New England's Boston A Vacation Insiders Guide
MEET JIM & DEB DOLAN Contact Jim & Deb: +1.978.374.823
This Insider Guide is brought to you by Jim & Deb Dolan, owners of a unique houseboat vacation rental in a quiet marina just outside Boston, New England.
THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR The city of Boston has so much history it makes it a truly unique travel destination. After playing such an important role in the events leading up to the American Revolution the city is peppered with fascinating sites and attractions. The Freedom Trail has enough variety to keep both history buffs and those with a more casual interest entertained and there are countless galleries and museums to explore. It's no surprise that Boston is in the top 10 of tourist destinations in the US. But beyond the historical and cultural attractions, Boston is a thriving metropolis with all the life and vibrancy you would expect. There are many great restaurants, shopping precincts, sports arenas, live music venues and special places to stay, like Jim and Deb’s houseboat. The Blue Pearl is a unique vacation rental in the town
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of Winthrop, just outside of the hustle and bustle of the city, but still close enough to enjoy stunning sunsets over the skyline whilst being soothed by the gentle rocking of the waves.
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MEET YOUR INSIDERS
JIM & DEB DOLAN...
My husband Jim and I love staying in vacation rentals. Since 1992 we have rented out the more traditional vacation home but always thought a house boat would make a perfect vacation rental. When we found the Blue Pearl we knew people would love it. Built on a pontoon frame the houseboat feels more like a real home with a full size shower, well stocked kitchen, lots of windows and a sliding glass door that looks out
“It's wonderful to spend the day exploring the city and then returning to the houseboat to be rocked to sleep at night. Beats the boring hotel room!� over the water. Boston seemed like the most popular destination to dock it and it's only 45 minutes from our home. It's wonderful to spend the day exploring the city and then returning to the houseboat to be rocked to sleep at night. Beats the boring hotel room! We own several other vacation rentals in New England. We are so fortunate in New England to have the mountains, lakes and ocean all within a few hours of each other. We offer a few four season homes in New Hampshire and Maine, a tiny oceanfront cottage in Wells, Maine, a couple of Maine islands (one lake and one ocean) with rustic cabins and of course the Blue Pearl in Boston Harbor. We love sharing our unique properties with people from around the world. Our standards are high and we are dedicated to providing our guests with the best experience. Our properties are all well maintained and we are constantly updating and adding to them. We hire the best cleaners and ensure we always have accurate descriptions and photos. We are always available for any questions or concerns. We believe that we are not just renting you a vacation rental, we are providing the setting for your memories.
JIM & DEB'S REAL BOSTON...
Boston is all about history. When you walk the Freedom Trail you can see the sites that played a part in the creation of our nation. You can stand where Paul Revere could see the lanterns in the Old North Church, visit his home, see Faneuil Hall and many more sites. You can spend time exploring museums, art galleries, see the oldest ballpark in major league baseball and eat at fine restaurants. Boston is like no other city. People in Boston are generally friendly and helpful. Our marina neighbors consist of liveaboards (people who actually live on their boats) and are the friendliest people you could ever meet. Always with a smile on their faces (I think living on the water makes you happy) they will make you feel right at home. Boston Harbor is a busy seaport. We are tucked away in a quiet cove in the town of Winthrop just one mile from the town line of Boston. We are located just 3 miles from Logan and you can watch from our upper deck the planes land from around the world. Our marina has wonderful Boston Skyline views and spectacular sunsets over the water. Boston is easy to get around with an extensive train and subway system with color coded lines. You just need to purchase a Charlie Ticket from an automated machine. Every train station has a manned booth if you have any questions.
5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS... 1
Freedom Trail...
2
North End...
3
New England Aquarium...
4
Duck Boats...
5
Watch a Game at Fenway...
The best way is to take one of the hop on and off trolley tours (my favorite is Old Town Trolley). These take you to all the important sites including Old North Church, Paul Revere's home, USS Constitution, Old State House, Cheers, Kings Chapel, Copley Square and much more. It's worth planning your trip so you get off at Faneuil Hall Marketplace for lunch. Here there are 50 international restaurants and food vendors, if you can't find a spot to eat in the lower eating area then try upstairs.
North End is Boston's Little Italy. The small historic streets are lined with incredible restaurants. A tip from an insider is to avoid busy Hanover St and go one street over to Salem St where you'll still find great restaurants but without the crowds. Some of the more popular choices include Neptune's Oyster and Daily Catch for seafood, Giacomo's, Pomodoro, Antico Forno for Italian dining and Pizza Regina for Pizza. Make sure to save room for pastries from Mike's Pastry or Modern Pastry and take some home with you too!
The way the aquarium is set up you have to pay attention or you'll miss interesting exhibits. The aquarium has as a large central tank with a spiral around it that you can walk up while watching the sharks, turtles and other animals inside. But all along the right side there are smaller tanks with other fish and the neatest little animals. Also don't miss the outside area with the seals and the penguins, which alone are worth seeing as they play in their open swim and rock habitat. www.neaq.org
The duck boats are World War II style amphibious landing vehicles. The vehicles take you through a narrated tour of the city and end with a splash into the Charles River. I prefer the Super Duck Tours which take you into Boston Harbor instead of the Charles River. If you are considering both a trolley tour and a duck boat tour check out Upper Deck Trolley Tours as they frequently include a shorter water only Harbor Splash following your city tour on a trolley.
Fenway is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and a true experience. I am not a baseball fan and did not visit Fenway until just a few years ago but I absolutely loved it. The atmosphere is just so fun. Prices for food and souvenirs are expensive but I think the best way to experience it is to sit back, have a hot dog, drink and a box of Cracker Jacks. Games often sell out so get your tickets ahead at redsox.com. They also offer tours if you are unable to get tickets for a game.
JIM & DEB'S BOSTON FAVORITES... TOP 1 TIP #
Boston Pops in the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade
A half million people sit on the banks of the Charles River every July 4th to attend an outdoor concert put on by the Boston Pops while watching a spectacular fireworks display. Be prepared for both hot and cold weather as it can change quickly and be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you may have to walk quite a distance. Public transportation is the best way to get there, don't even think about driving. Check the website for times as the gates open at different times every year. The best seat to see the fireworks is on the right side of the oval facing the stage. Or you can skip all the crowds and watch the fireworks from our houseboat. Sit on our upper deck with the views of the city and turn up the TV so you can hear the concert as the fireworks go off.
Museum of Fine Arts
One of the most comprehensive TOP 2 art museums of the world, the MFA TIP # has nearly 450,000 works of art. You can easliy spend a full day here and not see everything. The collections include Americas, Europe with works from Monet, Rembrandt, van Gogh, Renoir and many more. The Ancient World is also very popular and includes sculptures, jewelry, coffins and mummies. Further details can be found on the website.
TOP 3 TIP #
Isabelle Stewart Gardner Museum
The museum was built to resemble a 15th Century Venetian Palace and holds art collections from all around the world. This museum was very much in the news in 1990 when thieves dressed as Boston police officers gained entry and stole 13 works of art that have never been recovered. The museum is closed Tuesdays. Check out the website for more details.
TOP 4 TIP #
Swan Boats
You know it's spring when the swan boats are in Boston Public Garden. These pontoon style boats with a large swan that conceals the paddle wheel of the operator have been part of Boston for 130 years. The boats operate from mid April to the third week in September and tour the Boston Public Garden. They're very inexpensive at only $3 for an adult, children 2-15 $1.50 and seniors $2.50. Further details can be found on the website.
TOP 5 TIP #
Warren Tavern, Charlestown MA
The oldest tavern in Massachusetts, it was first erected in 1780. You can have dinner and drinks in the same tavern that Paul Revere and George Washington visited during their lifetimes. George Washington's funeral speech was actually given here. They have a full menu for lunch and dinner and are open 7 days a week. Check out the website for more details.
TOP 6 TIP #
Salem Massachusetts
Many of my guests love to take a day trip to Salem, made famous by the Salem Witch trials of 1692. My ancestor John Buxton was actually one of the accused and arrested. Luckily he was not hung or I would not be here! Be sure to visit the house that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The House of Seven Gables" as well as the Salem Maritime National Historic Site. A really fun way to get there is to take the ferry from Long Wharf in Boston to Salem with Boston Harbor Cruises. They run these cruises back and forth throughout the day from May to October.
JIM & DEB'S TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY... Boston has a number of options depending on your needs. Below is Jim & Deb's very own houseboat, along with a couple of other suggestions. Should those all be booked up feel free to drop us a line and let us know. We're not a travel agency but will certainly try to lend a helping hand by offering some tips to make your search easier!
Jim & Deb’s Very Own...
Blue Pearl Houseboat. Our houseboat is located in Boston Harbor in the town of Winthrop. It has one bedroom plus a loft and sleeps 6. You can watch the sunset over the harbor with a gorgeous view of the city skyline. We offer a free daily taxi in and out of the city at your convenience. We are located on the Blue subway line and just minutes from downtown Boston. Read more here...
Jim & Deb Suggests...
Green Turtle I. Located in the same marina as our houseboat and run by a wonderful couple who also have a floating B&B with several boats. The original Green Turtle is a houseboat with two separate luxury suites, Sea Turtle and Loggerhead. Each suite has a kitchenette and a private bathroom en suite. Breakfast is placed outside your room each morning. Read more here...
Jim & Deb Suggests...
Green Turtle II. With the same owners as for the original Green Turtle, this 45 foot motor yacht is larger and can accommodate 2-6 guests. She has two private queen staterooms with en suite bathrooms and showers and the salon can accommodate two people on a full queen sleeper sofa. Breakfast can be enjoyed in your cozy dinette or on the aft deck. Green Turtle II is ideal for up to 3 couples or a family. Read more here...
JIM & DEB'S BOSTON "Things to Avoid" Driving Downtown Boston...
Getting Lost in the Metro...
Anyone not familiar with Boston should not attempt to drive in the city. Some of the streets are still sized for horse and carriage and traffic can be uncomfortably fast in the tunnels. With the MBTA system, taxis, water taxis and water ferrys it's not hard to get around the city. We are located 1 mile from the Blue Line of the train system and we also offer a free daily taxi in and out of the city.
The subway system is Boston is color coded and generally easy to follow. One place that people get confused is on the Green line. The green line splits after Copley Square into B,C,D, and E lines. B,C and D can get you to Kenmore where you get off for Fenway. The E line does not take you to Kenmore.
Areas Outside of the City... Boston itself is a safe city but I would avoid exploring any of the surrounding towns without knowledge of the areas.
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