by Erin Doherty

Created on: October 17, 2009

Boston has a tremendous amount to offer to visitors, even those on a short getaway. Boston is a walking city, so if you drove in, park your car and buy a tourist MBTA (T) pass. Below is a list of interesting sites in the Boston area, with the name of the T stop in parentheses.

SHOPPING

Newbury Street (Hynes) This is the main shopping destination for tourists and natives alike. The stores on the west end of the street are generally lower-end national and regional chains and the high-end boutiques are generally on the west end, near the Boston Common.

Harvard Square (Harvard) This is a great spot for people-watching as well as shopping, as the square houses many specialty boutiques. Colonial Drug (49 Brattle Street) specializes in hard-to-find toiletries.

FOOD

Vinny Testa's (Hynes) Great Italian food at reasonable prices in a convenient location across from the Prudential Center. The portions are large.

Grendel's Den (Harvard) English food, with great fondue (89 Winthrop Street).

Addis Red Sea Ethiopian (Back Bay) Excellent and interesting food and superior honey wine (544 Tremont Street)

JP Licks (Hynes) This ice cream shop on the west end of Newbury Street is one of the best.

MUSEUMS

Museum of Fine Arts (Museum or Ruggles) On Wednesdays after 4, admission is by voluntary contribution.

Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum (Museum) The focus of this museum is American, European, and Asian art, predominantly paintings and sculptures. The museum has limited hours and visitors named Isabella receive free admission.

MIT Museum (Central Square) This museum houses the MIT general collections as well as excellent holography and architecture exhibits. Admission is free from 10 AM to noon on Sundays (265 Massachusetts Avenue).

SPORTS

Fenway Park (Kenmore) Catching a game would be ideal, but a visit is still worthwhile just for the tour.

Head of the Charles Regatta (Central or Hynes) If you are able to visit in mid-October, this regatta combines collegiate athletics with other events, including local alumni races and senior races.

OTHER HISTORICAL SITES

Freedom Trail (Park Street) This trail, supported by a nonprofit foundation, takes visitors past sixteen major historical sites, including the State House, Faneuil Hall, and the Old North Church. Many of these sites have adjacent shopping and restaurant areas, so it will be easy to stop and rest if needed.

Esplanade (MGH) This is a public greenspace area along the Charles River. The Hatch Shell provides free entertainment during the summer months.

Boston is a fun place, with plenty of unique shopping, restaurants, and cultural activities. Take advantage of the local public transit and you will have a fun and relaxing getaway.

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