Boston Weekend Getaway

Thinking about a Boston weekend getaway?

You've come to the right place!

My mom grew up in Boston so, of course, I am partial to "beantown". We spent every summer here and I have great memories of the many adventures my grandmother took us on exploring the area.

Boston was founded in 1630 and is one of America's oldest cities. There are many historical sights to see and plenty of unique things to do. Add great restaurants and top rate hotels and Boston is a favorite weekend getaway destination.

It is easy to get around without a car either by walking or riding the T (rapid transit) or bus. The only reason I can see for renting a car is to take a day trip out to some of the charming small, historic towns near the city....which, actually in my opinion is well worth it.

Swan Boat at Public Gardens by Daderot

Hotels in Boston MA

They are tons of Boston hotels....I have decided to focus on the best in a few categories.

Boston Waterfront Hotels

• Boston Harbor Hotel - Fantastic choice for a romantic Boston getaway, honeymoon trip or a special splurge on a girls getaway, very personal, fantastic views, high quality amenities and lovely spa, expensive
• Marriott Residence Inn Boston Harbor - Ph. 617-242-9000, Suite type rooms, breakfast included, only 2 block walk to T station, moderate in comparison to other Boston hotels.

Hotels in Downtown Boston

Langham Hotel by Pmcyclist

• Langham Hotel Boston
• Onyx Hotel Boston - small, luxury boutique hotel, close to quincy market and The Garden, allows pets

Boutique Hotel Boston

Besides the Onyx Hotel above , check out the Jurys Hotel Boston which is in a convenient location in the Back Bay area, nice rooms.

Inexpensive Boston Hotels

Holiday Inn Express Boston is a decent hotel with large rooms, breakfast included and good price. The other reccommendation for cheap hotels in Boston is consider a B&B, instead....

Bed and Breakfast in Boston

For the best value, try the Carruth House which is about 20 minute train ride from nearby station. It is a lovely old home with friendly host. Another reasonable choice is the Nolan House B&B in South Boston. This charming bed and breakfast is a short bus ride to downtown Boston.

For a little more of a splurge, check out Encore Bed and Breakfast Ph. 617-247-3425, set in a charming neighborhood of rowhouses. This is a modern, comfortable home in the trendy South End with restaurants, shops and a T Station nearby.

Charles Street Inn would be the place for a very special occasion or romantic getaway. It has Victorian suites with fireplaces, whirlpool bathtubs and antique furniture.

Boston Things to Do

Freedom Trail Paul Revere House by Daderot

• Freedom Trail - historic walking tour of Boston, you can do just part of it on your own or take a tour
• Duck Tours - unique and fun tour of the city, by land and water (a quick dip in the Charles river!)
• Museums - Museum of Fine Art, Museum of Science (the kids will love this one) and New England Aquarium (another kids favorite)

Faneiul Hall

• Fenway Park is the oldest Major League baseball park in the U.S.
• Charles River - take a walk along the river at sunrise or sunset
• The Public Garden - beautiful place to relax and famous for the Swan Boats from the children's book, Make Way for Ducklings (my all time favorite!)
• Faneuil Hall Marketplace - fun, lively atmosphere with lots shops and food choices
• Urban AdvenTours - bike tours through Boston's quaint neighborhoods

Charles River by Daderot

• The North End - Italian neighborhood with narrow streets, lots of restaurants and shops
• Beacon Hill - beautiful cobblestoned neighborhood of narrow, hilly streets, gardens and expensive row houses

Boston Side Trips

If you have a car on your Massachusetts vacation, take a trip to the Concord and Lexington area. The countryside is beautiful and there are many historical sights including the Old North Bridge in Corcord and Minuteman Monument in Lexington at the sight of the first Battle of the Revolutionary War. Concord is a lovely quaint New England Town.

Another option is one hour North on the coast to Rockport, a charming seaside town or 1 1/2 hour south to the beautiful harbor town of Newport Rhode Island. Don't forget Cape Cod....it is only an hour or two from Boston, so it could be a fun day trip to the beach.

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Boston Restuarants

For a romantic weekend getaway try Mama Maria set in a brick townhouse in Boston's North End with its intimate atmostphere and Northern Italian dishes. The Mistral Bistro has great food and service.

Best seafood restaurants include Boston Barking Crab which is casual and the Atlantic Fish Company with its lovely outdoor patio.

Lunch at Kelly's Roast Beef in Revere, famous for its huge roast beef sandwiches...try the onion strings. Ethnic options include Brown Sugar Cafe for Thai food and Salsa's Mexican Grill in South Boston for authentic Mexican food.

Shopping in Boston

As you can imagine, there are loads of shopping options on your Boston weekend getaway. Some suggestions....Back Bay with its many shops and malls in Prudential Center and Copley Place, Newbury Street with many fun boutiques and Charles Street for antiques.

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