No trip to Boston is complete without a visit to the New England Aquarium. This past Summer I took some time out to pay the aquarium a visit. It has been much too long since my last visit, so I was really excited to relive some of my childhood memories.
The first thing that comes to mind when speaking about the aquarium is the outdoor harbor seal exhibit. This exhibit is open all year round regardless of the weather and is always a welcoming site for aquarium visitors.
Once inside the floor level exhibit of penguins is still as exciting as it was when I was 10. I’m amazed how quickly these birds move through the water. The friendly games of chase amongst the penguins can keep me entertained for hours.
As you move through the aquarium each exhibit brings back great memories. The petting tank, the top level of the ocean tank, the piranhas and electric eels all are as exciting now as they were when I was a child. Actually, it is more exciting now as I like to learn more about each animal.
I just love how the aquarium organizes presentations so that even a short visit allows you to take in all the sites and shows.
If you are here at the right time of year, don’t forget to take advantage of the wonderful whale watching cruise and iMax theater just outside of the aquarium.
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This past Summer, I had the opportunity to visit the Museum of Fine Arts Boston (MFA). Sadly, my appreciation of art didn’t mature until I was in my late 20’s, but I’m glad good friends opened my eyes to the art world.
I didn’t realize how fantastic the MFA was until I visited a few months ago. The museum houses work from all the great arts from Monet to Renoir. Additionally, the museum carries special exhibits from all over the world and from various times in history.
The wonderful thing about living in a city with a huge student population is that places like museums practically offer free admission for students. Luckily the MFA offers free admissions for students with the proper ID. However, special exhibits like the Treasures from Assyria in the British Museum exhibit (on display until January 4, 2009) costs an additional charge, but with a student ID it cuts the costs from $17 to $15 on weekdays.
One of my favorite exhibits is the recently added Red Sox exhibit by Norman Rockwell. Not only does it offer pieces from Red Sox history, but also pieces from the 2007 season.
The MFA makes the visiting experience extremely enjoyable. Amenities like a coat check service and a restaurant assures that every minute is spent enjoying art. The museum is easily accessible by public transportation via the Green Line and has plenty of onsite parking.
So don’t wait until you’re in your late 20’s before indulging in the great offerings of the MFA.
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Once again the Boston Mayor Thomas Menino has rallied a wide variety of the best of Boston to insure locals and visitors alike have plenty of reasons to spend time in Boston this Holiday Season. The Go Boston Card is pleased to once again support this program by providing access to all of Boston’s best attractions for a single price.
To see all of the participating attractions, see the Go Boston Card attractions page. And be sure to check out the Mayor’s site to see additional savings on shows, hotels, and restaurants.
Special thanks to the Holiday Special’s generous media partners, the Metro
and Magic 106.7FM, for their in-kind contributions!
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If you are in Boston for an extended vacation and are looking for something “off the beaten path” to do while you are in town, be sure to check out the Boston Harbor Islands national park area. This year, park visitors are able to explore the islands with the help of a new book: Discovering the Boston Harbor Islands: A Guide to the City’s Hidden Shores . Written by Christopher Klein and including a foreword from Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, the 224-page book provides readers with historical vignettes and present-day portraits of each of the 34 islands in the national park area.
Out of countless recreational opportunities, Discovering the Boston Harbor Islands highlights the following ten experiences that visitors shouldn’t miss on the Boston Harbor Islands this year:
1. Scale Boston Light. Take a guided tour of the oldest light station in the country and climb the seventy-six spiral steps and two short ladders for a spectacular view.
2. Take a dip. Grab your bathing suit, towel, and suntan lotion and head to the sand and surf at Spectacle Island’s new life-guarded beach.
3. Wander Fort Warren’s dark passages. Explore the spooky tunnels of this historic fort that once held Confederate prisoners during the Civil War.
4. Pitch a tent. Camp out on the islands and catch unforgettable sunrises and sunsets in the shadows of the city skyline. Spend a night on Grape Island for the most bucolic setting.
5. Grab a paddle. Beginning kayakers can spend the afternoon exploring the Hingham Harbor islands, while experienced kayakers can brave the outer harbor to visit the Brewsters.
6. Scale Thompson Island’s ropes and climbing walls. Participate in one of Outward Bound’s programs and challenge your limitations by conquering the ropes course and climbing towers.
7. Pack a lunch. There are fantastic spots to picnic on all the harbor islands, but the picnic areas on Bumpkin and Great Brewster Islands offer unparalleled vistas.
8. Brush up on your fish tales. Fish populations are rebounding along with the harbor’s water quality. Striped bass, bluefish, flounder, and cod are among the fish that are biting.
9. Follow your feathered friends. Grab a pair of binoculars and try to spot some of the more than one hundred species of birds that frequent the Boston Harbor Islands.
10. See Boston in a new light. There’s no better view of the city and harbor than from Spectacle Island’s north drumlin. Private boaters can stay overnight at the marina—bring a chair for the Saturday night movies on the pier, or a blanket for the bonfire on the beach.
Those interested in learning more about the harbor islands should attend the author event on Spectacle Island on July 20, 2008. Christopher Klein will sign books and talk about the fascinating history of the harbor islands. Think: pirates, pilgrims, shipwrecked sailors, and prisoners of war. The public is welcome to attend this event, hosted by the Island Alliance on the beautiful Spectacle Island. Talks will be held at 1pm or 3pm, but make sure you stick around for the live jazz on the porch, or relax on the beach.
Date: Sunday, July 20, 2008 Time: 1pm and 3pm Place: Visitor Center, Spectacle Island Directions: Take Boston Harbor Islands ferry from Long Wharf to Spectacle Island. From the South Shore, take the ferries departing from either Quincy Shipyard or Hingham Shipyard. Check ferry schedules for times. Contacts: Spectacle Island: Park Ranger, 617-223-8666, Ext.205
boha_information@nps.gov Ferry information:
www.bostonharborislands.org
Union Park Press: 617-423-0840
www.unionparkpress.com
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We have a new video up starring the Beantown Trolley Tour. You can pick up tickets for the bus right next to the Boston Common. It was an amazing way to get around the downtown and Cambridge area. Instead of paying for public transportation with the T, why not take the trolley, take in the sites, and listen to a funny guide tell you interesting tidbits and stories about the city? It works just like public transportation too, since you can get on and off at any stop you want, at any time during the day. If you’re visiting Boston, and you’re a multitasker, this is a great way to get the sightseeing out of the way while you’re headed somewhere.
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Hey everyone, I’m beginning to upload videos all over the internet about the Go Card. You can find them on Youtube, Flickr, and other popular sites. We’re not going to make you scour the web, though. I’ll post them right here! Check out this video about the Boston Duck Tours.
Those satisfied Go Card customers visited Boston all the way from Utah. They found the card online and saved a bunch of money. By the way, another hint if you want to ride on the Boston Duck Tours for free, but don’t have a Go Boston Card: bring a giant camera and tell them you’re filming for Go Boston Card. It worked for me! If you liked the video, leave a comment, or check out other Go Card videos using the video player.
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I recently took a trip overseas and came across some interesting concerns. First off I had a 5:00am flight out of Logan, which I was informed I had to be at the airport no later than 3:00am. Do we still need to be at the airport that early? Has Logan had any efficiency improvements?
Early Arrival - Arriving at 3:00am I was one of the first people in line to check in. This may be worth getting in early for as you will have first dibs for seat changes or any potential free upgrades. Keep in mind that airlines are barely making any money nowadays and will do anything to make sure that every flight taking off is at capacity. Thus, it is common for flights to be overbooked, so the last person checking in has a high chance of being bumped.
Carry on Luggage- If possible, avoid having any carry on luggage. I know this may be tough for the ladies, but it will surely speed up the security process. This was extremely helpful when making a closely scheduled connecting flight.
Gate Numbers - You may also want to figure out the gate numbers before arriving at the airport. This can easily be found on the Logan or airline website. It surely made my trip easier as I didn’t have to search or ask for directions. (more…)
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When visiting Boston you have many options for hotels, but why stay at a typical hotel? Boston is filled with all types of hotels, but with a little research you can make your stay a little more exciting. Here are a few of my favorite places:
Liberty Hotel – Before its recent grand opening as one of Boston’s most luxurious hotels, this landmark was once a prison. The prison was completed in 1851 and housed some Boston’s biggest criminals. Now you can stay at a hotel with some culture very rich in Boston history. Much of the original architecture is there, but with some modern amenities.
Jurys – Following a similar theme, there is Jurys, which used to be the headquarters of the Boston Police Department. In addition to the great hotel is the Irish Bar Cuffs. Cuffs has become a very popular night spot for travelers and locals.
Hyatt Regency – Across the river in Cambridge is the Hyatt Regency. Sitting on the banks of the Charles River, this hotel offers some of the best views of the Boston skyline. But don’t worry about getting a room with a bad view, because housed on top of the Hyatt is the restaurant Spinnaker. Famous for its rotating dining area, Spinnaker makes sure every guest has their chance to view the breathtaking Boston skyline.
Omni Parker House – Besides baked beans, Boston is famous for their cream pie. This hotel is home of the original Boston cream pie. Ohh, but there is more! The famous dinner rolls from the Omni Parker House are just as popular as its cream pies. Even President George W. Bush had rolls from the Omni Parker House served at his Thanksgiving dinner. Anything that is good enough for the President is surely good enough for me.
I’ve stayed at both the Hyatt and Omni Parker House and I was very pleased with the service. Not only was the food and the view great, but the service was spectacular. I highly recommend staying at any of these hotels.
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With the spring tourism season in full swing, Boston Movie Tours is ready for action. They’ve announced a revamped Movie Tour highlighting the new films being filmed in the Boston area. The tour departs from Boston Common and covers movie trivia, local movie landmarks, and more.
Currently Filming or Filming Soon in Boston:
• Ashecliffe: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo and Ben Kingsley; Directed by Martin Scorcese
• Bride Wars: Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway
• Ghosts of Girlfriend’s Past: Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner
• Mall Cop: Kevin James; Produced by Adam Sandler
• The Proposal: Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock
• The Surrogates: Bruce Willis
Post Production and Releasing Soon:
• The Box: Cameron Diaz
• My Best Friend’s Girl: Dane Cook and Kate Hudson
• The Lonely Maiden: Morgan Freeman, William H. Macy and Christopher Walken
• On Broadway: Joseph McIntyre, Eliza Dushku and Will Arnett
• Pink Panther 2: Steve Martin and Andy Garcia
• Real Men Cry: Mark Ruffalo, Ethan Hawke, Amanda Peet and Donnie Wahlberg
• The Women: Annette Bening, Meg Ryan and Eva Mendes
