I have been to Boston before and it has notes of sort of a small San Francisco, good food, a little neighborhood action, some shopping and museums, but of course with a whole lot more history. Starting off doing the Freedom Trail is a great way to get the history under your belt and see a good chunk of the city. The Boston Common is a must do for the start of the trail and even some leisure time activities if the weather is right, including the Swan Boats which I didn’t make it to. Part way through you make it to Faneuil Hall which was under construction but you can still maneuver through Quincy Market, which is a bit on the touristy side, but good for a variety of snack foods to reinvigorate you (smoothie anyone?). If you must walk all the way to the top of Bunker Hill Monument as your final stop (following the walk across the bridge and some time on the USS Constitution and a stop at some lovely outdoor seating cafe with lackluster food) then you deserve to treat yourself to a nice glass of wine.
No wine nearby? A missed opportunity but this might be a good time for a change of location. After a stop at Bin 26 Enoteca for a refreshing glass of wine a walk along Charles Street gave a taste of the local boutiques like December Thieves (which has both a clothing store and a more artistry/accessory focus) or some clean skincare and body options at Follain. On another day a follow up trip to check out the more museum side of the Old State House and a good lunch bite at Scholars, the also starting at Boston Common but less well marked Black Heritage Trail was on the agenda which overlaps with the charming Beacon Hill should one want to combine these activities. For additional shopping you should also do a trip along Newbury street, which while it’s more well known brand shops and doesn’t have as much local fare one can always be taken in somehow, even if only at the Sneaker Junkies for a new pair of kicks. This also has you in the neighborhood of Arlington Street Church which has an amazing collection of Tiffany Memorial Windows, don’t be afraid to opt in to the custom tour by one of the guides, much more informative than the online one. Also in the neighborhood a couple of locations of Tatte Bakery & Cafe for a coffee, a pastry, or a meal.
And of course with all good cities there is art to be had. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum which had a very charming and tasty cafe and a bizarro look at a single woman’s vision of displaying a disparate an enormous amount of art in a house that I have to admit had me most captivated by the beautiful courtyard. While timing prohibited a trip to the Institute of Contemporary Art it reportedly has one of the top ten museum gift shops in the world and I can attest there were a few irresistible items, plus makes for a nice stroll along the HarborWalk. The Museum of Fine Arts made for a great way to spend a day (or more), including checking luggage. Picking focus on the more including some Picasso, Pollack, Monet, Rothko, Klimt & Schiele… And as there was a good amount of time to kill one could sample their fancier restaurant Bravo and while the food was just a’ight but their various cafes can meet anyone’s needs.
But good food was generally on the menu with stops for Speakeasy Cocktails at Wink & Nod, dinner at Erbaluce for delicious pasta, Myers + Chang for great Chinese (chef recently touting some honors), a stop for a glass of wine at Frenchie was cute but a little overrun at the time so we headed over to Giacomo’s for some custom combo pasta in bigger servings than one needs (cash only!). And while we popped into the intriguing Smith & Wollensky steakhouse Back Bay castle location between the lack of light on a sunny day and the lack of barstool it made more sense to pop across the street to Mooncusser Fish House which has a designated Moonbar downstairs for a flight or glass of wine.
And while one can entertain themselves pretty well in Boston a little trip through the Cape up to Provincetown, or Ptown as folks call it, makes for a great few days away. A drive along the coast is a little less coastlike but a pull off outside of Dennis to the Sesuit Harbor Cafe for ‘world famous’ lobster roll can put you in the mood. Once in Ptown a stroll up the main thoroughfare has everything you need. Drinks at the Harbor Lounge, breakfast or a quick bite with great outdoor seating if the weather is right at Patio or The Canteen with a nice dinner to be had at Ross’ Grill or an even more exceptional meal and experience at The Mews. Shops with a great gallery selection like Rice Polak Gallery and stops at stores like Yates & Kennedy where one could pick up housewares, clothing and/or a bitchin’ drafter’s tablet (aka fancy notepad) or Salt Supply for more styly kitchy options. A tasty breakfast stop at Liz’s Cafe before heading out along the south for a little more lighthouse action including Highlight Light for a tour and then a lunch stop (with perhaps a little additional shopping) at Chatham. Overall curious about more of the east coast beach culture but this was a nice little outing.
