Seeking Sights, Seafood, Beer, and Coffee

I%26#39;m a 20-something tagging along with my mom for a few days as she attends a conference. I need to entertain myself during the day, and am looking for suggestions. I%26#39;ve already seen some of the ';typical tourist'; sites (Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, Freedom Trail, Aquarium, etc), but I know there%26#39;s plenty more out there. I enjoy walking, shopping (especially window!) and relaxing with a good cup o%26#39; joe. I also wouldn%26#39;t mind spending some time outdoors, maybe in a park picnicing and reading. Any suggestions on where to go to fulfil these interests would be fantastic!

Also, if anyone can reccomend some really great beer bars (with a nice beer selection) and the best casual seafood restaurants, it would be greatly appreciated.

FYI - We are staying at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront - suggestions near and far are welcome!

Seeking Sights, Seafood, Beer, and Coffee

Walking - follow the Boston Harbor Walk. YOu can download an audio tour to your ipod http://www.bostonharborwalk.com/; stroll around the Charles River area; check out the charming streets in Beacon Hill; hang out in the Public Garden to picnic and read; stroll through the North End; hike over to Charlestown and the Bunker Hill Monument. Hop the red line and check out Harvard Square.

Shopping -- Newbury Street, Boylston Street, the stores in Prudential as well as Copley Place.

Seeking Sights, Seafood, Beer, and Coffee

Boston Beer Works on Canal Street near North Station has great, um, beer.

While you%26#39;re window shopping on Newbury Street, stop into DeLuca%26#39;s Market newbury-st.com/Boston/鈥eLucas_Market for a great sandwich, some chips, and a drink to go. My favorite picnic spot is the same as Mahj - the Public Garden near the Swan Boats. It%26#39;s just such a Boston setting. I also love strolling down Charles Street in Beacon Hill which you could do after your picnic.

I think that the best ';beer bar'; in the city is the Publick House, which is in Brookline - just a little farther afield. It%26#39;s a super easy ride out on the T. Check out the reviews on TA - I just looked through them and they seem pretty right on. Also, the food is pretty great there, too! The bartenders are awesome, and if you tell them what you like, they%26#39;ll make a recommendation for a new beer you%26#39;ve never tried before, which is always fun. It can get pretty crowded in the evenings, but if you arrive on the earlier side I%26#39;m sure you can secure a good seat at the bar.

My favorite seafood place is Neptune Oyster in the North End, but there are tons of good ones in Boston.

If you have some time on your hands, you might enjoy a trip out to the Boston Harbor Islands -- lots of nature trails, some historic forts and lighthouses, etc. The boat ride to and from downtown is also enjoyable. Check out bostonislands.com for more info and ferry schedules. Services on the islands are limited, but you could bring your own food for a picnic.

The Arnold Arboretum is also a great place to walk around, especially this time of year. (Orange Line to Forest Hills, then a 5-minute walk.)

If you have not already been across the river to Cambridge, that might be enjoyable as well. You could take the Red Line to Central and then walk the mile up to Harvard Square, taking in some of the funky and not-so-funky shops along the way. Once in Harvard Square there are some good take-out sandwich places (Darwin%26#39;s), more cafes (Cafe Pamplona, Peet%26#39;s Coffee, or L.A. Burdick for hot chocolate), and some excellent bookstores (Harvard Book Store, corner of Mass. Ave. and Plympton St.) You can enjoy a nice view of the Charles River from the JFK Park near the Kennedy School.