Category: Lenox Suggests

Farmers’ Market to Table

Posted on by Alison Majka

What better way to enjoy the bounty of the season than with an exclusive farmer’s market to table dining experience with the Executive Chef at City Table, Sean MacAlpine? Join him as he shops the Copley Square Farmers’ Market to pick the best looking ingredients just for you, your family, and your friends before heading back to City Table at The Lenox where Chef Sean will cook an exclusive meal just for you!

 

Farmers’ Market to Table starts at $85/person exclusive of tax, gratuity, and drinks. The package is available on Tuesdays and Fridays, based on availability. There is a minimum of 8 guests and a maximum of 20 guests.

Boston’s Best Beer

Posted on by Colin O'Donnell

Boston is a diverse city full of people in many walks of life. But what brings us together (other than our championship rich professional teams) is our love for beer! From the pubs and dives, to the light beer sports bars, to the craft beer bars and beyond, there’s nothing like getting a beer with a Bostonian. But what better way to get to know our beer culture than to visit the breweries where it’s made? We’re going to delve into the brewery scene over the next few months, so keep your eyes peeled for future posts on the topic!

For this entry, I wanted to focus on two of my favorite breweries (and two of the most famous) Sam Adams and Harpoon!

Sam Adams : Quick Facts

Year Opened: 1988
Location: 30 Germania St, Boston, MA 02130
Tours: Yes, suggested donation of $2-$5 per person (proceeds go towards local charities)
Tastings: Absolutely!
Hours: click here

Located a short way outside the city center along the subway orange line, you get a taste of the humble beginnings of The Boston Beer Company. Unlike many of the breweries you may encounter around the country,Sam Adams’ Boston brewery is no longer a full-scale production facility. Rather, the original brewery location has evolved into their test facility, whereas the mass production is done at their two facilities in Cincinnati, OH and Lehigh Valley, PA. This allows for a more down to earth charm to the experience. It also allows you the opportunity to try new beers they are working on that have yet to hit the shelves!

Tours run every 40 minutes and last around an hour. They end with everyone’s favorite part: The Tasting. There are two tasting rooms (one with long narrow tables, the other with multiple round tables). You get to taste 3 beers (full sample pours, typically Boston Lager, the current seasonal, and a choice of some beers they are currently developing) and are walked through the official beer appraisal process.

Pro Tip: In the tasting rooms, sit as far from the taps as you can. They fill pitchers with beer and pass them down the tables. If you are at the end of the table and have extra beer in your pitcher, you don’t have to pass it back forward.

Harpoon : Quick Facts

Year Opened: 1987
Location: 306 Northern Avenue Boston, MA 02210
Tours: Yes, $5 per person
Tastings: You got it!
Hours: click here

Located deep in the up-and-coming Seaport District, Harpoon Brewery was officially the first licensed brewery in Massachusetts under the new laws and holds brewing permit #001. Operating as one of their two full production facilities (the other is in Windsor, VT), the Boston brewery is still in its original warehouse location, they have just expanded quite a bit over the years. During the tour you get to experience the classic catwalk experience of a full-scale facility.

Their tasting is halfway through the tour and allows you to taste several different beers (basically anything that is currently in production as well as a couple special pours you can only get at the brewery) in rapid fire fashion with smaller tasting pours.

While the tour is exciting, my favorite part of the Harpoon Brewery is their newly renovated beer hall. Long tables reminiscent of the classic beer halls in Germany allow for a great gathering point after and before your tour. Here you can try any beer they make as well as seasonal and small release varietals. Sacred above all else, however, are their famous pretzels. Forged from the spent grains of the brewing process, there are three varieties that can be paired with your choice of two sauces (from a selection of eight). My personal go-to is the Original salted with IPA Cheese and Bacon Ranch sauces. Come hungry.

Harpoon is also known for their various festivals throughout the year; St. Patricks Day, Oktoberfest, and most famously HarpoonFest. Hosting live music, games, and a multitude of food trucks, HarpoonFest is one of the best parties in the city, and it’s coming up this weekend!

Sólás at The Lenox Hotel

If your love of beer is not yet satiated, look no further than our very own Irish Pub, Sólás! Boasting a strong beer selection, Sólás extends their love of beer into their menu as well! They have their own version of pretzels and IPA beer cheese (made with Harpoon IPA) that you can compare to the brewery’s own offering, beer battered chicken tenders and fish n’ chips, and of course their famous Guinness onion soup (perfect for this time of year).

Navigating Nantucket

Posted on by Ceci O'Marah

As a pedestrian, you have a few more options to get across, including short flights from Boston on Cape Air and Jet Blue. Rental cars on the island will be expensive, and most likely of the Jeep Wrangler variety. You can easily rent a scooter, but get ready to constantly be the cause of traffic on the narrow streets (and downtown, the stone streets will lose their quaintness pretty quickly). Bicycles are a great option as well to extend your range but also provide the freedom to come and go when you please. The bus system on the island, the Wave, is a great and very inexpensive option to get around to the main attractions. Uber is also active on the island, the drivers are great, and ultimately this may be the best way to balance your trip (keeps you mobile without the hassle or expense of getting a car on the island).

MY FAVORITE THINGS ON NANTUCKET

CISCO BREWERY, 7 Bartlett Farm Road
is heaven on earth. Combining a brewery, distillery, and vineyard in an incredibly casual setting with picnic benches and other open seating is a great idea. Adding live music daily makes it better. Making it kid and dog friendly – wonderful. Having a shuttle that can get you there and back to town – ingenious. But then you add in some food trucks!!! Outstanding! They have a bar making cocktails, three different spaces for tasting the different offerings, some retail to get souvenirs, and an atmosphere that is incredible! Did I mention that I love this place? I’d suggest ordering a Madaket Mule.

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167 RAW, 167 Hummock Pond Road
is a seafood market close to Cisco Brewery. This is a great option to pick up something to grill later on the beach or to make for dinner. They’ve also got some meats, cheeses, etc to help you throw together some snacks before the meal.

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NANTUCKET CYCLING & FITNESS, 25 Youngs Way
(just past the Nantucket Health Club – which you should avoid) offers a number of classes to make you feel like slightly less of a lazy you-know-what while you’re on the island. They have spin, yoga, CrossFit, and probably a few others. They are really welcoming and will adjust to all fitness levels.

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NATIV MADE, 10 Broad Street
is a new little food place right in between Stubby’s and the Juice Bar. It has healthy and delicious items and fresh fruit smoothies.

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HENRY JR, 129 Orange Street
is a sandwich place East of downtown. Great place to stock up for a day at the beach or just to pop in for lunch.

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FOR KIDS (OR THE KID IN YOU!)

You can spend countless hours roaming the shops downtown and finding the cutest outfits for the future Nantucketers. Let’s face it, little girls look adorable in Lily Pulitzer and what four year old boy isn’t a stud with a little popped collar on his Polo polo?

THE JUICE BAR, 12 Broad Street
is the aptly named corner location that is known far and wide for its ice cream. At night in the summer, plan on standing on line for a while. A long while. But at other times it is a relatively quick experience. Just grab some napkins for drips!

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CHILDREN’S BEACH, Harbor View Way
is walking distance from downtown, and has everything you need for younger kids. The beach itself is safe and the water is shallow. They’ve got a snack bar for when kids or parents start getting hangry, and a wisely positioned playground in between. There’s also a field to play on and around, have a picnic, or just let your kids chase birds on. At night, they often set up family friendly events on the stage located there.

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WHALING MUSEUM, 13 Broad Street
also located downtown, might be better for older kids (7 +). It is about whaling, not whales, so going in hoping to see all sorts of fun pictures of whales is the wrong expectation. They do have a huge Sperm Whale skeleton and also an interactive kids’ room there, but otherwise a lot of the artifacts and information is geared to an older audience with slightly longer attention spans.

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MADAKET HARBOR, Western Nantucket
was also a quiet, shallow, and overall wonderful place to bring kids. You could walk out for a hundred yards at times without being deeper than your waist, and kids can run and collect shells, see crabs, and try to catch tiny fish in nets. It also puts you close to Millie’s which is home of one of my best meals on the island.

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THE NANTUCKET INN, 1 Miller Lane
is a newer property that offers a lot of kids’ activities. They make it easy for parents to have some adult time while their kids are having a blast and meeting other kids of the same age. The property itself is new and pretty, but don’t expect the level of service you’d get at the White Elephant.

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DINING

MILLIE’S, 326 Madaket Road
is fantastic. It has a Mexican influence and extraordinary flavors. Dining is inside (upstairs or at the bar) or outside on picnic tables. The staff is great, and it certainly feels like they want you there. Additionally, they’ve got a food truck that travels to Cisco Brewery every day offering a variation of their menu. You can observe a great sunset from here, but I’d actually say either finish dinner before and head to the nearby beaches or wait until after the sun goes down and then go eat.

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GALLEY BEACH BAR & GRILL, 54 Jefferson Avenue
is famous for having the best view during dinner. As a result, they book up quickly and also have a less than welcoming approach to their diners. Actually, just expect to pay rent. You know you’re going there to see the beautiful colors over the water, they know you’re coming to do it – it’s a tacit agreement. Unfortunately their service philosophy is based on what they want (to get you in and out and seat another couple) instead of what you want (a nice meal, a couple of drinks, and a pleasant server). Drinks are overpriced and the food is ok. The nice thing is that it is a short walk from downtown (about 15 minutes), so once the sun goes down you have a short stroll to somewhere where you will feel appreciated.

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BRANT POINT GRILL, White Elephant, Easton Street
if you want great service, a great location, and great food and drinks, then visit here. On Fridays they often do ‘buck a shuck’ oysters outside. When the weather is nice, outside is where you want to be, but the White Elephant definitely ‘gets it’ when it comes to quality and service.

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LOLA 41, 15 South Beach Street
is right near the White Elephant, and is known to be one of the best places to eat. Cool bar scene, great great food, and a tricky reservation system. You need to be at the restaurant at 4 pm to make a reservation for that night (calling is tough). But the struggle is well worth it. They are good all around!

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CRU, 1 Straight Wharf
is a restaurant and bar at the end of the wharf where all the yachts are parked. It is a great place to people and yacht watch for sure, very popular, and has a back room that opens right onto the water as well. Two bars, outdoor seating, and I seem to remember that it has food.

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PARTING THOUGHTS

In the Oscar Award Winning (not at all) film Road Trip, Rubin is trying to calm his friends down before they have to jump a car over a river. “It’s supposed to be a challenge, that’s why they call it a shortcut. If it was easy, it would just be the way.” The exclusivity and the challenge of getting to Nantucket is part of what makes it special. As busy as it is, if it were easy to get there it would be overrun. But as I mentioned in the beginning, it is well worth it.
If you get the chance while there, go to the south side of the island and sit out on the beach at night. There are no lights in that direction, and the view of the stars is unbelievable. You can see the Milky Way as clear as day, and the rest of the sky seems to twinkle like Christmas lights with all the stars. There’s no place I feel more on vacation than Nantucket – no better place to wear a linen shirt, drink a Whale’s Tale, and climb a tree!

Over The Bridge

Posted on by Alison Majka

So you want to go to the Cape this summer? I’ve got ya covered if you are traveling through the Mashpee area. I’ll share some of my favorite restaurants, beaches, parks, stores, etc. I don’t have children, but I did Nanny for a few summers in Falmouth so I will try to weave in some fun family stops along the way!

Okay let’s talk traffic, bridges and transportation. If you are driving, NEVER hit the road between 2PM -6PM on a Friday. Just wait until 8PM or later and you will probably get there around the same time. There’s also a High Speed Ferry from Boston to Provincetown to avoid the madness.

I grew up in Mashpee and luckily my parents still live there. My siblings and I joke that they can never move because it’s our “Cape House” which I actually think is more motivation for them to move! Anyways, as you drive into Mashpee you will pass through the Mashpee Commons and rotary which is the center of town. Below are bullet points of some places to visit while you are here.

GROCERY STORES

Roche Bros. has great produce, deli, household supplies and there’s a Starbucks inside if you need an iced latte! Surprisingly, they have great breakfast sandwiches so my friends and I like to pick up some and bring to the beach before anyone gets there. We call it BOB (breakfast on the beach) and it’s my absolute favorite. Let’s not kid ourselves; you will also want to pack some beers before you park it in the sand for hours. If you are at Roche Bros. there’s a convenient liquor store right next door OR if you don’t mind a short drive, I’d recommend Andy’s Market – they have the best selection and prices!

BEST BEACHES ON CAPE COD

Now that you are all packed up with sandwiches, beers and sunscreen it’s time to hit the sand. South Cape Beach is a 10 minute drive from the commons and is located between Waquoit Bay and Vineyard Sound stretching over a mile. There is the Town Side for Mashpee residents which you need a sticker for and a State Side which is $12 for MA vehicles and $14 for non-MA vehicles. Between Columbus Day and Patriots Day the State side is closed so anyone can go to the Town side. Growing up, I took it for granted but South Cape really is beautiful. My Dad always calls it “our little slice of Southern France”.

FOOD & DRINK

With lots of new great dining experiences on the cape, I would still recommend the Raw Bar located in the Popponesset Marketplace. It’s a little tricky to find but if you follow the signs through New Seabury you will be fine. The Raw Bar is not on the water but has a ton of Cape Cod charm. Its claim to fame is the $30 Lobster Roll (photo below). Yes, that’s a shit load of money but it’s meant for two people and it’s worth it. You should also try the Stuffed Quahog, Steamers and the Rum Punch. Ask for a Cherry Bomb too, you will thank me later. Oh, keep your cell phone put away or the owner, Bob might call you out. Enjoy! Swing by the Popponesset Inn on your way out of the Marketplace for a drink with an ocean view. I worked there for 7 summers through High School/College – ask for Jimmy! You might even get a glimpse of a wedding going on in their tented space by the water.

A few other places to check out while in Mashpee:
Bleu Restaurant: great French bistro open for Lunch and Dinner –a bit pricey
Cape Cod Children’s Museum: perfect for rainy days with the kids and it’s inexpensive
The Lanes Bowl & Bistro: bowling and a fun outdoors space/bar with yard games
Polar Cave Ice Cream: there are so many ice cream places but I’m partial to this one because I worked there
Estia: Amazing Greek restaurant that is usually packed – call first
Wicked Restaurant and Wine Bar: great for the entire family with TVs at the table to keep everyone entertained

Embrace Winter!

Posted on by Shay Collins

I constantly hear people complaining about the cold Boston winters, but I always say we should embrace it. We live in a pretty unique part of the country where we can hop in a car, drive 2- 3 hours north and experience a quaint little New England ski town. My town of choice, which has been since I was 10 years old, is North Conway New Hampshire – about 2 hours drive from Downtown Boston. Every Friday night in the winter my parents would pack my brothers and I up in the car and make the trek north. To this day, those weekends are some of my best memories. North Conway is my home away from home and is frequently voted by ski magazines as one of the Best Ski Towns in the United States.

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Tucked away in the Mount Washington Valley and known for its rich heritage in the ski industry, North Conway will give you access to five great mountains Cranmore, Attitash, Wildcat, Black Mountain and Bretton Woods. Cranmore Mountain, found right in the heart of North Conway Village is one of the best family mountains in the northeast. Known as one of the first mountains to create a ski school back in the 1930’s, Cranmore prides itself on catering to beginners/families and offers a wide variety of entertainment for both skiers and non-skiers (check out their tubing park, mountain coaster, climbing walls, ropes course, indoor tennis, etc.). If you are looking for more of a challenge and want to ski with the locals, you have to venture 30 minutes up to Wildcat which is situated directly across from Mount Washington. Wildcat, the tallest ski mountain in the Valley, has the most vertically challenging runs while offering the most spectacular views of Mount Washington. The incredible views definitely make up for the freezing temperatures and high winds Wildcat consistently experiences. So plan accordingly or bundle up if you make the trek to Wildcat, it will be worth it.

Not a skier, not a problem! North Conway has plenty to entertain those looking for activities off the slopes. Just a short drive to Jackson Village you will find Nestlenook Farms where you can take a horse drawn sleigh ride, go on a snowshoe hike or enjoy some skating on their outdoor pond. And come night, head back down to Cranmore for some night tubing under the lights. So whether you are looking for a weekend adventure of skiing/riding or a relaxing girl’s getaway filled with shopping and spas, North Conway is the spot. So instead of hiding inside all winter thinking about the beach, take a trip to North Conway and embrace the snow, embrace the mountains, and most of all embrace winter. I guarantee you will understand quickly how my family fell in love with this town.

SHAY’S FAVORITE SPOTS
Après Ski:
• Red Parka Pub
• Zips Pub at Cranmore Mountain

Dinner & Drinks:
• Delaney’s Hole in the Wall
• Horsefeather’s
• Shannon Door Pub

North Conway Village Shops:
• Zeb’s Country Store
• The Penguin

Off Slope Activities:
• Settler’s Green Outlet Village
• Cranmore Mountain Adventure Park
• Nestlenook Farm

Welcome to Boston, Eataly!

Posted on by Nina Senatore

In the words of famous chef and Eataly partner, Mario Batali, “Hello Boston! You have chosen us and we have chosen you!” Eataly Boston has finally arrived at the Prudential Center located at 800 Boylston Street, right up the street from The Lenox in Boston’s Back Bay. Spanning over 45,000 square feet, over three floors, it is a huge win for Boston! The concept is a fabulous recreation of a typical Italian marketplace, featuring a great Italian wine shop, wonderful cheese, pasta and bread stalls, along with full service restaurants and more casual grab and go eateries, perfect for a quick Back Bay lunch!

Not to be missed attractions include their incredible cheese case, featuring a rotating selection, including many local favorites- of over 700 varieties. All mozzarella and burrata is made on premise with the promise that any variety sold or used in their restaurants is no more than 4 hours old. The fresh pasta display is staffed by an artisanal chef, happy to explain which particular type of pasta would be perfect for your evening meal. As you ride the escalator from the Boylston entrance, you will be greeted by a custom outfitted Cannoli Cart-the first of its kind in Eataly Nation- offering freshly filled ricotta, chocolate and candied fruit tubes of deliciousness!

Another not to be missed Eataly experience is having dinner at IlPesce/Il Crudo, featuring wonderful fresh seafood in collaboration with beloved local chef Barbara Lynch. Il Pesce seats 64 with an additional 12 seats at the bar. What could be better than fresh New England Seafood paired with just-made fresh pasta in Italian inspired dishes!! Note that all Eataly restaurants, take no reservations, with the exception of Terra-an exciting dining innovation planned for the 3rd floor-opening in 2017.

My recommendation for December is to take a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, grab a seat at La Piazza, and savor a rich glass of Barolo and a delicious charcuterie plate enjoying the Eataly excitement. You might also indulge in the daily free sampling hour from 5-6pm. As the Italians say, life is so much more fun in Italy! Ciao Bella!

Lord Of The Wings

Posted on by Colin O'Donnell

Break out the wet naps! With the return of Tom Brady to the Patriots line-up and the Red Sox in the playoffs, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about something very near and dear to my heart: the infamous chicken wing. We all have our vices, right? Well I’m pretty sure this one is shaving a few years off my life because of my obsession with these succulent bites.

So my gift you to you this football season is a sneak peak at a few of my favorite places to grab some wings in Boston. But, keep in mind that this is a highly biased list based largely on neighborhoods in Boston I live in or frequent. So if your favorite spot isn’t on here (by all means) please feel free to send me it and I will research accordingly. But please refrain from sending me any breaded wings (sorry Hooters) or Buffs Pub in Newton (they get plenty of press).

The Pub – Ball Square on the corner of Broadway and Boston Ave: Hands down my favorite wings in Boston. Nestled in Somerville’s Ball Square, The Pub is everything you want from your local watering hole. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the name (or their apparent lack of existence online) as this place punches well above its weight. The Pub boasts friendly staff, big TVs, a juke box, and a highly competitive Foosball table. Oh, and those wings. They are deep fried, tossed in buffalo sauce and then finished off on the grill. Perfect char grill crisp on the outside while maintaining a juicy plumb core. These wings are so good sometimes the Lenox team goes all the way there for an office lunch. Trust me, give them a try.

Blackstrap BBQ –  This BBQ joint in Winthrop is a bit off the beaten path but well worth the trek. I often find some of my favorite wings come out of BBQ restaurants. Any time you can get a Chef to spend the time to slow cook wings you are in for a treat. And with the Blackstrap wings, this is time well spent. They come in a bunch of flavors but I recommend the dry rub or the Buffalo. The restaurant also features a great beer list to wash it all down so go check it out.

Red Hat –  Red Hat has been around for about a thousand years and they know how to put out a plate of Buffalo wings. Nothing fancy or out of the ordinary, just a well-fried wing covered in a well-balanced Buff sauce. Red Hat is a great dive bar in the West End and a sneaky good pregame spot for B’s or Celts games.

Enjoy!

Fall Foliage Drive

Posted on by Ceci O'Marah

Our first stop along our foliage journey will be after swinging north and traveling through the picturesque town of Concord. The Battle of Lexington and Concord was the first conflict in the American Revolution so there is plenty to do to keep history buffs entertained for quite a while. Not only can you walk across the Old North Bridge, but Concord is also home to some literary and philosophy giants – Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Henry David Thoreau, and Louisa May Alcott. You can step right into their shoes at the Old Manse, Orchard House, and Walden pond, as well as visit several of their burial sites at the famed Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.

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If you spend too much time in Concord and need to call this the end of your trip out west, be sure to take a little extra time to swing south and stop by the Wayside Inn down in Sudbury made famous in Longfellow’s book, Tales of a Wayside Inn. If you play your cards right, you might even stumble upon a Revolutionary War reenactment!

Continuing on from Concord, we’ll be traveling west along Route 2 through Western Massachusetts. The scenery along the way is beautiful, but feel free to stop at one of the conservation areas or state forests along the way. Lemonister State Forest is just off Route 2 and Wachusett Mountain State Reservation is close by as well if you are up to a more challenging hike, but there are plenty of options along the way for you to step out and become part of the beautiful landscape.

A highly encouraged fall pit-stop is Carlson Orchards located in Harvard, MA. Whether or not you want to commit to a full apple picking, you would be remiss to not grab a dozen freshly made apple cider donuts for snacking along your drive as well as a cup or two of warm apple cider.

Once in Shelburne Falls, you’ll have reached the western most point of our foliage drive. A quaint town perched on the Deerfield River, Shelburne Falls is most well known for its pedestrian Bridge of Flowers, a great spot to take in the sites of the surrounding hills.

shelburne falls apple cider donuts
 

 

 

 

Continuing on south, we’ll next stop in the town of Montague. Nestled in the heart of the Happy Valley, Montague is home to the Montague Book Mill, a truly unique book store (it was once a grist mill) perched on top of a rushing river, and connected to a wonderful cafe, the Lady Killigrew Cafe. There is some great outdoor seating if the weather is right, so now is the perfect time to enjoy some lunch or a snack before perusing the art galleries right next door.

Montague Book Mill Montague Book Mill

A must-see town adjacent to Montague is historic Deerfield. Whether you just drive through the idyllic downtown, or actually stop to explore some of the historic homes, Deerfield is perfect in autumn.

Once back in your car, continue south past Mount Toby (another spot for a hike if you’re so inclined) and toward the small college town of Amherst. Amherst is home to several colleges, including Amherst Coolege which has a beautiful campus that is worth a visit. Not to be missed, our very own coffee roaster, Share, has one of their busiest cafe’s right in town! In fact, Share’s coffee roasting headquarters is located just a few short minutes from Amherst in the quaint town, Hadley. If you’re a fan of our coffee and in the area when they’re open, be sure to stop by the roaster on your way back to I-91 and 90.

Continue on 90 East, headed back to Boston & The Lenox. You’ll continue to pass through many great towns worthy of stopping in. If you have the time and inclination, Old Sturbridge Village in the town of Sturbridge is a living museum that recreates what life was like in New England in the 19th century.

Old Sturbridge Village

By now, you’ve probably finished your dozen apple cider donuts and are regretting not purchasing a dozen as backup. Rest assured, it’s not too late! For one last taste of fall to bring home or finish along the way, be sure to stop by Foppema’s Farm in Northbridge for one last donut or cider fix.

Taste of the Terrace

Posted on by Christopher Smith

We are very excited to announce that our sister property, the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro in Boston is hosting a series of events on select Saturdays in September. Pairing tempting drinks with delightful light bites, the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro’s roof terrace is unique in being the only publicly accessible roof deck in the area. Instead of having to beg, borrow, or plead your way onto an exclusive roof deck, you can join them on theirs!

Perched three stories above bustling Charles Street, the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro’s roof deck is the perfect spot to spend time with friends & neighbors while soaking in the last warm rays of summer and ushering in an exquisite fall season.

Save Your Spot Now!

Fabulous Fall Farmers Markets

Posted on by Lisa Burns

As summertime comes grinding to a halt (boo!) the abundance of locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats and specialty foods does not disappoint. Being a huge fan of supporting local farmers and their wares, I continue to visit my favorite Boston farmers markets around the Back Bay throughout the Fall. Did you know that for much of the year you can find a farmers market operating every day of the week in Boston and during the winter on Wednesdays and Saturdays?

The farmers market craze continues to spread in Massachusetts, with new markets opening each year. For shoppers, that means more local options. Farmers markets are one of the easiest places to find the tasty harvests of local farms. You’ll find a diversity of foods fresh from the fields and meet the people who grow your meal. Plus, every dollar paid directly to a local grower is a dollar reinvested into Local communities.

Check out some of my local favorites and be sure visit!

Copley Square Farmers Market

139 St James Ave, Boston, MA
I stop here most weeks on my way to the train station – so convenient. There are usually at least 15 vendors including some of my favorites: Iggy’s Breads of the World, Siena Farms & Atlas Farms. I always grab a bunch of sunflowers to brighten by home or office! Looking forward to the arrival of the many apple varieties that will be selling soon.
Dates and Hours: May 12 – November 24 on Tuesdays & Fridays: 11am – 6pm

 

Boston Public Market

100 Hanover Street at Haymarket Station, Boston, MA
The Boston Public Market is an indoor, year round marketplace for locally sourced groceries and specialty agricultural products, where residents and visitors can find fresh, seasonal food from Massachusetts and New England. The Market houses 40 local farmers, fishers, and food entrepreneurs selling items such as farm fresh produce; meat and poultry; eggs; milk and cheese; fish and shellfish; bread and baked goods; beverages; flowers; and an assortment of specialty and prepared foods. Everything sold at the Market is produced or originates in New England.
Dates and Hours: Year Round, Monday – Saturday, 8am – 8pm; Sunday, 10am – 8pm

 

Boston Public Market on the Greenway

136 Blackstone Street Plaza facing The Greenway Boston, MA
Products include farm fresh produce; meat, poultry, and eggs; cheese and dairy; fish; bread and baked goods; plants and flowers; and an assortment of specialty and prepared foods, including several grab-and-go lunch options.
Dates and Hours: May 18 – November 16 on Wednesdays, 11am – 6pm

 

Dewey Square Plaza on the Greenway

600 Atlantic Avenue (across from South Station) Boston, MA
Products include farm fresh produce; meat, poultry, and eggs; cheese and dairy; fish; bread and baked goods; plants and flowers; and an assortment of specialty and prepared foods, including several grab-and-go lunch options.
Dates and Hours: Markets run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 17 – November 22; 11:30am – 6:30pm

 

Brookline Winter Farmers Market

314 Harvard Street, #320A Brookline, MA
The Brookline Winter Farmer’s Market at the Arcade Building in Coolidge Corner includes some of my favorite vendors from the town’s seasonal outdoor market moved inside this wonderful, 1927 architectural gem for the winter. And, they’ve given us a reason to get to know the wonderful small businesses that are permanently located in this space.
Dates and Hours: November 20 – June; Sundays, 11am – 3pm

 

SoWa Farmers Market and Bazaar

500 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA
This market is a thriving cultural tradition in the area of the city south of Washington Street (SoWa). There is also a craft market and a vintage market, with over 50 different vendors – you could honestly spend days here! They also offer seasonal festivals – the SoWa Winter Festival will be held the weekend of December 2-4. Check out their amazing Beer & Wine Garden.
Dates and Hours: May 1 – October 30 on Sundays, 10am – 4pm

 

Camping is in Tents

Posted on by Christopher Smith

While lathering yourself at The Lenox Hotel in luxurious Beekman 1802 soaps and dining on perfectly cooked filet mignon at Grill 23 might be nice for a few days, sometimes you just want to sleep on the ground in the middle of the woods for a couple of nights without any cell service.  Sure the bugs can be annoying and sometimes your tent will leak during a storm, but nothing beats the feeling of roasting your own food over a fire after a long day’s hike up a mountain.  If this sounds nothing like Boston, you’re absolutely right!  The great news is that Boston is the perfect beginning and end point for visiting the more remote and rugged destinations that New England has to offer.

Vermont

Coolidge State Park Campground

Located just south of the Green Mountains, Coolidge State Park Campground is the perfect spot from which to visit some quintessentially Vermont towns.  The campground itself has both extremely private sites, as well as some with beautiful mountain views.  Just 15 minutes away, Woodstock is home to Sugarbush Farm, which has the best maple syrup in the area as well as a nice sugaring tour, as well as Farmhouse Pottery, a trendy pottery shop featuring beautiful pottery made right onsite.  If you’re visiting in the summer, you might be lucky enough to run into the owners’ daughters selling lemonade at their own lemonade stand right outside.  For a relatively easy hike with great views of the surrounding area, try the five mile hike up Mount Tom via the Pogue trail located right near Woodstock.

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New Hampshire

Crawford Notch Campground

Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking White Mountains, Crawford Notch Campground sits right along the Sacco River.  A pretty private campground, the best campsites are located right on the Sacco River with stunning mountain backdrops.  Crawford Notch is a great spot from which to explore some great hiking trails.  If you’re ambitious and experienced, the Presidential Traverse is a 20+ mile hike that spans the peaks of seven of the mountains in the Presidential Range, and features incredible ridgeline views.  If you’re not quite ready for a hike that long, you can climb any of the Presidential peaks on their own for a shorter and slightly easier day’s hike.
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Maine

Blackwoods Campground

At the southeastern end of Acadia National Park, the only National Park in New England, Blackwoods Campground features wooded campsites as well as a trail that leads to a secluded rocky ocean overlook.  It is perfectly situated to explore all that Acadia has to offer.  If you’re brave, the Beehive trail takes you up the Beehive along iron rungs on its ledges to reach the summit.  If you’re looking for something a little less death defying, the hike up Mount Gorham features stunning views of the surrounding landscape.  Be sure to take a day to explore Bar Harbor, which is just a few minutes from Blackwoods, and treat yourself to a well‐deserved homemade ice cream at Mount Desert Island Ice Cream right in town.

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Coastal Eats

Posted on by Jeffrey Saunders

Blog_HoneyBoston is a great city to explore and enjoy seafood restaurants, whether on the waterfront or dotted in and around the hotel’s location in the Back Bay. But the iconic lobster roll, by definition, has to come from the cold waters up the coast……in the great state of Maine.…a mere 60 mile drive North along route I-95 from downtown Boston. Driving along the Maine coastline with its beautiful harbors and jagged coastline is a scene not to be missed. While Maine’s nickname is the Pine Tree State, it’s much more famous for the best, freshest lobster on the planet. Since you have traveled so far to get to Boston, why not try a northern excursion to enjoy a bit of heavenly crustaceans. To be fair, my wife and I enjoy a summer home in Southern Maine so I am a bit impartial when it comes to my lobster as well as the relaxed atmosphere I feel as soon as I cross the border. While there are many ways to prepare and eat lobster, there is no more of a great equalizer than comparing the incredible selection of lobster rolls. So let’s get started on our lobster adventure.

As you drive over the Piscataqua River Bridge just past Portsmouth, NH (a quaint seaside town to visit), you’ll smell the salt air, and you’ll know you are close! You have just passed the Maine border. One of the best lobster rolls I have found is in Kittery on US Route 1 – Bob’s Clam Hut. Bob’s has a large gravel parking lot and is located directly in the middle of the outlet shopping area….a great area for a rainy day. Don’t be fooled by the modest surroundings, their extra-large lobster roll is overflowing with fresh Maine lobster! With their light mayo dressing, the lobster taste really shines! Enjoy a cup of their famous clam chowder.

Blog_HoneyContinuing on Rt1 North will bring you to a picturesque village by the sea, often named one of the world’s best beaches, Ogunquit. Head over to Perkins Cove and its bustling little harbor to Barnacle Billy’s, often frequented by President George W. Bush who arrives on his secret service boat from nearby Kennebunkport. Billy and family offer a great “Lobster in the Rough” menu. Grab an outdoor seat on the deck with a pint of beer…..nothing beats that view and combination! If you want to eat at the beach or a simple meal on a bench overlooking stunning Perkins Cove harbor, head over to Footbridge Lobster or next door to the Lobster Shack. Both are better deals than Billy’s but without the outdoor deck. And if you are a purist, ask for your roll “naked” with butter on the side…then all you’ll get it pure lobster meat with no fillers! P.S. look up on the bluff beyond the mouth of the harbor and you can see my house!

The next must stop is in the gorgeous village of Kennebunkport, and is not complete without a lunch at The Clam Shack, 2 Western Ave. Situated with the river on one side and a parking lot on the other, this spot serves up one of the most talked about lobster rolls in the US. They begin with a grilled, round, locally sourced bun and add the meat of a one pound lobster-you may add a drop of butter or mayo or both-this sandwich is a great combo of a delicious roll topped with fresh plentiful lobster meat. Fried clams are also a must try specialty of this tiny fish shack with picnic table seating.

Blog_HoneyFurther north, you arrive in Portland-one of Maine’s most food centric cities! A great place to walk among history. Of the many wonderful dining options, Eventide Oyster Co., is where you will find a most interesting lobster roll option. Famous for their incredible oyster selection and creative mignonettes served with a hipster vibe, their buttered lobster roll is also amazing! The lobster roll is actually a steamed bun filled with hot lobster in a brown butter sauce…so rich and tiny, two are not enough! If you enjoy sitting over the water, try Boone’s Fish House and Oyster Room. Their oysters selection is huge and always fresh and the lobster roll melts in your mouth. Enjoy!!

Ogunquit Wanderings

Posted on by Ceci O'Marah

Begin your visit at the Main Beach, with its convenient parking lot and local food offerings.

 

After a fun breakfast at Splash-right on the ocean-the warm sun and the powdery sand and fabulous waves might make you want to stay all day. It’s easy to see why Ogunquit Beach is on many Top USA Beach Lists!

 

After enjoying a day at the beach, walk up to the center of town to savor a sweet treat at Harbor Candy-still making chocolates the old fashioned way with a taste to prove it. Their nut barks and non-perils are legendary! If you have children in tow, pop into Animal Instinct, a great independent shop sure to please the child in all of us with its great selections of toys, games and plush animals.

 

Artisan pizza or sandwiches are available at The Village Food Mart or Cornerstone or La Pizzeria.

 

From the town center jump on the trolley for a short ride to Perkins Cove– still an active fishing port but also home to art galleries and restaurants. Perkins Cove offers everything from an intimate elegant candlelit dinner at MC Perkins Cove to a lobster roll and rum punch – be sure to ask for the extra dark rum floater – on the deck at Barnacle Billy’s.

 

Follow the paved Marginal Way path as it winds its way through surf sprayed cliffs fragrant with sea roses, leading you back to the Main Beach. Perhaps an ice cream at Charlie’s for the ride home?

 

Next time, plan to visit for a weekend and you can experience a lobstering info breakfast cruise on the Finest Kind or score great seats to a musical at the Ogunquit Playhouse–one of America’s oldest summer stock houses- capped off with a rollicking late night sing along at the Piano Bar at the Front Porch. All of these adventures are too much fun for one day, but once you experience a day in Ogunquit, you’ll be back!

A Peek Into Portland

Posted on by Lisa Burns

Looking to surprise my husband for Father’s Day, I decided to plan an impromptu getaway to one of our favorite places near Boston – Portland, Maine. Though we’ve been a couple of times, we always manage to find a new restaurant to try, a new shop to poke around in and of course, a new brewery to visit (there are surprisingly quite a few in the area – check them out here!)

As we got in the car, my husband asked, “where are we going? you know I don’t like surprises…”. I replied, “just drive North on 95 and you’ll be happy!” (I figured as long as the sampling of craft beers was involved, he wouldn’t be upset about our ultimate destination.)

FIRST STOP:

A detour to Kennebunk/Kennebunkport to try one of the most coveted and talked about lobster rolls in New England – at the Clam Shack. While we were there, Coastal Living Magazine was filming a live Facebook video of the travel editors favorite spots in Maine. I have to say that this was the best lobster roll I’ve ever tasted – served on a signature round local bakery roll with a dab of mayo and a drizzle of butter and a heaping mound of just-shucked Maine lobster – amazing!

SECOND STOP:

As promised, BEER! Allagash Brewery offers daily tours, however it always books up so be sure to check their website to reserve a tickets (free!) Since we couldn’t do the tour we sat in the spectacular indoor bar area and each had a flight of 4 tasty beers – complimentary – how can you go wrong with that! They have a neat outdoor, dog-friendly patio paired with outdoor seating and a corn hole set, this is the perfect day drinking place!

THIRD STOP:

Check-in at our favorite hotel, the Portland Regency, conveniently located by the cobblestone streets of the Old Port historic district, within a few minutes walk of restaurants and shops. Our spacious room had a lovely patio deck right outside our slider – perfect place to sample one of the yummy Allagash beers we bought to go!

FOURTH STOP:

Decided to go to one of our favorite drinking & people watching spots – 3 Dollar Dewey’s – because of their extensive, yes you guessed it, beer menu! After a pint of our favorite local craft beer and a couple of bowls of their free popcorn, we headed out to browse the local shops on Commercial Street, named one of the top 10 streets in the U.S.

FIFTH STOP:

After walking around for an hour or so, we worked up an appetite and decided to stop at the Dry Dock Tavern & Restaurant. One of the daily specials was a fried clam appetizer which were probably some of the best clams we’ve ever had – lightly battered and served with a delicious tartar sauce.

SIXTH STOP:

Our original plan was to have dinner at the much talked about Duck Fat restaurant, however the wait was over an hour and we were kinda hungry at this point. Over to Eventide Oyster Co., highly recommended by many of our friends, which was across the street – out of luck there too – an almost 2 hour wait – no thanks! We went next door to their “sister” restaurant, The Honey Paw which specializes in home-made noodles and an Asian influenced American menu. Forgot to take a picture of our meal, which was delicious – but I did manage to take a pic of our fun beer choices!

SEVENTH STOP:

We decided to head back to the hotel and popped into their Armory Lounge, located in the lower lobby. Because there were a couple of wedding parties staying at the hotel, the lounge was quite lively. I splurged and ordered an amazing pineapple upside-down cake along with – you guessed it – a Bar Harbor blueberry ale, yum! With all the imbibing and nibbling we had done, it was time to call it a night!

EIGHTH STOP:

What better way to start the day, then a diner-style breakfast. We had discovered Becky’s Diner on a previous visit to Portland, and my husband insisted we return. Located on Portland’s waterfront, the family run business is open 362 1/2 Days a Year from 4am — 9pm! The wait for a table was about 40 minutes but it was well worth it – we fueled up for the day ahead.

NINTH STOP:

Everyone has been raving about the Holy Donut, so we had to stop and grab some to bring home to the fam. So glad we decided to go – surprisingly there wasn’t a line out the door as there usually is (a 5k race literally started as we pulled up to the door, so many roads around were detoured!) Made with Maine potatoes, these donuts are both healthy and unique – I highly recommend the Pomegranate and the Chocolate Sea Salt (the Maple Bacon is pretty darn good too!) With two locations in Portland, there are plenty of donuts to go around!

TENTH STOP:

Home Sweet Home! As much as we loved our getaway to Portland, we loved pulling into our driveway and being greeted by our two “doodles” – had to include a picture of them…

Portland is such an accessible and beautiful drive from Boston – along the eastern seaboard there are many great places to stop along the way but so much to do in Portland, you could easily spend a week here. Whether it be one day or a few, it’s the perfect summer escape!

9 ½ Lobster Rolls

Posted on by Nina Senatore

Welcome to Boston! You’ve chosen one of the best cities in the US to visit. After you ask about baked beans–not really a summer treat–or why we talk funny…”paak the caa in Haavaad Yard” which by the way, we don’t think is true, you’ll face the most important Boston dilemma; where can you experience the BEST lobster roll in Downtown Boston? So many lists, so many opinions…you just have to trust a local–trust me! And if you want to keep it close, you can visit Sólás in our lobby, which has an amazing lobster roll (shown above!)

For your summer of 2016 & beyond enjoyment, my list of the best 9 ½ Lobster Rolls.

(To save ranking arguments, presented in alphabetical order)

 

Atlantic Fish Co.

761 Boylston Street   ·   Back Bay

Blog_AtlanticA quick stroll from the Lenox brings you to Atlantic Fish where their street front patio or air conditioned dining room both serve as perfect backdrops for their fabulous fresh fish selection! Afish’s lobster roll, brimming with sweet meat in a perfectly toasted roll, is accompanied by its own adorable brown paper bag of hot fries-upgrade to the sweet potato fries-they’re totally worth it. Begin with their unique sea bass chowder full of flavor and a bit lighter than the traditional clam and perhaps a generous cocktail or a lovely glass of rose-summer doesn’t get any better!

 

B&G Oyster

550 Tremont Street   ·   South End

Blog_BGJourney to famed Chef Barbara Lynch’s oyster oasis for a lobster roll made even more perfect with the addition of bacon. The B&G Lobster BLT is the perfect marriage of lightly dressed fresh lobster, crisp bacon, fresh lettuce and farm ripe tomatoes accompanied by tasty fries and bread & butter pickles. A few oysters to begin, accompanied by a crisp white wine-let your server choose-you’ll be in heaven. Off street summer patio seating is a bonus!

 

James Hook & Co.

15 Northern Avenue   ·   Waterfront

Blog_HookWhat’s a summer day in Boston without a trip to the Waterfront? Head on down to James Hook after a great morning spent exploring the new exhibits at the Aquarium or before a tour of the new Seaport area. This no frills, fish market setting is popular all year round. Hook’s lobster roll is a purist-big chunks of lobster, mayo & celery-that’s all and that’s all that it takes to make this lobster roll the perfect lunch. Two sizes are available-choose the large-totally worth the splurge! Creamy traditional clam chowder makes a great accompaniment.

 

Row 34

383 Congress Street  ·   Seaport

So you’re heading to the Seaport to walk along the water and window shop on Seaport Boulevard. You stumble upon Congress Street and notice Row 34 on the corner of Boston Wharf Road and you’re glad you did! Their generous portions and fresh ingredients make the stop worth your while. Row 34 is also an excellent dinner option with a variety of entrees and carefully crafted cocktails! Row’s warm buttered lobster roll & butterscotch pudding make it a winner every time!

 

Luke’s Lobster

75 Exeter Street   ·   Back Bay

Blog_LukesLocated directly next door to the Lenox, Luke’s is a great neighbor serving a delicious product. The lightly dressed and specially spiced lobster roll is a hit but my recommendation is the Noah’s Ark-a sampling of 3 half rolls of shrimp, crab and lobster salad-it will be hard to choose your favorite. We also love Luke’s commitment to sustainability; “Buying directly from the lobstermen, we can trace the lobster’s exact origin back to the very dock it came from.” Great location, delicious assortment of fresh seafood delights and eco-friendly –win/win for all!

 

Neptune Oyster

63 Salem Street   ·   North End

Blog_NeptuneNo reservations, always a line and still recommended? Yup that perfectly describes the extra tiny Neptune Oyster, located in the heart of the very Italian North End! Give your name to the friendly hostess and she will call you when it’s time for your lobster adventure. Squeeze into your table or seat at the bar, choose a few perfectly chilled oysters or the fabulous cilantro lime infused mussels, while waiting for your lobster roll. Neptune’s hot buttered–perfectly cooked -lobster roll spills out of its griddled brioche bun almost on top of the homemade crispy-salty fries causing heads to turn as it arrives at your table. Chilled mayo option available as well, but the hot butter is the roll of Boston dreams. Excellent, well priced wine list makes it a wonderful dinner choice or the perfect lunch spot NOT to return to the office from.

 

Stephanie’s On Newbury Street

190 Newbury Street   ·   Back Bay

Blog_StephaniesSummer shopping on Newbury St is not complete without a patio stop. Justifiably famous as the place to be “seen” in Boston, the patio at Stephanie’s is a welcome respite in the middle of Back Bay. Stephanie’s on Newbury serves a wonderful lobster roll in the classic New England tradition; fresh lobster meat, served on a house baked brioche roll-overstuffed with lobster goodness! Like all of the food at Stephanie’s, it’s a huge portion, perfectly accompanied by tasty fries or mixed greens. Order a refreshing, fresh squeezed grapefruit greyhound, savor your lobster roll, enjoy the delightful sun filled patio-living the Boston life!

 

Yankee Lobster

300 Northern Avenue   ·   Seaport

Blog_YankeeThe seaport district-it’s very name screams lobster roll excellence! While taking in the sights and sounds of Boston’s Innovation/Seaport District stop in for a quick lunch at this unassuming fresh fish spot. Simply fresh, well prepared lobster rolls and crispy fried fish & chips attract the visitors and the locals. Grab a soda (or a tonic as we like to call it) and enjoy a tasty lunch with the locals!

 

Culture Abounds

Posted on by Colin O'Donnell

We are lucky in Boston to have so many awesome things to do, even in the colder winter months. One of the big draws in this city is the incredible selection of museums. Whether you are a budding scientist, have an eye for art, or a family looking to escape the cold this winter, Boston has a museum for you. This blog is meant to discuss a few of the museums that don’t always get the attention but offer a great experience. Make no mistake the Aquarium and the Museum of Fine Arts are fantastic, but here I’d like to shine light on a few hidden gems in the Hub.

  • Is Art your thing? One of my favorite spot is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Just a few steps away from the MFA, this 15th-century Venetian-style three story palace boasts galleries surrounding an open air courtyard. This museum is also the scene of the 1990 heist which over 500 million in Art was stolen, including an original Rembrandt.
  • Just a quick trip over the river into Harvard Square is well worth it to see the Harvard Museum of Natural History. This museum, founded in 1998, is the public face of three research museums at Harvard. This summer you will find some cool exhibitions including the re-opend glass flowers display and an inside look at the daily life of a colony of bees. Plus you are in Harvard Square so a post culture meal is just around any corner.
  • A bit south of Harvard Square down Mass Ave is the MIT Museum. This place is really cool. Essentially it is an archive of one of the most prestigious technical universities in the world. Covering Science, technology, architecture anf even Holography, there is plenty to see in this funky spot.

So check these museums out. None of them need a full day commitment either, so it’s the perfect supplement to an action-packed winter day in Boston.

Off The Beaten Path

Posted on by Brendan Griffin

CASTLE ISLAND

Blog_FortCastle Island in South Boston is one of those places that instantly transports me back to my childhood. I spent many spring, summer and fall days playing whiffle ball, riding my bike and walking around the castle with my grandparents. It’s not a go-to destination for most tourists and you won’t find it in most Boston travel guides. That’s part of what makes it so special. There is no better spot in Boston to enjoy the summer weather.

 

FORT INDEPENDENCE

Blog_FortFort Independence is a fort right at the entrance of Boston Harbor that was built originally in 1634 but rebuilt in 1811 prior to the War of 1812. The ‘castle’ is now a 22 acre state park that includes beaches, a 3-mile causeway along the water, playgrounds, a sailing pavilion and plenty of quiet spots to relax. Pack a lunch (or get a sandwich to-go at Parish café right down the street from the hotel) and grab a 15 minute taxi ride. It’s worth the trip! Or you can take the ‘T’ to JFK/UMass station and then hop on a Hubway bike rental and pedal out along the water. Boston is ranked as having one of the best Bike Sharing Programs in the World, according to the Biking Expert! The park surrounding the castle is great for sunbathing, fishing, a run, a game of Frisbee or a bike ride. The views of the harbor, the Harbor Islands and even the skyline of Boston are incredible. And no trip to Castle Island would be complete without a soft serve from Sullivan’s snack bar (known to locals as ‘Sully’s’).

Some other outdoor activities that you probably won’t read much about in Boston guidebooks:

 

MT. AUBURN CEMETERY

 

Blog_FortYes, a cemetery. This is one of the best places in Massachusetts for bird-watching. If birding is not your thing climb to the top of Washington Tower for one of the best panoramic views of Downtown Boston and Cambridge. They also have gardens that are incredibly beautiful during the summer months. Mt. Auburn is a 15 minute walk from Harvard Square T station or a 15 minute taxi from the Lenox.

 

ARNOLD ABORETUM

 

Blog_FortDesigned by Frederick Law Olmstead, the Arboretum is 281 acres in Jamaica Plain (a section of Boston) that houses close to 15,000 different types of trees and plants. There are walkways, picnic tables, and ponds. Take a guided tour or just wander!

A Whale Of A Time!

Posted on by Nina Senatore

WATER CRUISES

Summer is a perfect season to explore Boston on the water! There’s nothing like a cool ocean breeze on the deck of a boat to make even the hottest city day seem like a vacation. The options for a Boston water experience vary from a 5 hour adventure to see the whales, to a quick sea jaunt to a hidden island treasure 20 minutes from downtown’s Long Wharf.

Whale Watching:

Since 1926, Boston Harbor Cruises has provided a great sailing experience to visitors and locals. A variety of cruises are offered. One of the most popular options is a 3 or 5 hour whale watching trip. Researchers from the Whale Center of New England accompany and narrate all of the Boston Harbor Cruise Whale Watching trips. Bring the family and your camera for a great day on the water!

Harbor Islands:

Take a cool ferry on a hot summer day to explore the Boston Harbor Islands. Located very close to Downtown Boston & the heart of the city, the islands offer something for all. Choose to explore George’s island, a 45 minute trip from the city, to hike and explore Fort Warren. Or choose a day at the beach by traveling to Spectacle Island, only a short 20 minute ride from the Long Wharf. No matter which island you choose, you’ll be certain of refreshing temperatures and an amazing view of Boston from the water.

Touring, Boston Style!

Posted on by Nina Senatore

One of the best ways to see Downtown Boston is to take a tour. Two of our favorites are the Boston Duck Tours and the Old Town Trolley Hop On/Hop Off!

Boston Duck Tours:

Leaving every hour from the Prudential, just a quick walk from The Lenox, the fun begins as you board your Duck – a WWII amphibious vehicle, for an entertaining, fully narrated tour and Charles River cruise, which includes all the sites that make Boston a city of firsts! From your high Duck Boat perch, enjoy the beauty of Copley Square and the stained glass windows of Trinity Church along the way to the Boston Common and Quincy Market. Your final adventure is a splash down into the Charles River for an amazing view of the Boston skyline. Ninety minutes of history and fun – no walking!

Old Town Trolley:

Board your customized trolley, one block from The Lenox, for a fully narrated tour of the Best of Boston. Highlights of the tour include, Fenway Park, home of our beloved Boston Red Sox, traveling the Harvard Bridge to MIT, on to Faneuil Hall, the town meeting spot of Colonial Boston and Quincy Market, home to 150 shops and 35 stands, perfect for a great lunch while you enjoy watching musicians and jugglers entertain on the cobblestone promenade. After lunch, enjoy touring the North End with its delicious Italian pastry shops, Mike’s Pastry, Modern Pastry & Maria’s Pastry, before heading to Charlestown to view the USS Constitution, launched in 1797, the oldest commissioned warship afloat and the towering views from the Bunker Hill Monument before returning to Copley Square. The complete tour is 2 hours + but guests are encouraged to hop on and off to truly experience all that the city has to offer.

 

A Tranquil Oasis In The Midst of Backbay

Posted on by Lisa Burns

Who knew? I certainly didn’t for about 20 years and I work right next door at The Lenox Hotel! Knowing I’m an avid reader, a college friend asked if I ever spent my lunch breaks over in the courtyard. Courtyard? I had no idea it existed and immediately took a stroll across the street to the iconic Boston Public Library and was amazed at what I encountered! An arcaded promenade with a water fountain in the middle, a replica of Frederick William MacMonnie’s Bacchante and Infant Fawn, surrounded by lovely landscaping. Whether you want to surf the net, people watch or read a great mystery novel, this is the place to visit.

With cafe seating, free wi-fi and an adjacent Map Room Cafe for a coffee and croissant or a gourmet sandwich (my favorite is the Balsamic Grilled Portobello Mushroom Sandwich and the Spinach Salad!) – the courtyard at the BPL is a wonderful escape in the heart of Back Bay Boston!

Run. Recycle. Rejoice.

Posted on by Samantha Sorrin

The first time I witnessed the Boston Marathon was pretty incredible – Boston embraces Marathon Monday like some cities celebrate a Superbowl win or national holiday…and it’s all for a good cause! The city shuts down, school is out and everyone lines up along the route to cheer and support the philanthropic effort. Especially if you’re like me, and the 5K you did that one time was enough racing for a lifetime, it’s incredible to see runners finish such an epic journey.  The amount of fundraising that is generated is unbelievable, but don’t worry – there are other ways to do good if you occasionally workout but, like me, you’re more prone to the kind of Marathons that involve Netflix. From clothing choices to where you decide to exercise, you can reduce your environmental footprint through your workout.

·For starters, you can make an impact when you purchase workout gear. Many articles of clothing are manufactured using thousands of synthetic chemicals. As an alternative, organic cottons and bamboo threads are great green fabrics.

·Next, enjoy your workout in the beautiful outdoors whenever you can to reduce energy consumption from exercise machines. Take advantage of local hiking, walking and biking trails.

·Also, just say NO to one-time use plastic water bottles. It’s time to invest in a reusable bottle – or even a few! Keep one at work, at home, and in your car to make sure you don’t have to resort to buying wasteful plastic!

·Carpool to the gym with a friend or neighbor to reduce fuel emissions, and benefit from the added motivation of a gym buddy.

·Shoes: look for running shoes that have some biodegradable components, and when you need new ones, don’t throw them out! Donate them to organizations like Soles 4 Souls, which recycles them into athletic surfaces.

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