CASTLE ISLAND AND TREASURE BAY

Providing recreational and historical learning opportunities for everyone, and easily accessible from downtown, the Pleasure Bay and Castle Island are definitely a must-visit Boston attraction.

Pleasure Bay is an enclosed lagoon nestled along a beautiful sandy beach. In addition, it's also one of the most popular swimming and sunning beaches in all of Boston, attracting visitors from around the globe and locals who've come to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

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SAM ADAMS BREWERY....LET'S HAVE A DRINK

Looking for things to do in Boston? Come visit the Sam Adams Brewery!

Tuesday-Thursday 10am-3pm
Fridays 10am-5:30pm
Saturdays 10-3pm

**Tours not available on certain holidays, check in advance.**

Tours depart about every 45 minutes, and last about an hour. This includes 21oz of beer to taste if you are of proper age, remember to bring your ID.  The tour is free but a $2 donation to local Boston charities is encouraged. 

If you're riding on the T, take the orange line to the Stony Brook stop, take a left and follow the brewery signs. 

Visit their website HERE

RELAX AT THE PUBLIC GARDEN

The Public Garden, established in 1837, is the first public botanical garden in the United States. Today, with its plant material chosen for ornamental excellence as well as its botanical diversity, it forms a green and flowering oasis in the heart of a great metropolis.  

It's definitely a must-visit if you're looking for things to see in Boston.

Visit their website HERE

RADIUS RESTAURANT....ONE OF THE TOP 25 BEST

One of the premiere Boston restaurants, Radius offers a modern French cuisine and has been rated one of the "Top 25 Best Restaurants" by Gourmet, and "Best New Restaurants in America" by Esquire.

Executive Chef and co-owner Michael Schlow opened Radius in 1999 and in 2000 he received the James Beard Award for Excellence as the "Best Chef in the Northeast," and was also awarded the "Best Chef in the Country" by Sante. 

The menu offers a great blend of seasonal ingredients and the atmosphere of the restaurant in absolutely perfect, with excellent service and hospitality. The next time you're in town, make sure to stop by Radius!

WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT A NO NAME?

The menu’s simplicity puts the emphasis on the quality of the seafood and No Name has banked on that formula for almost 100 years. With an unchanging, bare-bones approach to seafood the one-page blue paper menus can be off-putting for diners drawn in  by No Name’s considerable reputation. The alarmingly basic dining room may have been contemporary in 1973, but now it lacks the elegance that superficial foodies enjoy in chic bistros downtown. Guests are given a plastic pitcher of tap water and a stack of Dixie cups to wet their whistles. Libations include beer and wine—the fact that you can choose between red and white is a step in the right direction, but your options end there.

All is redeemed by the food. You remember what real seafood looks like when you scarf marble-sized scallops that make the hockey pucks at downtown restaurants look circus fake. The crust fried onto the marquee New England delicacies is a bready flake that accents the mollusks it covers while preserving their flavors. Most everything is served with an abundance of excellent fries and if you start with a cup of seafood chowder you will waddle away from the table with a first-rate Boston meal for about 20 bucks. This Boston institution is a favorite of locals and is often recommended by seaport area hotel concierges.

15 Fish Pier Street West

South Boston, MA

617-338-7539 

Open Monday through Sunday

11AM until 10PM

www.nonamerestaurant.com/

GREAT PLACE TO SEE A SHOW....

Originally constructed in 1913, the theater was added to the National Historic Register as a historic place worthy of preservation. The Federal Revival architecture and elegant interior design stands out when juxtaposed with raunchy comedians and rocking shows. The experience is unique, if trippy. 

The historic theater has a relatively small capacity. Tickets to see top comedians can run 60 dollars while musical acts range from 30 to 100. For comedy events beverage service is provided, but you’ve got to drag yourself to the bar if you’re seeing a musician perform.

Address: 246 Tremont Street, Boston, MA

Public Transport: 

Green or Red Lines: to Park Street Station, walk down Tremont Street to the theater. 

Orange Line: Chinatown Station, around the corner from the theater.

www.thewilburtheatre.com/

PLACES TO EAT AT KENMORE SQUARE

Eastern Standard is located on Comm Ave directly adjacent to the four-star Hotel Commonwealth. Their dinner menu features finely prepared steaks and seafood with an evident French influence. Appetizers like Ceviche from the raw bar mix Boston’s famous seafood with non-traditional recipes. This restaurant is perfect for a traveler with a comfortably thick wallet and a penchant for classy cuisine. If you're looking for things to see in Boston, don't miss this. 

Over the T station and across the street is UBurger: an inexpensive American eatery with themed burgers and sandwiches. Soon opening their third Boston location, this chain has become a college student staple up and down Comm Ave. Build-your-own burger or chicken sandwich, add fries and a drink, all for around eight bucks.

Heading outbound back on Comm you’ll find Maluken. It’s an otherwise plain-looking Asian restaurant with slightly (or rather) tacky lamps hanging from the awning. Step inside and you will encounter your first surprise of the evening: the restaurant’s likely about two-thirds empty. There’s probably one table of soon-drunk BU girls doing sake bombs, and perhaps four others filled with in-the-know couples. The second surprise will come once the food arrives. Huge boats of sushi will astound you with their unusual deliciousness. While many sushi restaurants meld traditional recipes with subtle flair, Maluken has made mainstream sushi a masterpiece. Lastly, you’ll look at the bill and realize that, in all likelihood, your Japanese feast has cost less than thirty dollars for two people.

Kenmore Square is located at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Beacon Street, a two-minute walk from Fenway Park. Take the Green Line to Kenmore. If you're looking for things to do in Boston, don't miss out. 

For info an reservations:

Eastern Standard www.easternstandardboston.com/

UBurger www.uburgerboston.com/

Maluken www.maluken.com

THE OLDEST BAR IN AMERICA

Overall, the bars around Faneuil Hall Marketplace are a mixed bag catering to tourists and locals alike. On one hand you have the painfully contrived Cheers replica bar in the marketplace itself and local favorites you can only find word-of-mouth.

Somewhere in the middle is the historic Bell In Hand Tavern. Located adjacent to landmarks like the Union Oyster House, The Holocaust Memorial, and City Hall, The Bell In Hand is the oldest continually operated bar in the USA. Founded in 1795, the tavern features a five bars and live music seven nights a week. It has the rare distinction of attracting both tourists with its history and locals with its undeniable authenticity.

If you’re thirsty, looking for things to do in Boston, and are around Faneuil Hall, skip Cheers and go to a genuine Boston institution.
 

www.bellinhand.com/

DIVE INTO MARINE LIFE AT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM

In a city known for its famous harbor, experiencing Boston's marine life at the New England Aquarium is a must for tourists and locals alike.  The Aquarium is located within walking distance from Boston's tourist hub, Faneuil Hall, and boasts beautiful views of Boston Harbor

Before entering, check out the Atlantic harbor seal exhibit, which is outdoors in front of the Aquarium – the perfect spot to entertain restless children while waiting in line. Inside, visitors are greeted by the a large, lowered pool filled with friendly penguins.  Out of this pool rises the multi-story center Ocean tank, which contains various ocean creatures.  A circular walkway around the tank allows visitors walk around the tank at all levels, pointing out sharks, eels, fish, and coral as they go. 

 While the Aquarium is fun for all ages, the space is particularly inviting for families and young children.  Favorites exhibits for children include the Edge of the Sea touch tank, where kids can hold sea stars, horseshoe crabs, and learn firsthand about the amazing animals that live in tide pools. In the Curious George Discovery Corner, little ones who need to stretch their legs can do so while putting together under-the-sea themed puzzles and playing with aquarium toys.  For the weary travelers, the IMAX movie theater adjacent to the main Aquarium building provides a spot to sit and relax – just put on a pair of glasses and check out dolphins, whales, and more in 3-D.  The more adventurous may want to hop on one of the whale watch tours outside the Aquarium entrance.

Some tips from seasoned Aquarium goers: to skip traffic and paid parking garages, hop on Boston’s Blue Line (www.mbta.com) and take the T to the Aquarium.  To avoid waiting in line for tickets, you can pre-purchase them on the Aquarium’s website. Savvy travelers may want to avoid the Aquarium’s pricey cafeteria, with its standard  French fries and pizza fare.  Instead, head across the street to Legal Seafood or, if you are up for a five minute walk, work your way to Faneuil Hall’s food court for more options.  For more information on pricing, hours, and new exhibits visit www.neaq.org. And remember to bring your camera!

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN BOSTON

1. Freedom Trail

Freedom Trail is a path through downtown Boston that leads to sixteen different historical sites. It's a two and a half mile walk from Boston Common to Bunker Hill Monument  in Charlestown. Check out the Paul Revere House, the Massachusetts State House and many other great sites along the way!

 2. The Skywalk at the Prudential Center

Check out the Skywalk Observatory for beautiful 360 degree views of Boston and beyond! Experience the Acoustiguide audio tour, covering many of the cities famous historic and cultural sites!

 3. Faneuil Hall Marketplace

With over 100 shops and 14 restaurants including Cheers and Ned Devine's irish Pub, The Faneuil Hall Marketplace is your one stop shop for the best shopping and dining in the city!

 4. Boston Common

Boston Common is a public park filled with beautiful scenery and a unique history. Today it's a great place to relax and go for a stroll or meet up with friends. 

5. Fenway Park

Fenway Park has been the home of the Boston Red Sox since 1912 and is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium currently in use. Know for the famous "green monster" and its storied history, make sure to catch a game at Fenway while you're in town!

6. Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston is one of the largest museums in the United States and attracts over one million visitors every year. It contains well over 450,000 works of art, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive collections in the country.

7. Shops on Newberry Street

Eight city blocks filled with excellent shops, boutiques, salons, and fine dining!

8. New England Aquarium

One of the most popular aquariums in the country, the New England Aquarium in Boston is credited as modernizing the aquarium experience through it's emphasis on natural aquatic settings. Committed to education and research, the New England Aquarium is always a popular attraction in Boston!

9. JFK Library and Museum

Designed by I. M. Pei, The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum is the official repository for original published and unpublished papers, pictures and other artifacts of the Kennedy Administration. 

10. Sam Adams Brewery

Sam Adams Boston Lager is synonymous with the city of Boston and American Culture. Come see where they brew some of the best beer in the world!