Battlefields. The Green Monster. Cobblestone lanes. Boston’s East Coast charm makes it an ideal destination for families who want to have fun and see history come to life, all in one fell swoop.
The Liberty Hotel, a former jail-turned-luxury family destination, is a centrally located property well-suited to families. While the historic architecture of the original building has been preserved (think jail cells in the restaurant and wrought iron bars on the windows), this hotel now offers comfortable rooms with high-end linens, high-definition television and the use of complimentary bicycles.
For those on a budget, the Courtyard by Marriott – Copley Square is in the heart of all the action, and is not as pricey as some other Back Bay properties. Just a short ride from Logan Airport, the Courtyard offers great views of the city and large rooms in a historic building.
When you’re out and about, be sure to walk the 2½-mile, brick-paved Freedom Trail, with stops at the USS Constitution and the Old North Church. A must for sports fans is a Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park. Visitors will get into the spirit of singing “Sweet Caroline” at the seventh-inning stretch, as they “root, root, root for the home team” and chow down on a Fenway Frank.
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Don’t miss some of Boston’s charming neighborhoods, such as the Italian North End, where you can grab a cannoli at Mike’s Pastry (President Clinton’s favorite), and Beacon Hill, where you will find antique stores and gourmet grocers aplenty. In the Public Garden, visit the bronze ducklings from “Make Way for Ducklings” and sail around on the vintage swan boats. Little science fans will love the award-winning Museum of Science (don’t be terrified of the life-size T-Rex model) and the New England Aquarium (ditto for the giant Pacific octopi). And when your feet get tired, take a sail on the Charles River or a bus tour out to Lexington and Concord, home to some of the Revolutionary War’s most famous battles.
When visitors get hungry, they will find that Boston is a haven for foodies, young and old. Most kids will like the world-famous clam chowder at Legal Sea Foods (just don’t tell little ones what’s in it), and they will devour the gnocchi at Massimino’s — a tiny, family-owned North End eatery where kids are treated like royalty. Find great pizza at Pizzeria Regina (also in the North End) or Figs (on Charles Street on Beacon Hill). Can’t decide? Wander through the food vendor stalls in Faneuil Hall and grab Greek, Asian and (yes, more) Italian fare.
No trip to Boston is complete without a tour through Harvard Yard. Families can take the T to Harvard Square in Cambridge, wander through the red brick, ivy-covered buildings and reflect on all the Presidents, statespeople, artists and poets who learned there.
Then head back to your hotel and reassure the kids: There’s not really a green monster in Boston.
Your Guide to Boston
What to do:
Museum of Science
www.mos.org
The New England Aquarium
www.neaq.org
The Freedom Trail
www.thefreedomtrail.org
Fenway Park
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/index.jsp
When to go:
Summer is a great time to visit Boston, as the weather is usually mild. Fall is the best time for leaf-peeping, especially if you plan a side trip to nearby Vermont or New Hampshire.
Where to Stay:
The Liberty Hotel
215 Charles St.
Boston, MA 02114
617-224-4000
www.libertyhotel.com
Courtyard by Marriott — Copley Square
8 Exeter St.
Boston, MA
617-437-9300
www.courtyardboston.com
Getting There:
Boston is easily accessed by air with daily flights from all major air carriers operating from Logan Airport located in East Boston.
Where to Eat:
Massimino’s
207 Endicott St.
Boston, MA 02113
617-523-5959
www.massiminosboston.com
Legal Sea Foods
100 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02116
617-266-7775
www.legalseafoods.com
Pizzeria Regina
11½ Thacher St
Boston, MA 02113
617-227-0765
www.pizzeriaregina.com
Figs
42 Charles St.
Boston, MA 02114
617-742-3447
www.toddenglish.com
