Boston - Customs House at Night
image courtesy Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau
I've been motivated to travel for many reasons: love, business and wanderlust, to name a few. Now, I have a new addition to my list: regret. You see, I've passed through Boston countless times but I've spent virtually no time in New England's biggest city. I attended boarding school in the suburbs of Boston but it felt a world away. I have a vague memory of venturing into Boston on a failed mission with my equally awkward teenage girlfriends to meet some Harvard boys, but beyond that, nada.
On a recent visit to my alma mater, I decided to stop regretting and, instead of racing back to New York, I spent 2 nights in Boston to get a better feel for the city. Admittedly, the first night I was too tired to do much more than order room service and luxuriate in my gorgeous hotel room, but I was up bright and early the next morning to embark on my getting to know Boston adventure. Alas, meeting a cute guy from Harvard still eluded me but Boston offered many other diversions!
Getting There
Why can't all buses be like the LimoLiner? Plush, comfortable, and civilized, LimoLiner is a fantastic option if you are traveling from New York to Boston. My bus departed promptly from the New York Hilton in midtown Manhattan at 11:15 am and arrived on time at Boston's Back Bay Hilton at 4:25 pm.
What makes the LimoLiner different? It somehow manages to meld together the best of road, train and air travel. The buses are state-of-the art and spacious and there is an attendant on board that serves refreshments and snacks. The wireless internet access and seatside power outlets make it easy to stay productive on the road. Or, you could just take a nice nap in LimoLiner's reclining leather seats. The fare of $89 each way is comparable to business class on Amtrak but LimoLiner is a much more pleasant and personalized experience.
Where to Stay
Ever since I stayed at a Kimpton Hotel in Philadelphia, I've been eager to check into another one of their luxurious, hip, and affordable hotels. Kimpton actually has three hotels in Boston, each with a different but equally cool vibe. I opted for the Hotel Nine Zero, which is centrally located in downtown Boston at 90 Tremont Street, hence the name of the hotel.
Hotel Nine Zero does a great job on the little details - a hosted evening wine hour, in room spa services, a fully stocked honor bar, Etro bath amenities, and complimentary wireless access for Kimpton InTouch members. Forgot something at home? No worries - take advantage of the hotel's Forgot It? We've Got It! initiative - just call the front desk and they will bring you items like toothpaste and a salon style hairdryer at no extra charge. Items like sunscreen and clear nail polish are offered for a nominal fee.
Feeling hungry? Upscale dining is available on-site at KO Prime or opt for room service. On my first night, a delicious room service meal and the gorgeous view from my window, made it a wonderfully relaxing night.
What to See
In addition to being a fabulous place to stay, the Hotel Nine Zero is centrally located near many of Boston's major attractions - it is right near must sees like the Boston Common (the starting point of the Freedom Trail and America's oldest park) and the Public Garden (the nation's oldest botanical garden and home of the famous Swan Boats.) One of the great things about Boston is that history has a way of popping up around you - I stumbled upon the King's Chapel and Burying Ground, the oldest burying place in Boston proper. King's Chapel is celebrating their 325th anniversary this year and is the fifth stop on Boston's famed Freedom Trail.
Swan Boat in The Public Garden
image courtesy Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) was high on my list of places to visit. Located in Boston's Seaport District, it was a nice 20 minute walk from Hotel Nine Zero. A truly stunning building, this waterfront museum is a work of art - not to mention all of the modern masterpieces inside. The galleries are spacious and ICA has a great cafe (Wolfgang Puck's Water Cafe) with indoor and outdoor seating by the water.
The Institute of Contemporary Art
I worked up an appetite at ICA and strolled over to Sam's for lunch. A casual yet chic waterfront restuarant, Sam's is located on the second floor of the high-end boutique Louis (where I was very tempted to spend my vacation money on a Roland Mouret dress - it was 50% off!). With something tasty to tantalize every palate, the current Sam's lunch menu includes Oysters (crispy fried or fresh shucked), Open Face Lobster Salad, and a really delicious BLT with tomato marmalade. In fact, the BLT was so delicious, I dug in and devoured the whole sandwich and realized at the end that I failed to take a photo - a delicious oversight! When you finish your lunch, leave your mark on Boston and leave a note on Sam's chalkboard walls - Usher did and so did I!
Obviously, I don't proclaim to be a Boston expert now but I do feel like I know the town a little better. I'm looking forward to my next visit - Harvard men, watch out!
