Summer is the best time to visit Boston, affectionately known as the hub of the universe. This city offers something for everyone: Fashionistas can take advantage of world-class boutiques and tax-free apparel. History buffs will appreciate seeing the birthplace of the American Revolution. Art lovers will enjoy the top rate museums, unique galleries and classic architecture. And sports fans can join the fanatical locals as they cheer on the World Champion Red Sox.
The city is home to more than 50 colleges and universities, including Harvard and MIT, and it is filled with some of the best museums, finest chefs, and hippest shopping destinations. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the university crowds leave town and the city is freed up for the locals and their visitors. Plus, Boston is a harbor town, so the Atlantic breezes offer relief from the summer heat and the restaurants serve fresh seafood daily.
Boston is a walking-city, so savvy gals should skip renting a car and put their extra travel budget toward their accommodations. The chic Liberty Hotel offers a mix of history, style and luxury. Located at the foot of Beacon Hill, this hotel is the perfect launching point for all of your outings.
Built in 1851, the original building was designed by Gridley James Fox Bryant, considered Boston’s most accomplished architect of his time, and Rev. Louis Dwight, a prominent penologist. That’s because this fabulous hotel was once the Charles Street Jail.
Far from feeling imprisoned, you will feel spoiled in the pale rose and taupe guest rooms accented with mahogany woods and stainless steel. Floor-to-ceiling windows, instead of window bars, offer views of the Charles River. And forget orange jumpsuits and institutional food, thick bathrobes, eco-conscious toiletries and private bars with martini sets will make you wish you were incarcerated.
From the hotel, take a stroll down Charles Street, one of the prettiest streets in the city with fashionable boutiques and plenty of bistros. Part of the street’s charm is its original brick sidewalks, so skip the sandals and wear your best ballet flats. When walking down Charles Street you are following the famous route of Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings from the Caldecott Medal winning children’s book “Make Way for Ducklings” written by Robert McCloskey. Mrs. Mallard led her eight ducklings safely through Boston traffic and other hazards to a better home in Boston’s Public Garden, after her husband left on un-named business shortly after the ducklings’ birth.
Once in the Public Garden, the first public botanical garden in the United States, you must take a ride on the Swan Boats. The Swan Boats have been a Boston tradition since 1877. These beautiful pedal-powered boats, take relaxing 15-minute cruises around the lagoon in the park.
Since you’re already in tourist mode, why not grab a drink on your first night in the city at Top of the Hub? You won’t find this lounge and jazz bar topping any lists of trendy spots, but the music is decent and the views are amazing. Perched atop the Prudential Center in Boston’s Back Bay, the Top of the Hub offers 360 degree views of the city. From the Skywalk Observatory, you can take an audio tour of the city, and if you are lucky, the Red Sox will be in town and you can peer down into historic Fenway Park, which will be illuminated by its brilliant lights.
Whether you’re a sports fan or not, no visit to Boston is complete without a trip to Fenway Park. Known as “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark,” Fenway is a beautiful, historic park and Red Sox games are an experience not to be missed.
A significant number of tickets are sold on a single game basis, so a savvy gal should be able to get into the game. Whether you watch the game or the fans, you’ll have a good time. Boston fans are some of the most passionate in the country and their fever is contagious. They paint their faces, wave homemade signs, scream at the umps, cheer the local heroes, high five, do the wave and enjoy every minute. Grab a beer and a Fenway Frank and soak up the local flavor.
Now it’s time for a real sport: shopping. Located in Boston’s trendy Fort Point Channel neighborhood, a visit to The Achilles Project, a shop/restaurant combination, justifies your entire trip. The boutique, which just recently opened, sells hard-to-find labels like Chlo… Sevigny for Opening Ceremony. The sister restaurant, Persephone, serves potent cocktails. If you’re concerned you will sip and spend, no worries. Persephone has several Wii gaming systems tucked away to keep you occupied after dinner and drinks.
Now it’s time to put on your best fashion and head out on the town. Hit the Leather District for some fine dining and extensive wine lists. Boston native and top chef, Tim Cushman serves contemporary Japanese cuisine with flair at O-Ya, named Best New Restaurant by Boston Magazine. Or try Les Zygomates if you’re looking for an extensive wine list served in a cozy, neighborhood-style bistro.
Don’t leave the city before sampling some of the best art museums in the world. The Museum of Fine Arts is hosting a fabulous exhibit this summer called Imperishable Beauty: Art Nouveau Jewelry. The exhibition includes 120 works by leading designers including Tiffany, Faberge and Lalique.
If contemporary art is more your speed, head over to the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA). Housed in a building designed by award-winning architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the ICA is the perfect place for experiencing contemporary art.
However, for the best museum experience in Boston, nothing rivals the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum. The Gardner Museum represents the only private art collection where the building, the collection and the installations are the creation of one individual.
Isabella Stewart Gardner was one of the foremost female patrons of the arts. She lived from 1840 to 1924 and was friend to leading artists and writers of her time, including John Singer Sargent, James McNeill Whistler and Henry James. The museum was conceived and designed by Mrs. Gardner and houses her personal collections.
Finish your visit with an outdoor performance followed by a seafood dinner. Hatch Shell, on the Esplanade along the Charles River, hosts concerts under the stars. The Boston Landmarks Orchestra performs every Wednesday, and Saturday night is Oldies night.
Wrap up your trip at 33 Restaurant and Lounge, a contemporary place that offers the best seafood, the hippest design and the most stimulating nightlife all under one roof. Then make your plans for your next visit. The fall is another great time to visit Boston. With any luck, the Red Sox will be in the playoffs, the leaves will be changing colors and the Achilles Project will have expanded its collection.
Liz O’Donnell is a freelance writer. She lives outside of Boston with her husband, her two children and her Siberian Huskies Tolstoy and Prada.