36 hours in boston

We had an amazing opportunity to take a free trip to see our very good friends in Boston one weekend- and we took it! Thank you to frequent flyer miles and blow up mattresses, we had the most wonderful action-packed quickest-longish-distance trips ever! We got to see historical sites, stroll through nature, enjoy freshly brewed drinks, and of course had plenty of sea food- including but not limited to a lobstah roll. (Sorry about the spelling, had to!) We finished the trip with a Red Sox win at Fenway! Read more for our Boston highlights itinerary.


We took an evening flight and arrived just in time for a happy hour before dinner. Well, not a happy hour considering MA law says there can be no such thing with drink specials for limited time. If there is a deal on alcohol it has to be so for 30 days minimum. $5 Margarita March?  $6 Absolut April? Are these things for real?! History... so interesting! Anyway, our tour guide was Chris' bff he's known since middle school and his wife. It was a wonderful getaway to see such close friends. Did you know? This couple was there when Chris proposed to me, and they got married the day after we had our celebration- talk about bffs!

Drinks at Dillon's

We started our evening at the fire station. Well, next to it anyway. In a historic building located within walking distance from the gleaming Copley Place mall. The weather was *perfect* to enjoy a brew or two outside on the little patio, or even at the bar with all the doors open for a breeze.

Dillon's | American Bar | 955 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02115

Dinner at Panza

Italian for dinner was just what we needed after a travel day, all the carbs please! FYI make a reservation! It was a quaint little restaurant with only maybe 8 tables and a line wrapped outside the front. They were very fast moving and efficient, but I was a little hangry and did not want to wait any longer! I have to say, the wait was worth it. The food was AMAZING and I'm currently dreaming of the garlic bread! I never knew garlic bread could be that... well, amazing! 

Panza | Italian | 326 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

Dessert at Modern

If you've looked into "things to do in Boston" then I'm sure you came across Mike's Pastry. Now while I can't say anything against it (except the extraordinarily outrageous line, even post-10pm,) because I didn't go- our friends told us that Modern is fresh, and has a little secret. All the baked goods smelled so good, but I couldn't stray from a perfectly baked classic chocolate chip cookie. Note: they may have been cash only, so be aware. When we were ordering, Chris disappeared down a side little opening in the restaurant, so we followed. Ta-da! A bar! When I was there, they had a little neon sign that had an arrow and said "bar" so it kind of gave it away, but I heard that was a newer addition. People may still not know too much about it!

Modern | Pastry Shop | 257 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113

Brunch at McGreevy's

Saturdays are for mimosas, amirite? Well, I still got coffee because #coffeeislife, but it's been a long time since I've had an American brunch with mimosas! And here I am laughing at myself because of course it's not even American, we were at an Irish Pub. LOL. Anyway you get the point. I ordered a classic breakfast sandwich and there's a surprisingly delicious kick of chipotle mayo. After the caffeine kicked in, we were ready to walk!

McGreevy's | Irish Pub and Sports Bar | 911 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02115

Night Shift on the Esplanade

We took a scenic stroll through many historic brownstones and ended up along the Charles River. The Esplanade was so lush and inviting, the greenery juxtaposed to the city was calming and relaxing. SO many dogs walking, joggers, bikers, and people kayaking down the little lagoon. We couldn't resist a little photo op in such a sweet spot!

We relaxed at a beer garden and enjoyed some cool drinks while petting all the pups and catching all the summer sun. We arrived before noon, and there were many seats still open. When we left just after noon, the place was popping! Also note- they thankfully take credit cards. Does anyone even know what ATM means anymore?

Night Shift Brewery Owl's Nest Esplanade | Beer garden | BOST-0502496000, Boston, MA 02116

Public Gardens and Common

Strolling by the Cheers! facade, we snapped a pic and headed into the Gardens. To see so much greenery in a city was so surprising. I loved it! The landscape fit the scene perfectly, with every inch welcoming and inviting the residents to take a peaceful moment. The sun was shining and everyone was relaxing in the grass getting their tan on! We walked past cute little duckling statues and across to the Common. Here we found a food truck serving ice cream sandwiches, OBVI I was getting one!

  

Public Gardens | 4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116

Public Common | 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111

Cemetery

We walked through a historical cemetery sitting along the Freedom Trail and saw the graves of Samuel Adams, (yes, of the beer!) and Benjamin Franklin's parents. It was pretty cool to see these graves of very historical figures. And yes, I know I lived in Europe and saw older cemeteries but for being in the States and seeing things of historical relevance to here was just pretty cool!

Granary Burying Ground | Cemetery | Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108

Beantown Pub

We stopped in here for one of the local Sam Adams brews that can only be found in Boston, and then only in certain pubs. Called Brick Red, the color was reminiscent of exactly that. For a non beer drinker, it was actually pretty smooth! You have to try it when you're there.

Beantown Pub | 100 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108

Boston Massacre Site

Stopping for a brief history lesson at the site of the Boston Massacre, we got to see first hand the location and realize just how forceful the oppressive British forces were. On a more grateful note, this site is also the Old State House where the founding fathers thought of the future for America and laid the groundwork for the beginning of the American Revolution.

Old State House and Boston Massacre Site | Corner of State and Congress St, Boston, MA 02109

Hall & Marketplace

Hopping over to Faneuil Hall, I was expecting to see an open area filled with vendors and street food and maybe a bit of "touristy" sprinkled in. (A la Copenhagen's Torvehallern.) I was sadly so disappointed that once we walked in, we walked immediately out of the side doors. It was stock full of solely "touristy" things. Pretty much 0/10 don't recommend. Quincy Marketplace is not much better- although there are at least restaurants and food vendors.

Faneuil Hall | Shopping Center | 4 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109

The Black Rose

Stopping yet again for another brew, (we had our own marathon in Boston of sorts!) we enjoyed a few moments in this classic bar with live music before heading down the Greenway to our next stop.

The Black Rose | Irish Pub | 160 State St, Boston, MA 02109

Seaport

We walked through the Greenway Market, which was exactly true to its namesake and beautifully green with some vendors and beer gardens, and over the Seaport Bridge. Crossing over, we saw the "Boston Tea Party" reenactments happening (which sounds like it could be fun but is really more for children.) Our first stop over the bridge was this very urban/modern looking brewery- called Trillium, the namesake reminding me of a dance club. The vibe inside was casual but busy, with a large open floorplan filled with a simple vintage-ish mix of metal and wood decor. There is an upstairs for a dining area, but we stayed downstairs to sample the brews.

Let me preface this next paragraph with the fact that I am not a beer drinker... but I tried one of their concoctions bringing a whole new level to coffee. It was so, um, interestingly rich in flavor that I could not drink the whole thing. Also trying some sort of fruit beer that could not be finished, let's just say this place was cool to hang out but I'm not going to say it's the best for a beer connoisseur. They also had some intriguing wine barrel fermented ales and would have wanted to sample those, but I didn't see the option for a flight on the menu and thought that a bit odd. Let's just say this seems like they had beer for non-beer drinkers, or a mixed alcoholic beverage without hard liquor. Interesting and intriguing, but mostly I'd go for the atmosphere.

Trillium Brewing Company | Brewery and Restaurant | 50 Thomson Pl, Boston, MA 02210

Lobster Rolls

Ahh, finally! We were going to have a lobster roll! *Must do when in Boston* With an appearance on Food Network's Diners, Drive ins and Dives, you know this place is going to be good! Google Maps calls it a "seafood shack" and that is exactly what it is. No frills, just fresh seafood. Try anything and everything, but I'm sure you're aware lobster rolls are like $30. Still gotta do it!

Yankee Lobster | Seafood Restaurant | 300 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

Last Brewery Stop

Basically next door to Yankee Lobster, Harpoon Brewery was our last stop before our Boston finale event. Reminder, I'm not a beer drinker but the beer and overall vibe here was exactly... perfect. Filled with community tables and Oktoberfest-style-bench-seating, it was friendly and fun. Perfect way to end our own version of a Boston Marathon... of brews, haha! Also, you must get a pretzel!

Harpoon Brewery | Brewery and Beer Hall | 306 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210

Boston Finale

We took an Uber from Harpoon down to Fenway for a Red Sox game. Have to when in Boston! We got standing seats at the Sam Adams Deck and had a blast! The vendors also sell amazingness in a can, my newfound fav, Truly! I was shocked at the prices but should have known, we were in an enclosed area of course the prices would be extravagant. Oh well, all for fun with good friends! #YOLO. We saw a few good hits, were up front for a marriage proposal that was projected on the big screen, and ended the night with a Red Sox W. What a wonderful way to wrap up our quick trip in the city!

Where's the red seat? Can you spot it? It marks the distance of the longest home run hit at Fenway.

Fenway Park | Stadium | 4 Yawkey Way, Boston, MA 02215

Save these places for your visit to Boston, I couldn't have imagined a better 36 hours visiting friends in their city. Thank you to our bffs for being our personal tour guides and putting up with us *truly* hangry/dancing/photo snapping all over your town. We can't wait to host you in our new city!

Where are you off to explore this weekend? I hope you get to discover something new.