Heading to Boston, a little help?
- Thread starter bdGreen
- Start date
Sebago Son
Member
Fishslayer
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
You're gonna be driving in Boston? 
Sebago Son
Member
You're gonna be driving in Boston?
He'll be fine... the tunnel roof doesn't ALWAYS fall in and when it does it RARELY kills anyone....
I would suggest that you take public transportation to get around Boston. The "T" has several subway lines that will get you around town. If you are staying in Framingham you can take Route 9 east toward Boston by vehicle, and I believe you can pick up the T around Wellesley or Brookline, suburbs of Boston. Driving and parking in Boston can be difficult.
Doug M.
Member
From Texas, generally, I would cut up through OK to I44, take that to St. Louis, I70 to Columbus area, I71 toward Cleveland, I271 around to I90. As I271 starts to curve north and get closer to I90, you can run into the first traces of lake effect snow. It's heavy, it's wet, and you can get a ton pretty fast. If the weather is iffy, stay on I90. The Thruway has its own budget and plows (and tolls) and is likely to be pretty well taken care of. It should take most of 3' of snow in 24 hours before there is any risk of road closure. There are service areas along there which have some food etc, and gas. Prices last time I was across there were above market, but it is a major pain to get off the Thruway in a truck and get stuff in some town.
If it's nice, drop down on to what is now I86 just east of Erie, which used to be PA and NY 17 and will take you toward Binghamton (aka Bingo). Catch I88, which will take you back to I90 just west of Albany.
I80 through PA is not as well taken care of in iffy weather as the NY roads, unless things have changed a lot, and will end up taking longer, not to mention cutting through or too close to NYC. I70 all the way to the PA pike, and then I76 after the switch (still Pike, but it continues east and I70 cuts down to DC) is old road, and there would be a lot of going north in NJ and then through NYC. You would likely regret that.
FWIW, as far I have heard, although MA is not good to its own people about LEOSA, I have not heard of any issues for visitors from elsewhere, and I spend a lot of time on a forum where such info would be exchanged if there were issues. If there were, it would be on my NFE list with NJ. I used to have a non-resident carry license from MA, but I let it expire when I moved out here and quit trucking.
If it's nice, drop down on to what is now I86 just east of Erie, which used to be PA and NY 17 and will take you toward Binghamton (aka Bingo). Catch I88, which will take you back to I90 just west of Albany.
I80 through PA is not as well taken care of in iffy weather as the NY roads, unless things have changed a lot, and will end up taking longer, not to mention cutting through or too close to NYC. I70 all the way to the PA pike, and then I76 after the switch (still Pike, but it continues east and I70 cuts down to DC) is old road, and there would be a lot of going north in NJ and then through NYC. You would likely regret that.
FWIW, as far I have heard, although MA is not good to its own people about LEOSA, I have not heard of any issues for visitors from elsewhere, and I spend a lot of time on a forum where such info would be exchanged if there were issues. If there were, it would be on my NFE list with NJ. I used to have a non-resident carry license from MA, but I let it expire when I moved out here and quit trucking.
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labworm
US Veteran
Coming from the south into Boston.
Did you ever go through that tunnel, it is a bit frightening.
Mty your messages, want to send you something.
Sebago Son
Member
I went out with a partner of mine one year just before Christmas to catch the climbing market. Hauling 5 footers on 50 trap strings at the 60 fathom curve was enough to make me stack and dry my traps in October.
It's enough to make a fella turn to long lining.
Hardshelled (post shed) Lobsters are considered to be tastier than mid-summer Softshells and the dock price is usually 2 to 3 times better. To me, THAT was the "sweeter" part.
Squarebutt
Member
To clear up a few points, S&W no longer offers factory tours, and the retail store is closed. The Springfield Armory Museum is well worth a side trip, though. Check the website for hours. Colt is in the Hartford, CT area and Savage Arms is in Westfield MA. They may have factory tours.
Living 90 miles from Beantown, I don't have any restaurant recommendations, but I do know the Hilltop Steak House closed recently.
Some locales, including Boston, have a blade length limit on pocket knives, usually around 2 1/2".
Regarding firearms, I'd be more concerned about the laws in NY, NJ and CT before you even cross into MA. As others have said, don't risk it. However, in response to our friend in Texas who would lump all the northeast states together, we do have some lousy laws, but MA residents have been able to obtain concealed carry licenses for decades, long before Texas and many other states, and once we qualify for the license we can purchase and carry any legal pistol or revolver. Our state NRA-affiliated pistol and rifle organization is the Gun Owners' Action League (GOAL.org), and they're the best source for accurate info on our state laws.
Living 90 miles from Beantown, I don't have any restaurant recommendations, but I do know the Hilltop Steak House closed recently.
Some locales, including Boston, have a blade length limit on pocket knives, usually around 2 1/2".
Regarding firearms, I'd be more concerned about the laws in NY, NJ and CT before you even cross into MA. As others have said, don't risk it. However, in response to our friend in Texas who would lump all the northeast states together, we do have some lousy laws, but MA residents have been able to obtain concealed carry licenses for decades, long before Texas and many other states, and once we qualify for the license we can purchase and carry any legal pistol or revolver. Our state NRA-affiliated pistol and rifle organization is the Gun Owners' Action League (GOAL.org), and they're the best source for accurate info on our state laws.
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.
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.
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.
OFT II
US Veteran
You didn't happen to see Charlie, did you?
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ArtyGuy
US Veteran
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 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.
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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