Weekend Trip to Historic Boston

Happy New Year, and Happy MLK weekend babes! If you follow me on Instagram you know that I was in Boston a few weeks ago around Thanksgiving. This was my first time spending Thanksgiving in the Boston area – I was there to visit new family (my sister-in-law got engaged!) and spend thanksgiving weekend celebrating her engagement. It was my first time in Boston as an adult, but I have been meaning to make a trip for years. What can I say, international travel has gotten the best of me!

The last time I visited Boston was when I was high school and attended Brown University in Rhode Island for a summer program. I loved the city of Boston on my visit then, and I loved it just as much after my recent trip. It’s funny how we spend so much time visiting historical sights and places in other countries and neglect the ones that are a simple 3.5 hour drive away from us. I’ve been trying to fix that over the past year, taking more domestic/U.S. trips than I have in years (for ex., Portland, Oregon, Kauai and Maui in Hawaii, Scottsdale, Arizona, the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania and Carmel, CA all in 2016). Here’s to much more travel in 2017!

To Do

There are so many things to see, eat and do in Boston, but there are certain areas and things I think are a must when you are there.

Charlestown

I felt like I was in Notting Hill walking the streets of London when I was in the Charlestown area of Boston. That probably makes sense since its the oldest area of Boston, was settled by the English, and the streets were laid out in 1629! While here, stop by the Bunker Hill Monument (commemorating the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the first major battles between British and Patriot armies during the Revolutionary War), which looks particularly spectacular at night, and the historic Warren Tavern (built in 1780), one of my favorite parts of my visit to Boston. The Warren Tavern counts George Washington and Paul Revere among its once frequent visitors!

Newbury Street

If you follow mega blogger Extra Petite, you know that her stomping grounds are in the area of Newbury Street (I learned this fun fact courtesy of my friend in Boston who does follow her!) It’s so easy to see why, because Newbury Street is a quaint and cozy street full of interesting, historic but varied architecture. Even the shops that occupy space on Newbury Street are varied, from big chains like Anthropologie to mom and pop stores like Bobbles and Lace.

Freedom Trail

Hours could be spent walking The Freedom Trail, which is the name for a route you can walk through Boston that passes by a number of historic sights. Sights to see along the way include the Paul Revere House (the oldest surviving home in Boston), Faneuil Hall (aka Quincy Market – home to a large food hall and a replica of the bar from the show Cheers), the Site of the Boston Massacre, Boston Common (the oldest city park in the US) and the Bunker Hill Monument (discussed above).

Seaport

Boston locals will tell you that the seaport area has been undergoing a lot of development and revitalization in recent years. In addition to the famed Boston Tea Party Ships museum and experience (P.S. the cookies here are amazinggg), there is delicious seafood in this area, as well as a number of fun restaurants, breweries and activities. I came to this area to see the Boston Tea Party Ships, and stayed in the area after to visit Harpoon Brewery and grab $1 oysters at Legal Test Kitchen. During warmer weather definitely check out the Lawn on D, an outdoor event space with tons going on (and Instagram-worthy glow in the dark swing sets!)

Cambridge

Though Cambridge is technically its own city, most people consider it to be a part of, and one of the best parts of, Boston. Home to both MIT and Harvard University, Harvard Square in particular is a lovely area to spend a few hours walking around, shopping and dining.

 

To Stay

 

Everyone knows that Fairmont Hotels mean luxury, and the Fairmont Copley Plaza (tripadvisor review here) is no different. I knew I would fall in love with the hotel before I even got there, but when I walked in I was blown away at how gorgeous it truly is. It was perfectly decorated for the holidays and made my Thanksgiving weekend all the more special. The best part is that unlike other Fairmont Hotels I’ve looked into in the past, the Fairmont Copley Plaza is totally affordable! It’s in walking distance to Newbury Street (which was definitely taken advantage of) and many great dining options and sights, such as the Boston Public Library and Post 390. I also enjoyed drinks and bites at the OAK Long Bar + Kitchen, which, just like the name indicates, contains an extremely long and cozy bar which was packed on Friday night when I visited it. It’s a must visit for cocktail and classy bar lovers alike. The Fairmont Copley Plaza is the type of hotel that I will come back to trip after trip because I just loved it that much!

I hope you all make it over to Boston soon to experience a city that was such an important part of American history and still stands proud and grand today. XOXO