Boston first timer questions

My wife and I along with another couple recently booked some really cheap airline tix for Portsmouth NH for 11/30-12/3.We were thinking about heading to Boston to hang out for a long w/e and looking for things to do.We all like history,plan on walking or cabs once we get to town,like to eat well,drink quite a few cocktails.Any ideas where to stay ,what to do,where to eat would be appreciated.I looked at the Residence Inn Boston Harbor at Tudor Wharf as a possible Motel and thought walking the trail would be cool but I don%26#39;t know.Are there bars and restaurants along the Freedom Trail for hungry and thirsty visitors?

Maybe I%26#39;m getting ahead of myself a little,should I stay up in the Portsmouth NH area for the trip and hang out up that way.Suggestions Please!!!

Boston first timer questions

The Freedom Trail wends its way from Charlestown (where you are staying) to Boston%26#39;s North End (the Italian section) to the Downtown Area. The trail officially starts at the other end (Boston common) but it really doesn%26#39;t make much difference. And, yes, once you leave Charlestown you%26#39;ll have plenty of eating and drinking opportunities. If you can stay in Boston, I highly recommend it. The Charlestown Area is okay too, but you have to walk 15 minutes to get to the ';T'; subway and the beginning of Downtown. If you%26#39;re okay with that, go with the Residence Inn.

Boston first timer questions

Luckily, Portsmouth, NH is only an hour%26#39;s drive away from Boston. That said, while driving into Boston isn%26#39;t as much of a bear as it used to be, the parking situation is dreadfully expensive. You certainly wouldn%26#39;t need the car while in town at all. It%26#39;s a real liability. Some downtown garages offer weekend rates at about $10.00 per day - the fine print varies. It might be worth looking into taking The Downeaster train from Portsmouth into North Station. You%26#39;ll need to weigh the cost of the train tickets against the cost of renting a car and the parking fees you would incur in town.

That said, if you decide to take the train to Boston, the Residence Inn at Tudor Wharf would be a great location. It%26#39;s a quick taxi over the bridge to Charlestown, and you%26#39;re right on Boston Harbor. The reviews of this property on this site have been consistently good. Depending on what your budget is, there are a number of other good hotels in the downtown area including the Marriott Long Wharf, Boston Harbor Hotel, The Langham and the Omni Parker House. I chose these only because they would be shorter taxi rides from North Station if you chose the train. Hotels in the Back Bay/Copley Square areas are just as nice.

The Freedom Trail would be a great thing to do, provided the weather is conducive. This is an urban walking tour and as such the weather would certainly dictate how much you saw. The main portion of it is downtown, and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and pubs to visit. In fact, The Green Dragon is supposedly the location where the Sons of Liberty began their campaign for independence and it sits conveniently on the edge of Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. This will be the first weekend of the Christmas shopping season so this area of town will be bustling with activity. A quick cross of Hanover Street will put you in the North End, the home for everything Italian in Boston. Some of the best restaurants and pastry shops are here, as well as the historical Paul Revere House. (Man, were people little in the 1700s!!)

Anyhow, hope this gives you a little food for throught. Can%26#39;t comment on what to do in Portsmouth - perhaps there%26#39;s a forum for posting?

Where are you staying in Portsmouth?

There is a new Hilton Garden Inn and A sheraton right downtown that are very good. Downtown Portsmouth is a great visit. It is right on the water and they have done a terrific job making it a fun place to be. Plenty of shopping, eating and drinking. May I suggest Victory on State Street for a nice dinner. The Library is also a grat dinner choice. Jumpin Jay%26#39;s Fish Cafe and the Portsmouth Brewery have terrific food also (and are open for lunch).

Getting to Boston by car will take you app. 1.5 hours - maybe less, depending on traffic.

The train is an option as is C%26amp;J Trailway (a bus company). I have used Regal Limousine (1-800-709-3500 or www.regallimo.com). The convenience is worth the extra cost.

Charlestow is a decent location for your stay, but the Omni Parker House or any of the hotels along the Boston waterfornt or Copley Square puts everything you are looking for at your doorstep.

The Freedom Trail winds its way through Boston. Plenty of eating and drinking options as you walk. It might be cold at that time of year. One of the trolley tours that allows you to get on/off might be a better option.

For restaraunts in Boston, No. 9 Park is located right below the State House on Park Street and a just off the Freedom Trail. Faneuil Hal/ Haymarket areas have the same luxury. I would also suggest a trip into the South End along Tremont Street for multiple dining options. It is referred to as Boston%26#39;s restaurant row. Try Hammersley%26#39;s Bistro, Sibling Rivalry, Metropolis or The Butcher Shop/B%26amp;J Oysters. The South End is a quick cab or subway ride (Back Bay Station) from either Cahrlestown or downtown.

Enjoy.