Sail Boston 2009

Description:

The Barking Crab sits along the edge of Boston Harbor; serves up seafood semi- al fresco in the warmer months and gives diners a clam shack style atmosphere in the heart of Boston. Super casual, and frequented by locals looking to dine or just drink outside The Barking Crab is a popular joint. The meals served here are basic, mostly seafood focused, and prices a bit on the high side ($29 for a naked lobster roll), but the atmosphere is not to be missed. If summer finds the Barking Crab too crowded for you to get through the door, no worries, it is open all year, and the indoor area is quite charming, even fitted with a cozy fireplace.

-Jessica Polizzotti

88 Sleeper St., tel. 617-426-CRAB

www.barkingcrab.com

Our Local Expert Says:

Wander through the gas lamp lit streets of Beacon Hill to see the well-preserved old brick houses and be sure to walk down Charles Street to stop in some of the boutiques.

Description:

Beacon Hill is beautiful and old without being artificial. A historic neighborhood that houses politicians, statesman, wealthy families and a handful of lucky college students, it is a regal mash-up of what makes Boston so poignant. Charles Street exists as its main hub, and boasts gourmet bistros, cafes, hotels and shops. The Freedom Trail begins here, the Boston Common lies at its feet, and the Real World Boston firehouse on Mt. Vernon St. still stands - now owned by a nonprofit organization.

Description:

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
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Description:

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.

Description:

This is the spot where Robert Newman signaled Cambridge residents of the British approach by sea with two of Paul Revere's lanterns on the night of April 18, 1775. The oldest church building in Boston and still an active Episcopal church, it was designed by William Price from a study of Christopher Wren's London churches. Private benches boxed in with family names helps paint a picture of the past. An excellent museum is hidden in the back of the gift shop next door.

- Jessica Polizzotti, Boston Local Expert
193 Salem St., tel. 617-523-6676
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Description:

Situated along the Freedom Trail, this two-and-a-half-story wooden house in Boston's North End served as the home of Paul Revere when he set out on April 18, 1775 for that famous ride toward Lexington. Built in about 1680 and now recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the Revere House is the city's oldest building. A self-guided tour takes visitors through the home, which features colonial-era furniture as well as original silver made by Revere himself.

- Jessica Polizzotti, Boston Local Expert
19 North Sqaure, tel. 617-523-2338
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Description:

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
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Description:

About the size of a large kitchen (it seats just 20), this storefront restaurant packs a wallop -- of garlic. A North End favorite since 1973, it offers excellent food, chummy service, and very little elbow room. The surprisingly varied menu includes an impressive variety of calamari (try it fried, in squid-ink pasta puttanesca, or stuffed with bread crumbs, parsley, and garlic) and a tempting selection of broiled, fried, and sautéed fish and shellfish. One of the pickiest eaters I know comes here from New York just for the monkfish Marsala. All food is prepared to order, and some dishes arrive at the table still in the frying pan.

This is the original Daily Catch. The Harborwalk branch, at the Moakley Federal Courthouse, 2 Northern Ave., on the South Boston waterfront (tel. 617/772-4402; T: Silver Line to Courthouse), is open Monday through Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday until 11pm, and weekends 4 to 10pm, and accepts credit cards (AE, MC, V).

Description:

The classic steak house experience in the ultra posh Back Bay area will have you rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. There's a good reason celebrities flock here for a meal-the food is always good and the scene is always in style. Dive into one of their perfectly prepared steaks and you'll fall in love with the food in front of you. But be sure to order a selection of sides to share; if you don't you'll be missing out on some of the best items on the menu.

- Jessica Polizzotti, Boston Local Expert
900 Boylston Street, 617-262-8900
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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:

Many amazing adventures await at the Children's Museum; kids can climb the centrally located maze, blow big bubbles in the dedicated bubble room, build something solid in the construction zone, learn about culture, and even countdown to kindergarten in the make-shift classroom. The Boston Children's Museum also features the perfect place for the under 3 crowd, Playspace. This room comes complete with crawling structures, small-scale slides, cars to drive and even daily crafts. There is no doubt that kids will have fun here, but adults will also enjoy returning to childhood at the Boston Children's Museum.

- Jessica Polizzotti, Boston Local Expert
300 Congress St., tel. 617-426-6500
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Description:

Constructed in the North End using bolts, spikes and other fittings from Paul Revere's foundry, "Old Ironsides" is steeped with Boston history. One of the US Navy's six original frigates, the USS Constitution did not lose any of the 40 battles in which it participated. Currently the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat, this impressive craft is open for free guided tours, which are narrated by the USS Constitution's active-duty sailors themselves.

- Jessica Polizzotti, Boston Local Expert
1 Constitution Rd., tel. 617-242-7511
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Description:

People, pigeons, big stores, little stores, kiosks, chestnuts, burritos, salsa bands and rapping all stars. What more could you ask for on a blustery day in Boston? Downtown Crossing encompasses the area between Tremont Street and the Financial District. The main thoroughfares are Summer, Winter and Washington Streets; their intersection is the location of Macy's and Filene's Basement. Fruit and flower vendors, hat and sweater kiosks, and jewelry, tie and flag stands add to the color and commotion.

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:

The local tourist bureau provides extensive information on lodging and areas of interest to visitors by mail, on-line, or through the "Boston By Phone" service. The latter is useful in connecting directly to businesses. Since many Boston hotels are often full during the summer, the bureau can help direct tourists to available lodging. Services are also available for meeting planners, tour leaders and the media.