Boston Harbor Getaway

Description:

The landmark Marriott occupies an unbeatable location a stone's throw from the New England Aquarium. It attracts business travelers with its proximity to the Financial District and families with its pool and easy access to downtown and waterfront attractions. The hotel's terraced brick exterior encloses a seven-story atrium that gives the public spaces an airy feel. Rooms, which were renovated in 2008, are large and decorated in upscale-chain-hotel style. They have cherry furnishings, either one king-size or two double beds (with pillow-top mattresses and down comforters), and a table and chairs in front of the window. Without any neighbors in the way, the building gets more natural light than any other downtown hotel. Rooms close to the water afford good views of the wharves and the waterfront; units closer to Atlantic Avenue overlook the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

Facilities: Restaurant (seafood); cafe and lounge; bar and grill; indoor pool; exercise room; Jacuzzi; game room; concierge; tour desk; 24-hr. business center; room service until 2am; laundry service; same-day dry cleaning; executive-level rooms; rooms for those w/limited mobility.

Description:

Union Oyster House is a taste of Boston history. Opened in 1826, and holding the title of America's oldest restaurant, Union Oyster House still offers one mean oyster bar. Just outside Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Union Oyster House is the perfect place to start your tour. Sit at the first floor raw bar to devour your oysters, or step into the past and explore the rest of the place. Cozy booths line this relic and the smaller scale helps transport diners to a time when things were not so "big".

-Jessica Polizzotti, Boston Local Expert

41 Union St., tel. 617-227-2750

www.unionoysterhouse.com

Description:

There are other boat companies offering whale watches departing from Boston Harbor, but this one by the New England Aquarium is the only one run by an organization dedicated to preserving whales and the waters where they live. Trips last 3.5 to 5 hours. If no whales are sighted on your trip, you receive a voucher for a return free trip. All boats have a galley, souvenir store and interactive exhibits about whales.

Description:

Chef Daniel Bruce offers a seasonal, wine-friendly menu at this restaurant. It has an outstanding collection of 12,000 bottles of wine, with 1500 on display in sub-zero cases. With over 850 varieties to choose from, this place is a wine lover's haven. Specialty items such as Kobe Beef, Ostrich, Partridge, New York State Foie Gras, Nantucket Scallops and Vermont Pheasant are imported and only the finest of ingredients are used in all preparations.

Description:

The adventure begins before you step foot through the door. Watch the Harbor Seals swirl around in the outdoor tank while you wait for tickets, or linger when you finish and recount your time inside. A four-story tank spans the center of this aquatic marvel; filled with marine life this is a sight to be seen. Catch a show in the glass enclosed classroom, plunge your hands into the touch tank or pop by the children's room with your little ones. Whale Watch cruises are available seasonally and are a special way to enhance your day.

-Jessica Polizzotti, Boston Local Expert
1 Central Wharf, tel. 617-973-5200
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Description:

Boston Harbor is a beautiful retreat from the city in any season. It is also the departure point for ferries to Cape Cod and the South Shore, whale watches and moonlit cruises. The history of the harbor has not been forgotten; the Boston Tea Party took place here and is recreated annually. The New England Aquarium is located on the water's edge. As you walk by, peek at the large tank to the left of the entrance—sometimes there are harbor seals living in it.

Description:

Boston's Institute of Contemporary Art is a cutting edge art museum showcasing funky works by artists who do things a little differently. Collections may seem like displays of "junk", but in reality are well planned exhibits that have garnered respect in the art world. The ICA takes its contemporary views into the realm of performances as well. With many evening shows in their spectacular theater, ranging from music to dance, these eclectic shows you won't find anywhere else. A waterfront cafe, gives you the chance to sit and view the Harbor, while the outdoor deck is often frequented by musicians during the warmer months.

-Jessica Polizzotti, Boston Local Expert

100 Northern Ave., tel. 617-478-3100

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Description:

Take a tour of the Harpoon Brewery or enjoy one of their HarpoonFests (2 held in the spring and then again as an Octoberfest).  That is if you can find it. All but hidden along the South Boston waterfront, past the many happening spots along the way, you'll find this Boston original where good beer and good friends can come together. Tours and tastings happen daily.

-Jessica Polizzotti, Boston Local Expert
306 Northern Ave., tel. 888-427-7666
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Description:

Fort Point Channel has become something of a hot spot for budding New England artists, and Fort Point Arts Community Gallery displays their work in its 1,093-square foot site. The gallery is located in the Artist Building on the mezzanine level. An example of the work shown here is the exhibit Our Pets/Our Selves, which highlights artists Paul Weiner, Anna Salmeron and Jim Head Clausnitzer. Admission to the museum is free.

Description:

The interior of this restaurant is as dated as the photos of proprietor Anthony Athanas with celebrities like Bob Hope and Dom DeLouise that hang on the walls. But there is no better place in Boston to enjoy fresh seafood in the summertime than on Anthony's patio, which has a view of Boston's inner harbor and skyline. If you like shellfish, order the clambake special, which gives you shrimp, steamed clams, mussels and lobster. This restaurant also prides itself on its steaks and wine list.

Description:

With an antique brick facade set among downtown skyscrapers, any passerby can pick this building out as a relic from an earlier time. Now a museum run by The Bostonian Society, the site has a long and distinguished history. The Boston Massacre, one of the catalysts for the American Revolution, took place just outside. The Declaration of Independence was first read to Boston here on July 18, 1776. The structure served as the new state's capitol until 1797.

Description:

Faneuil Hall was originally established as a market for merchants, fishermen and vendors, but has transformed throughout the years.From playing host to prominent figures like Samuel Adams and George Washington, to its transformation into one of America's premiere urban marketplaces. Currently home to more than 50 shops, 14 restaurants, and 40 food stalls, Faneuil Hall attracts locals tourists and street performers to make-up an eclectic crowd at this urban outdoor mall.

-Jessica Polizzotti, Boston Local Expert
4 South Market Building, tel. 617-523-1300
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Description:

Running the length of Atlantic Avenue between Mercantile Street and Long Wharf, this waterfront park boasts some of the best views of the harbor and is the gateway to the North End. Children can play in the small park area, and benches provide a welcome respite from the hours spent walking and shopping. A popular place for local office workers to have lunch, you will usually find a few food vendors in the area as well. Free jazz and other performances often take place on summer weekend evenings.