Sail Boston 2009

Description:

The Barking Crab is a clam shack overlooking the water. That wouldn't be a big deal on the coast of Maine or the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, but in downtown Boston, it's beyond cool. A wooden building perched above Fort Point Channel (which separates downtown from South Boston), this extremely casual restaurant has a colorful interior, a lively bar scene, and a clientele of regulars from local offices and families visiting the nearby Children's Museum. The place to be in the summer is at a picnic table on the deck, which might require a wait at busy times; in the off season, the indoor dining room, which has a cheery wood-burning stove, is a cozy oasis. The menu includes the usual clam chowder, fried-seafood plates, and lobsters, with a handful of more creative options (such as spicy fried calamari and a yummy crab-cake burger) and enough non-seafood dishes to keep vegetarians from starving. The food is fine, and overall quite good, but that's not really the point. This is a downtown clam shack -- what a concept.

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:

America's oldest park is the heart of Boston, offering recreation opportunities and a glimpse into history through numerous monuments to the past. Designated as public space in 1640, British soldiers later camped here during the Revolutionary War. Part of the Freedom Trail, the park adjoins the Massachusetts State House and Beacon Hill. A favorite spot is the Frog Pond, which doubles as an ice skating rink. The park is the beginning of the "Emerald Necklace," a seven-mile string of local parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

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:

Still an active Episcopalian Church, this, the oldest religious structure in Boston, dates back to 1723 and occupies a special place in American history. On a fateful night in 1775, Paul Revere watched for the signal, "One if by land and two if by sea". After the church sexton hung two lanterns from the steeple he began his famous midnight ride to wake and warn the countryside of the British troops' arrival. Every April, members of the colonial militia begin a lantern service commemorating the event. Sunday services are at 9a and 11a. Admission is free.

Description:

In 1775, local silversmith Paul Revere left this house to warn fellow rebels Sam Adams and John Hancock that British troops were headed to Lexington to arrest them. That night was immortalized by Longfellow's poem, "Paul Revere's Ride." The home was built in the late 1600s and bought by Revere in 1770. It just escaped the wrecking ball when Revere's descendents recovered the property in 1902. Now a national historic landmark, the building is the oldest in downtown Boston.

Description:

This three-mile ribbon of red paint links 16 historical sites. Most visitors start the trail at the Boston Common. The National Park Service offers 90-minute guided tours starting at the Boston National Historical Park Visitor Center. Maps are also available here. Stops include the Old State House, Faneuil Hall and the Old North Church. You can also discover Paul Revere's house, the site of the Boston Massacre, and the Copp's Hill Burial Ground. At the end of the trail in Charlestown, the Bunker Hill Monument and the U.S.S. Constitution await you.

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:

If you are a wine aficionado, the Capital Grille on Newbury Street is your best bet. With a sophisticated look-lots of deep wood and white-linen draped tables-the Capital Grille serves over 300 wine selections from around the world and the list is revised twice yearly. The food is outstanding as well. This steak house dries beef on its premises. Steaks are hand-cut daily and perfectly seasoned before being grilled. Chilled seafood appetizers and grilled entrees, including salmon, swordfish, tuna steak and lobsters are also offered.

Description:

Since opening in 1969, this waterfront landmark has become one of Boston's biggest tourist attractions. The most famous exhibit, the massive 200,000-gallon "Giant Ocean Tank," has a simulated Caribbean coral reef in which sharks, sea turtles, moray eels and tropical fish cruise by crowds of children pressed against the glass. Other marine galleries contain piranha, sea otters and three species of penguins. As if all that were not enough, the aquarium also offers whale watching cruises, seal shows, and its very own IMAX Theatre.

Description:

This a great place to entertain and educate your children and a fascinating museum for all ages. Interactive exhibits focus on four themes: art, culture, science and technology. Displays such as the science playground, hall of toys, playspace, weaving and climbing sculpture are exceptional in their ability to teach children about their environment and the world they live in. Validated parking is available at Farnsworth Garage.

Description:

Launched in 1797, "Old Ironsides" sailed her way into the history books by taking on the British fleet in the War of 1812. She fought in 40 naval battles, and never lost. The vessel received her unusual nickname after French cannonballs bounced off her sides during an 1815 military engagement. Still seaworthy, the ship is the oldest commissioned warship in the world. Free admission and tours, conducted by U.S. Navy personnel offer a look back in time. An adjacent museum features interactive exhibits. Visitors will undergo security checks before boarding.

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.