I'm trying to plan a driving trip to Boston for this fall. So far, the two main things on the agenda are a stop in Hartford CT to see the Mark Twain House, and a stop at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.

What else is there to do? Things that appeal to the geek, things that appeal to the people-watcher, and factory tours of any kind are always a plus.

Any hints & tips about what to see and what to avoid (or roads to avoid) are a huge plus, and will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Perry

I'm trying to plan a driving trip to Boston for this fall. So far, the two main things on the agenda are a stop in Hartford CT to see the Mark Twain House, and a stop at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.

What else is there to do? Things that appeal to the geek, things that appeal to the people-watcher, and factory tours of any kind are always a plus.

Any hints & tips about what to see and what to avoid (or roads to avoid) are a huge plus, and will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Perry

Hartford is about 2 hours away, and could be on your way if you take a southern route (I-80/I-84). Woods Hole is well south of Boston and only kinda on your way if you take the shore route (I-95).

Traffic can get nasty on the weekends during the fall holidays and in the first two weeks of October, which is leaf peeper season. Keep that in mind.

One of the geekier places to visit is the Museum of Science. After visiting, you can take a duck tour right out front (get reservations days before...they sell out) for what is absolutely the geekiest way to tour downtown Boston.

For people watching, it depends on what kind. :) IMO the best place for people watching of all varieties is at a cafe outside Quincy Market. You'll have to deal with the pidgeons and screaming kids but you'll see all kinds from all over the world.

For factory tours, the first thing I think of is beer :) The Sam Adams brewery used to give tours, but I haven't gone in a while. There is a nice brewpub in the North End that gives tours, the Commonwealth Brewery, and their food is a cut above pub food. While not too geeky, you could tour the USS Constitution in Charlestown, or take a harbor tour in one of the boats off of Long Wharf.

Now, food...my god you have anything and everything. When I bring friends to Boston, I want to know what they like to eat. I tend to like to go to the places that have been there since the dawn of time. What I like you may not like so give us some hints.

We have a large contingent of folks near Boston that will surely chime in.

HI Perry,

The North End is a must if you enjoy Italian food. Giacomo's has fantastic seafood on Hanover Street, but note that they don't take reservations. Also, about the best cannoli on earth is across the street and down the way a block or two at Mike's Bakery.

Anyway, that's my two cents.

TonyG71

And ahh Perry... Let me know when you'll be in town and I'll try to arrainge a Ridgeline welcome party for you...
Everything that Shovelhd recommended, I agree...

The Duck Tour in Boston is a great time.
And Quincy Market / Fanuel Hall Marketplace is the place for hanging out people watching. Great selection of little eateries where you can munch out while watching some interesting street performances.

As for the geek in you, I work right next to the MIT campus. Pretty geeky although not a ton to do or see. And then there is Harvard Yard. Not such an easy place to Pahk ya cah...

Baseball fan? Fenway park may be offering tours, if not a game, although tickets are tough...

If you have any interest in heading 20 minutes North of Boston, I grew up in Salem, the Witch City. Currently live in the next town. I wouldn't mind doing a personal tour of the city. Lots of history. Of course if your in town during the month of October, there is no better place on the planet to experience Halloween than in Salem...:eek:

I'll continue to think of ideas and feel free to ask questions. I could send you out some brochures of local attractions... :)

I believe the plan will be to make the trek in late August / early September - most likely right before the semester starts.

I'm thinking drive up as far as New Haven CT on day one, then roll up to Hartford for the Mark Twain house, then hit the coast. Salem is on the list, as is Cambridge and Fanuel Hall. Not so into Fenway Park, but people watching is always a bonus - freaks and geeks my specialty! ;-)

As far as food? I'll eat anything, but I prefer the basics: Spanish, Italian, Greek, Moroccan, Persian, Indian. Also, Brazillian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, German and Mexican. Did I leave anything out? Oh yeah: Amish and general American farm cooking.

And a few years ago, I was in Boston for a meeting. I was there for about 6 hours total, including lunch, which was deep-fried lobster in a nice little bar on a pier in an area that was being redeveloped as a technology-centric district. I can't remember the business name, but it was an Internet Radio startup in a warehouse within walking distance of this bar. If I could remember the name of it, I'd take Michelle there while we are up there.

Italian, well there's no better place in Boston than the North End. You have everything from pizza to 5 star gourmet.

For pizza, my favorite has always been Regina's. Not the one in Faneuil Hall, that's a chain. The one deep in the north side of the North End, I think it's on Cooper Street but Brich will know for sure. They make thin crust pizza in a wood fired brick oven and they've been there, you know, since the dawn of time. You can get anything you want there as long as it's pizza. No pasta, no salads. Be prepared to wait in line, no reservations.

If you want more than pizza, you still have a bazillion choices. For a cheap meal, my favorite is Piccolo Vinezia. It's a block or two down from Salem Street. There's a fish market on the corner. It's the kind of place that serves chianti in a water pitcher, and it can get pretty rowdy in there at times, but the food is awesome and cheap.

I have never been to Giacomo's but I've heard it's fantastic. I've always liked Villa Francesca, off of Hanover Street. They're famous for their lasagna but I always wind up with fish.

My favorite after dinner spot is the Cafe Della Sport on Hanover Street. You get get a cold beer, an anisette, or a gelato, and sit right out on the street and people watch.

Have fun and enjoy your trip.

I believe the plan will be to make the trek in late August / early September - most likely right before the semester starts.

I'm thinking drive up as far as New Haven CT on day one, then roll up to Hartford for the Mark Twain house, then hit the coast. Salem is on the list, as is Cambridge and Fanuel Hall. Not so into Fenway Park, but people watching is always a bonus - freaks and geeks my specialty! ;-)
Freaks? Ya we got em... Harvard Square is a meca. :eek:
I can definately help with Salem. If it's a weekend, I can give you a little tour or I can just give you a little itinerary of things to see.


As far as food? I'll eat anything, but I prefer the basics: Spanish, Italian, Greek, Moroccan, Persian, Indian. Also, Brazillian, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, German and Mexican. Did I leave anything out? Oh yeah: Amish and general American farm cooking.
I agree with Shovelhd in suggesting the North End for some nice Italian eating and atmosphere. Problem is, I had close friends who lived there and everytime we went to the North End, Enrico insisted on cooking, so we never really ate anywhere.

I will say Boston is lacking in Amish eateries...:o

Of course Legal Seafood offers some nice eats from the ocean but coming from Maryland, I'm sure it's nothing new to you... but ya gotta love New England Clam Chowdah!! :D


And a few years ago, I was in Boston for a meeting. I was there for about 6 hours total, including lunch, which was deep-fried lobster in a nice little bar on a pier in an area that was being redeveloped as a technology-centric district. I can't remember the business name, but it was an Internet Radio startup in a warehouse within walking distance of this bar. If I could remember the name of it, I'd take Michelle there while we are up there.
Southie maybe? There's the Barking Crab which is on the Pier...

There's also a nice bar at the Boston Harbor Hotel sitting on the water... although I don't think they serve food...

You may still be able to tour the Christan Science Monitor building. There was a globe you walked through. It's geeky.

Bumping this up, as my travel dates are confirmed:
We'll be in the Boston area from Sept 2nd through the 7th, and heading back to MD on the 8th. The only thing on the plan so far is a stop at the Mark Twain house in Hartford CT on the 8th, followed by lunch in New Haven CT on our way back south.

Michelle is the planner of all things trip-related, but I'm going to try to include the mini-meet that is currently planned for the 5th.

Duck tours are great, walk the "red line". We did a ghost tour at night. Harvard and MIT were cool. You've got to see Cheers. We went to Salem...very touristy.

I can't believe none of you suggested a trip to Cheers. The ultimate tourist stop. :D Faneuil Hall is good for a variety of eatery choices and people watching.

I'm heading to Boston this weekend. My daughter goes to Emerson College and the RL is towing a trailer full of furniture for her new apartment. She's moving from Maverick to Brookline. Can't wait to see how the RL does towing.

I take the I-84 route and avoid I-95. Much nicer drive.

PerryLynch, take I-83 North to Harrisburg from the Baltimore Beltway and you can pick up I-84 North of Harrisburg. PM me if you want more detailed directions.

I went to Emerson for a year before transferring to Northeastern. Back then "Cheers" was just the Bull and Finch, a local watering hole, not a tourist trap with no redeeming qualities. There used to be a fight every Friday night around 12:30am.

Why not take a nice walk at Boston Common? I do it all the time whenever I'm on there. Enjoy!

Just stay away from the statue, unless you're looking to score some dope.

We always feel safe in the Common but don't walk it after dark. The Gardens are very nice too.

My daughter lived in the dorm on Arlington Street for her first two years. She walked through the Gardens and Common on a daily basis without a problem. Coming from a relatively rural town to Boston taught her "street smarts" in a hurry. She loves Boston!

If you are going to Woods Hole than maybe a stop at Plymouth on your way up to Boston. Plymouth plantation and the Mayflower II are a couple of things to see. Oh the the rock, yea, gotta see the rock (that will kill about 30 seconds).

I also lived in the Arlington/Beacon dorm, on the 4th floor, overlooking the Hatch Shell. We had some great parties on the roof.

I'm trying to plan a driving trip to Boston for this fall. So far, the two main things on the agenda are a stop in Hartford CT to see the Mark Twain House, and a stop at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.

If you make it as far as Woods Hole, I'd suggest a trip to the Popponesset Marketplace in New Seabury (fancy-speak for Mashpee), if for no other reason than The Raw Bar's outrageously gigantic and delicious lobster rolls, miles away the best I've had on the Cape. Then take a stroll down to Emack & Bolio's. What they're doing with ice cream cones will boggle your mind.

come to lowell, ma lots of great stuff to do in this fine city