Escape to Boston for the Weekend

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Travelers entering the Boston Common will see Beacon Hill to the north, bustling Tremont Street to the east, Emerson College to the south, and gated greenery to the west. Beyond those gates is a well-manicured, but still approachable public garden. Lagoons, walking paths, bridges, statues and flowers galore make it the perfect spot for an afternoon stroll (or simply a path from the Common to Newbury Street). If you're looking for things to do with the kids, take the Swan Boats, and check out the Make Way for Ducklings sculpture in the northeast corner.

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One of the Nation's oldest public parks, Boston Common, encompasses nearly 50 acres and was once used as pasture land by Puritan settlers. Also former military grounds, The Boston Common played an important role in shaping America. Today, the park is a popular destination for recreational athletics, joggers, and families. The Frog Pond is a year round favorite; functioning as a wading pool in the summer and a skating rink in the winter, it transforms for use throughout the seasons.

- Jessica Polizzotti, Boston Local Expert
148 Tremont St., tel. 888-733-2678
/freedomtrail/bostoncommon.asp

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The best way to see Boston. Starting at the Boston Common, this three mile path can easily be picked up at any point along the way. The Freedom Trail offers historical insight into the city and its surroundings. Easy to hop on and off, the Freedom Trail weaves throughout the city and highlights some of Boston's most special places. Enjoy all or part of this "map". Guided tours are available for a fee.

- Jessica Polizzotti, Boston Local Expert
15 State Street, tel. 617-242-5642
/bost/freedom_trail.htm

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If you're out to impersonate a native, try not to be shocked when you enter "the Cheers bar" and the inside looks nothing like the bar on the TV show. (A spin-off in Faneuil Hall Marketplace fills that niche -- see the listing below.) Formerly the Bull & Finch Pub, this really is a neighborhood bar, but it's far better known for attracting legions of out-of-towners, who find good pub grub and plenty of souvenirs. There's food from 11am until late evening and a kids' menu ($4-$5).

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Stay in one of Beacon Hill's charming town-homes! The Beacon Hill Hotel, on charming Charles Street is a renovated 1820's townhouse steps form the Boston Common, Public Garden, the "new" State House and Freedom Trail. Staffed by people just as charming as the the building itself, you'll be sure to have your needs fully met. A stay here does not come cheap, starting a bit over $200/night you pay for pleasure of this hotel. Each of their twelve guest rooms are nonsmoking and feature flat-panel televisions with satellite TV and high-speed Internet access. The on-site restaurant, Beacon Hill Bistro, is a place even locals like to dine.
-Jessica Polizzotti

25 Charles Street, tel. 617-723-7575

www.beaconhillhotel.com

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The Handel & Haydn Society uses period instruments and techniques in its orchestral, choral, and opera performances, yet it's as cutting-edge as any other ensemble in town. Established in 1815, it's the oldest continuously performing arts organization in the country. The company prides itself on its creative programming of "historically informed" concerts, which it stages from September through mid-May, with most performances at Symphony Hall and New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall. Works by Handel and Haydn predominate but don't take up the entire schedule.

H&H was the first American group to perform Handel's Messiah, in 1818, and has made it an annual holiday tradition since 1854. If you'll be in town in December, check for ticket availability as soon as you start planning your trip.

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For a breathtaking view of the city and surrounding area, take a trip to this skywalk observatory. The windows here present a vista of Boston in all directions. On a clear day, visitors can see the mountains of New Hampshire. Museum-like displays offer detailed information on the history of Boston's geography. See their website for information on prices and further details.

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If you're looking for a place to get more than a Bud Light pre- game near Fenway Park, or the TD garden. Boston Beer Works has you covered. With four locations around the the city, serving twelve to sixteen hand crafted beers each day. Although you'll find people from all walks of life at Beer Works, it is a place beer

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The crack of the bat never sounded so good. If you're an avid baseball fan who's dreamt of visiting that historic stadium, or desired to watch that favorite childhood team you never got to see, Big League Tours will set you up with an exclusive baseball package that not only gets you a ticket to the ballgame, but also offers one-of-a-kind baseball opportunities. When you go on a Big League Tour, you might find yourself dining with a Hall of Famer or taking batting practice with an All-Star. With tours available in all 30 stadiums, you can customize your own memorable trip, or join a group on one of Big League Tours regional excursions. Whether your plan is to bond with the family at the ballpark or to spend a weekend with the guys, this unique tour company will provide an unforgettable experience that gets you up-close and personal with the Big Leagues. These tours are available during the regular baseball season.

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There's no place like Fenway. Whether you're a Red Sox fan or not, Fenway Park is a must-see. Built in 1912, it's the oldest baseball park in the country, and boasts the legendary Green Monster, which towers 37 feet in the air, threatening home run hopefuls. The manually-operated scoreboard paired with peanuts, Fenway Franks and historic fans, make this ballpark an epic timepiece. Can't make a game? Take a tour May through September.

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For huge portions of delicious food, a rowdy atmosphere where CEOs share tables with students, and run-ins with the famously cranky waitresses, people have poured into Durgin-Park since 1827. A tourist magnet that attracts many locals, it's everything it's cracked up to be. Approximately 2,000 people a day join the line that stretches down a flight of stairs to the first floor of Faneuil Hall Marketplace's North Market building. The queue moves quickly, and you'll probably wind up seated at a long table with other people (smaller tables are available).

The food is wonderful, and there's plenty of it -- prime rib the size of a hubcap, lamb chops, fried seafood, huge salads, and juicy roast turkey are sure bets. The cooks broil steaks and chops on an open fire over wood charcoal. Fresh seafood arrives twice daily, and fish dinners are broiled to order. Every meal starts with a square of dense, rich cornbread. Boston baked beans are a signature dish, and this is the best place to try them. For dessert, strawberry shortcake is justly celebrated, and Indian pudding (molasses and cornmeal baked for hours and served with ice cream) is a New England classic. So is backtalk from the waitresses,...

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Faneuil Hall is of a greater historical interest than any other building in the United States. In September 1742, Peter Faneuil, a French merchant, decided to build it for the people of the town. Many famous orators of the country's history have addressed the public here. This area is a true reflection of the culture, history, and local ambience. Every year, performers audition to perform during tourist season but not many win a gig as a juggler, musician or artist. You can shop in the underground or get souvenirs like rare photo prints. Faneuil Hall is staffed by National Park Service Rangers from 9a-5p, except when used for public functions. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Park Rangers offer historical talks about Faneuil Hall every half hour on the second floor.

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Opened in 1657, this tavern was once a popular meeting place for Paul Revere and his revolutionary comrades. Found between Faneuil Hall and the North End, the pub now serves as an Irish-themed post-work gathering place for suited types from the financial district and Government Center. The bar hosts live music Wednesday through Sunday nights. The restaurant serves toppling sandwiches, lobster, burgers and traditional Irish Fare.

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Below the historic streets of Boston's North End lies this underground 1920's speakeasy. Indulge in deluxe combinations from the city's most exclusive collection of premium cigars, cognac, port, bourbon, single malt scotch, rum and martinis all carefully selected to enhance the taste that lingers on your palette after each draw.

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Regina's looks almost like a movie set, but look a little closer -- this local legend is the place the movie sets are trying to re-create. It's been in business since 1926, and the only thing that's changed recently is the end of the cash-only policy in 2008. As it has for decades, the line stretches up the street on busy nights, but even at off hours, business is seldom slow. Locals often call for take-out; if you borrow that tactic, though, you'll miss the full experience. Busy waitresses who might call you "dear" weave through the boisterous dining room, shouting orders and questions as they deliver peerless pizza steaming hot from the brick oven. (You can also drop in for a slice, weekdays at lunch only.) Let it cool a little before you dig in. Nouveau ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes appear on the list of toppings, but that's not authentic. House-made sausage, maybe some pepperoni, and a couple of beers -- now, that's authentic.