll. Worth it? Are their better one's in town, or is that a classic that should be tried?

- The Fours - I'm guessing it's good place to catch the B's-Leafs on Saturday? We're staying on N Hudson Street and wanting to find a place nearby that'll have the sound on.

- Gambling. My dad and I like to play a little blackjack when we visit each other. Is MGM Springfield the closest for this?

- Tours. Duck vs trolley? I'm guessing no water for the duck boats this time of year? If you could only do one, which would it be?

- Finally, my dad is not really into the arts, music, history, or anything like that. Last time we went to Vegas I took him on a dune buggy adventure and he loved it. Any 'experiences' within an hour or so of Boston that would be worth checking out?

Thanks in advance - I know it's a lot of questions, but I got such great answers in the Pat's thread I figured I'd push my luck here too ;)
 

Fenway

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First off, thanks to everyone who's posted in this thread. Lots of great ideas and things I wouldn't have thought of.

My dad and I are coming to town on Friday, catching the Pats game Sunday, and the B's game Monday. Excited doesn't begin to explain it!

I do have a couple of questions I'm hoping a local can help with:

- Luke's Lobster. I heard on the recent Flames pregame broadcast the pbp guy was definitely stopping in for a lobster roll. Worth it? Are their better one's in town, or is that a classic that should be tried?

- The Fours - I'm guessing it's good place to catch the B's-Leafs on Saturday? We're staying on N Hudson Street and wanting to find a place nearby that'll have the sound on.

- Gambling. My dad and I like to play a little blackjack when we visit each other. Is MGM Springfield the closest for this?

- Tours. Duck vs trolley? I'm guessing no water for the duck boats this time of year? If you could only do one, which would it be?

- Finally, my dad is not really into the arts, music, history, or anything like that. Last time we went to Vegas I took him on a dune buggy adventure and he loved it. Any 'experiences' within an hour or so of Boston that would be worth checking out?

Thanks in advance - I know it's a lot of questions, but I got such great answers in the Pat's thread I figured I'd push my luck here too ;)

Luke's is a national chain - Near the Garden I would suggest

Boston Lobster Restaurant: Best New England Seafood | James Hook.

Fours will be fine

If you are driving to Foxborough - this is your best bet

Twin River Casino | Lincoln, Rhode Island

Springfield is 90 miles from Boston - Twin River is 50 and has a sportsbook as well

Ducks are closed until March 21
 
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meliz112

Registered User
Feb 6, 2018
36
36
Boston, MA
First off, thanks to everyone who's posted in this thread. Lots of great ideas and things I wouldn't have thought of.

My dad and I are coming to town on Friday, catching the Pats game Sunday, and the B's game Monday. Excited doesn't begin to explain it!

I do have a couple of questions I'm hoping a local can help with:

- Luke's Lobster. I heard on the recent Flames pregame broadcast the pbp guy was definitely stopping in for a lobster roll. Worth it? Are their better one's in town, or is that a classic that should be tried?

- The Fours - I'm guessing it's good place to catch the B's-Leafs on Saturday? We're staying on N Hudson Street and wanting to find a place nearby that'll have the sound on.

- Gambling. My dad and I like to play a little blackjack when we visit each other. Is MGM Springfield the closest for this?

- Tours. Duck vs trolley? I'm guessing no water for the duck boats this time of year? If you could only do one, which would it be?

- Finally, my dad is not really into the arts, music, history, or anything like that. Last time we went to Vegas I took him on a dune buggy adventure and he loved it. Any 'experiences' within an hour or so of Boston that would be worth checking out?

Thanks in advance - I know it's a lot of questions, but I got such great answers in the Pat's thread I figured I'd push my luck here too ;)

Neptune Oyster in the North End has by far away the best lobster roll I've ever eaten, and I grew up in coastal Maine. It's pricey and there is always a line, but completely worth it. Otherwise Eventide in the Fenway is also great, or Island Creek Oyster in Kenmore Square. Row 34 also a good seafood option.

Most of the Boston "experiences" I would recommend are all in the summer. At least for me the Winter is all about hockey and skiing. Maybe check out some college hockey while you are in town? BU is at home Friday night. Or there has been an explosion of craft breweries in town, take an afternoon to check them out? I like Winter Hill Brewing and Aeronaut, or there is always the tourist favorite Sam Adams. The Bully Boy distillery tour is fun too, though it is in Roxbury so certainly off the typical out of towner path Tours — Bully Boy Distillers

Have a great trip!
 

jgatie

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Sep 22, 2011
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First off, thanks to everyone who's posted in this thread. Lots of great ideas and things I wouldn't have thought of.



- Finally, my dad is not really into the arts, music, history, or anything like that. Last time we went to Vegas I took him on a dune buggy adventure and he loved it. Any 'experiences' within an hour or so of Boston that would be worth checking out?

Thanks in advance - I know it's a lot of questions, but I got such great answers in the Pat's thread I figured I'd push my luck here too ;)

If your dad is into driving, you may try this:

X1 Boston |

It is in Braintree, about 10-15 minutes drive south of Boston. It also has food, pit stop challenge, etc.
 

JRull86

Registered User
Jan 28, 2009
27,392
14,891
South Shore
First off, thanks to everyone who's posted in this thread. Lots of great ideas and things I wouldn't have thought of.

My dad and I are coming to town on Friday, catching the Pats game Sunday, and the B's game Monday. Excited doesn't begin to explain it!

I do have a couple of questions I'm hoping a local can help with:

- Luke's Lobster. I heard on the recent Flames pregame broadcast the pbp guy was definitely stopping in for a lobster roll. Worth it? Are their better one's in town, or is that a classic that should be tried?

- The Fours - I'm guessing it's good place to catch the B's-Leafs on Saturday? We're staying on N Hudson Street and wanting to find a place nearby that'll have the sound on.

- Gambling. My dad and I like to play a little blackjack when we visit each other. Is MGM Springfield the closest for this?

- Tours. Duck vs trolley? I'm guessing no water for the duck boats this time of year? If you could only do one, which would it be?

- Finally, my dad is not really into the arts, music, history, or anything like that. Last time we went to Vegas I took him on a dune buggy adventure and he loved it. Any 'experiences' within an hour or so of Boston that would be worth checking out?

Thanks in advance - I know it's a lot of questions, but I got such great answers in the Pat's thread I figured I'd push my luck here too ;)

Can't speak to Luke's as I've never eaten there. By far and away the best lobster roll I've ever had is on Cape Cod and I'm picky (ie pretentious) about them, so my opinion won't help you here. I'll second the Neptune Oyster suggestion above regarding general seafood though.

The Fours is a great place to watch the game. It'll be crowded, especially pre-game, but it should clear out.

Duck boats are definitely done for the season, but the trolley's run year round, weather permitting. Most are hop on hop off, so you can get on at stop A, and get off at another location, then get back on a different trolley later on if I recall (it's been a while).
 

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