Eating and getting around in Massachusetts’s capital city. (Because Belles love the food in Boston too.)
You already learned in Part 1 where to go for history, art and fashion in Massachusetts’ capital city, but there’s much more for a Belle to eat, see and do when visiting Boston. Read on to learn about digging in, cheering on and getting around.
Places to eat, drink and be merry in Boston
You can find virtually every kind of cuisine in Boston, but one type dominates in the North End. Every weekend diners pack the historically Italian neighborhood to fill up on pasta, pizza and cannoli, and in the summertime, to enjoy the boisterous fun of the area’s traditional feasts, too.
Still, while visiting the coastal city, don’t miss the opportunity to savor the flavors of fresh seafood. From the edge of the North End, you can spot the red sign of the famous Union Oyster House, which opened in 1826 and touts itself as “America’s oldest restaurant.”
Though the Oyster House serves up seafood with a little side of history, it caters mostly to tourists; so do as the locals and eat instead at Legal Sea Foods, a small chain founded more than 60 years ago in Cambridge. You’ll even find the beloved restaurant at Logan Airport, so you can sample its famous clam chowder while you wait for your flight.
Your gastronomic experience isn’t done yet, though. Mention Samuel Adams to any Bostonian and what comes to mind isn’t one of America’s Founding Fathers, but rather, the local brewery of the same name, which happens to offer tours. The one-hour sessions run throughout the day and allow you to see the brewery, sample some beers, and learn a thing or two about the historic company and its namesake. The tour is free ($2 donation suggested), but you can’t reserve spots, so arrive early to be sure you get tickets.
Sweeten things up
Sightseeing is hard work! Take a break from touring and reward yourself with a sugary treat from Flour, a popular bakery, and café that prides itself on selling fresh and tasty creations. Stop into any of the three locations and indulge in sweets like meringue clouds, raspberry crumb bars, and Belgian chocolate brownies.
Prefer your dessert cold? Try J.P. Licks, a local institution that serves up homemade ice cream at locations throughout the city.
Take me out to the ballgame, or belle-game?
Even a Belle needs to roll up her sleeves, throw back a beer and enjoy a good ballgame every once in a while. There’s no better place to do it than Boston, which has declared itself the City of Champions thanks to its seven major titles in the last 10 years. Sport is a religion here, and no matter when you visit, there will be a game to go to.
Accessibility makes Boston a great choice for a short city break
Boston’s Logan Airport offers flights with many carriers, including JetBlue, AirTran and Southwest for Belles on a budget. Alternatively, those preferring railways to skies can book a ticket on Amtrak, which connects the Massachusetts capital to most major cities in the Northeast, as well as Chicago, Cleveland and Washington D.C. Whether arriving to Logan Airport or South Station, the city’s train and bus hub, you can easily get into the heart of Boston by taking the subway, which locals affectionately call ‘The T.’
The T is also a quick and simple way to get around in Boston once you’re settled and ready to see the sights. The lines are divided by color: orange, red, blue, silver and green. To get on The T, buy a CharlieTicket and load it up with some cash. Each ride costs $2 ($1.50 on a bus), so using public transport can help you save money for a fancy dinner or cute dress. Boston is also not very large and fairly pedestrian-friendly, so on a pleasant day put on those walking shoes and really explore the city.
You may also want to see Briana’s Part 1 of a Belle’s Guide to Boston
*Photo credits: top photo by Accidental Hedonist, others by Briana Palma, used with permission
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I love these food pictures, Briana. 🙂 I’ve never been to Boston but I’ve been dreaming about it for years! 🙂 One day I shall get there and then I shall happily eat my way through town. 🙂