Heading to Boston, a little help?

I was up there this fall. No need to drive in Boston: the MTBA (used to be MTA) subway system will get you near anywhere you want to go. Durgin Parks has GREAT food. Jake Wirth's has great food too, in addition to great beer.
 
The T will also get you some places where you definitely don't want to go. Avoid the Orange Line. The Blue Line is OK, as are the Red Line, and the Green Line.

If you're in the mood for Chinese food, hit the Chinatown Cafe on Harrison Ave. It's real Chinese food, as evidenced by the fact that a lot of Chinese people eat there. They close early, about 8:30PM, but it's worth the trip. No decor, food is pretty reasonable and the last time I was there quantities were significant.



I was up there this fall. No need to drive in Boston: the MTBA (used to be MTA) subway system will get you near anywhere you want to go. Durgin Parks has GREAT food. Jake Wirth's has great food too, in addition to great beer.
 
Sorry Sebago, But both the Hilltop Restaurant and Anthony's Pier 4 Restaurant are now closed.
I'm afraid I have to agree with my friend Gary about Legal's... not worth wasting the dining opportunity on them. Kinda like a TGIFridays' but with scrod.

The only thing I like about Faneuil Hall is Senior Frog's and it's been years since I've been there. Might be gone by now for all I know. That and the colledge girls are all wearing too much clothing this time of year... :)

Kowloon's is worth the hike north of town, and I'm told that Durgin Park still has the best Strawberry Shortcake on the planet. My folks went there on their honeymoon 63 years ago. Speaking of north of town, if you like steak, don't miss the Hilltop Steakhouse. Anthony's Pier 4 on Northern Ave is a landmark with a nice view of the harbor, nit real snooty, but kinda pricey. Skip the Crabhouse and the Sushi Joint on Northern Ave in the Pier 4 parking lot. I got sick as hell after eating there one night.
 
bdGreen, not sure re: the dates of your travels (maybe you are already there?) but suggest you avoid the I-95 corridor as much as possible. Heck, I avoid the I-81 corridor, too, as that is nearly as miserable.

If you can avoid both reasonably, go for other options. In fact, entering MA via I-80 to I-90 near Albany/Chicopee is my preferred route.

Once there do visit downtown Beantown. Lots of cool restaurants and bars. Avoid any chains...many better choices...you'll see. Nary a straight street in Boston...map is most useful. Visit the Navy Yard...part of Boston NHP. Easy walk from the downtown area. The USS Constitution is berthed there. It remains on active duty...yes, it does. :)

Faneuil Hall is a building adjoining Quincy Market. Bostonians formerly referred to each, separately. Now just about everyone calls it the Faneuil Hall Marketplace; I refuse. :mad:

Eat there! Grab a lobster and/or clam roll. Eat a big lobster. Find a Kelly's Roast Beef store. Eat there!

Drive down to the Cape if you possibly have time. Simply perfect this time of year. Drive out to Provincetown and you can watch the sun SET on the Atlantic Ocean. Yes, you can. :confused:

No worries re: LEOSA if you are covered. I visit Boston often...never an issue.

Check out Fenway Park. You will be shocked when you see it's a dump. Visit Southie...some "interesting" folks there but rapidly becoming gentrified. Some residents still view Whitey Bulger as a hero. :mad:

Find a beerroom that serves Narraganset. You will like it. Wish I could remember its name but there is a tavern just a few steps away from Faneuil Hall that serves 24 ounce Bud Lights cans for $2.00. Hard to leave there!

Boston is cool...and oh, so cold. :eek: Bet you will buy a hat and gloves if you spend any amount of time outdoors and didn't bring them. Coldest place I have ever lived and windy, too. By actual weather stats windier than Chicago.

Enjoy your travels.

Be safe.
 
I grew up not far from Boston-- my mom was born and raised there. I will second the recommendations on eating in the North End. Seafood is obviously a must. Don't be afraid to eat in a hole in the wall seafood joint either. I'd also add Quincy Market and the Bull and Finch Pub (the bar they based Cheers on).

I would definitely go to the historical sites where the members and leaders of our American Revolution operated out of.

And to help translate........ Boston to English Dictionary (Boston Slang)
 
I was disappointed in one thing at the USS Constitution. When I was down on the gun deck, I noted the big 24 pounders bore a broad arrow mark. they also had a crest, but it was farther towards the muzzle, and the guns were run out of the gun ports in firing position so I couldn't read it. I asked the tour guide, a sailor in period uniform, if they were captured British guns. He said they were reproductions, and the company who made them sent them the wrong model.

I don't know why they didn't return them. It's not like I'm the only visitor who knows what the broad arrow mark is. I think it's pretty tacky that the Navy couldn't get their armament right.
 
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