Boston is one of my favorite cities to vacation in and yet it is also very underrated.
You're probably already getting visions of front-bitten fingers, cranky new Englanders, and Ben Affleck.
But Boston has more to offer than that.
From early history sites to the Arts to great food to enthusiastic fans of some of the best sports teams in the country, Boston is a city like no other.
I promise you'll love the time you spent there and you will find the locals to be some of the most genuine and fun-loving of all the cities you'll visit.
I will admit right away it has two things going against it: The weather and layout.
If you are not used to the cold weather it can come as quite a surprise.
And if it does snow it can really tie up transportation.
On the good side, the falling snow will make the holiday time that much more special as it adds another special dimension to sites.
Getting around is another challenge altogether.
The city itself is not organized in a grid-like manner like NY.
I lived there and it took me quite a while to figure it out.
I suggest getting a good map and treating it like a game and have some fun with it.
Remember, you are on vacation.
Despite that you're going to have a great time in Bean-town.
Here's some of my favorite things to do when I'm in town: Get on over to Faneuil Hall - An absolute must.
Imagine what life must have been like 100 years ago.
The cobblestone streets, the statues, and historic architecture are fantastic.
You'll find great shops, food, and performance art.
You have this great culture that is a mixture of the local colleges, the fast-paced financial district, and a thriving urban city.
It's hard to put into words.
This is a special place.
Food - There is so much delicious food to eat.
You are in a "Seafood Haven" so you can't leave without having a 1lb lobster or two (that seems to be the perfect size lobster).
What about real clam chowder (chowdah!)? Be sure to grab a slice of fresh hot pizza from "Regina", authentic Italian food in the North End (La Famiglia is my favorite but you can almost go to any restaurant), and the best cannoli from Mike's Pastry.
Newbury St.
is Fashion Central - I suggest you park at the Marriott Copley down the street.
Some the best shopping and outdoor cafes you'll visit.
High-end designers like Armani and Versace as well as many others in beautiful boutiques up and down the street (the local boutiques have better prices than the brand names so check it out).
This street is a mixture of great clothing designers and fantastic (non-chain) restaurants and cafes.
You can eat from almost any international cuisine you seek.
If you live in a city or town that is overrun with chain restaurants you'll appreciate this even more with food flavors and selections that are uncommon.
Well, let's go to school - Harvard that is - Take a walk around one of the most famous universities in the entire world.
Then head on over to Harvard Square and see the performers and feel the energy of the area.
Then grab dinner at "Fire and Ice", a Mongolian wok restaurant with the best Prickly Pear Margaritas.
Catch an independent film at Kenmore Square and say hi to Ben Affleck while you're there.
Get over to the Museum - This is a world class museum with rare paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that range from ancient China to early Boston.
Great tip: Wednesday Night is Citizens Bank night - free entrance! I could go on and on.
Boston is one of my all-time favorite cities.
I love the art, the culture, the food, AND the people.
Whether you stay in a hotel or in a timeshare with Intervalworld or RCI.
com, you will enjoy this unique city very much.
But be careful, you might have so much fun, you might leave with a "wicked cool" accent!