The Best of Boston

The Best of Boston
What do see and do…

Ask me what my most favourite cities are and I guarantee Boston will always appear on my top ten list. It’s a city I came to know well as a student, and years later I have fallen for Beantown all over again. I recently spent 72 hours exploring every angle of the city and offer you some of my fabulous Flare findings.

Enjoy!
Tracy

Tracy Finkelstein
Director, Business Development & Promotions
FLARE Magazine

Sleep
My personal pick for ‘THE’ hotel in Boston is the newly opened and simply luxurious InterContinental Boston. (http://www.intercontinentalboston.com/) Well situated in the north end of the city and a short drive from Boston’s Logan Airport the InterContinental is close to popular attractions like Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market & Boston Common. Not only will you love the sensational views of the harbour, you will feel right at home in the exquisite modern guest rooms. The hotel also boasts a full service spa and health club and every girl’s best friend – a champagne bar in the lobby! You will not find more helpful staff at any hotel in Boston. Whether you want basic directions, restaurant recommendations, or are searching for elusive tickets to a Boston Red Sox game, the concierge at the InterContinental always come through. It may be a huge hotel, but everything about the InterContinental Boston experience is highly personal and most memorable.

If quaint and traditional is more your style, then enjoy a stay at the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro.  (http://www.beaconhillhotel.com/) True old world Boston charm, and the bistro brunch is not to be missed.

Shop
LouisBoston, LouisBoston, LouisBoston. (http://www.louisboston.com/) Such a shopping find, I have to repeat it three times! If you are looking for that special item this store has it all. Housed in an impressive historic mansion, LouisBoston showcases men’s and women’s fashions as well as décor items, an extensive music selection, a hair salon, a Morgenthal Frederics eyewear boutique… and if you get hungry – a restaurant!. There is so much to see and explore in this store, you will need several hours, so plan accordingly.

Apparently all fashionistas in New York are already on to this tip, but the Calypso experience was new to me! (http://www.calypso-celle.com/shop/cart.php) I fell for the silk wrap dresses and the Jacqueline Schnabel shoes.

Newbury Street (http://www.newbury-st.com/) is filled with the best shopping you can ask for. Lace up your most comfy shoes, and start walking! Designer boutiques like Burberry, DKNY, Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade as well as can’t-go-wrong shops like Anthropologie & Intermix are abound.

And if you have not had enough, right in downtown Boston are a series of plazas filled with even more shopping! The Prudential Center (http://www.prudentialcenter.com/) connects directly to Copley Place (http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=784). That’s another 175 stores to explore including the newly opened Barneys New York department store. (http://www.barneys.com/b/index.s)

Drink
The Beehive (http://www.beehiveboston.com/) is a funky spot with a laid back ambiance, beautiful people and delicious food a drink. With two bars, a restaurant and a stage area for late night performers, this is the place to show up early and stay late.

It’s a classic tourist thing to do, but when in Boston but I highly recommend you head to the Top of the Hub. (http://www.topofthehub.net/) A jazz lounge and bar on the 52nd floor of the Prudential Center, you will not find a better view of the city – or a more delicious pomegranate martini.

Eat
You cannot possibly go to Boston without experiencing the vast assortment of seafood. With so many restaurants to choose from, and so little time… let me make it simple for you. B&G Oysters. (http://www.bandgoysters.com/index.php) A small spot located in the South end of the city, B&G is always packed – and for good reason. The food is unreal. Sit at the oyster bar and watch as they prepare your lobster roll with fries right in front of you.

In need of a hearty breakfast? Then do as the locals do and head to The Paramount (http://www.paramountboston.com/pages/home.html) in Beacon Hill. A diner nestled on Charles Street, this is a Boston institution. But, there are rules to make sure you know them well. Order your food, THEN sit down. No saving tables here, but strangely the system works and by the time your bacon and eggs are ready, so is your table.

Yummy Treats
Pizza is an art form in Boston. Honestly. They take their slices very, very seriously. There are massive debates over who has the best pizza in town, but my vote is for Pino’s Pizza in Brookline. (http://www.pinospizza.com/)

Every good day of shopping should be capped off with some chocolate. I was totally enamoured with Beacon Hill Chocolates, a shop that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. (http://beaconhillchocolates.com/) Try to caramel sushi truffle. Pure decadence.

Fun
If you are in Boston between April and October, don’t miss the Swan Tours in the Public Garden. (http://swanboats.com/) Yes, you will feel silly being guided around in a swan boat, but everyone does it. Fun for kids of all ages.

Boston is blessed with a museum that hosts an impressive permanent collection, as well as some stunning exhibits. With a wide range of galleries housing everything from North American contemporary art, to European masterpieces, the Museum of Fine Art is a must-visit. (http://www.mfa.org/index.asp)