New England - Boston Must-Do's?

Greetings!

Mrs. JSDS and little Miss JSDS (5) are accompanying me to Boston (Copley Place) on Sunday. I'll be there for work, they're taking a break from work & school. We're returning home Friday morning. It's been a few years since we've been up there.

Are they any must do/should do activities for Mrs/Miss? I'm pretty sure a day at the aquarium is already on the list.

BTW - we're foodies :D

Thanks!

-C

Here's a fairly recent (last summer) thread on places you could go:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/new-england/1098957-what-attractions-visit-things-do-boston.html

Some of the things like Duck Tours and Swan Boats I don't think will be open yet, but obviously there are many inside attractions that will be such as the museums.

For eating, if you like Italian food, you absolutely HAVE to go to the North End (Haymarket on the Green or Orange line of the subway).

It's been a bit chilly lately, so make sure to pack accordingly. As of right now it's not projected to get above the 40s for daytime highs.

Do they love museums? The Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum are wonderful. Do they enjoy the legacy of JFK and Jackie? The JFK Library would fascinate them.

loe2e's recommendation about the North End? Definitely. You really can't go wrong.

They might enjoy shopping and eating at Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall. Raw oysters at the Union Oyster House are great. I love sitting at the oyster bar itself as the restaurant is very touristy.

Best options with a 5-year-old are the Duck Tours (yes they're open; be sure to buy tickets on line in advance, as they do sell out), the Aquarium and the Childrens Museum.

Thank you all for the input! I knew this would be the place to look ;)

They're looking forward to the trip and I'll definitely encourage the Duck Tours!

-C

-If you get rain one day, bring your daughter to the Children's Museum. GREAT take for a five year old and mum and dad. Red line to South Station and then walk over the Congress St bridge behind South Station. Look for the giant milk bottle. Speaking firsthand, I always had a blast as a kid! haha

-If you like baseball, a tour of Fenway Park is interesting and wicked informative.

-Besides the Commons and Public Garden, there are many great parks around the city. The Arnold Arboretum is a great walk and definitely off the beaten path for tourists.

Just a few ideas...

So many good ideas above for tourist sites, so I will add to the food part:

-Have a lobster roll at Neptune Oyster in the North End. It's a bit pricey, but lobster rolls are quintessentially New England. They also have a great raw bar.
-The North End is a great place for an Italian meal. Also, sit down at one of the cafes for an espresso and cannoli. I like Caffe Vittoria and Modern Pastry.
-If you're over taking a tour of the USS Constitution in Charlestown, one of my favorite little neighborhood restaurants (dinner only) is Navy Yard Bistro and Wine Bar. Affordable, good quality bistro food and very friendly staff...
-The Duck Tours are already operating, but it may be a bit too cold to go out on the water. Temperatures have been FAR below normal lately, after hitting 73 a week or so ago. It feels like February with the wind...
-If you get over to Harvard Square, there are lots of good places to eat in Cambridge. I just tried some fabulous pizza at Otto, which is right near the Harvard Coop and Harvard Square T stop. Russel House Tavern has a good raw bar and interesting food and cocktails. Let me know if you need more info on Cambridge.

So many good ideas above for tourist sites, so I will add to the food part:
-If you get over to Harvard Square, there are lots of good places to eat in Cambridge. I just tried some fabulous pizza at Otto, which is right near the Harvard Coop and Harvard Square T stop. Russel House Tavern has a good raw bar and interesting food and cocktails. Let me know if you need more info on Cambridge.

Where is the best steak in Cambridge? Thanks!

Where is the best steak in Cambridge? Thanks!

It's in Boston! :)

I've had an OK steak at the Blue room, and good quality dishes which incorporate steak at Craigie on Main, but neither are 'steak joints'.

tb

It's in Boston! :)

I've had an OK steak at the Blue room, and good quality dishes which incorporate steak at Craigie on Main, but neither are 'steak joints'.

tb

What tb said. No real steak joints in Cambridge (Franks? Ewwww.)

I'm a Ruths Chris fan myself. it's in old Boston City Hall.

What tb said. No real steak joints in Cambridge (Franks? Ewwww.)

I'm a Ruths Chris fan myself. it's in old Boston City Hall.

Ruths Chris it is then! Thanks!

Well actually, if we're talking about steak in Boston, there are many options, some of which are not chain restaurants, and would merit consideration. Grill23 is very well regarded: the quality of the meat is excellent, but the space is just far too crowded and noisy for me. I'm personally a fan of the Oak Room (fairly formal/traditional, but excellent steak). In terms of chains, I like Smith and Wollensky, although it has a lot of detractors, I think their steaks are very good.

So south of the river, you have many, many options.

Enjoy your steak!

tb

I would avoid the touristy restaurants in the North End and head to the South End for dinner.

I'd hit up Grill 23 over Ruth's Chris for the steak.

And I'd definitely do a duck tour.

^

I would avoid the touristy restaurants in the North End and head to the South End for dinner.Agreed.

I'd hit up Grill 23 over Ruth's Chris for the steak.Agreed.

And I'd definitely do a duck tour.Agreed.

The North End, MFA, and Aquarium are all great. I'd also suggest a visit to the Museum of Science.

Hi,

On a clear day the Prudential Tower skywalk might be worth a visit with wonderful views

Regards

TBS

How much do you want to spend on your steak? I *highly* recommend the Oak Room @ the Fairmont Copley. It's very pricey, but they do post their menu online so you'll know what you're getting into.

How much do you want to spend on your steak? I *highly* recommend the Oak Room @ the Fairmont Copley. It's very pricey, but they do post their menu online so you'll know what you're getting into.

+1 I second this suggestion. I actually think the Chateaubriand for two is a pretty darn good deal as it comes with two sides. ^ (Do note that this is a "fancier" establishment that is a little pickier about dress code.)