Dovster,

We are a ten minute walk from the DD and I'd recommend a cab. I just think you're asking for trouble lugging around a couple of big suitcases and making at least two transfers on public transportation. I don't know anything about the shuttle companies, but a cab will cost you $25.

The area you are staying in is right on the border of the South End, which has its share of cute little restaurants. You will be on Washington Street, which has some good ones. Turn right out of your hotel and walk about ten minutes to get to the "meat" of the area. On Washington Street, you have Oishii for Sushi and Pho Republique for Pan Asian. A couple blocks over is Tremont Street, which has the aforementioned Pops, Aquitaine and Hammersley's Bistro, which is a little more upscale.

In terms of things to do, as a former park ranger, I would highly recommend the free tour given by the National Park Service. It covers the Freedom Trail, which is a red line drawn in the sidewalk connecting most of the historic sites in Boston, including Paul Revere's house (where you will learn the real story of Paul Revere's ride). The tour is ninety minutes and you can get on and off wherever you like. If nothing else, you'll feel like you have discovered a good use of tax dollars. The tour takes off from the NPS headquarters on the corner of Washington and State streets (Turn left out of the hotel, walk for 20 minutes and Washington ends when it intersects with State Street.).

Drop me a line if you have time and we'll buy you a drink.

Mike