Melanie Nayer's Essential Boston
Travel writer Melanie Nayer has gallivanted all over the world as a contributor to pubs like New York Daily News, The Boston Globe and Gadling.com. But no matter how far she wanders, she loves returning home to Boston, Mass. In this edition of HER GUIDE, the award-winning Adventuress shares some of her top picks for getting to know her hometown.
SLEEP
1) XV Beacon for business travelers. The hotel's amenities for business travelers are second-to-none. You can't beat the airport-hotel-airport car service, the concierge is a miracle worker when it comes to last-minute meetings or business dinners, and each room is designed with familiarity in mind.
2) Copley Square Hotel for the leisure traveler. This hotel is one of Boston's gems, in my opinion. Located right in Back Bay, it's close to the best shopping and hundreds of restaurants. The rooms are dressed in a funky decor, which makes coming back at the end of the night kind of exciting. (They also have one of the best room-service menus I've ever seen!)
3) Four Seasons Boston for the indulgent guest. If luxury is what you seek, there's no beating this hotel. Get a room facing the Boston Common, order up breakfast in bed and enjoy a good start to your day. Secret: While most people don't think to come to Boston during the winter months, the truth is this when Boston is often at its most beautiful. Reserve a room facing the park and you'll get the best views of the park and city covered in snow - it will be a sight you'll never forget.
EAT
1) Ernesto's Pizza, North End: Best pizza in the city, as far as I'm concerned. A 'slice' is a quarter of a pie so you'll be plenty full, but the options are endless. My favorite is the eggplant and ricotta pizza.
2) The Buttery, South End: It's a bakery/cafe in the front, and a small restaurant in the back (seats about 20 people). The food is always fresh, the mood is always intimate and the people are always friendly. Go for a drink at Hammersly's Bistro before or after dinner for a truly awesome night in the South End.
3) erbaluce, Back Bay/Theater District. I'm actually a little hesitant to promote this gem because the less people know about it, the more it stays my 'secret spot.' Truth is, this is hands down one of the best kept secrets in Boston. It's a contemporary Italian restaurant with an elegant ambiance and a magnificent wine list.
PLAY
1) Newbury Street Stroll. Even if you're not planning on shopping, take a stroll down Newbury Street and just "be" in the scene. Window shop to your heart's content, or find a restaurant with outdoor seating where you can enjoy some people watching. Newbury Street is lined with great shops, art galleries and boutiques, so there's something for everyone.
2) Fenway Park. It doesn't matter if you're a Red Sox fan or not, this park is an institution and it's worth a visit when you're here. There are some fun restaurants and bars nearby, so even if you don't have a ticket to the game there's plenty to do in the area.
3) The Freedom Trail. When I first moved to Boston, my Mom and I grabbed a map, put on our tennis shoes and set out to explore the Freedom Trail. The Freedom Trail is a self-guided 2.5 mile red-brick walking trail that leads you to 16 significant historic sites in Boston, and it's a great way to discover the various neighborhoods in Boston.
Boston's best-kept secret:
The Copp's Hill Cemetery. Go, read the headstones... you'll understand.
Essential tips:
Boston is an abundance of activity packed into a small space, so don't forget to wear your best walking shoes! Don't be afraid to grab a map and highlight the points of interests you want to see. The best way to see this city is on foot so devote a day to just wandering around. Hint: Don't forget to look up. Some of Boston's best architecture and pieces of history have been preserved at the top of buildings.
If you're here during the summer months, make sure you spend some time near the Harbor. The city really comes to life at night on the water. There are concerts and outdoor arts and crafts fairs, a new carousal was just put up for kids and there are some great photo opps when the boats are docking.
Before you leave Boston, spend a few hours in the Public Gardens. This is arguably one of the most pristine spots in the city. Pack a picnic lunch, grab some ice cream or just break out a good book and cop a squat under a tree for some alone time. Remember, you're sitting among history so take it all in and enjoy!
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