Saturday, March 27, 2010

3 days in Boston with kids and elderly mom

I have never been to Boston and would like advice on how to spend Memorial Day weekend in Boston arriving Friday evening, leaving Monday evening. Staying in Back Bay. Recommendations about places to visit, where to eat, etc. would be appreciated. My mother is still a good walker, my kids are 7 and 12 yrs old. My preference is always to keep it simple.





Thanks in advance.



3 days in Boston with kids and elderly mom


Get yourself an on-off trolly tour. It will bring you near many of hte major sites where you%26#39;ll be able to get off, explore in more detai, and then get back on the trolly.



3 days in Boston with kids and elderly mom


The typical Boston things include taking a trolley, Duckboat or walking tour of the city, walking the historic Freedom Trail, strolling through the Common and Public Garden, window shopping on Newbury Street, spending a block of time at Fanueil Hall and Quincy Market, and taking an excursion to Harvard Square and Harvard Yard. You may want to add a museum or two, like the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum or the Museum of Fine Art. And, of course, have at least one Italian meal in the North End and at least a snack in Quincy Market.




If you can squeeze it in you can take the boys to the Museum of Science and catch the Duck Tour boat right outside the museum i think you and mom and the boys would love it.


  • heavy makeup
  • 3 1/2 Days to spend in Boston - Recommendations Pse

    Hi All,



    Visiting yr fab city Mid Sept staying in South End Region and want to get as much from short visit.



    Here are just some of the things I had in mind to do and perhaps I could get help in planning with times / addititional things to do.



    Dont want to spend hrs + hrs in museums but if there want one which is a ';Must see'; and doesn%26#39;t take all day would be up for it.





    Arriving 3.30 pm sat afternoon but will be still on local time difference (+ 5 hrs %26gt; 8.30 pm) so have to allow for this , what would you recommend doing for perhaps 3-4 hrs -



    The only thing currently for Sun is to go to RedSox game I think its on at lunchtime so we have a little time before game, would it advisable to do a trolley tour before it and if so which one is recommended, I read about Old Trolley tour being best ?



    I read about the ';Poor Hse'; restaurant and thought to get a drink/ eats after game ?





    The following were some of the things I had in mind but not sure in what order or if worth doing or if not perhaps something different could be suggested.



    JFK Museum %26amp; Library / Visit Quency Market / Boston Common or Gardens / Movie Tour.



    Would it be advised to do either the trolley tour OR the Movie tour or are they totally different.



    I also like to shop but get good value -anywhere recommended ?



    Is Filens%26#39;s basement worth visiting ?



    Are there any nice reasonable costume jewellery shops worth checking out .



    I would appreciate if you could advise the best time to maybe do any of the above, we%26#39;ll be in B%26#39;ton sat pm - leaving Wed am for next stop which will also include a little outlet shopping so not interested in these in Boston.



    Thanks so much everyone.



    3 1/2 Days to spend in Boston - Recommendations Pse


    I will be in Boston on the 7th Sept. Filene%26#39;s Basement in Downtown Crossing is closed for renovation and will not be open during your visit. How about going Whale watching, that will take about half a day?



    3 1/2 Days to spend in Boston - Recommendations Pse


    Thanks, oh thats a shame as I had always heard about this place.



    Whale watching - I%26#39;m not mad about boats so think will give this one a miss but thanks anyway.




    On your arrival day,you can walk over to Copley Square and then stroll on Newbury Street. Do a little window shopping there and pick out a sidewalk cafe that you like and have a bite to eat while you soak in the city.





    The advantange of the trolley over the Duck Tour is that you can off/on the whole day. With a Red Sox Game that day, it takes that advantage away. So perhaps you%26#39;d like a Duck Tour. They also board close to the South End (at the Prudential Center).





    There is still a Filene%26#39;s Basement Store on Boylston, although it%26#39;s true that their flagship store is not open. Also, you can try Marshall%26#39;s across the street or TJ Maxx in Downtown Crossing, which carries jewelry.




    Do you have your Red Sox tickets?




    Hi,



    No, not yet, are they impossible to obtain ?



    If we don%26#39;t secure prior to game, is it possible to Q and buy off touts at face value maybe ?



    Any suggestions ?




    Impossible to obtain- No



    Impossible to obtain at face value- YES!!!!!



    JFK museum is not on my ';must see'; list but that is a personal choice.



    If you have some time the evening you get in, then finding your way to Quincy Market and wandering around is the easiest way to relax.





    Not sure there is a ';shopping tour of Boston';- I would have to get my wife online for that. Certainly, most everyone will tell you that Newbury St is the place for window shopping. Harvard Sq in Cambridge has a very eclectic array of stores as does Kenmore Sq



    Do visit the Boston Public Gardens, take a walk thru Beacon Hill and through Louisburg Sq which should help you fell less homesick or at least closer to England (if that is a good thing?)



    Also, definitely walk thru the North End-- by the time you eat your way from one end to the other, you will be ready to buy the next size at Filene%26#39;s basement!!!




    Thanks for that.





    Quency Market sounds a good idea for a stroll that evening, what time does this centre close on a sat ?



    Any recomendations to get something to eat around this area or near where we stay (South End )





    Also BTW from Ireland not England.





    Thanks again !




    Quincy Market stores are open until about 9 PM, but some pushcarts remain open as long as there are crowds. Even after everything is closed, folks walk through the area all evening. There are lots of places to eat here, from the huge historic food court in the middle building to numerous restaurants in and around the area. Just be aware that Bostonians typically eat dinner early (before 9) and restaurants are open accordingly.




    Quincy market is a tourist trap...go if you must buy a souvenier.



    Newbury St is not the place to go looking for a ';buy';. Most of the shops/ boutiques have morphed into run of the mill large fashion designers...not much different than going thru a high end outlet mall regrettably.



    If the weather is nice, the Public Garden/ Boston Common is a nice place to stroll....and you can work your way down to the waterfront/ greenway area, where there are parks, New England Aquarium, the North End (Italian neighborhood), and if you must, Quincy Market is also in this area.



    The must museum is the Museum of Fine Arts (IMO)...one of the best art collections in the world, and the largest Egyptian collection outside of Egypt.




    Mcamp, I must so politely disagree. QM is a tourist destination but not a tourist trap. There are many locals who spend there lunch hours and happy hours there and also visit for a nice evening out. A tour of Fanueil Hall is great for anyone with a small interest in American History.





    Also, I did not say to go to Newbury street for a ';buy';, it was a place to go window shopping because it is not a ';buy';





    The MFA is a must see if you are into musuems (my aunt is a docent there) but our poster specifically said that she did not want to spend hours in a museum so I did not think it was appropriate.





    IrishLadyIrl, I am not sure why this was so negative about QM as I have never read that in the time I have been active at TA.

    Travel Discounts for MA - Massvacation.com/deals

    I saw this in my local paper today. There is a Mass Value Pass that you can download at www.massvacation.com/deals. There are lodging discounts as well as dining, attractions, and retail. Some of the lodging is a 25% discount. This pass is good until the end of June. I hope this saves someone some money on their Cape Cod vacation.



    Restaurant suggestions on Martha's Vineyard?

    Heading to Martha%26#39;s Vineyard with my wife and 2 children this summer. Arriving in Oaks Bluff in the am and looking for a restaurant or great market for take-out lunches. We%26#39;re renting a jeep and want to travel around the Vineyard in the morning and afternoon but don%26#39;t want to spend hours eating. Also, before we leave in the evening want to eat dinner on the Vineyard. Any suggestions for dinner would be great. Restaurants with good food and great scenic views would be great. Any ideas?



    Restaurant suggestions on Martha's Vineyard?


    You can stop by the Net Result fish market in Vineyard Haven on your way up-island. They have sushi, sandwich wraps, seafood, seafood spreads and crackers, lobster rolls and more.



    My suggestion would be to stop during the day for lunch somewhere. If you%26#39;re planning to head to Menemsha, which most people with a car for the day would do, you can stop at Larsen%26#39;s Fish Market for some steamers or a lobster and enjoy eating it on the dock with the lobster traps they provide as tables. You%26#39;ll also find other places in Menemsha for the non-seafood crowd; The Bite, Menemsha Deli and the Galley. You can do take-out from the Slice of Life in Oak Bluffs, or the Scottish Bakehouse in Vineyard Haven.



    Dinner can be at one of many places with good food, it%26#39;s the scenic view and good food combo that%26#39;s limited. Nancy%26#39;s on the harbor in Oak Bluffs is good. You can catch a nice sunset in the upstairs dining room. Look at the menu http://nancysrestaurant.com/



    I%26#39;m sure others have more suggestions for you. Does your family like seafood? Do you have your day itinerary planned out and know what town you will be in at dinner time?



    Restaurant suggestions on Martha's Vineyard?


    would like to be near aquinnah/menemsha around the cliffs to see sunset at dinner time... any restaurants around that area that overlook the cliffs and/or water?




    You got some choices;



    You can sit for dinner either at the Homeport Restaurant in Menemsha, the Aquinnah Restaurant on the cliffs in Aquinnah or the Outermost Inn in Aquinnah. You%26#39;ll have to contact each to see what they%26#39;re schedule/menu is now. Some is available via websites.



    A fun and light alternative is to get take out from either the Homeport or Larsen%26#39;s Fish Market, take %26#39;drinks%26#39;, chairs and a blanket to dine and watch the sunset on Menemsha beach. When the sun hits the water a roar of applause celebrates.



    Any other questions, don%26#39;t hesitate. It%26#39;s a great island, mold it to fit your needs.

    West Dennis question

    Hi, I%26#39;m looking to rent in West Dennis for a week this summer and have noted some extremely reasonable prices. The pictures check out, the location is wonderful (minus a seemingly sea-weedy beach) and overall it looks like a steal. However my inner skeptic has me wondering. Is there something about uncle Stephen%26#39;s pond area that is undesirable?





    Thanks for your input,



    beth



    West Dennis question


    The beach on Nantucket Sound right there is lovely. You can walk quite a way from where Swan River meets Nantucket Sound to the Lighthouse Inn. You are closer to the Lighthouse Inn. Most of the beach along there is considered private beach which means you can walk on it but not set up all your stuff and sit on it. There is a children%26#39;s playground at the beach next door to The Beach House about where Uncle Stephens dead ends. There is a rather narrow public beach area near the Inn and then South Village Beach in the other direction. You didn%26#39;t say if you are renting on the beach or not but the area is nice as long as you have a rental that you like. If you are going to be on the Cape for the first time then I%26#39;ll send you a great source for activities, dining and the like. Where are you coming from?



    West Dennis question


    Hi there, yes I have found a rental right on the water and am blown away by the reasonable price. Only 2300 for one week and not even 30 ft from the water. The friends I%26#39;m renting with are really wanting a good beach experience out of the vacation and I%26#39;m wary it could fall short of that.




    See a private message from me. Just look at the top of your screen by your screen name.



    I am somewhat familiar with that area. If you want me to look at the website, the house, the location then just send me some info and I%26#39;ll give you feedback in addition to what I have sent in the private message.




    Here%26#39;s an idea for beachfront properties without regard to when they are available except in summer for the Dennis area from the direct owners at weneedavacation.com and with the professionals at Martha Murray Real Estate.



    server.weneedavacation.com/SearchResults.aspx



    www.marthamurrayrealestate.com/rentals.asp



    I like house #8935 on We Need a Vacation and know that house. However I DO like the beach area better where you want to locate. I am putting these links on here just so that you know what the usual rates are in summer for beachfront rentals in Dennis.



    Let me know Beth if I can be of further help to you.




    Sorry, I see that neither of these links will take you to the specific page I wanted you to see. On MMRE go to Advanced Search and put in your week along with beachfront and the number of bedrooms. It%26#39;s pretty much the same for We Need and on that one you can just input the property number for the one I pointed out..8935.




    Here%26#39;s the link for that house; hope it works out for you:





    鈥eneedavacation.com/PropertyDetail.aspx鈥?/a>

    Where to have our Beach Wedding?

    We are looking for a beautiful location to have our Beach Wedding. We will be arriving later this month.



    Any ideas?



    Where to have our Beach Wedding?


    Do you have a general idea of where on the Cape you envisage your wedding?



    Do you have an officiant?



    Where are you staying?



    Where to have our Beach Wedding?


    I take it that you will be in Provincetown?










    Yes, we are staying in P-town. Our first time. Any suggestions on what beach to get married at?




    Herring Cove and Race Point Beach are both beautiful. You may want to check and when it%26#39;s high tide which will tell you how much beach you%26#39;ll have on the date and time of your wedding. We had some friends who were married at Herring Cove Beach at sunset. The weather cooperated and it was beautiful.




    I concur - Herring Cove hands down.





    If you are still looking for an officiant, try the PTown Chamber of Commerce - they have a whole wedding section (how cool!):



    http://www.ptownchamber.com/weddings.html





    Congrats and best to you both.





    Hope that helps.



    Enjoy!




    And I also concur - Race Point is stunning too!


  • heavy makeup
  • Sandcastle Resort , anyone been recently?

    We have booked a week at the end of July at the Sandcastle Resort Provincetown (through RCI)but their website hasn%26#39;t any recent reviews. Can anyone give us some info on the place itself and surrounding area? This is our first time in this part of the USA and are really looking forward to it. We are having a couple of nights in Boston before our stay in Provincetown and one at the end before we fly home but have four nights to fill inbetween, any suggestions? We will probably visit Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket from Provincetown.



    Sandcastle Resort , anyone been recently?


    I don%26#39;t know anything about the accommodations at Sand Castle, though it looks nice enough. However it is way, way out of town -- about two miles from the center. There is a bus every 20 min. or so ($1) and I think that the flat rate cab fare is $5 or $6. If you walk to town, it is a pleasant walk but around half an hour. Sandcastle is on the shore but I don%26#39;t know what the beach is like. I believe there is a pool.



    Sandcastle Resort , anyone been recently?


    In the previous message I said that Sandcastle was far out of town. To give you an idea, numbering on Commercial St. starts at 1 in the far west end of town. Town center is in the 200s. Sandcastle%26#39;s address is in the 900s east of town center. Also if you do stay there and walk to town, you can do so at night with no worries (except traffic - no sidewalks). Ptown is very safe.




    Hi, are you planning daytrips from P-town to each of the islands? If so, you will have to drive to one of the towns with ferries - Hyannis the most options:



    http://www.hy-linecruises.com/




    Yes we will be going on day trips to the islands. We will have a car so no problem getting to Hyannis. How far is it from P-town to Hyannis?




    It is about 30 miles. You may have more energy than me on vacation, but I would suggest that you should choose one island for a day trip as opposed to trying to do both in a one week period. Once you firm up your itinerary, I would buy ferry tickets on line as July is peak season. You don%26#39;t need a car on either Island for a day trip, there is parking at the ferry.




    Thanks for your replies, we have 11 days in all in the area so we will probably visit both islands as we need to see as much as possible because we may not get to Cape Cod again as we tend to travel to different places each year.




    I am sorry I misunderstood, I thought you only had 4 nights total. Have fun, you will love the Cape %26amp; Islands!




    friends of mine own a timeshare at sandcastle. the pools and hottub are kept clean. the tennis courts are in good shape. the rooms are a bit ';motel-ish';, but spacious enough to satisfy a family, and the staff is friendly and helpful. I%26#39;ve visited my friends%26#39; timeshare every yearly visit to P-town %26amp; enjoyed the pools, courts, hottub %26amp; HBO while visiting. If your room faces the bay, instead of the outdoor pool or parking area, expect to be doubly blessed... Sandcastle has its own bay beach access, and you get a perfect crowd-free beach.

    Good Restaurants in P-Town?

    Heading to P-Town with my wife and 2 children this summer. Leaving Chatham in the am and driving there. Looking for a place to go for great breakfast as we leave Chatham. Plan to have lunch and dinner in P-Town. Like to eat at a restaurant overlooking the ocean/harbor or other scenic views if possible....Any ideas?



    Good Restaurants in P-Town?


    You%26#39;ll get plenty of recommendations here but I did want to say that water views are relatively easy to come by in Ptown, so even if your restaurant didn%26#39;t offer an ocean or Bay view, the seascapes in this little town are amazing and easily accessed.



    Good Restaurants in P-Town?


    There are not that many Ptown restaurants on the water. I could recommend (from east to west) Fanizzi%26#39;s -- reasonable, good, basic food that kids would like too, Mews -- more upscale with excellent food and a nice atmosphere, Sal%26#39;s Place -- outdoor patio which you should specify if you make a reservation, and stick with fish dishes, Red Inn -- expensive but very good, though not all tables give you a water view. Other restaurants may be on the water but have only a few water view tables. For lunch, Pepe%26#39;s and Lobster Pot are good bets.





    I%26#39;d consider some outdoor places facing Commercial Street. Devon -- expensive, Patio -- lively, good food, kids would like it, Bubala%26#39;s -- great street scene and good fish, and Enzo -- moderately expensive continental/italian cuisine.





    Don%26#39;t be limited by these suggestions. Ptown has a lot of good restaurants (Edwige at Night and Jimmy%26#39;s Hideaway are two more I%26#39;d recommend.)




    I second the Edwige at Night recommendation. It%26#39;s one of the best restaurants on the Cape imo (along with The Mews).




    We had a great breakfast at the Wicked Oyster in Wellfleet (on the way to P-town). It can be hard to find parking since it%26#39;s very popular.







    capecodchefs.com/restaurant/…menuAnchor




    We had a great breakfast at the Wicked Oyster in Wellfleet (on the way to P-town). It can be hard to find parking since it%26#39;s very popular.







    capecodchefs.com/restaurant/…menuAnchor




    A great choice for a very family friendly Sunday Brunch is Fanizzi%26#39;s By The Sea (with super friendly service) (http://www.fanizzisrestaurant.com/) Brunch is served sundays from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. They have a small parking lot, but as it is the quiet end of town you can usually find parking.





    Another great baby and kid friendly restaurant I like for dinner al fresco is Bubala%26#39;s by the Bay



    (http://www.bubalas.com/) - patio warming lamps, great people watching, great staff.





    I also like Edwige, but can%26#39;t say I have ever seen children there, although I imagine they are welcome.





    Hope that helps!





    Enjoy.




    Note: The water views at Fanizzi%26#39;s are amazing - the waves splash the windows at high tide! You can%26#39;t get much closer than that!




    PS - When we lived in Chatham and my folks came to visit, we would grab coffee and light pastry ';to go'; from Old Harbor Cafe on Old Harbor Road, then we would head straight to Fanizzi%26#39;s for the brunch opening at 10:00 AM (reserve the corner window booth a day or two before, if you get there at 10 you get a parking space in their lot). Brunch is all you can eat, which would fuel us thru the day, and we would catch dinner at Provincetown%26#39;s infamous Napi%26#39;s after a day in the dunes before heading back to Chatham in the evening...





    I will miss the Cape this summer!





    Hope that helps!



    Enjoy.




    Napi%26#39;s website:



    (http://www.napis-restaurant.com/)




    We had a b day dinner at The Mews. Red Inn great and Tera Luna in nearby N. Truro is great. Pizza at Spiritus too. I like Bubala%26#39;s Cafe for lunch.

    From UK arriving at Logan, best way to get to Lenox Hotel?

    We will be arriving 22nd May and I am wondering which is easiest/cheapest way for 3 adults to get to the Lenox, corner Boylston near Newbury St?





    Also we are here for 5 nights - with no car, are there any good value ways of getting around and into various attractions.





    I have been to Boston before, but so long ago and it was a %26#39;3 day shopping trip%26#39;. Totally different this time as with family, no doubt will manage to fit in some shopping!!!!





    Thankyou in advance,



    From UK arriving at Logan, best way to get to Lenox Hotel?


    When someone arrives from Europe, I always suggest a taxi, since you%26#39;ll be tired after a long trip and have suitcases in tow. Cost will be around $30 or $35 with the $6.50 Airport toll and fee added and takes about 15 or 20 minutes.





    You can take the subway if you really want to save that money. Will be $6 for the 3 of you. From the Terminal, take the free airport shuttle bus to the Blue Line Subway. Take the subway inbound to Government Center. Go upstairs to the Green Line Subway and take any lettered train (B, C, D, E) to Copley Square. When you exit the station, take a right onto Boylston Street. Your hotel is a block up on the left. Plan on 45 minutes up to an hour for the whole process.



    From UK arriving at Logan, best way to get to Lenox Hotel?


    Easiest and cheapest get two different answers. I agree with Alan that I would spring for a taxi. By the way, the subway fare is only $1.70 per ride if you use a Charlie Card instead of a Charlie Ticket which is $2. Cards are free and usally available from personnel in the station. You keep them permanently and add value at machines in stations.





    As far as getting around cheaply. The T has a weekly pass that is only $15. You can take the subway and even buses as much as you want for this. It is a very good deal as at $1.70 per ride it pays for itself with 9 rides. You also avoid wasting time adding value or buying tickets at station kiosks. You can buy the pass at station machines I think.





    The subway is safe and very easy to use. Visit www.mbta.com for maps and pass info.




    By the way. The Lenox was a good choice. It%26#39;s a very nice hotel in an excellent location.




    thankyou very much, most useful.




    We stayed there last year got a taxi from the airport cost us about $ 35 on the return journey manged to get a limo/bus service from the hotel cost about $15 each, so it may be worth contacting the hotel and ask about it, you%26#39;ve choosen a brilliant hotel, great location, clean and staff helpful and friendly.




    Why would you choose paying for $45 to share a ride in a van when you could have your own taxi for $35? Not quite sure I understand.




    For us this was ideal ,just giving some options, prices i quoted where for last year.

    Boston for the day with a group of teens

    My daughter and her friends want me to take them next weekend for a day trip. We%26#39;ll drive up to Riverside and take the T into the city. I know we want to hit Newberry Street and expect to do a lot of walking. Any other suggestions? We need to do this on the cheap. Thanks!



    Boston for the day with a group of teens


    On the cheap and Newbury Street go together like oil and water, haha. But if you just plan to window shop along Newbury, then that would be fine. Since you%26#39;ll be in the Back Bay, taking them for a stroll through the Boston Public Garden and Boston Common is always enjoyable in good weather. You could also consider taking them to the Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library. That%26#39;s pretty cheap ($6 adult, $4 ages 6-17) and something everyone would enjoy.





    marybakereddylibrary.org/exhibits/mapparium





    You could always take them on a Freedom Trail walk which is free unless you decide to pay for a guided tour.





    Taking them to Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall Marketplace is another option. The kids seem to love the hustle and bustle of the place, with the free street performers doing their thing. It%26#39;s also a good place to grab a bite to eat, with numerous places for take out or sit down.



    Boston for the day with a group of teens


    Take them to the USS Constitution/Old Ironside, it%26#39;s FREE %26amp; part of the Freedom Trail any way, from there head up to the Bunker Hill Monument, see if they have the energy to climb it, then walk directly in front of the Monument %26amp; across the street on the corner is the Bunker Hill Museum, go upstairs to the back %26amp; check out the glass case,hit the buttons on it:





    charlestownhistoricalsociety.org/museum.html




    LOL, yes, window-shopping ONLY! Unless the other parents ante up.





    Great ideas, thank you both!




    Not sure if you are coming on Saturday or Sunday. If it is Sunday, there looks to be a free concert at the Hatch Shell -- High School Jazz festival.




    ...and if you still have energy, they%26#39;d love Blue Man group -- you can try to get half price tix at the Bostix booth.




    If you ARE coming on Saturday or Sunday, it%26#39;s actually cheaper driving directly into the city than for parking at the subway and coming that way. You can park at the Boston Common Underground Garage for $11.

    Logan transportation to Intercontinental Hotel

    We are travelling from the UK to stay at the Intercontinental in two weeks. I read somewhere that water taxis are available for airport transfers. Please can someone tell me where the taxis leave from and drop off and how much they cost?





    Thanks,



    Mexi



    Logan transportation to Intercontinental Hotel


    Go to Boston Water Taxi.com for info.



    Logan transportation to Intercontinental Hotel


    www.citywatertaxi.com is the website it will answer your questions.




    For regular taxis, once you exit customs turn left, walk past the Dunkins and as soon as you exit, you will fall into the taxi line. $ 25.00 tops.





    To catch the water taxi you need to exit front and catch the massport bus to the water taxi. By the time you get to the water taxi, a regular taxi will have you to the hotel.





    The silver line drops you pretty close and you can catch this outside the terminal. $2.00 per person.





    www.massport.com



    www.mbta.com




    Water taxis are $10 per person or $16 round trip.




    Isn%26#39;t the MassPort ferry still operating?




    There%26#39;s never been a ferry between the Airport and Downtown. The Hingham ferry, I believe, makes a stop at Logan, but you cannot use it for the Downtown to Logan piece.




    Sorry. I just looked it up. It%26#39;s the Quincy T Ferry that stops at Logan. If you were to use it for Long Wharf to Logan and get off ';early';, you%26#39;d have to pay the full Quincy fare of $12, which is more than the Water Taxi.




    Ah, well, I know I%26#39;ve seen a ferry there, in addition to the taxis. And I thought it just went to Long Wharf and would be cheaper. I just haven%26#39;t been in that corner of the world for a while, though. Thank you.

    Blue man Group

    Travelling from the UK to Boston soon and staying for 6 days. Will we able to get tickets for Blue Man Group when we arrive? Thought this might save on the ticket booking fees that you have to pay online.





    Mexi



    Blue man Group


    You should not have a problem getting tickets here. I would even suggest stopping at the The BosTix Booth at Faneuil Hall or Copley to see if they have half-price tickets.



    They are for that day only and sell for half price (cash only). The booths open at 10 am Mon-Sat and 11 am on Sunday. I also would recommend getting seats in the poncho area if they are available.





    http://www.bostix.org/tickets/default.asp



    Blue man Group


    Agree with Remay%26#39;s advice. Please note Faneuil Hall Bostix Booth is not open on Mondays....




    Regarding the ticket booth at Faneuil Hall...I have bought tix for BMG there...at the time I was told that they only get certain sections in the Charles Playhouse, which are set back and all the way over on one side; partially obstructed. I%26#39;m not sure if this is still the case, but I would contact them first and find out.


  • heavy makeup
  • Hotel Help for July 19-21

    Hi all,





    Ok it would appear that I have chosen the very worst week to visit Boston without booking my accommodation in January!!





    According to the Professional Travel Guide%26#39;s Calendar I%26#39;m arriving in the middle of the North End Italian Feast Days and Processions which sounds like a wonderful time to be in Boston... but wait, then there%26#39;s the little fact I%26#39;m there on a weekend which not only means out of town weekenders wanting to explore Boston, but also means Soccer. The New England Revolution play regular-season home games throughout July... but wait, can you believe it, there%26#39;s more!! Major-League Baseball throughout July too... The Red Sox play home games at Fenway Park. Unless of course I%26#39;ve missed some other wonderful Bostonian past time - all of which I%26#39;m sure I%26#39;ll enjoy once I%26#39;m there of course! :)





    Sooooo this means many booked out hotels and/or rates that make me think a park bench and I will be getting well acquainted (I think all the travel sites are beginning to hate me). I%26#39;m not adverse to hostels but (sadly) I%26#39;m no longer 23 so the thought of a shared dorm kind of makes my toes curl... and if I can get a ';private'; because I%26#39;m travelling alone... I have to pay for both beds :(





    By way of explanation, I%26#39;m travelling the States for a month and am really hoping not to come back in a huge amount of debt hence not wanting to go too nuts on accommodation/travel.





    So... can anyone give me any fabulous recommendations on how to stay somewhere as central as possible that%26#39;s nice (and safe) without needing to somehow miraculously win the lottery...





    Ok, ok, perhaps a touch dramatic but I am freaking out a little so all tips and recommendations very gratefully accepted! :D





    Thanks so much



    M



    Hotel Help for July 19-21


    Ooops dates are in 17 out 21 July!!



    Hotel Help for July 19-21


    I%26#39;m seeing cheap rates at the Park Plaza for around $139 a night over those nights, you might even find rooms for less depending on what websites you visit.





    The Omni Parker House is also showing relatively cheap rates at around $169, again those prices will vary depending on your website.





    Both hotels are centrally located, clean and comfortable. Rooms will be small, but I like both hotels, they offer decent value.




    The park benches are all sold out too! ;-)





    Seriously, the Italian Feast, Revolution soccer and Red Sox aren%26#39;t the reasons all the hotels fill up in July. They fill up because Boston is a great place to visit in the summer. There are usually some big conventions that go on during the summer months as well, which will put a demand on hotel rooms. That said, it%26#39;s still not as busy as the months of May, September and October, when the tourists flock here for foliage trips as well as all the college ceremonies that take place. You WILL find somewhere to stay for your visit. I%26#39;ll start you off by giving you the link to the Oasis Guest House. It%26#39;s a 5 minute walk to the Prudential Center and all the hustle and bustle of the Back Bay. Hopping on the T (subway) to visit other areas of Boston is also super easy from there. I%26#39;m sure others will chime in with more suggestions to look into. Don%26#39;t worry, we%26#39;ll help you find a place that is reasonable and not out in the middle of nowhere.





    http://www.oasisgh.com/




    Chuckles,



    (I am chuckling, love your screen name).



    The events you listed are not that extra-ordinary, just typical summer events. Accommodations rates are high here in Boston especially from May-October. (The worst booking periods are early May due to college graduations, July 4th and September/ October when tourist visit during foliage season along with parents who are visiting for ';parents weekend'; and the numerous universities)



    You can try Hotwire.Com- It is an up-front, no cancellation bidding site.They usually offer great hotel deals. The best location for a tourist to stay is in the Back Bay/ Copley, Quincy Market or the Financial District.



    If there are no good deals for those sections then check out Waterfront, Charlestown or Cambridge.



    Since you are coming in July and do not mind non-luxurious accommodations check out Bed%26amp;Breakfast Afloat. It is a pretty unique. It is houseboat located in the harbor in Charlestown.



    Other options are to stay outside of the city but close to public transport (the ';T';). You can check out communities like Winthrop, Medford, Quincy just to name a few.



    Good Luck!



    Enjoy!





    http://www.bedandbreakfastafloat.com/




    Chuclkingstarfish,



    Here is a web-site for Bed and Breakfasts in the area. I just looked at Bed and Breakfast Afloat and their rates seem to be higher this year from last year.



    bedandbreakfast.com/boston-massachusetts.html





    And here is the link to Hotwire...



    http://www.hotwire.com/





    You can also try Priceline...



    http://www.hotwire.com/

    Boston hotel?

    We are coming to Boston on Tues May 19th and staying until Saturday. I have reservations for the Raddison in the Theatre dist? Is this hotel centrally located?Hopefully it is close to the subway.



    Are we within walking distance to the North end.I am hoping it is about a mile.



    We will be seeing a Red Sox game on Wednesday. Was maybe thinking of going to Salem one day.About how far is Salem, and is there enough to see and do in Salem.



    Thanks for your help....



    Boston hotel?


    Yes, your hotel is centrally located, and it%26#39;s very close to several subway stops.





    Yes, you are within walking distance to the North End, maybe a mile, maybe a bit less.





    Salem is 20 miles north of Boston, you either need a car, or will have to arrange some sort of public transportation to get there. It%26#39;s not my cup of tea, but perhaps it is yours.



    Boston hotel?


    Lots to see in and do in Salem. People who don%26#39;t like it generally don%26#39;t like the exploitation of the witch hysteria, but Salem is so much more than witches ... it%26#39;s got a rich maritime history, the impressive Peabody-Essex Museum, great architecture, even ';Salem Willows'; an old-style ocean-side park w/ lots of Weeping Willow trees, a few old amusement rides (antique carousel), arcades w/ a mixture of old and new games, interesting food (chop suey sandwiches and lime rickeys), traditional food -- ice cream, pizza, fried clams and THE BEST popcorn ever ... made in a very old, gas-fired popper.





    You do NOT need a car to get there. You can take the commuter rail (Rockport line) from North Station. check out http://www.mbta.com The train stop is about a 5-minute walk from the visitor%26#39;s center.





    Another option is to take a boat to Salem. http://www.salemferry.com It lets you off about 8 minutes away from the visitors center. Once there, you might opt for an on-off trolley tour or explore on foot.






    You%26#39;re in a great location for getting around Boston, ChicagoMom. The Radisson is only 1 block to either the Public Garden or Common as well as 2 ';T'; stops. (Arlington and Boylston). Getting around by foot or subway will be a breeze. If you don%26#39;t feel like walking to the North End, just take the subway from Boylston 3 stops to Haymarket stop. Take it 2 stops to Government Center stop for Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall Marketplace. For the Sox game, take it outbound 3 stops to Kenmore from Arlington stop. So, it%26#39;s really simple to get around by subway, if you aren%26#39;t up to walking there.





    Salem is fine for a day trip if you really want to visit there. There%26#39;s plenty to keep you occupied for a day. Peabody Essex Museum (PEM)is a great place to spend some time. I haven%26#39;t visited Salem in quite some time. I enjoy it for the historical homes and buildings, not the witch history. The best way to visit Salem is by taking the Salem/Boston Ferry. It%26#39;s a nice 45 minute cruise along the coast.



    Or you can take the cheaper Commuter Rail out of North Station.





    http://www.salemferry.com/





    http://www.mbta.com/





    Family dining near Taj

    Hi all! I will be in Boston May 7-10 with the family (wife and 2 kids: 3 years and 15 months). We are staying at the Taj.





    Looking for suggestions re family-friendly dining. Not too bothered about cost but obviously we are not in the market for fine dining given our demographics! Italian, American would be good cuisines. Might go to Legal Seafood. Any other suggestions within easy walking distance?





    (Last time I was in town was at a conference and the sorts of places we went to (e.g. Sonsie on Newbury Street) wouldn%26#39;t fit the bill for this trip).



    Family dining near Taj


    A couple places came to mind:





    Parrish Cafe is practically right around the corner on Boylston St. It serves up very good sandwiches designed by some of the top chefs in town. With a family, make sure you go a little earlier.





    75 Chestnut is OK for American food. Maybe 3 blocks from the Taj. Again, probably better the earlier you go. (By early, I mean 6 PM.) 75 Chestnut has the bonus that it is in the middle of a residential block of Beacon Hill--you can%26#39;t get more Bostonian than that!



    Family dining near Taj


    I like the 75 Chestnut idea. I believe there is an ice cream place on that block. Check out The Paramount on Charles for Breakfast.





    Davios is not far from the hotel.




    Maggiano%26#39;s, UNO Chicago Grill, Bertucci%26#39;s, Legal Seafood and Wagamama are a few that come to mind near the Taj. All have childrens menus.




    Many thanks for all your helpful suggestions. Really looking forward to the trip now!




    I think M.J. O%26#39;Connor%26#39;s Irish Pub/Restaurant would be a good option. Very casual, but not run down. Zero worries about kids yours%26#39; age. There%26#39;s a lot of restaurant that isn%26#39;t right by a bar. Easy and hearty food (burgers, fish %26amp; chips, Irish stew, french onion soup, chicken curry to chicken fingers -- all the typical pub food). It%26#39;s in the Park Plaza Hotel%26#39;s building in Park Square, an easy 10 minute walk from your hotel, about six blocks. I know, you didn%26#39;t come to the states to go to a pub, but it%26#39;s an easy option...




    There%26#39;s a Joe%26#39;s American Bar and Grill on Newbury at Dartmouth Street. Has a large reasonable menu wityh all sorts of choices.




    Oops. I meant Newbury at Exeter Street.




    Newbury %26amp; Dartmouth. Trust your memory. ;-)




    Lots of Italian restaurants in the North End would be fine. You could walk over, but you could just hop on the Green Line right outside your hotel and take it to Haymarket which is right near the North End. There are plenty of places that would fit the bill. A few that come to mind are Cantina Italiana on Hanover, La Summa on Fleet, Assagio on Prince. These are all casual, ';red sauce'; type places.

    May Visit

    Hi all,





    Thanks in advance for all your terrific info on this site. My wife and I will visit Boston for a graduation later this week and had some questions. Our schedule so far is:





    Arrive Wed. night, staying at Residence Inn, Tudor Wharf. Thurs - walk around downtown, Freedom Trail, take bicycling tour in afternoon with Urban Adventours.



    Fri - Aquarium in morning, possible whale-watching trip, dinner in North End.



    We%26#39;d like to fit in some time in Cambridge as well.





    Can anyone recommend some good restaurants in North End and Charleston? Nothing fancy, but good quality - there are so many choices. Also, are recommendations necessary at most restaurants on Thurs and Fri night?





    On Sat., we%26#39;re taking a Duck Tour in the morning, then maybe Museum of Science and Charleston Naval Yard area, and then going to graduation ceremonies in later afternoon, with dinner at Legal Seafoods at Prudential Center.





    Is there anything we%26#39;re missing that we should try to fit into our schedule?





    Is a water taxi from Logan to the hotel the best option? We get in at 7pm and would like to be at the hotel and out to dinner not too late. Also, is buying a Charlie Card the best way to get around the subway for four days?





    Sun. morning, we%26#39;re renting a car and driving up to Maine for two days and New Hampshire for two days, before returning to Boston and flying home.





    Thanks



    May Visit


    Regarding the water taxi, it depends how quiickly you want to get to the hotel. Getting into a cab and to the hotel should take all of 15 minutes. Getting to the water taxi involves waiting for a massport bus, making several stops, wating for the boat.





    Yes to the charlie card.





    The North End...La Summa, Carmen, The Push Cart. I would make reservations. The North End can be very busy. I would walk thru the North End Wed. evening and check out several places. You can make a reservation then.





    Charlestown. Olives...I think still does not take reservations but check.



    May Visit


    I%26#39;m not trying to be critical, but you are staying in the Boston neighborhood of CharlestoWn, not Charleston. I wouldn%26#39;t want you to have problems explaining this to a taxi driver. People who grew-up in Charlestown sometimes refer to themselves as %26#39;townies%26#39; ... that may help you remember.





    In addition to Olives, there there is Figs, the Warren Tavern and Max and Dylan%26#39;s in Charlestown. I love Figs and the Warren Tavern, but haven%26#39;t personally tried Max and Dylan%26#39;s yet, but I%26#39;ve heard good things.




    Hi, Bandit





    After getting settled into your hotel on the first night, consider having dinner down the street from you at Navy Yard Bistro. You%26#39;ll really like it.





    http://www.navyyardbistro.com/index.htm





    For more good restaurant suggestions besides Olives, consider Figs, another Todd English restaurant. Figs will be lighter on the wallet than Olives, but both are good choices. You can decide if either interests you. The link will take you to both places.





    http://www.toddenglish.com/





    For a really nice Morrocan meal in a really cool atmosphere, check out Tangierino





    http://www.tangierino.com/





    If you just want to grab a couple drinks and a burger, walk on over to The Warren Tavern. It%26#39;s the oldest Tavern in Massachusetts and whose patrons once included Paul Revere and George Washington. This place reeks of history.





    http://www.warrentavern.com/





    There%26#39;s a few more places to consider near your hotel, but those are some to consider.





    For North End dining, there are so many good places to eat and everyone seems to have their favorites. La Summa is good and so is Giacomo%26#39;s, Artu, Mamma Maria%26#39;s, Lucca, Taranta, Carmen and on and on. I would like to tell you about Regina Pizzeria. Stop by this place if you want an old school, brick oven pizza at it%26#39;s very best. It%26#39;s really really good.





    http://www.pizzeriaregina.com/





    You can%26#39;t go to the North End without sampling some delicious pastries from either Mike%26#39;s or Modern Pastry. Here%26#39;s the link to Modern





    http://www.modernpastry.com/





    As far as your itinerary goes, I have to ask why you want to go to the Aquarium? It%26#39;s not a bad Aquarium but it%26#39;s nothing special. There are far nicer ones across America than ours. It%26#39;s usually a nice place to bring the kids, but I wouldn%26#39;t bother going, unless you really want to :-)





    Going on a whalewatch would be fun or head over to Harvard Square for a visit.





    You%26#39;ll really like the city tour with Urban Adventours. The Duck Tour is fun and usually provides you with some good laughs while you cruise around. Quack!





    Museum of Science is awesome! It%26#39;s another attraction usually associated with kids, but if you like science, age isn%26#39;t a factor. The MOS is one of the best in the country and certainly worth a visit. The only downside is all the extra costs not included with the general admission price.





    Buying the 7 day visitor pass for the subway and water ferry is always a good idea, even though you%26#39;re only staying for four days. At $15 each, it should more than pay for itself once your four days are up.





    If you can fit it in, try and take a stroll through the Public Garden before dinner at the Prudential Center.




    Making reservations wouldn%26#39;t hurt, especially with graduations going on. You can do this easily any time of day at www.opentable.com. Many (but not all) restaurants are on this system.

    Unusual tours of Boston

    Help!!!





    We are going to Boston in two weeks for a friend%26#39;s wedding so our four day trip is only realistically be about 2 days after rehearsals and other wedding things so I need a bit of a whistlestop tour of Boston.





    I would really like to see the city in a slightly more unusual way than one of the other standard ways. Has anyone got any suggestions?



    Unusual tours of Boston


    What are your ages, interests etc.? What do you consider ';standard';? Boston is a relatively small city, so you can see most of it in just a couple days... especially if you have time to fit some little things into whatever small amounts of time you may get between ';wedding things';.



    Unusual tours of Boston


    We are both late 20%26#39;s; we are quite open to anything really except perhaps lots of reading in museums. Much prefer being able to whizz round museums and see the salient points.





    The wedding is at Harvard so we will probably get to see quite a lot of that anyway and we are staying at the Royal Sonesta which I hope will be close to both the centre and the wedding.





    We were keen on the duck tour; as it was a laugh in London; but have been put off by the %26#39;quacking%26#39; at passers by.




    Here are 2 overviews for you from Frommer%26#39;s:



    frommers.com/destinations/鈥?004010019.html



    frommers.com/destinations/鈥?004010008.html





    For others who may be reading this thread in the future (given your time constraints, KLB, I doubt you%26#39;ll want to take advantage of it -- but perhaps your next time here!), there is an excellent ';culinary tour'; of Boston%26#39;s (Italian) North End:



    http://www.northendmarkettours.com




    Cocklecove; that sounds brilliant. Just up our street. Where food is concerned my boyfriend is normally there at the front of the queue!




    Then I%26#39;m so happy, KLB, that I included it! :-)




    鈥arvard.edu/exhibitions/glassflowers.html





    you must check these out at Harvard - amazing collection of glass flowers!




    don%26#39;t forget Chinatown and the great places for Dim Sum




    Then there%26#39;s this new tour just started recently: locations in and around the city where well-known films have been shot.



    http://www.bostonmovietours.net/





    The Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour



    viator.com/tours/Boston/3322BMT/Boston-Movie鈥?/a>




    Don%26#39;t miss the ';other'; parts of Cambridge... Central, Inman, and Porter (and of course, Harvard) Squares all boast some of the most diverse dining in the whole Boston area. (I highly recommend the East Coast Grill in Inman Square, for a great spicy barbeque) The Middle East in Central Square gets some really great live entertainment.




    I took the Ducks tour and I had a blast - I love the Duck tours - I%26#39;ve been on 5 in various cities and I%26#39;m in my late 30s. It is definitely a unique tour since not many other tours are on land and in the water. It is a really interesting tour of the area as well. It is so much fun! Hope you get the chance to do it.

    Any Big Surprises?

    My friends and I visit P-Town every year in August, and it always comes as a slight shock to see beloved shops, restaurants, bars and such disappear when they seemed thriving the year before. Sometimes the replacements are better, yet sometimes not so much.





    Anyone know of any major losses or changes to the P-town experience? I know it%26#39;s technically pre-Season, but I assume a good number of locals know what%26#39;s what...



    Any Big Surprises?


    Not too many shocks that I%26#39;m aware of so far -





    Clem and Ursies closed and the building was sold.





    Almost all the other major restaurants in town are still here and are either open or will be open in the next month or two.





    As far as stores, so far there have not been too many changes that I%26#39;m aware of.





    %26#39;I Used To Be A Tree%26#39; is closing.



    I%26#39;m not sure if Ptown Pookies is re-opening, last time I walked by there it seemed like they were gone.





    Considering the economy it%26#39;s nice to see that most of the stores are staying and almost all restaurants are re-opening for the season.



    Any Big Surprises?


    Biggest surprise (if you haven%26#39;t heard) would be the new Stop and Shop!!! Yay!




    I%26#39;m surprised and disappointed that Clem %26amp; Ursie%26#39;s has closed! They always seemed busy, even though the location left something to be desired. I was just talking with a friend, and we were discussing that since the Europa Cafe changed hands last year, we couldn%26#39;t find conch fritters... but there was some relief in knowing that C%26amp;U%26#39;s was there.




    It%26#39;s just a rumor in town at this point, but you will never guess what MAY end up in the Clem %26amp; Ursie%26#39;s spot.





    The rumor is that the building was bought by CVS Pharmacy. Lots of people not happy to hear that rumor.





    And yes, the new Stop %26amp; Shop in town is fantastic!!




    There are worse things than CVS, but still, is Shank Painter Road gonna have a McDonald%26#39;s and Walmart before this is over?




    Got a new surprise for you. Little Gorgeous Things was on Commercial Street across from the Provincetown Libary. A long time ago the MEWS Restaurant was in that space. A new restaurant is coming to the space where Little Gorgeous Things used to be.





    I also heard a rumor today that the Caribbean Corner Cafe is not re-opening.




    Thank you for all this info, especially regarding Clem %26amp; Ursie%26#39;s (that%26#39;s the kind of shock I meant... they were a really good, unpretentious establishment). I%26#39;m sad to see Little Gorgeous Things going... that little niche with the great bay views was a fun shop, but I%26#39;m impressed to see anyone sticking out a rough economy. I Used To Be A Tree, despite proximity to Now Voyager%26#39;s traffic, was such a specific boutique that they%26#39;re a likely collapse in a poor market. Nonetheless, change can be good or bad, depending on what we do with it.





    Again, thank you folks for such detailed and fast responses.




    Update on Clem and Ursies building.





    It%26#39;s been bought by Townsend Seafood and they will continue to run it as a seafood restaurant, should be good. Townsend Seafood%26#39;s has been at the entrance to Fisherman%26#39;s Wharf for some time.




    I was so saddened to see an article about Clem in the Boston Globe on a Saturday this winter ... I tried to find it on-line to send to out of state friends who we vacation with (and dined w/ a Clem and Ursies) but couldn%26#39;t find it. I will miss the restaurant. We visit the area at least twice a year and I cannot remember a time that we didn%26#39;t eat there at least once during our visit ...





    A CVS? -- blech!!! As a fan of Towsend%26#39;s, I%26#39;m encouraged by that news. We stay in a cottage in N.Truro, and like to get %26#39;takeout%26#39; sometimes ... being able to swing down Shankpainter Road, PARK, and pickup fried clams to go will be a convenience for us.





    Stop and Shop will be an improvement. I used to try to avoid %26#39;Grand Union%26#39;, I can%26#39;t describe it but it sort of had a %26#39;bad vibe%26#39; ... even the A%26amp;P ';felt better'; if that makes any sense. Sometimes I shopped Grand Union for pre-packaged food, like canned soup, cereal or soda. Luckily my kids like fish so I did fine w/ Cape Tip Seafood, and the Hillside Farms produce market in the same little shopping area on Rte 6, Truro. And ... if I was going to be there for a longer stay, I%26#39;d buy a few meat items from my local butcher, freeze it and bring it with me!




    The Carribbean Corner Cafe is moving in the space that was the Landmark restaurant (and before that Twomy%26#39;s). It will be interesting to see if they can transition to a full sit down site. I also wonder is they will have a bar area? That may be fun. How about some live music?


  • heavy makeup
  • Charlie card v Charlie ticket

    We will be in Boston from the Uk for 6 days during late May. Please can someone explain what these Charle things are and which would be best for us?!





    Mexi



    Charlie card v Charlie ticket


    If you search the forum, you%26#39;ll find a few explanations of the Charlie card system.





    www.mbta.com also has information.



    Charlie card v Charlie ticket


    MBTA ';T'; fares can be confusing, since there are so many methods of payment.



    Charlie Day Link and Weekly Link Pass are the best value for tourists, they are per person and not per ride. They may be purchased at any T vending machine (including the airport T stop) or certain retail stores. They include unlimited subway rides, local bus rides, and inner-harbor ferry (not to be confused with the water-taxis) and for the commuter rail but ONLY to zone 1 A



    - Charlie Weekly Link Pass - $15.00 per person good for 7 consecutive days (Probably your best choice)



    - Charlie Day Link Pass- $9.00 per person good one day



    - Charlie Ticket- $2.00 per ride (add as much value to the card as needed) Charlie Tickets are available at all the T stops



    -Charlie Card - $1.70 per ride (free local bus and you can also add as much value to the card) must ask a customer service representative at the station, purchase cards online,available at certain retail stores or by going to Customer Service M-F 8 A- 6P at the Downtown Crossing T stop



    -Children under 11 are always free when with a paying adult.



    -To get Senior fares you must have a proper MBTA ID card, not available for tourists





    You may share a card if you have a Charlie Card or Charlie ticket. It is dependent on which card/ticket or pass you use. The ticket and card are used per ride, so if you have a Charlie Ticket or Charlie Card then you may share it since each ride will be deducted from the card or ticket. Just put the CHARLIE TICKET in the machine go through the turnstile and pass it on to the next user or just tap the CHARLIE CARD to the sensor in front of turnstile and pass it to the next user . A Charlie link Pass is not to be shared because it is per user, not per ride.




    Another distinguishing factor, a Charlie Card it plastic and can have money added to it. A Charlie ticket is paper and can be used to buy a new ticket (if you have less than $2 on it) but not %26#39;re-charged%26#39;.




    And the Charlie Cards themselves are free. Ask a T person in a station for one. They usually have them. You just have to add value to them at a machine. But as stated before, the Weekly Pass is really probably your best deal.




    Just to be clear, the weekly pass ($15) is your best buy and you don%26#39;t need a plastic Charlie Card for it. Even if you have a plastic card, the pass is dispensed as a paper ticket by the fare machine. You can%26#39;t hand the pass back to another person because once you use it, it is locked out at that station for about 15 minutes.





    The system is similar to London%26#39;s Oyster card.

    Ocean Edge Teenagers??

    Planing to Visit Ocean Edge last week Jul for 2 weeks. Travelling from the uk with 3 teenagers. The Eldest is a 17 year old. Is there much for her to do here particularly as we are renting privately so it may be difficult for her to meet others of that age group.I see they have activities/clubs for 12 and under but what about the 13 - 18%26#39;s.





    Also any recommendations for restaurants/beaches/bars etc would be welcome.





    Ocean Edge Teenagers??


    I%26#39;m not sure how easy it will be for your kids to meet other teens while on the Cape....but some of that depends on how outgoing they are.





    I have 13 and 15 year olds who spend five weeks of their summer in Brewster. There%26#39;s lots that they enjoy, mostly the freedom we give them to go places on their own.





    I would suggest renting bikes for at least part of your stay. That way your teens could ride over to the Brewster House of Pizza (my kids like to go for lunch), JTs for ice cream, Harbor Lights for mini-golf, and the Brewster Store (which is a bit further). The Brewster Ladies Library also has a nice teen room if they enjoy reading. It wouldn%26#39;t be too far of a bike ride to go into Orleans either. I know lots of teens like to hang out at the Chocolate Sparrow coffee shop and bakery there.





    I would imagine that your private rental will give you indoor pool passes which would be another good place to meet kids.





    With two weeks, you will have time to see a great deal of the Cape. Provinctown is a must do as is a whale watch. Be sure to visit an Atlantic Ocean beach (Nauset in Orleans is one your kids wouldl like as it has a snack bar!).





    Favorite restaurants for our family:



    Joe%26#39;s Beach Bar in Orleans



    The Beacon Room in Orleans



    Sweetwater Grill in Orleans



    Land Ho! in Orleans



    Bucca in Chatham/Harwich



    Brewster Coffee Shop in Brewster (great bfast and lunch)





    Here are some in Brewster which we like less for a variety of reasons:



    Agro Dolce (near Ocean Edge)



    Laurino%26#39;s (relatively inexpensive and pretty good)



    Brewster Fish House (expensive and hard to get into)





    Hope others will chime in and that you will take advantage of the other posts on this forums for activity ideas, etc.



    Ocean Edge Teenagers??


    See a message from me at the top of your screen...Welcome Shouldi.



    Have some info for you there regarding activities. Also you might look at a free publication that is printed month by month and is everywhere at restaurants and info centers and that%26#39;s www.kidsonthecape.com



    Two weeks, what a wonderful Cape Cod holiday. Have fun.

    Vacation Apartment for four, August 13-16, near Little Italy

    Four of us will be traveling to Boston August 13-16 to check out the Italian festival. We would really love to rent a vacation apartment for four days, where we could cook our own meals. Being Italians, we love doing this! Can anyone advise where we should start our search? We would love to be in or near Little Italy. Thanks.



    Vacation Apartment for four, August 13-16, near Little Italy


    You could check LaCappella Suites to see if they have rooms available:





    www.lacappellasuites.com





    Here, each floor has a common living room %26amp; dining room. They have the refrigerator, microwave, toaster %26amp; coffeemaker any way, just not a stove. Each morning they offer a self-service breakfast in their dining areas. Tons of restaurants near by, as you know. There%26#39;s a Starbucks %26amp; 3 restaurants right there within walking distance for those that want to go out for breakfast in the morning. Contact Tricia Muse 8AM-10PM, triciamuse@aol.com or 888 523-9020.





    I also just saw a really cute vacation apartment, perfect for 4 that you could find out about. The only thing is, it says it%26#39;s about 15 minutes from Logan, it could be over in Jamaica Plain or some other neighborhood, I have no idea where it%26#39;s located, you%26#39;d have to find that part of it out. This one rents for the week, you could find out if they%26#39;d rent it for 4 days though if you%26#39;re interested in it, just get in touch with them, here%26#39;s info on it, the pictures of it are really nice:





    vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/35692.h鈥?/a>





    Good luck!







    Vacation Apartment for four, August 13-16, near Little Italy


    Also, there%26#39;s several really good condo rental possibilities on ';Craigslist';'; right in the heart of the North End that you should check out. They look pretty good too!




    Wow, thanks for all the information. I%26#39;ll definitely check out all the suggestions. I never thought about Craigslist, but you are correct. There are always people looking to rent out apartments. I%26#39;ll report when we find something, and thanks so much again. Viva Tripadvisor!




    The Marriott Residence Inn (residenceinnboston.com) could be a good option for you. It`s beautifully situated on Boston Harbor and a quick walk to Boston`s historic, Italian North End. The suites have fully equipped kitchens, a full buffet breakfast is included each day and there`s a nice indoor pool. For your dates in August they`re offering a suite with 2 queen beds and a sofa bed for $259. You could possibly find better rates at some of the discount travel sites.




    I forgot to mention that The Residence Inn offers discouted rates to AAA members. The hotel also has 2 bedroom suites although I don`t see availabiliy for those on your dates. A phone call to the hotel may find you some availability for those.




    Thanks for that lead, also. We are so excited about coming to Boston. We are from San Diego, CA, and it is the first time visit to Boston for our friends.




    You`re very welcome. I respectfully suggest that if you`re even remotely interested in this property that you book it ASAP. Boston is very busy in the summer and many of the rooms in this hotel are already booked. If you book through the residenceinnboston.com website, your reservation will be fully cancellable (with no penalties) up until the day of your schedueled arrival. You have nothing to lose.




    If you decide to stay right in the North End (Italian section, it%26#39;s not called ';Little Italy'; here) be wary of potential noise. The feasts can be very noisy. I used to know someone who lived in the North End who would try to leave during the feasts because of this.




    YES, the Marriott Residence Inn in Charlestown at Tudor Wharf along the Freedom Trail will be a great option IF they have rooms available. It%26#39;s pretty popular in the summer months, so if you decide you want to stay there, call right away for the rooms.





    I know people that live in the North End right now too %26amp; do the same thing with leaving on weekends, especially in the summer when it gets packed with people. They%26#39;re usually at the Cape or up in NH any way.





    This will also depend on where your condo/apartment will be located if you end up getting one there for your visit. It could be that it%26#39;s located along the outskirts of the North End near the waterfront and it wouldn%26#39;t be as bad with the noise that%26#39;s on or near Hanover Street. So just keep that in mind. It%26#39;s definitely pretty noisy on Hanover Street and down thru Thatcher it can be loud at times, especially during the St. Anthony feast, where it%26#39;s the biggest one of the summer in late August.





    You%26#39;re arriving for the August 13-16th one! You%26#39;ll be at the 99th annual Fisherman%26#39;s Feast, have a wonderful time!





    www.fishermansfeast.com




    Don%26#39;t forget VRBO.





    www.vrbo.com

    How would you spend 6 days on the Cape?

    Staying in Chatham (CBI) with my wife and 6 and 11 year old sons. How would you spend your time over 6 days this summer? So far, thinking about 1 day in P-town, 1 day in MV, and trying to decide about the other 4 days. Thoughts or ideas?





    How would you spend 6 days on the Cape?


    I wouldn’t worry so much about filling up your time. Part of the charm of Cape Cod is relaxing and just enjoying. I would recommend that you pick up a travel guide so you’ll know what’s around you – I like this one a lot:





    amazon.com/Cape-Cod-Marthas-Vineyard-Nantuck…





    But for the most part I’d let the weather and your mood dictate what you’re up to. Keep in mind that on a rainy day P-Town is at it’s most crowded as everyone has the same idea - I don%26#39;t mind the crowds but it%26#39;s something to be aware of.



    How would you spend 6 days on the Cape?


    You%26#39;ve gotten two recommendations for guide books, complete comments on what to do in Provincetown, Hyannis and Chatham. What additional info are you looking for?



    Certainly enjoy the National Seashore beaches a couple of days at least.



    When you arrive on Hwy. 6 you can stop at the Info Center right there at the highway after the Hyannis exit. Pick up Cape Week, Kids On the Cape and any other publications that look interesting. This is where you will find info that applies across the Cape. There are two Chatham info centers too and one is on Main St. in the heart of all the shopping. These can give you all the Chatham info you may want.



    Of course the hotel where you are staying will have info too.



    Use the Martha%26#39;s Vineyard forum (if you haven%26#39;t already) to get input on your day there.



    If you have questions about anything that we all have not covered as yet then by all means post some specifics questions to receive help.




    Well, to answer the question - How would I spend 6 days. Probably hit a couple of happy hours. Used to go to Pufferbellies and Improper Bostonian many many years ago. I would certainly eat some lobster, steamers and fried clams - belly on. I would hit the beach and relax for a couple of days. A drive up 6a is a great way to relax with stops at various crafts and antique shops. Some miniature golf is always fun. I would catch a good show at the Cape Cod Melody Tent. Took my kids to see Tom Paxton there.





    I would take some kind of boat ride- whale watch, sunfish sailboat, anything to get out and just smell the saltwater and spend quality time with the family.



    I would only eat at places with a view (and not of rt 28 between Dennis and Hyannis) if at all possible. No offense to the many fine establishments there.



    After you get back, let us know what you did cause this is your trip. You will have a great time.




    did anyone suggest Brax for lunch? It has ok food (passable pub grub that is sometimes exceptional and sometimes not so much).





    Brax is on rte. 28 in Harwich Port and overlooks Saquatucket Harbor. Eat outside and enjoy the atmosphere.





    So, you want an itinerary? You really don%26#39;t need one....





    1.one day: Hyannis





    2.another stellar day: Provincetown (whale watch, art%26#39;s dune tours, great food)





    3.next day: Nantucket or M.V.





    4.great day: explore Chatham (Chatham A%26#39;s game, Friday night band concert, fish pier)





    5.another great day: National Seashore





    6.a worthwhile day: Drive a bit on 6A and see the Captains%26#39; houses and antique galleries





    pick a day: if you don%26#39;t mind traffic: Explore some of the other towns you%26#39;ve missed: Brewster, Orleans,Harwich, Eastham, Falmouth, etc. (my apologies to the residents of the lovely %26#39;etc.%26#39; towns)





    Don%26#39;t forget to take some pictures (Beach photos of your kids make great photos for a greeting card later), have a lobster roll, drink a little Champagne (you can byob and eat lovely lobster at Sesuit Harbor Cafe...don%26#39;t miss it), eat a picnic lunch on the beach, walk on the beach, do a little fishing, crabbing, clamming (get a permit!!!), wear your sunscreen, get a cone, shop a little, go to a gallery, dig in the sand, do nothing. For six days, just %26#39;Be%26#39;.



    Don%26#39;t blink! You%26#39;re vacay is over!




    *Your* vacay is over.




    Great ideas and perpsectives...I%26#39;m the one ';in charge'; of our vacations and trying to plan a fun, relaxing time and give everyone a great sense of the beauty and uniqueness of Cape Cod. Everyone%26#39;s posts are quite helpful and bring me closer to putting an itinerary together for the week...Thank you so much everyone!




    With kids that age I would add the Wellfleet Drive-In to your ‘must do’ list. They’ll run films rain or shine so it’s especially nice if you find yourself with nothing to do on a rainy night. I would only caution that the concession stand is not good for anything but ice cream and pop corn – so I’d have eaten before hand or bring in a picnic dinner if you’re at all picky.




    Drive-in is a great idea!




    Here%26#39;s the website for the drive-in:





    http://www.wellfleetcinemas.com/





    There aren%26#39;t too many of these drive-ins left in the world!(I%26#39;ll second the idea of bringing in your own food)




    It%26#39;s many years since we have been to the Wellfleet Drive-in although we go to the regular cinema there from time to time.We have one near where I live. Haven%26#39;t been since our children grew up but our daughter takes the grandchildren occasionally. Thought you might like to see the website, quite entertaining.



    www.5drivein.com

    solo female traveller - safety 4 nights in boston

    hi everyone



    i am staying in boston18th-22nd june for 4 nights after 3 nights in philadelphia , i have a hearing disability but wear a hearing aid,so i can hear okay, i am from the uk and this is my first time to america and boston. i am staying at the sheraton on dalton street, is this area safe at night?



    also i plan on arrival to get a go boston card and head over to fenway park for their tour, is this area safe during the day? and what time does the tours close?



    also on my 2nd day i plan on taking the train out to salem from north end station (not sure whether to take the boat?) and i will be arriving back around 7pm, is it safe in this area at night? and would i be able to walk back to my hotel safely or would a cab be more advisable?



    what areas should i avoid?



    also looking for places to eat at night,im not the sort of person to dress up for a meal, so a more relaxed dress code.



    also what is there to do at night as i dont drink that much and im not into nightclubs etc, i am not a person to strike up conversations with complete strangers. help this is my first time, i am married but this trip i am doing on my own.



    any ideas and advice would be great



    solo female traveller - safety 4 nights in boston


    would the trip to salem be better by train or by the ferry? not sure which to choose here, if the ferry anyone have any info on times and prices etc?



    thanks



    solo female traveller - safety 4 nights in boston




    Hi dreamcometrue! How exciting. I can totally understand being nervous, but don%26#39;t worry - Boston is an ideal city for a solo female traveler. All of the neighborhoods where you%26#39;d want to be (such as Back Bay where the Sheraton is) are very safe. In terms of areas to avoid - again, there really aren%26#39;t any where touristy/fun sites are, so you should really be fine! The only thing I%26#39;d say is that Downtown/Financial district while VERY safe, gets quieter at night, so you might feel slightly less comfortable there after dark.





    Of course, all of this being said, just use common sense - stay in well lit areas, take a taxi if it%26#39;s late at night rather than walking alone, etc.





    Regarding what to do at night outside of bars and nightclubs, there are certainly options - some of the museums are open at night, and less crowded, such as the MFA (Museum of Fine Arts) that%26#39;s open Wed - Fri until 9:45pm. Also, I know you said you weren%26#39;t into meeting people, but the evening events at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum look fun, and there%26#39;s one when you%26#39;re here: gardnermuseum.org/afterhours/event_june.asp





    Either way, the MFA and Gardner Museums are great to visit while you%26#39;re here if you like art!





    Eating - you%26#39;re so close to many casual restaurants, you won%26#39;t have a problem finding something. I like the Summer Shack which is lobster and BBQ type fare a stone%26#39;s throw from the Sheraton. All down Boylston Street you can find casual options for anything you might want!





    I%26#39;ll post again if I think up any more night time activities, and the others will weigh in on your Salem trip, I%26#39;m sure.





    Have a great time, and just ask questions here if you have them.




    As you%26#39;ve alrady heard, Boston is a safe city, although you have to use your ';street smarts'; no matter where you go.





    For information on the Salem ferry, check http://www.salemferry.com/. The train info to Salem can be found in mbta.com, commuter rail, Rockport Line. You will have to take a taxi from the port area to your hotel, but could take the subway from the rail station.





    Most places in Boston have no specific dress code, so that shouldn%26#39;t be much of a problem.




    The ferry is a nice ride especially if it%26#39;s a nice day. You get it down by Long Wharf which is near the Aquarium.





    Anywhere a tourist would go in Boston is pretty safe. The subway is busy at night and safe, too.





    At night you could take in a show such as Blue Man Group or Shear Madness. Both are always running. Or take a look at the Arts section on Boston.com and see if anything appeals.




    hi



    thanks bostontophilly for replying, what i meant about not talking to strangers is i dont mind, but as i am shy around people i dont know until i get to know them, i probably would talk to someone if they spoke to me and seemed alright.



    are cabs easy to catch in boston?



    seems strange your username and im staying in both philadelphia and boston!




    hi



    also i may be 40 yrs old but i look as if i am in my late 20%26#39;s early 30%26#39;s and i feel like im in my late 20%26#39;s, i often get mistaken for my daughters older sister by her friends




    hi



    phillytoboston, can i use the go boston card for the after hours tickets at the isabella gardner museum? this sounds like fun?




    Sure. And if your name is Isabella, admission is free.






    I know! You should hop over to the Philly board, too. They%26#39;re great, and it is more important to know where you%26#39;re going in Philly - most areas are very safe as well, but some dicier neighborhoods can pop up! I%26#39;d give you more advice on Philly, but I moved to Boston years ago so my advice isn%26#39;t very current.





    Oh, I didn%26#39;t think you were saying you wouldn%26#39;t talk to anyone! :) I think Gardner After Hours could be fun because it definitely draws a nice crowd. I%26#39;m not that familiar with the Go Card (someone else might have better advice for you on that!) but after a quick look on their website it says it can be used toward General Admission at the Gardner...





    Cabs are easy to catch anywhere in the busy areas. The only time I usually have problems at all are in bad weather or at last call (around 2am - which honestly, I haven%26#39;t seen in a while!) so you should be fine.





    Let us know what else you need - happy to help!




    As far as food and safety, there are a number of restaurants on Newbury St. Also, a trip over to Harvard Sq in Cambridge has lots of great restaurants. That is an easy T ride.

    photos on the beach in Hyannis

    Can anyone recommend a photographer that takes pictures on the beach by the JFK memorial?




  • heavy makeup
  • boston tours

    any recommendations for tours around boston? We have just one day in the city and we want to make the most of it. Help!



    boston tours


    Duck Tours are comprehensive, fun, and let you see the city both from the land and from the water.



    Trolley Tours enable you to explore anywhere you like without having to get back on the same vehicle. Just wait for the next one; the price stays the same.



    Boston By Foot is a great way to take an in-depth walking tour and learn about history and architecture without traffic and fumes.



    There%26#39;s no lack of other possibilities: Gray Line, et al.



    Or you can self-guide along the Freedom Trail.



    boston tours


    There are 3 basic tours that are available for Boston



    1. Old Town Trolley锟斤拷锟絫his a tour that makes loops around the city allowing Guests to get on and off all day long. These narrated trolley锟斤拷锟絪 operate every 15-20 minutes between stops from 9am until 4:00pm. The cost of this tour is $29 for adults 17-59, $26 for Seniors and Students 13-17, and children under 12 tour for free with an adult.



    2. Boston Duck Tour锟斤拷锟絫his tour makes a narrated loop around the city and also includes a cruise on the Charles river. The cost of this tour is $25 for adults, $22 for students, $22 for seniors, $16 for children, and $3 for infants. This tour does not allow you to get on and off.



    3. Boston Tours Company锟斤拷锟絫his is an all day escorted motorcoach tour of Boston. They will pick up from the Hotel. The cost of this tour is $45.00 for adults.




    Do try and get to Woodstock in Vermont...a bit twee and touristy but I loved it...it little village and just what you imagine New England to be...go to New Bedford if you can...an old whaling town, lots of things to look at.....you could try Plymouth Plantation...a copy of an old pilgrim colony with actor playing the parts in authentic dress etc...quite enjoyed it...but search out the trees....if you get chance to go Rhode Island not that far away...see the magnificent mansions of the Vanderbilts etc...you will love it...wish I was coming with you now...be aware that there is virtually no duty free shop in Boston airport so if you want to bring anything back buy it before you get back to the airport...enjoy!




    Folks this post is originally from 2005!!

    Driving

    Driving into Boston on the 4th July (lol)from Wrentham have the option to drop the car off at Copley square staying at The Lenox or would it be easier to drop car back at the airport and use public transport any help appreciated .



    Driving


    Drop it off at Copley Square, then walk over to the Lenox.



    Driving


    ebboboy, where does the car need to be dropped off at? Is it right at Copley Square or maybe Prudential Center or Copley Place?




    Just checked my rental agreement the rental company want to charge me approx $50 extra to when i originally booked the car i should be dropping the car off at 270 Atlantic Ave, so because of this i%26#39;m thinking of rent thro%26#39; another company. Vigin airlines drop off is at Goverment centre others i%26#39;ve looked at their drop off is at the Marriot Copley.

    8 days - what to do?

    Help...





    My partner and I are coming to the US in September for a 16-day holiday. We%26#39;re starting in Philadelphia for a few days, then flying to New York for 6 days. We then plan to take the train to Boston for the rest of the holiday. I wondered if there was a reasonably hastle free (and not too expensive) option to relax and recharge in a quaint town near Boston for a few days before heading into the city for the last 4 days of our holiday?





    Any ideas would be gratefuly received....





    Vanessa (Scotland)



    8 days - what to do?


    What%26#39;s ';not too expensive'; and what are you looking for in a town?



    8 days - what to do?


    I agree, this is tough to answer without knowing what you mean by %26#39;relax%26#39;. Some folks relax by sitting on an isolated beach and doing nothing for days on end, while some people need outdoor adventures and some just want great food and/or a lively bar scene.





    I%26#39;ll answer as if it were someone with my tastes asking the questions. Depending on your attention span, 4 days can be a long time to spend in a small town, so I%26#39;d make sure to pick one on the larger side, with lots to explore and varied entertainment options. Maybe look into Portland, ME or Portsmouth, NH. Will you have a car? Portland is easily accessible from Boston by Amtrak%26#39;s Downeaster train, but I%26#39;m not sure about transportation to and from Portsmouth. I think the Downeaster stops near Portsmouth but you%26#39;d have to take a tax or bus at least part of the way. Of the two, I think Portland would be the least expensive (there are some really reasonable B%26amp;B%26#39;s) and you would not need a car.





    http://www.portlandmaine.com/

    Boston hotel with specific bathroom layout

    My friend and I stayed in a hotel with a nice bathroom design that she found very attractive. This was with an ';open'; or glass-enclosed shower stall inside the bathroom - NO shower curtains around the bathtub, just a small transparent plastic panel at one side to prevent splashing. She felt this made the bathroom so much more open and cosy, compared to those with a shower curtain enclosing the bathtub.





    Can anyone recommend a hotel with this kind of bathroom design in the Boston area (preferably near the convention center)? The closest I can describe is an open or glass-enclosed shower stall, without any shower curtains. Is there a particular name to this kind of bathroom design so I can look it up and ask the hotel for it when I book the room?





    Appreciate any advice you can offer. Thank you so very much!



    Boston hotel with specific bathroom layout


    That%26#39;s the big rage these days, it%26#39;s funny you should ask that. They%26#39;re the stand alone walk in glass %26amp; stone showers and of course they HAVE to have the 5 head power shower attachment or it%26#39;s not IT!





    The fairly new (about a year or so) Marriott Renaissance Waterfront Hotel right near the Convention Center is set up like that I think, according to the photo%26#39;s on TA right here, so just click it on to see what you think. I stayed at the Providence, RI Renaissance and it was positively gorgeous and set up like this...they%26#39;re awesome actually....





    Enjoy your stay wherever you go!













    Boston hotel with specific bathroom layout


    While we%26#39;re on hotel amenities, does anyone know of a hotel that has in-room jacuzzis in the ordinary rooms? Like...not the presidential suites only?





    Just askin....




    I know some of the Marriott hotels do.




    The InterContinental bathroom was fantastic in the room that I stayed in.



    A stand alone shower (glass enclosed) and a huge separate bath.




    All rooms at the Charles Street Inn have an ';Air-Jet Whirlpool Tub.'; Is that any different from a jacuzzi?





    I stayed at the Nine Zero this weekend. It had a very nice glass/marble shower. Small bathroom, though.




    Jacuzzi is a brand name. An ';air-jet whatever'; is essentially the same thing, but cannot be called a Jacuzzi.

    Bus Fare Comparison Site?

    Hi All





    Just wondering if anyone knows a site, I suppose similar to Expedia etc that gives bus fare comparisons rather than going to each site to find fares from NYC to Boston?





    I was looking at the train but I want to leave after 1pm and there don%26#39;t seem to be any services to do that. I don%26#39;t want to fly as I hear its a very pretty journey so... bus it seems to be.





    Cheaper is better for the budget but a bit of comfort would be good too.





    Any ideas folks?





    Many thanks :D



    Bus Fare Comparison Site?


    I dont believe there is but the buses that go from NYC-BOS are Greyhound the biggest and its sisters Bolt bus and Peter Pan also there is Mega bus and Limoliner which is more like a first class section on a airplane.They each have their own websites and you can get really good deals if you book in advance,however there is one bus company you want to AVOID that is Fung Wah they have a pretty bad safety record and some serious issues.



    Bus Fare Comparison Site?


    I don%26#39;t know of any sites that do comparisons, but I can give you a bit of info ...





    Greyhound is the oldest, most established. Fares start at $12 one way.





    Bolt, Megabus and Lucky Star all board on street corners (rather than a bus terminal) in NY City and end at South Station in Bosotn. Fares can be purchased from an agent at the bus but are best purchased in advance, on-line. If your timing is good you might even get at ticket for $1 or $5.





    Avoid the Fung Wah line. They%26#39;ve had safety issues and recently while riding Bolt to NY, Fung Wah wizzed by at what seemed to me to be an excessive rate of speed.





    I might add in the past two weeks, I%26#39;ve taken Bolt from Boston to NY twice and from NY to Boston once. I paid between $15 and $18.50 one way. Of those 3 trips, two weree fine and one was horrible ... it was hot, traffic was heavy, a/c on bus broke and the windows don%26#39;t open. ARGH!




    Thanks for the advice. Would either of you know if Bolt%26#39;s schedule is only posted for a month at a time?





    I%26#39;m trying to find a schedule for 17 July from NYC to Boston and nothing comes up!





    Perhaps I%26#39;m being too organised? ;D




    It looks like it post its schedule 50 days in advance,you are leaving on a Friday each day the schedule is different i looked up Fridays in June and it looks like the first bus leaves at 7AM then every hour until 1PM then 130,200,230,300,400,530,600,630,730,and the las bus leaves at 830PM.




    just an FYI---I just got an email from Megabus saying they now leave from Back Bay Station.







    Megabus and Greyhound/Peter Pan have been okay.




    To call the trip by highway from New York to Boston ';a very pretty journey'; would be to overstate it, in my opinion. For the most part, it%26#39;s fairly dull. It%26#39;s nicer from the east/south side of a train, but still nothing to write home about.





    That said, it generally doesn%26#39;t really make sense to fly.




    Especially going on 95. You%26#39;ll be so busy avoiding the trucks and busses, you wouldn%26#39;t have time to look even if there something interesting to see.