Guide To Boston For The Holidays
DoubleTree Club by Hilton, Boston Bayside
240 Mt Vernon St.
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 822-3600
www.doubletree3.hilton.com
Boston has everything from expensive luxury hotels to questionable and perhaps shady spots that are best to avoid. One hotel that has reasonable prices, decent amenities and quick access to central Boston and the greater Boston area is the DoubleTree Club by Hilton right on Dorchester Bay. Upon entering, guests get a seriously delicious and warm cookie. Vintage-looking courtesy telephones adorn desks by every elevator. Snack machines and a nice cafe offering room service top it all off. There's a courtesy shuttle bus, and the hotel is not too far from public transportation. This place has a fair amount of comforts and a great view for the price.
Panza Restaurant
326 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 557-9248
www.panzarestaurant.com
When it comes to eating in Boston, the North End has some of the best food and desserts, just check out Mike's Pastry. Nonetheless, some cream does rise to the top and Panza Restaurant is the cream of the North End. With a small menu, few tables and an open front for nice days, this is a pleasant place to have a meal, particularly an early lunch. The bruschetta appetizer is positively dripping with tomato and delicious balsamic glaze and the specials are always creative. The prices are pretty good too!
Boston Public Garden
69 Beacon St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 635-4505
www.cityofboston.gov
While visiting the Boston Public Garden in fall or winter does not come with the opportunity to see the garden's famous tulips, it is still a delight. Statuary dots the garden and lines a single tree-lined path off to the side. From ducklings to presidents, it is a great place to see a bit of art. However, the best part is the chance to walk off the holiday feasts in the midst of the city, yet in a charming garden. Have a kiss on a historical walking bridge or find a bench for people watching. There is a lot of fun to be had.
Storyville
90 Exeter St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 236-1134
www.storyvilleboston.com
Storyville is a great place to have a drink, eat some dinner and dance with friends. Those looking for a more festive holiday will find Storyville appealing. The menu includes classics like Beef Wellington and roasted lamb along with interesting items, such as shrimp and edamame potstickers. Guests can dine well on dishes that are nice, but by no means pretentious. Storyville will no doubt be well received by every member of your group.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
4 S. Market St.
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 523-1300
www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com
'Tis the season for shopping and Faneuil Hall offers Bostonians and travelers alike a way to see a historic landmark and get some presents. Books, clothes, food, shoes and more are there for the buying, as well as several bars and restaurants. The best part of visiting this marketplace during the holidays is the festive aura about the area from the decor to the amazing street performers. This is the place to be merry and knock a few items off that Christmas shopping list. Also, be sure to check out Faneuil Hall's Blink!, a dancing lights and music show featuring the Boston Pops doing holiday classics.
Related: Boston's Best Holiday Volunteer Opportunities for the Family
Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
