So we’re finalizing details for our upcoming trip to Boston — the Family Balducci will be at the Catholic New Media (Conference?) (Convention?) Celebration! Will you be there? Let me know so I can be on the lookout!
Also, by “finalize” I mean we are still figuring out exactly where we should stay. Do you have any suggestions for a family in the city for a few days? I think we have it figured out, but before I totally commit I thought I’d ask for thoughts from those who have gone before. Sometimes what looks good on paper isn’t the best solution. I prefer actual feedback, if possible.
Thanks, and again — if you’ll be there, I hope to meet you!
I live about an hour away from Boston (closer to the Cape) and would have loved to meet you, but the conference is sold out
I don't have any recomendations on where to stay, but I will say the Science Museum is awesome for the kids, and there are tons of great restaurants in the North End. You must go to Mike's Pastry and get their florentine canolis – to die for!!
Your boys would love the USS Constitution. That tour is a must.
Regina Pizzeria is worth it.
Keep up the good work!
Have you considered contacting the colleges and universities that are centrally located and asking them to allow you use of the usused dorms? Some offer suites which are perfect for families. Boston University is close to everything downtown.
Seriously?! It is sold out? I didn't even know that the tickets went on sale!!
I am just south of Boston and would have loved to meet you all. Boston is a great city. You will love it. There are so many great things for a family to do.
from Scotch Meg
Well, I didn't know about this one, either. Oh well.
Boy stuff in Boston:
Science Museum (all ages)
Children's Museum (younger ages; not for over 10)
USS Constitution (agreed, a must)
Tea Party Ship (near Children's Museum, for the kids who won't want to go to that Baby Place)
The Boston Public Garden swan boats are a must-do, together with a quick look at the duck statues (get "Make Way for Ducklings" from the library before you go)
Historical stops include: Mass State House, Old State House, Old North Church, but they have to be a little interested in history; also the Newton Historical Museum (if you can get there), which was a stop on the Underground Railroad
For a great just-run-around place, take a ferry to George's Island. There's an old fort and lots of SPACE and the ferry ride is fun, too
http://www.bostonharborislands.com
If you will be in Boston through Wednesday, go to the Beethoven concert at the Hatch Shell (it's free, it's outdoors, it's FUN) – and please let me know, because I will be there and would love to meet you.
if you have good weather and can get to Newton, you might consider canoeing on the Charles (you will need more than one canoe for your gang)
there are tours of Fenway Park on non-game days
there are Red Sox games at Fenway Park on game days, and even if you don't have tickets in advance, the box office
If you can get to Plymouth, it is worth the trip
don't bother with the zoo, such as it is
Great Resource if you still have time to get it:
"In and Out of Boston with (or without) Children" by Bernice Chesler. It is not out of date, even though it's out of print. Available used on Amazon – get the 1992 edition
for food: definitely the North End. Don't have dessert at the restaurant; push through the crowd at Mike's and get cannolis OR go to the geletaria a little further down the street
also fun: hot dogs and pretzels from a street vendor
Durgin Park at Fanieul Hall Marketplace (although it's a bit of a zoo)
In Cambridge, S&S Deli in Inman Square (take the bus from the Harvard Square station
If your guys eat sandwiches, you can have a picnic in the Public Garden and feed the ducks afterwards
Depending on how much time you have, a nice side trip is Rockport, about an hour drive north. Front Beach is a contained space and there are great rocks to climb for older boys. The water is VERY cold by southern standards, but it's a lovely spot. You can eat lobsters on the beach if you order them from Roy Moore's on Bearskin Neck (walking distance to beach). Great fudge and taffy from Tuck's on the main street (in between the beach and the lobsters).
We like to stay in a "suite" type hotel when we travel with all the kids. More room and easier to manage different sleep schedules. Definitely do the USS constitution. cool tour, especially if you take a water taxi there.
Don't know what your schedule is but we went on a whale watch out of Plymouth (but they leave from Boston also) – it was incredible we saw fin back, humpback and right whales and loads of dolphins. It was about 4 hours – there was indoor area and shaded area with snack bar and you can bring your own coolers, food and drink with you.
Can't beat the North End for great food and part of the Freedom Trail – Paul Revere's house.
Musuem of Fine Arts is fun for kids – the Egyptian artifacts might interest your boys – lots of mummies and their "stuff" including toy soldiers etc.
The map dome at the Christian Science church is cool.
You can take a tour of Fenway Park – the last tour usually leaves at 3:00 if there's a game – we saw the players warming up which was pretty cool.
So many things to do so little time! Hope you enjoy your trip!!
We stayed at the Marriot Harborside this past November. It was nice, next door to the Aquarium and a short walk to Fanieul Hall (sp?). We walked to the North End for pizza one night and took the T downtown. I think if I went back again I would stay closer to downtown – I think there is another Marriott closer to downtown. We did the Duck Tour which was a lot of fun!
exciting! I hope all goes well -
You have to check out the duck tours – amphibious vehicles!! The tickets also give discounts to other area museums, etc.
Have a great time!
Rachel, I'm late to the party; but just wanted to say I can't wait to meet you and the Balducci gang.
Also, for people who couldn't get tickets, (I feel bad I didn't publicize it enough on my blog since Dom was one of the organizers.) there will be a meet up at John Harvard’s Brew House on Sunday the 8th at 1:00 that does not require tickets, though they did request an rsvp so they can get an estimated headcount.
Details here: http://celebration.sqpn.com/2010/07/30/boston-social-media-tweetup/ (I'm not sure if I'll be able to make that…. maybe, if the kids allow.)