I see destination weddings as an opportunity to explore new destinations or visit old favorite haunts and we recently did just that in New England! We began our trip in Boston but only had 24 hours to explore this charming city.
September 8, 2019 – Freedom Trail
We got a late start…because, two month old baby…but still were able to fit so much into our first day in Boston. We decided to walk the Freedom Trail because it seemed like a good way to explore the city and learn about the rich history behind it.
We arrived at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center just in time to catch the 1PM Walk Into History Tour, a one mile 90-minute tour along the Freedom trail that covers 11 out of the 16 official historic sites [$14/person]. In retrospect, I wish we would have bought the guide book [$3/pamphlet] and done a self guided tour instead. For starters, we had a stroller which didn’t do well on the off trail walking, but I also found it hard to hear the colonial clad guide and difficult to follow his historical narrative.
The tour ends at Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market where you can find pretty much any type of food your heart desires. We went with a New England classic, clam chowder and a lobster roll from Boston Chowda Co. and it was delicious.
Afterwards, we wandered through an Art Festival in Christopher Columbus Park and along the Boston Harbor before heading to explore the North End. Of course no trip to the North End is complete without a stop at Mike’s Pastry, home of the best cannoli in Boston [Note: they only accept cash]. We got three to share – chocolate chip, mint chocolate chip and Oreo – and sat down in the Paul Revere Mall to enjoy them before continuing along the Freedom Trail to see the Old North Church.
From here we veered off the trail to visit the oldest continuously run tavern in America, The Bell-in-Hand, established in 1795. It was busy but we had no trouble securing a table in the dining room area for a quick pre-dinner drink. For dinner, we returned to the North End and stood in line at Giacomo. This small, casual Italian restaurant does not take credit cards, reservations or names so come prepared to stand in line on the sidewalk out front if you want to try their delicious seafood pastas.
September 10, 2019 – Beacon Hill
The next morning we got up and went to brunch at The Friendly Toast Restaurant in the Beacon Hill neighborhood before wandering through Boston’s Public Garden. We exited the gardens right across from Cheers, the iconic bar from the television series, but unfortunately did not have time to check it out.
Instead we caught an Uber back to our hotel in the Seaport District. And while Kevin went to pick up our rental car, I got a Japanese ice cream cone from Taiyaki NYC to enjoy as I walked along the waterfront.
From Boston we went to visit family in New Hampshire then on to the cute seaside town of Newport in Rhode Island before ending at Long Beach Island at the Jersey Shore for our friends wedding.
xo,
Kara & Kevin
Accommodations & State Specific Details
Stay: YOTEL
We waited until the night before our trip to book hotel accommodations in Boston so we used the app, Hotel Tonight. I was not previously familiar with the “Yotel” concept but it’s a modern, technology forward hotel that maximizes smaller spaces.
Personally, I felt like it was a tricked out hostel. Not necessarily a bad thing but at four stars I expect a little more space and “luxury” in a hotel stay. We paid a discounted rate because of the last minute booking but I wouldn’t pay the full price or willingly choose to stay there again.
On the flip side, the staff was friendly and accommodating – we needed a crib and refrigerator and they sent it right up. The other aspects I did like include the monsoon shower, the towel heating rack and the bed mattress.
Transportation:
To Boston: By air from San Diego.
Around Boston: We walked pretty much everywhere and Ubered everywhere else. We did pick up a rental car when we left Boston for New Hampshire.
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Language: English.
Outlet Adapter: The standard voltage is 120 V. The standard frequency is 60 Hz. The power sockets that are used are of type A and B. Standard United States adapters.
Passport/Visa Requirements: No U.S. Passport required.
Vaccinations/Medicines: N/A
Weather: Boston in early September was in the mid-70’s when we visited. It was one of those temperatures where it’s a little cool in the shade/at night but then a little hot in the sun. Definitely recommend layers or a light jacket if you’re planning to be out from day to night.
KARA VALLARI 