Hellobee Boards

Heeeeey...Hubs and I were thinking of going to Boston in August!

Ooo fun! Definitely eat in the north end if you like Italian food. And all the tourists do the Freedom Trail tour, which I think ends in the North End, so that's convenient. The waterfront area and around the Aquarium is very pretty. Also Boston Common (park) and the Esplanade (park) are beautiful, and there are sometimes free concerts on the Esplanade (that's where they do the fireworks on the 4th). There are also lots of museums, and there's a pass where you can get discounted access to all of them (I think its called city pass or something like that) Transportation ("the T") is fine - sort of old and expensive, but it's convenient. Get a visitors pass and you can use it on all the T lines and the buses/ferries, too. Probably most of the touristy stuff is on the Red line, so maybe try to stay close to that. Just stay away from Roxbury and Mattapan

A lot of good suggestions here already. One thing I would mention about taking the T-- you definitely can, it's an easy way to get around for the most part, and the maps clearly indicate which ones are handicap accessible, which will also tell you where having a stroller will be easy. I would just avoid it during rush hour, especially if you have the stroller with you-- so between, say 8-9 and 5-6:30, if you can. I see people trying to get on with their stroller and it just looks really difficult since it gets so crowded. Also, avoid the green line if the Red Sox have a home game (in Sept, I don't know if it will be a problem).
Boston is a great walking city, and so many things are so close that you can just walk from place to place for the most part. I would say you will have an easier time walking around than you did in NYC. And, Sept/Oct in New England is pretty much my favorite thing ever!

@MrsCB: so much love for Border Cafe - my friends ordered takeout for me (they don't do takeout) when I gave birth at the hospital down the street, haha

@rachiecakes: Me too, I actually had lunch there (Burlington location) today, lol. As soon as I submitted that post DH im'd me to say everyone was going there for someone's birthday.

@regberadaisy: If you're a foodie, hit up the South End for the best high-end restaurants in Boston. Sibling Rivalry (two brothers get a food item a la Iron Chef and each create their own menu), Butcher Shop, Tremont 647, Franklin Cafe are some favorites. Aquitaine (also in the South End) has a kick-a$$ brunch for CHEAP (like $12 pre-fixe) and is amazing. These places are all within walking distance of each other on Tremont Street near Back Bay (just south).

Seriously if you go on Yelp.com and select a neighborhood, the reviews will tell the whole story - but don't miss out on at least some time in the South End. It's a bit tricky to get to because parking is horrible, but you can walk from Back Bay (orange line) or take the silver line bus.

ETA: OH GOD I DIDN'T RECOMMEND MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT OF ALL TIME!

** Craigie on Main** - all local, in-season, farm-to-table. Pricey but SO WORTH IT. They change their menu every DAY depending on what's fresh at the farmer's market or what the butcher brings in. It's in Central Square right where Mass Ave hits Main St and is an easy walk from the Central Sq T stop in Cambridge.

@regberadaisy: The Marriott Long Wharf and Custom House (also by Marriott) are my fave hotels to suggest to people visiting. Both are very close to the aquarium, and you can also walk to the North End, Quincy Market, and Fanueil Hall. They are on the expensive side, but worth it in my opinon. There is also a restaurant right next to the Marriott Long Wharf called The Chart House and I looooooove it. YUM.

I want to second the person who suggested reconsidering wearing the Yankees/Bills gear. Boston sports fans are crazy, and I wouldn't be shocked at all if you got inappropriate things yelled at you. Not so fun with a baby. I love Boston, and honestly the people are wonderful, but we take our Sox and Pats seriously!!!

Also... walking the Freedom Trail is a really fun way to see the city if the weather is nice.

@regberadaisy: Oops I didn't answer your other question. Yeah I'd give yourself like 2 weeks ahead to make a reservation unless you want to eat at 5:30pm or 9pm. And yep, the yelp reviews are spot on!

@regberadaisy: foooood, my favorite! Our favorites that are prob kid friendly are giacomo's in the south end (north end location doesnt take rezzies and gets really crowded), paramount for breakfast but only on a weekday, shabu-zen, neptune oyster (amazing lobster rolls with warm butter, best oysters), gaslight for breakfast/lunch. Hope you enjoy your stay!

@JoJoGirl: good call on Craigie! my foodie friends are OBSESSED with this place

I second Craigie on Main if you like pork and farm-to-table. My other absolute favorite (also in Cambridge) is Hungry Mother. If you like fancy sandwiches, then check out Parish Cafe. I could go on. but my mouth is watering, and I just started drooling on my computer. I miss the food in Boston so much!

ahhhhhh Boston!!!!! I love living here!!

Craigie on Main is amazing... I think you can save by sitting at the bar and ordering from that menu if you're wary of the prices. We did the chef's tasting for our anniversary and it was REALLY pricey. But really delicious!!

There's a really cute tapas place nearby called Cuchi Cuchi too.

South End is great for small yummy places... kind of shi-shi and expensive but a really cute neighborhood.

If you want to venture out to Brookline there is a great burrito place called Anna's Taqueria. Super cheap and fast and DELICIOUS. Get the carnitas quesadilla with everything and you won't regret it....

If you want to do seafood it will cost you and be super touristy wherever you go unless you venture out to outside of Boston areas... if you're gonna do that let us know!

If you're looking for places to just walk around and find a quick bite, I'd recommend hanging out around Newbury Street and Copley Square (right next to each other). Lots of shopping and places to eat and coffee shops and all that.

OH there is an AMAZING place on Boylston called Max Brenner that does AMAZING desserts... oh my goodness you will be blown away. Especially if you like chocolate. It's called Max Brenner: Chocolate by the Bald Man. Get the Satisfaction Guaranteed cocktail (it's a chocolate martini, not strong at all, tastes like a freakin milkshake)!! Their food is ok too.

I love chain restaurants so Back Bay is good for places like Fleming's, The Melting Pot, McCormick and Schmick's, etc.

If you're looking for steak, I can definitely speak to that... we did a steakhouse tour one summer to find our favorite place. (Man, we were so spendy with our money pre-baby!) #1 is Grill 23 in Back Bay.

I could go on and on and on......

Oh and a Duck Tour is super fun, even as a native Bostonian I really enjoyed it when we took my MIL! More relaxed fun is walking thru Boston Common and Public Gardens, and going on a Swan Boat ride (very cheap).

Umm...BOSTON is seriously an awesome city coming from a biased person who grew up in MA!

Unlike NYC, there's escalators and easily accessible elevators at every T-stop (subway) stop! CITY IS CLEAN AND VERY WALKABLE!

For LO
CHILDREN'S MUSEUM and AQUARIUM

For YOU
NEWBURY STREET

FOR WHOLE FAM
Harvard Square is really awesome!

Restaurants Recs
*Gotta go to Legal Seafoods
*Great Afghanistan Restaurant called Hellmands near MIT
*Henrietta's Table for Brunch near Harvard