Boston tips
April 21st, 2008 by susan j
Girl playing with DNA at the Museum of Science Photo uploaded by
Most little girls will tell you they want to be a ballerina, a teacher, or perhaps a nurse when they grow up. But for curious, analytical young minds, science might be an even more intriguing career path.
To stimulate curiosity about opportunities in the sciences, the Museum of Science is hosting a weekend of interactive events. Running Thursday, May 1-Saturday, May 3, Inspiring Minds: Meet Women in Science features presentations by female scientists who love their work. Hear from Ellen Berkland, a city archaeologist in Boston; Mish Michaels, a WBZ TV meteorologist; and Dr. Rebecca Hill, a doctor at HarvardVanguard, just to name a few. Visitors can also try out activities at the Museum’s “Technology Tables,” examining creatures used for biological research, testing weather forecasting instruments, and more.
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Boston?
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April 15th, 2008 by susan j
Boston Marathon 2005 Photo uploaded by
Next Monday, April 21 is a big day for New Englanders, because it brings the Boston Marathon and Patriots’ Day. Both fall on the third Monday of April each year, so here’s what to expect if you’re visiting Boston next week.
Boston Marathon
Marathon Monday is a Boston tradition. Last year more than 2,000 people ran this 26.2-mile course and half a million spectators cheered them on. Notable entrants in this year’s race include Lance Armstrong and former Presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee. Parts of downtown Boston become so crowded during Marathon Monday that many companies give their employees the day off (not my company, unfortunately). Watching the marathon is a quintessential Boston activity, but if you’re not planning to watch the race, then be aware that there will be road closures throughout the day. Copley Station on the Green line will be closed for the day, and Beantown Trolley Tour will be running a modified route.
Patriots’ Day
This Massachusetts holiday commemorates the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. The infamous “shot heard round the world” sparked the Revolutionary Way, which lead to America’s eventual independence from England. Modern day travelers can step back in time with visits to historical attractions like the Liberty Ride, Concord Museum, or The Old Manse. The towns of Lexington and Concord also host re-enactments to commemorate the battle.
Planning a trip to
Boston?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Boston Card.
April 10th, 2008 by will n
Kenmore Square’s infamous Citgo sign (near Fenway Park) Photo uploaded by
Besides getting tickets to the big game, the next important thing is figuring out where to eat. So have you thought about where or what you’re planning to eat at the park? Sure, there is always the typical hot dogs, pretzels and beer, but a nice meal can surely make or break any trip. So right after you take the and just before the big game, don’t think that the hot dog stand is the only place to eat.
The good news is that Fenway Park is offering a variety of new selections to their park menu. So if you’re tired of hotdogs and pretzels, try their new fish and chips, garlic fries or pasta dishes. However, expect to pay a premium for that little additional comfort. (more…)
Planning a trip to
Boston?
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Go Boston Card.
March 28th, 2008 by susan j
Jellyfish at the New England Aquarium Photo uploaded by
With Earth Day approaching on April 22, now is the perfect time to think about how travel impacts the environment. encourages eco-friendly travel by maintaining a list of green restaurants and hotels in the Boston area, plus sharing other green travel resources and news stories.
We’re encouraging travelers to become more environmentally aware by visiting Boston attractions that educate visitors about plants and animals in our ecosystem. Here are some of our picks.
- New England Aquarium. With more than 70 exhibits featuring aquatic animals from around the world, the New England Aquarium is the perfect stop for families and fish-lovers of all ages.
- Harvard Museum of Natural History. The museum features a vast collection of glass flowers used for teaching botany, as well as a 42-foot long prehistoric marine reptile, and the world’s only Kronosaurus. Its newest exhibit, Sea Creatures in Glass, opened March 21.
- Franklin Park Zoo. Founded in 1911, the Franklin Park Zoo is now home to more 160 species of animals. Highlights include the Kalahari Kingdom, Butterfly Landing, and the Tropical Forest. The Zoo is celebrating Earth Day on April 20 with events for the whole family.
- Museum of Science. This museum boasts over 600 interactive exhibits exploring dinosaurs, birds, plants, and more. Current exhibits include the Butterfly Garden and .
- Mass Bay Lines Whale Watch. This whale watch departs from Rowes Wharf and sails into the most active whale habitat on the east coast. During the 4 hour excursion, visitors learn about the biology and behavior of whales.
What are you doing to celebrate Earth Day this year? Leave a comment, and let us know!
Planning a trip to
Boston?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Boston Card.
March 10th, 2008 by stacy b
Museum of Fine Arts Photo uploaded by
As you may know, March is Women’s History Month, and Boston is hosting all sorts of festivities in the city! From concerts to exhibitions, the city will honor this month with at least 20 events, some of which will be held throughout the month.
A variety of events will take place at the , including musical performances by various female artists and the screening of the film, “Beyond Belief” about two women’s struggles and humanitarian efforts after losing their husbands in 9/11.
To view a full list and details of the March activities, check out the page on bostonusa.com.
If you miss the opportunity to celebrate women’s heritage with Boston this month, you can always visit the or the , two attractions that promote influential women year round!
Planning a trip to
Boston?
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Go Boston Card.
February 26th, 2008 by jamie a
Memorabilia from Fever Pitch Photo uploaded by
Still aflutter from all the excitement of the Oscars?
Check out this list from Boston Movie Tours that names they know of that have been filmed in the area.
Come April, you can take a walking tour with or hope on the to see sites in Boston that have been featured on the big screen. From recent films like Gone Baby Gone to The Departed and Fever Pitch, you’ve certainly seen Boston during a night out at the movies.
Planning a trip to
Boston?
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February 1st, 2008 by jamie a
Game On! Sports Bar Photo uploaded by
If you’re looking for a great place to get out and watch the game this weekend, look no further than the slide show for some new places to try.
From tradition spots like Game On! to neighborhood watering holes, these spots are perfect for cheering with the crowd and making some new football-fanatic friends. Go Pats!
Planning a trip to
Boston?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Boston Card.
January 22nd, 2008 by susan j
Brownstones in Boston’s South End Photo uploaded by
One of the things I love most about living in Boston is being surrounded by the city’s rich history, which is reflected in its varied architectural landscape. Whether you’re window-shopping on Newbury Street, strolling along the Freedom Trail, or jogging around Boston Commons, you are bound to notice some of Boston’s distinctive buildings. Here is a short primer on what you’ll see…
Eighteenth Century: As the site of the infamous Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre, Boston is steeped (get it? Tea Party + steeped? anyway…) in history. Take, for example, the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, and the Harrison Gray Otis House, all reminders of Boston’s place in American history.
Nineteenth Century: During the 1800’s, Boston became a major New England port. The Liberty Fleet Tall Ship Adventures documents the region’s maritime history. Many of the brownstones in Boston’s South End, Back Bay, and Beacon Hill neighborhoods also sprang up during the late nineteenth century. One of my favorite buildings in Boston, the Boston Public Library, was built in 1888 by the famous architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White.
Twentieth Century to today: The Victorian period brought us ornate buildings like the Custom House. More modern additions to Boston’s skyline include the John Hancock Tower, the Zakim Bridge, and the Institute of Contemporary Art.
So, what’s your favorite example of Boston architecture? Leave a comment and let us know!
Planning a trip to
Boston?
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January 18th, 2008 by jamie a
Gillette Stadium
Photo uploaded by rezsox
Pats fans, get ready. With a record of 16-0, the Patriots are on their way to making NFL history. This weekend the Patriots are taking on the Chargers at Gillette Stadium with home turf advantage.
So, grab a bunch of your football-loving friends and plan to make a day of it on Sunday. If you’d like to be out on the town cheering the Pats on with a room full of screaming fans, check out this list of the best spots to watch the game in Boston.
Go Pats!
Planning a trip to
Boston?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Boston Card.
January 16th, 2008 by susan j
Swan boat photo uploaded by
Boston’s Bay Back neighborhood is nestled between the Charles River and the South End, densely populated with cozy brownstones and towering office buildings. Here are some places to check out on your next trip to Beantown.
is a favorite destination among Boston fashionistas. Here you’ll find swanky restaurants and bars, jewelry shops, boutiques, book stores, and more. During the summer, many of the restaurants open up their patios, which is great for people-watching on a sunny New England afternoon ( and are two of my personal faves). The Shops at Prudential Center are nearby for more shopping.
offer a calm escape from the bustle of downtown. Visitors can ice skate on the Frog Pond in the winter, ride the swan boats in spring and summer, and stroll through the gardens year round. Summer on the Commons also brings a number of free concerts, plays, and other events.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts are just two of the museums in Boston’s Back Bay. You could easily spend a full afternoon at either museum (they are a short distance apart so you could see both if desired), browsing the artwork and soaking the gorgeous views.
Getting to the Back Bay: parking in this area can be expensive and tough to find, so I recommend taking the subway and walking around. Most of the highlights are close to each other, so don’t be put off by the number of subway stops.
Green Line: Hynes Convention Center, Copley, or Arlington
Orange Line: Back Bay
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Planning a trip to
Boston?
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Go Boston Card.
