Some cities around the country are nearly perfectly suited for a weekend getaway, and Boston is one of the best. With incredible cultural offerings, history around every corner, delicious food options and fun day trips, I think Boston is the ideal city for a long weekend getaway. I’m working with Marriott International to highlight some spots like Boston around the country that I love to explore, and today I want to share not only more about the city, but also one of Boston’s premier hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, Boston.
Step 1 – Location along the Freedom Trail
Sixteen different locations dot the Freedom Trail, all of which are integral to the history of the United States. Organized in the 1950s, the Trail is a very easy to follow and manage pedestrian trail that not only shares the history of the country, but offers a look into modern Boston as well. My hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Boston, couldn’t have been better situated to take advantage of the Freedom Trail. Located next to Boston Common, as soon as I walked out the front door I had already and unwittingly began my exploration of the Trail. If you take advantage of the many museums and other spots of interest along the way, tackling the entirety of the Freedom Trail should ideally take the full day, giving visitors the opportunity to not be hurried and to appreciate the stories at each stop.
Step 2 – Incredible bites
Thanks in part to its long history, there’s no shortage of great food options around Boston. With a significant history of Italian immigration, the many restaurants and trattoria around the city are amongst the best in the country. The North End is Boston’s Little Italy, and since the Freedom Trail also runs through it you can easily add some culinary experiences to your day. The best, and one of the most enjoyable, ways to learn about the culinary heritage in this colorful part of the city is to join a food tour. Several North End food tours are offered, but almost all share not only the cultural underpinnings of the food offerings in the North End, but some history as well. Other than Italian food, you’ll discover fresh seafood, chowders and other New England staples almost everywhere, as well as a whole host of newer restaurants led by creative chefs bringing a more modern element to the culinary landscape.
Step 3 – Fun day trips
Boston is very well-located to offer a whole host of easy day trips for the curious visitor. One of the most popular, depending on the time of year, is a whale watching tour. Leaving from the city’s Central Wharf, the tours visit the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for whales but also dolphins, sea birds and other marine creatures. It’s a fun way to leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city and to enjoy the natural side of the region. Also nearby is the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, the official library and museum of the 35th President of the United States. About a 15-minute drive from the center of Boston, it’s also accessible by public transportation and given everything there is to see and do there, deserves a fair amount of time. The Museum utilizes high definition, large-screen projections, interactive displays, re-mastered films and original artifacts from the life and times of JFK to bring to life President Kennedy’s 1000 days in office. For many, Boston is the gateway to the heart of New England, and a much longer trip could easily be spent exploring some of the cities and sights that are all an easy drive from the city.
Step 4 – Incomparable Hospitality at The Ritz-Carlton, Boston
Staying at any Ritz-Carlton property around the world is always a special treat for me, but something about The Ritz-Carlton, Boston clicked with me right away. An intimate hotel located next to Boston Common, it’s the ideal spot from which to see the city. That location helped me during what was a brief stay, giving me immediate access to the Freedom Trail as well as everything that this energetic part of town has to offer. The property is about much more than its location though, and if you want to spend some time just relaxing in Boston, then The Ritz-Carlton is the perfect choice. The 1950s-inspired Avery Bar offers handcrafted cocktails and signature martinis in a mid-century modern setting and the Artisan Bistro features modern American cuisine crafted with local, seasonal ingredients. Also offered is the Club Level and, from my experience, The Ritz-Carlton has the best Club Level benefits of any luxury hotel brand. A large and inviting space, Club Level guests can pop in for food and drinks throughout the day, as well as to make use of the concierge located in the lounge all day. Club Level or not, the hospitality from every member of the staff at the hotel was exceptional, transforming my brief stay into something truly memorable.
No matter how you decide to spend your time in Boston, I’m certain that just about any type of traveler will soon realize why it’s a great choice for a fun weekend getaway.
