Guest post by Lisa Sturgeon
Whether you only have a day or an entire week, Boston is an ideal destination to explore solo, with kids, or on a girls trip.
Boston has been and continues to be one of my favorite cities for almost two decades. It’s rich in history and culture, easily accessible, and yet still affordable compared to other major city destinations. It can be quaint or big city – it’s just a matter of turning the corner to the next block.
Planning Your Boston Girls Trip
Being so close to my home base in Maine, I have “run away” to Boston countless times for getaways with my husband, to catch a game with other couples, and with our son who is almost three. However, most recently I took a “girls trip” to The Hub, and it might have been one of my favorite Boston experiences!
For several years now, my friend Emily and I have a tradition of doing a 48-hour trip. Last year it was New York, this year it was Boston for the Downton Abbey exhibit (if you missed it in Boston, it’s still traveling the States right now, and definitely worth seeing).
When Emily and I travel we have two rules:
1. Don’t Over Plan: When we travel, we have three pillars of our trip that keep things from getting overly complicated and busy. Choose a few must-see/do things, leave time to explore freely, and take in where you are while avoiding feeling rushed or stuck to a timeline.
2. Go For The Drinks, Stay for The Sites (Boozy and Not): I think in a past life we both were baristas, and in this life, I was once a bartender. There is just something about a quality cup of coffee or tea, latte, cocktail, pint of beer or glass of wine that at the right time makes everything else better too.
Following my rule of not over planning, the following things to see and do should serve as inspiration for your own trip.
Disclaimer: I have not been paid to endorse or recommend any of these destinations. I give you my unbiased thoughts, always.
1. Awaken Your Senses (And Caffeinate) at Tattee Bakery & Cafe
During our 48-hour trip, we managed to stop and enjoy Tattee three times – twice for breakfast at two different locations and once for coffee and dessert to refresh while exploring.
With nine locations in Boston proper and several more just slightly outside the city, Tattee is an emersion stop for your senses. The natural light and simple white decor allows for the colors of the food to pop. The smell walking in is pleasant and with every turn, you catch a whiff of something new (coffee, freshly baked bread, or their signature Shakshuka).
As for taste, every item on the menu has been carefully planned and designed for consistency and taste across the locations. Every time I stop, I am always challenged with the decision to try something new or stick with one of my favorites.
2. Shop Newbury Street and The Prudential Center
If you enjoy shopping at all, a visit to the Back Bay is in order.
With a blend of local, national, and international stores, Newbury Street is an experience you’ll appreciate. The old brick buildings give way to old-world charm meets 21st century. Many of the higher-end stores boast great clearance sections for the ever-changing seasons. Emily scored a great deal on Frey leather sandals as Summer was coming to an end.
Just one block away is the towering Prudential Center that graces Boston’s skyline as a comforting billboard of “You’ve Arrived”. Stark in contrast to the historic charm of Newbury Street, “The Pru” is modern, shiny, and really could be deemed a standalone community with all that it has to offer. Our mission during this trip was to make it to Eataly and check out the view from the top. For our inside hack read the next tip.
3. Take in the Beautiful Views of Boston’s Skyline
While in the Back Bay, take a trip to the top of the Prudential Tower for spectacular views of the Boston Skyline. My favorite thing is to watch the plans queue up to land at Logan. It is like they are floating in the air.
While the Skywalk offers a 360-degree view, the price tag to simply look is a little steep at $21.50. A travel hack I learned on my first trip to Boston from a good friend, and I use almost every time I go, is to get a drink or a bite instead.
Skywalk Travel Tip: Head to Top of the Hub for a Drink and a View Instead
If you want to see the view from the top of the Prudential, I encourage you to go straight to the 52nd Floor. Two floors up from the Skywalk, you’ll find Top of the Hub Bar and Restaurant. For the same price as admission to the Skywalk, you can enjoy a glass of your favorite beverage (and give your server a nice tip) while taking in the sites. After our shopping, Emily and I were both getting a little hangry and decided to split a charcuterie board with our wine.
4. Eat in the North End
For me, enjoying the cooking and food cultures of different backgrounds is really special. I truly believe cooking is a window into someone’s soul, and with each meal they are sharing a piece with you. When it is a good meal, you know. You feel it from the inside out.
The sense of a cultural community is one of the things that I absolutely love about Boston. You walk through neighborhoods and can feel a strong sense of cultural heritage. Boston’s North End is no different.
Exploring the North End can take as long or as short as you would like, but I’ve got a feeling you’ll want to take in the aroma of century-old Italian recipes as you stroll by the pizzerias and pastry shops. Rich in so much of Boston’s founding history as well, you’ll walk past Paul Rever’s house on the way to grab your first cannoli of the day.
When walking through Boston’s Little Italy, the hardest choice you’ll face is pizza or pasta. You can’t go wrong with either option, but trust me, you will not be able to do both!
5. Relax at the Boston Common and Boston Public Garden
The green space in this city is unmatched. Taking a stroll through The Common and Boston’s ”OG” Garden, you are transported away from the hussle of the city. Everyone here is just enjoying a pause. Kids run, street vendors sell goods, and local musicians play. The fresh New England air restores you.
On our trip, we found a quartet of local college students playing. A large group formed to watch and cheer them on. We sat in the grass listening for a while before getting up for our next adventure.
6. Go Back in Time on Acorn Street in Beacon Hill
Just a few blocks from The Common and The Garden, Acorn Street might be the most picturesque street in America. Only available by walking, the old stone cobble steps and narrowness between the buildings make you wonder how it has even survived all these years. Signage forbids professional photography and photoshoots (#thanksinstagram), but you can snap a quick photo with your phone, or just take a mental one to enjoy.
Acron Street’s large hill meant Emily and I were working off some of our lunch. Boston is so accessible. The T is easy to navigate, but if you are on vacation and enjoying food and drink, walking everywhere is easy (and battles the vacation bloat).
7. Take a (FREE) Tour of the Boston Public Library
I am honestly ashamed I have never done this before this trip. Having passed the Boston Public Library many times before, I never really thought about stopping in. Steps away from The Prudential and Newbury Street, I did not know they offered architectural tours until Emily did a little research.
The tour is free and lasts about 90 minutes. It covers art, history, and architecture. In the center is an amazingly beautiful, hidden courtyard modeled after the Palazzo della Cancelleria in Rome. Who knew this was hiding in Boston?!
Before leaving we walked over to the new section of the library, which is not part of the tour but still beautiful with it’s more modern vibes. We left with a newfound appreciation and a desire to visit more libraries in the cities that we explore.
8. Get Your Learning on at a Museum or Exhibit
Boston is home to so many cool museums and traveling or pop-up exhibits. For Emily and I on this trip, our whole purpose was to visit the Downton Abbey exhibit. While that might have been our reason to make this trip, the Boston Museum of Science and IMax Theatre, Aquarium, Isabella Gardner Museum, and Children’s Museum are all places I have visited and depending on who you are traveling with, make for a great addition to your trip!
New Exhibits for 2020:
Rumor has it, Boston will be a stop on the Dr. Seuss Imersive Exhibit Tour in 2020!
9. Experience Ice Cream Rolls at Juicy Spot Cafe
This one comes with a disclaimer. Typically while traveling, I try to pick things that can only be experienced while in a particular city, however, Juicy Spot Cafe breaks that rule by being in Boston, Seattle, and New York. Having only been to the one in Boston, it is making the list, and I have no regrets.
Ice cream and fresh fruit served in rolls! What? Yes, that is right! While strolling through Boston’s Chinatown, Emily and I came across a little shop with a line out the door. Curiosity got the best of us and we hopped in the queue. Before our eyes, the staff was spreading out fresh ice cream on an anti-griddle and then rolling it. Beautifully simple, yet also complex, the unique find was a welcomed treat and the bold, natural flavors were a favorite of our trip.
10. Explore Lovejoy Wharf and Harborwalk
With all the amazing things to do in the heart of Boston, it’s easy to forget the city is right next to the ocean. Head to the Harborwalk, which allows you to literally walk on water (while connecting Boston to Cambridge), check out some of Boston’s newest stops, and get a new perspective of the city and Tobin Bridge.
Home to the new Night Shift Brewery at the bottom of Converse Headquarters as well as several other coffee shops and eateries, the Lovejoy Warf is just steps from the TD Garden. Welcome to one of Boston’s newest up and coming areas!
Emily and I enjoyed dinner on our first night at Alcove, eating outside and watching the night lights of the city turn on. We grabbed a delicious hot tea from Night Shift’s Coffee Bar and enjoyed the Harborwalk back to our hotel – not bad for a nightcap.
Meet Guest Blogger, Lisa Sturgeon
A native Mainer, Lisa has worked in the travel and hospitality industry for over a decade before transitioning to a career in marketing. She enjoys discovering new places and sharing her experiences, but to her, Maine is always home. Follow along with her adventures on Instagram: @lisasturgeon207