Fine Cuisine Sweeps Boston, MA During Restaurant Week
Each year in Boston, MA there is an event the restaurants of the area put on called Restaurant Week. During Restaurant Week, all of the finest dining establishments in the area decide on an entirely new menu and prepare special gourmet meals for their patrons. These meals, the 3-course meals for dinner and the 2-course meals for lunch, are supposed to get rid of the gloom of winter through an exciting dining experience. This event takes place during March 14th-19th and the 21st-26th and many people attend from all over the nation.
Almost all of the restaurants in Boston that are capable of fine cuisine participate in this event. From Argentinean meals to Italian meals, all the restaurants are eager to put out their best culinary creations to entice customers to come and eat at their restaurant. Some places, such as the Boston Odyssey Lunch and Dinner Cruises, provide an elegant meal for lunch and dinner even when it is not restaurant week.
While in Boston for the fine dining events, one should also take in some of the entertainment Boston has to offer. The Shear Madness Comedy Show is sure to make viewers laugh with the antics of the players in a ‘whodunit’ style show. Or for those who prefer some physical activity after a good meal, there are many sightseeing opportunites to get them out and about such as the New England Aquarium Whalewatch Cruise or the Boston Movie Mile Walking Tour.
Spectacular Shopping Awaits You In Boston!
New York City is the shopping mecca of the East coast, but if you’re looking for a more laid back shopping experience Boston is the place. Boston is home to great shopping centers and amazing boutiques without the stressful hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. If you’re planning on visiting the area, check out these wonderful shopping tours!
Macy’s Boston Star Shopper Tour
Take full advantage of the Star treatment with the Macy’s Boston Star Shopper Tour. The tour is available any time during Macy’s normal business hours, so it’s a perfect opportunity to do a little insiders shopping. You’ll begin your tour with a friendly greeting from a Macy’s team member, during which you’ll learn about all the best merchandise available and receive your Star Shopper bag. The bag contains $25 Macy’s gift card, a 4-piece box of gourmet Frango Mint Chocolates, fragrance samples, and a card good for an 11% discount on merchandise store-wide.
Wrentham Village Premium Outlets Tour
If outlet shopping is more your style, you’ll dance for joy when you see the Wrentham Village! This particular outlet shopping center happens to be the largest collection of outlet stores in New England, featuring more than 170 retailers. Some of the retailers you’ll find include Williams-Sonoma, Michael Kors, Coach, Barney’s New York Outlet, Banana Republic, and Eddie Bauer. These are only a few examples of the hundreds of designers you’ll find at Wrentham Village. There are plenty of restaurant options, including Ruby Tuesday and Main Street Eatery.
These are just two of the shopping tours and experiences we offer for the Boston area. Check out the rest of the shopping tours or browse the other available activities by visiting the Boston page on Vacations Made Easy!
Boston Vacation Packages Brimming With Family Fun
There is so much to see when visiting Boston that it is easy to miss out on activities or experiences. Don’t let this happen to your family during your next trip to Boston. Vacations Made Easy has three vacation packages that make sure you don’t miss a thing. From your hotel to your activities, we’ve got you covered!
Boston Sightseeing Weekend Getaway
If you want to hit the major sights in Boston without missing work or school, this weekend-long package is perfect. The package includes two nights accommodations at the hotel of your choice. Also included is the Footsteps to Freedom PhotoWalks Tour. During this tour, a professional photographer will lead you around the city, stopping at all the beautiful historic landmarks for photo ops. You will also receive admission for the USS Constitution Cruise. During this cruise, you’ll be guided through the historic Charlestown Navy Yard before boarding the USS Constitution for a little exploring on your own. Enjoy a weekend trip to Boston and let the beautiful city rejuvenate your spirit.
Best of Boston Comprehensive Vacation Package
Enjoy everything Boston has to offer with the Best of Boston Comprehensive Vacation Package. Complete with 5 nights lodging, this package includes admission for a dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Boston and dinner another night at Boston’s famous Hard Rock Cafe. The fiesta resistance is the 3-Day Go Boston Card. The Go Boston Card includes admission to museums, tours, historic site, attractions, and more. The best part? You have three days to enjoy it all!
Boston, MA Family Vacation Package
If you want all the perks of the Go Boston Card, but you don’t want to spend a whole week in Beantown try this family-friendly package that can fill a long weekend. This package includes the Go Boston Card, which gains you access to everything you could want to do in Boston for one low price. You also have your three nights accommodations set up before you leave. It can’t get much easier than that.
Whatever your reason for traveling to Boston, there is a package for you. However, if you don’t find the perfect package for your trip, there is always the option to custom build your vacation. With this option, you can choose everything from the length of your stay to the activities you’ll enjoy. Talk about a perfect vacation!
Boston Offers Guests Luxurious Stay
Boston is a city of excitement and culture. But when you’re ready to get away from it all after a long day of exploring, why not retreat to a spectacular hotel and relax in a luxury room? If that sounds like a dream come true, then Boston really is the city for you. There are several 5-Star hotels in Boston for you to choose from. Enjoy!
This newly-renovated hotel sits comfortably between fashionable Newbury Street and the picturesque Public Garden. This Boston hotel is the oldest continuous-operation Ritz-Carlton and they take that seriously. Guests are pampered from the moment you walk through the door until you turn in your key. With all the amenities you would expect of a five-star hotel, you’ll feel like royalty. The Ritz Carlton Boston also remains true to the city. You’re within walking distance of the theatre district, attractions, activities, and anything else you may desire during your stay.
In a past life, this hotel was the Charles Street Jail. However, today you’ll feel more like royalty rather than prisoner. This luxury hotel has kept aspects of the old jail, including jail cell features in the bar, but has renovated to bring you some of the finest accommodations in Boston. The new 16-story tower houses most of the guest rooms to ensure that you have everything you would expect of a five-star hotel. If this isn’t enough to interest you, the Liberty Hotel is situated in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood so you’ll be just minutes from anything you could want!
As one of Boston’s newer luxury hotels, the Westin Waterfront offers everything you would expect from a 5-Star hotel and more. The hotel is connected to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and is just minutes from attractions like South Boston Beach, New England Aquarium, Cambridgeside Galleria Mall, and the Fenway Kenmore District. With the incredible amenities and the unbelievable location, enjoying your stay in Boston will be as easy as falling asleep!
If you want to stay in Boston’s exclusive North End district, then Suburban Extended Stay is the hotel for you. Situated just one block away from Winthrop Beach and the Atlantic Ocean, this hotel is perfect for a weekend getaway or an extended trip. The North End location keeps you close to everything including Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Boston Children’s Museum, and Fenway Park. You’re also just five miles away from the General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport, so traveling in and out will stress free.
Enjoy a Wide Range of Music Festivals in Boston
Fall is the perfect time in New England to join together with fellow music lovers and take advantage of the musical festivals offered in Boston this fall.
Classic music lovers will love the free concerts of Septemberfest presented by the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This annual event features four free chamber music concerts performed by faculty and students of the Longy School. This year’s event is a tribute to musical master Haydn. All concerts take place at the Edward M. Pickman Concert Hall. Concert dates are September 18, 19, 25, and 26, and all concerts begin at 8 p.m. Although admission is free, tickets must be acquired ahead of time. Don’t miss this rare chance to experience these talented musicians for free!
This event is another annual Boston concert that draws visitors from all over. The purpose of this event is to celebrate the beginning of fall with song, and this year’s event is taking place on the evening of September 20. RiverSing features the Revels singers, Family Folk Chorale, the Halalisa Singers, and Sharing a New Song. The event begins with a parade from Harvard Square to the river. This year’s special guest is Stan Strickland, a saxophonist. This event is free and open to the public.
Hosted by the famed Berklee School of Music, this is the ninth year for the annual jazz festival. This year’s event takes place September 18 through 26. The jazz festival is an outdoor event that is one of the most popular outdoor gatherings in Boston. Nine stages are set up in Boston and Cambridge, and performances take place daily. Headline performers for this year’s festival include Berklee alum Branford Marsalis, Kurt Elling, Ahmad Jamal, and David Sanborn. A special family aspect of this event is the Target Family Park, which offers kid-friendly activities and entertainment. On Saturday, Sept. 26, free concerts will be featured all day with multiple stages on Columbus Avenue. From classic jazz artists to new artists, you will be sure to attend some memorable performances during this festival.
Take a Break in Boston to Celebrate Labor Day
As summer days begin coming to a close and cooler temperatures start rolling in, Labor Day provides the perfect time to enjoy a relaxing weekend in Boston. Although Boston has great attractions to visit year round, Labor Day weekend features several great events, making it the perfect time to plan a trip to Boston.
The Gloucester Schooner Festival is an annual racing event that is celebrating its 25th year this year. The Schooner Festival will be taking place Sept. 4-7, and the ships begin arriving on Sept. 4, when they will be welcomed with a Mayor’s Reception. The weekend’s events include a festival crew party, Coast Guard demonstrations, a sailing Parade of Lights, and a fireworks show in Gloucester Harbor following the parade. The highlight of the weekend is the Mayor’s Race, which begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday and is followed by an awards ceremony and reception later that night.
A sightseeing tour is a great addition to Labor Day weekend. A tour will provide a relaxing afternoon or morning exploring Boston and the surrounding area. With trolley tours and cruise tours available, Vacations Made Easy has the perfect tour option for you. If you wish to combine a trolley and cruise, the Beantown Trolley and Harbor Cruise is an excellent choice. This tour provides you the ability to hop on and off the trolley at 20 different Boston sites, including Bunker Hill Pavilion, Newbury Street, and Fanueil Hall. In addition to the trolley tour, you can also enjoy a 45-minute cruise in Boston Harbor. An uninterrupted trolley tour takes approximately two hours to complete.
Don’t forget to book your lodging of the weekend early! Rooms are bound to fill up quickly, so plan ahead and book online with us. We offer a great selection of hotels in Boston and the surrounding area. To make the most of your time in Boston, a downtown hotel is a great choice due to its proximity to a range of attractions and sightseeing options.
Enthralling Day Trips from Boston Feature History and Culture
Although Boston itself has dozens of interesting attractions and sights, the surrounding New England area is also full of activities for a full day of exploring. Classic New England towns including Cambridge, Lexington, Concord, Newport, Rhode Island; and Cape Cod are all just a short drive away and feature unique communities and historical sights. Although you could rent a car and drive yourself, booking a spot on one of VacationsMadeEasy’s day trips will make your excursion easy.
The Cambridge, Lexington, and Concord Tour
This tour provides a taste of the American Revolution. Featuring important sights such as Revolutionary battle sites, the Cambridge Commons, and the houses of famous New England writers including Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Ralph Waldo Emerson, this tour takes you to the cities of Cambridge, Lexington, and Concord. In Cambridge, you will get to explore the hallowed halls of Harvard. Another site on the tour includes Tory Row, home to a number of historic residences. The tour is approximately 3.5 hours long and takes place on a climate-controlled motorcoach. The tour stops at Harvard Yard and Lexington Green.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts is a popular beach destination for New Englanders, and you can experience what makes this place so popular on this tour. Features of this day-long tour include a harbor cruise and a visit to the John F. Kennedy Memorial. The harbor cruise is narrated and provides views of Cape Cod and the Kennedy Compound. For the rest of your time in the Cape, you can explore the quaint seaside villages and shop, dine, or enjoy the ocean. Whether for a visit during the warm summer months or for a scenic fall tour, the Cape Cod Excursion is a great day trip from Boston.
Newport, Rhode Island is home to one of the wealthiest communities in America and a fabulous history. Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis called this city home at her childhood residence, The Breakers, which is one of the stops on this tour. Another famous residence you will see on this tour is the Marble House Estate of the Vanderbilts, which was built in 1892 with 500,000 square feet of marble. In addition, you will have time to explore the shopping and dining opportunities in the city of Newport, as well as see miles of beautiful coastline. After this tour, you may agree with those who call Newport the “Most Enthralling City” in America.
Celebrate July 4 with the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
Travel to Boston this July 4 for a celebration so impressive and moving that it warrants a spot on the CBS Television Network. This year marks the 36th annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, which attracts over half a million people on average each year with its musical performances and stunning fireworks display along the Charles River. Make the trip to this historic city for an event that you have to see in person to believe.
For the third year in a row, “The Late Late Show’s” Craig Ferguson will host the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, which officially begins on July 3 with a 90-minute concert beginning at 8:30 p.m. local time. The legendary Neil Diamond will do the honors alongside the The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, performing some of the singer’s top singles over his highly acclaimed career. In the hours leading up to the grand finale – an astonishing 20-minute fireworks display – you will enjoy a Boston Pops concert and the annual flyover by a jet from Cape Cod’s Otis Air National Guard Base.
Enjoy the convenience of having food and merchandise concessions nearby as you sing along and count down to 10:30 when the real magic begins. The fireworks display itself is among the best you will ever find. For over 20 minutes, a total of roughly 20,000 pounds of explosives will be used to light up the Boston sky. The blend of musical and visual amusement will enhance your enjoyment of the event.
Sometimes television isn’t enough; certain things you just have to see in person. With admission free to the public for the weekend events, you are certain to find an affordable, entertaining Fourth of July celebration with the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.
Summer Vacation Ideas in Boston, MA
Summer in one of America’s most historical cities should not be missed! Take advantage of these great family activities and attractions to build a memorable family vacation in a classic American city. Boston also makes a great Memorial Day getaway. It’s not too late to plan your Memorial Day weekend in Boston!
Boston offers an overwhelming amount of historical sights, tours, and attractions, and with Go Boston Cards, you and your family will be able to take in over 60 of Boston’s most popular attractions and tours. Admission to various Boston museums including the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Boston Children’s Museum as well as historical sights including Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church is included in the card. You will also have admission to area attractions like Six Flags New England and the New England Aquarium. The options are endless for a full and entertaining vacation. Cards are available for one day to seven days. The Go Boston Card is a truly great way to see a lot of Boston for one price!
New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise
The nature lovers in your family will love this excursion! The New England Aquarium hosts this cruise that takes you out on Boston Harbor on a tour to see humpback whales, dolphins, sea birds, and more wildlife. Your family will definitely have a memorable experience aboard this cruise. You can purchase a combined ticket that will get your family into the New England Aquarium as well as the cruise. The Aquarium is one of the largest on the East Coast, featuring a four-story ocean tank filled with turtles, sharks, and more.
Building your own vacation package is the easiest way to find Boston lodging in combination with the activities of your choice. With our easy to use vacation package builder, finding a perfect hotel and activities to entertain your family is easy.
Explore All of New England from Boston, MA
While the city of Boston can offer more than enough activities and sights to keep travelers busy for weeks on end, Beantown is also blessed with a surrounding area rich in culture and history. From Salem to Cape Cod, the entire region has played an integral part in both the history of New England and development of the United States. And with an expansive vacation in the area you can easily immerse yourself in settings centuries old for a unique vacation that will all at once entertain and educate. Read on for just a few ideas on how to expand your next visit to Boston, Massachusetts.
Along Salem – The Witch City Tour, you will gain an intimate understanding of the tragic events that surrounded the Salem Witch Trials, as well as experience numerous other sights throughout the city that have helped raise it to prominence in a more positive light. Throughout the five and a half hour tour, you will explore the Salem Witch Museum for a broad look into the history of the trials; pass by Hawthorne’s Custom House, as popularized by the book “The Scarlet Letter;” and take a stroll through Abbot Hall, birthplace of the American Navy. While many are drawn to Salem because of its infamous tales surrounding the Witch Trials, those that actually visit will find the city has much more to offer than macabre stories of the past.
With a sandy coast, rolling dunes and near constant cool breeze, Cape Cod offers a picturesque view into the natural beauty that blankets New England, and with the Cape Cod Excursion Tour you will find a unique time of sightseeing and shopping that will open your eyes to the charms of the area. A harbor cruise, visit to the John F. Kennedy Memorial, and time for shopping at the quaint seaside markets that dot the peninsula are just some of the experiences offered throughout the Cape Cod Excursion Tour.
Old Town Trolley Narrated Tour – Boston
Certainly, you can’t visit Boston without delving into the current wonders and rich history of Boston itself. And with the Old Town Trolley Narrated Tour – Boston, you will find just such an experience as you travel through Beantown by way of trolley. Sights including Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Beacon Hill, Newbury Street, and Chinatown will all be experienced throughout the tour, with hop-on / hop-off privileges allowing you to depart the trolley at any stop, explore at your own pace, and simply catch the next trolley on the route!
