USS Constitution

A fun, way to get a little history in your day on the water is to make your way to the Charlestown Navy Yard and set your eyes on the USS Constitution.

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Photo Courtesy of sixersphotos/flickr

• Samba: One of the best family dinners at a restaurant happened on a Sunday night at Samba. Strolling in on a whim, we quickly learned that dinner is free for kids every Sunday at Samba. And this dinner and a show entertained, and sustained our  my seafood eating, pasta hating, rambunctious two year old for two hours. We ate in peace! Not only did he eat, but he  joined us in dining on the hibachi favorites on his plate using his chopstick like a pro.
• Turner Fisheries: This seafood favorite is the perfect place for an early meal because your kids don’t pay a dime each and every weeknight (before 7pm). And the food served here makes mom and dad happy.
• Bullfinch’s: Sunday’s are free for kids at this tasty place. Gourmet American fare prepared to order for you and your little one in an upscale atmosphere that does not turn up their nose at children in tow.

Harborside View of BHH

A stay at the Boston Harbor Hotel comes complete with spectacular views and a central location. Here, relaxation is not an option. The knowledgeable staff and serene surroundings make it impossible do anything other than enjoy. This five star hotel sits on Boston’s Rowes Wharf and boasts views that cannot be replicated (especially from the comfort of your room). Award winning on-site restaurants, and a fabulous spa mean you really never  have to leave the hotel-until checkout, of course.

Courtesy of The Ritz Carlton

In the heart of Downtown Boston sits the Ritz Carlton, and all the lavish amenities that go along with the famous name. Including a world class gym, spa, restaurant, and an entry-level bar that has everyone talking. Stay put and enjoy your night within the confines of the hotel. Or take advantage of its Downtown location and explore the sights within a short walk of the hotel’s main entry.

Room at the Taj

Taj Boston, located in the former home of the Ritz Carlton, has one of the most prestigious addresses in the entire city. Sitting on the corner of Newbury and Arlington Street the Taj overlooks the Public Garden. The Taj offers luxury in all it does: hospitality, services, and amenities make this a special place for a Boston stay.

By Polizzotti

I’m just an average looking girl, no star-like qualities, nothing that would grab your attention if you just saw me in passing on a regular day. But one day, every eight weeks or so, I get noticed. That’s the day I see my hair guru, Kevin Booker, at Jean Pierre Salon. He turns this plain Jane into a desirable woman each and every time. I’ve been seeing Kevin since he started in Boston. It happened by chance; desperate for a cut, I sauntered into the Hair Salon he worked for at the time and as luck would have it ended up in his chair. A couple of Salons later we’re still happily seeing each other regularly. In fact, we’ve been together longer than I’ve been with my husband. All the while Kevin treats me like family, bossing me around (about my hair), and I’m usually smart enough to listen to his sage advice just as I would a respected relative. During that time, my hair has gone from a professional looking layered short do, to luxuriously long locks of verylight blond, and more recently to a deeper, more natural “me” shade that after a long lecture about going “brunette” surprisingly, both Kevin and I really do love.

By Kevin Booker

My hair may change, but one thing never does- I always get noticed when I leave Kevin’s chair. Sometimes by men who literally have stopped me on Newbury Street to then stumble over their words while they ask me out (quite flattering even now that I’m happily married), by women who want to know who does my hair (I hate sharing that secret because a busy Kevin = no time for him to work on me), by my former students who always gave me a shout out for how great my hair looked right after I saw Kevin, by friends who I’ve let in on my secret (and are now Kevin devotees), by other employees at Jean Pierre (Kevin was stopped to be complimented on my hair three times while we walked through last time), and even by a wedding photographer who actually wrote in a caption under a picture that I was in with the happy couple that I have the best hair she had ever seen-not at a wedding but ever. Kevin always has an opinion, and is not afraid to share it-thank goodness, because let’s just say the big bangs I had in junior highschool should never return, and I know Kevin would never let me make a fatal hair mistake. If you need a new do for everyday, blowout to wow for just that day, an up-do for a special event, or a color to create a a new effect, Kevin will create a you that will wow!

Courtesy of Jam Time

My family’s favorite is Jam Time in Maynard.  Not far from the historic sites of Lexington and Concord, Jam Time is the Metro West’s premiere indoor play space for a good reason. Lots of room to run around, two indoor jungle gyms, a climbing structure, and tons of toys to encourage creative play make it easy to get your kids through the door, but tough to take them home. Catering to little ones from 3 months to six years,  you’ll find comfy couches for parents to relax as well as a cafe where single serve coffee and healthy, kid friendly treats are served. Those 2 and under will love the special section just for them. Although they offer a long list of classes, they take place in a  separate room so Jam Time is open for free play each and everyday ($10/child, adults at no cost). And if that weren’t enough, owners Mandy and Malcolm make sure there is always something new to enjoy, like their recent toy update, and the occasional show, concert, holiday celebration, or visit from resident mascot, JT the Moose.

On a hot day, a cold day, a snowy day, or a rainy day, make your way for a fun day of play at Jam Time.

Courtesy of Boston's Original Chocolate Tour

Imagine a day filled exploring Boston landmarks while sampling some of the best desserts the city has to offer. Indulge your inner chocolate lover  on Boston’s Original Chocolate Tour. This three stop, three hour trolley adventure is by far one of the most indulgent days you’ll ever have.

Starting the moment you set foot on the the trolley you are welcomed by tour conductors and character chefs who provide trolley travelers with tantalizing treats from local chocolate legends like NECCO and Beacon Hill Chocolates.

Stopping first at the Top of the Hub, 52 floors above Boston in the Prudential Center, you’ll be treated to tastes of chocolate that are sure to surprise. Enjoy every bite, as well as the view that surrounds you because the sweets and the 360 degree panorama that you’ll meet are simply spectacular . After you’re through hop back aboard and be ready to head to the the home of Boston’s namesake dessert. America’s oldest hotel, The Omni Parker House, is where you’ll find a perfect rendition of a classic, the Boston Cream Pie. There is one last stop that completes this chocolate adventure, and there is no better place for this tour to end than the Langham Hotel. Famous for their Saturday Chocolate Bar, you know the desserts they serve to the chocolate tour will be beyond your expectations.

Running twice a day, on Saturdays, the chocolate tour is not cheap, ( $80/per person) but more than worth it for the food you’ll eat, the sights you’ll see and the company you’ll keep.

Photo by Strohm-Herman

The walk from the alleyway, through the door featuring the handmade 81/2 x 11 sign that simply says backbar, down the elementary school-esque hallway and through the unmarked door into the dimly lit room buzzing with cool had me sketched out until I was met by the smiling face on the other side who was wearing a prohibition era outfit (gray pants and matching vest, light colored shirt and red tie). Finding my group a perfect place to kick back was an easy task for bar manager, Sam, even though the place was in full swing.

Seating comes complete with wooden stools that look like the empty shipping crates I’d imagine bootleggers used to transport their stuff “Boardwalk Empire” style in the 1920′s. The clientele is more hipster than flapper and the music more 1980′s than 1920′s but the ice comes in chunks in the creative cocktails they serve. More than a step away from the ordinary tequila and lime based “traditional” was that evening’s Milk Punch- a Sweet Potato Margarita with a Sriracha salt rim. A spicy cup of industrial strength goodness that left me wondering just how they managed to create such a melodious combination from seemingly unaffiliated ingredients.

Photo by Strohm-Herman

But beyond the booze was the star of the night, the food. backbar’s bar snacks beat out any I’ve ever had. Affiliated with its neighbor, the fabulously seasonal/local joint Journeyman, Backbar has a culinary advantage over the competition. Their Spicy Caramel Popcorn is a perfectly sweet and spicy snack to keep your cravings at bay, and the Charcuterie made me want to order more. However, it is The Taste of Journeyman that should not be overlooked as it is the STAR of the all bar snacks- a sampling of Journeyman’s daily menu that let’s Backbar patrons sample the cuisine that makes Journeyman so special without the Journeyman price tag.

The effort Journeyman puts into selecting the wines, beers and even the deliciously creative mocktails (tasting more like cocktails than alcohol free imposters) makes it well worth adding the beverage pairing. The casual pace with which the food arrives, made this the ideal destination for our double date. After being guided through the course selection process, we all decided to go with our waiter’s suggestion of five courses to fill us comfortably rather than skimp with the three, or overindulge with the seven. The time put into preparing and presenting our food let us catch up with friends, and really enjoy what my husband refers to as, ” a dining experience“. Each plate gave us just enough of a perfectly balanced set of seasonal ingredients interacting harmoniously to please our palettes.

With a constantly changing menu, I know I’ll return to savor this culinary journey once again, and who knows, maybe I’ll even invite the bulge by opting for the full seven courses next time (with the beverage pairing of course).

Even 2 Year Olds Love Skating on the Frog Pond

The Boston Common’s Frog Pond is one of the most popular places to skate.  For $5 (add $9 for skates rentals) the Frog Pond ice rink is a bargain. It’s also a one stop wonder of  events: sightseeing, exercise and fun all rolled into one. Music from the 80′s and 90′s pumps through the speakers surrounding the rink while novice and expert skaters share the smooth surface set below the State House. Families fill the rink during the daytime, but  when the lights come on, things heat up, and romance rules the rink.

The Charles Hotel in Cambridge offers a Harvard Square alternative for spectacular skating, set outside the Charles Hotel you can easily incorporate this fun winter sport into any day’s plans. Open weekday evenings, and all day on weekends (starting at 10am) ,the Charles Hotel ice rink is an inexpensive activity to do with your friends or your family. After you’re done, pop into the Charles Hotel’s bar Noir, or one of the on-site restaurants, Henrietta’s Table, or Rialto to replenish with fine food or carefully crafted cocktails.

Looking to take in one of Boston’s best views? Head to Brookline’s Larz Anderson Park where skating takes place at the top of the hill.  Skaters get the chance to check out Boston’s skyline while circling the regulation size rink. While you’re there, check  out The Museum of  Transportation, which is open year round within Larz Anderson Park.

Unlike skiing, outdoor ice rinks do not require snow. Making it easy to ensure outdoor rinks will be open even if the lifts aren’t. Requiring little more than cold nights (almost guaranteed during a Boston winter) outdoor skating is one active adventure you can be sure to enjoy.

Courtesy of Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

Photo by Byron Cain

A stay  at the highly acclaimed Inn, Brewster by the Sea, is ideal to offer rejuvenation when it is time for you to recharge.The onsite spa caters to romance or solo relaxation. Follow up the couples massage with chocolate covered strawberries and champagne in front of the sitting room’s roaring fire (one day I’d love to recreate was spent doing just that). Innkeepers, Donna and Byron, make you feel like you are the only guest in the house, providing impeccable service, breakfast selections that put other ‘s to shame, and even top notch afternoon treats. The rooms are a mix of elegantly simple small spaces and larger suites (some with working gas fireplaces); all of which offer guests a taste of peace and quite in private.

The Brewster area plays host to a wide variety of sensational restaurants, perfect to replenish after your days of dawdling. Donna and Byron always offer amazing dinner ideas. I discovered two of my favorites (The Red Pheasant and Brewster Fish House) per their suggestion.

A stay on the Cape is never complete without a walk on the beach. Bundle up in your winter’s warmest and head out to watch the sun rise, set ,or for a stroll while it is high in the sky.