How to Entertain a Weekend Guest in Boston

Boston, or "Bean Town," is a great city to show off to your friends. The largest metropolis in New England, Boston boasts a rich history in American development. (Stop by Paul Revere’s home for one example). Boston also a strong sense of patriotism (Try watching the Boston Pops play and fireworks burst outside the “Hatch shell” on the Forth of July). Boston's Fenway Park and Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum are but two of its beloved tourist sites. Although you can’t squeeze everything the city has to offer into one weekend, you can show your guests the excitement and panache of this great city. Read on to find out how.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Boston is a great walking city. After your guests arrive, let them stretch out with a long stroll through bustling Downtown Crossing as well as through lush Boston Common, all the way to Newberry Street. Meander through the posh boutiques on Newberry to work up an appetite. Then, enjoy lunch at one of the many chic outdoor cafes and restaurants.

2. If you’re up for a decent walk, take Newberry down to the area around the Boston Public Library and Copley Square. Or, hop on the T (Boston’s transit system) to enjoy dinner later around Copley square. Hotel bars in the area are particularly stylish for enjoying cocktails on a Friday night.

3. Spend the following Saturday morning in Cambridge where you can enjoy brunch around Harvard Square. Do a bit a browsing at the funky, alternative shops. Or, enjoy street entertainment with the students. Make your way east to show your guests the Charles River that runs through Boston. If the weather is right, rent a kayak.

4. Head to the North End later in the day to take in the Harbor and the fantastic food in this Italian district. Or, if you're not in the mood for a quaint Italian bistro, pop into a clam shack on the harbor. Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market have further dining options and are charming, antique locations in Boston. If you’re into American history, amble along the Freedom Trail and visit the Old North Church. If the ocean is your fancy, go on whale watch or visit the New England Aquarium. After the day’s events, visit one of the bars or Irish pubs in the area to chat with the local Bostonians.

5. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts early Sunday. Reward your cultural trek with lunch at the ritzy restaurant located in the museum. Sports fans alternatively may want to catch an afternoon Sox game and stuff themselves with Fenway franks at nearby Fenway Park before departing.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the interesting outlying cities that abut Boston proper such as Brookline and Newton. The T carries riders all the way out to the suburbs.
• Watch out for aggressive Boston drivers when you’re crossing the streets in Boston. Massachusetts drivers are notorious for cutting people off and not yielding to pedestrians.

[lucyxford]

on 4/6/2008 great article i rated it, im glad you mentioned cambridge, it often gets overlooked!