Boston | Your Guide To The Ultimate Weekend In Boston
Warm weather and longer days make it the perfect time to travel and explore a new city. If you're like me, I often realize there are always more places to visit than I have time. If you want to stay state-side this summer, I have the perfect place to visit: Boston, Massachusetts.
Boston is a city that effortlessly combines the old with the new, the academic with the artistic, and the serene with the lively. Its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a must-visit destination. Whether exploring historic sites, indulging in culinary delights, or simply soaking in scenic views, Boston promises an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags and get ready to discover all that this incredible city has to offer.
Being one of the oldest cities in the United States, visitors can explore historical sites like the Freedom Trail, the Paul Revere House, and the USS Constitution Museum. Walking the Freedom Trail is like stepping back in time and experiencing the birth of a nation. Not to mention that many areas still have cobblestone streets and buildings dating centuries back.
My fellow sports fanatics know that Boston is a city that takes its sports seriously. Fenway Park, the oldest baseball stadium in Major League Baseball and home to the Boston Red Sox, is a must-visit for any sports fan. If you're visiting during basketball or hockey season, catching a game with the Boston Celtics or the Boston Bruins at TD Garden is an electrifying experience.
Of course, I was captivated by the vibrant neighborhoods and food scene. Living in a landlocked state like Tennessee can make a girl crave some seafood, specifically lobster rolls, and what better place to binge on lobster than Boston? I'd be remiss if I didn't mention The North End, Boston's Little Italy. Talk about some incredible Italian food. I've got one restaurant that will absolutely blow you away, and I can't wait to share it.
So, if you're like me and want to experience some fresh New England seafood, walk the Freedom Trail, or just experience a new city, I've pulled together my favorite places to check out while you’re in Boston.
It's funny; I came to Boston in search of the best Lobster Roll, but my first stop landed me at Boston Public Market, where I had a Reuben of a lifetime. Beantown Pastrami Company is known for serving the best fresh steamed pastrami and corned beef sandwiches in and around Boston and New England. We grabbed a drink at the Pine Bar and perused the menu offerings, but at the end of the day, I had to try the Reuben, and I was not disappointed. It was thick, juicy, and messy, exactly how a Reuben should be. If you find yourself in Boston, skip Quincy Market, as it's a glorified tourist trap. Instead, pop over here to Boston Public Market and experience a proper food hall with delicious offerings. As someone who made the mistake and did both, take my word for it.
Beantown Pastrami Company | Pastrami Reuben | Pastrami + Pickled Cabbage + Russian Dressing + Swiss Cheese On Grilled Marble Rye.
After we had a chance to explore the city a little more, I decided it was time to start my Lobster Roll Crawl with a proper roll from James Hook & Co. I'll be the first to admit that this little seafood shack didn't look like much but don't let that fool you. For those who aren't as familiar with Lobster rolls, two offerings are typically served in New England: Maine Lobster Rolls and Connecticut Lobster Rolls. Maine Lobster Rolls are where the lobster meat is tossed with mayonnaise, tarragon, celery, and/or scallions before it is piled high into a bun. On the other hand, Connecticut Lobster Rolls are for purists, as they omit the mayonnaise and serve the lobster warm with a little butter. Which is better? It purely depends on your palate and what speaks to you at the moment.
James Hook & Co. offers both styles of lobster rolls in both regular and large sizes. Seeing as we were sharing, I opted for the large. Fair warning- Lobster Rolls aren't cheap. The roll featured below was $38.99 + tax.
You know it's going to be incredible when the restaurant has been serving the greater New England area for over ninety years. When you visit, skip the food truck and come inside and see what James Hook is all about.
James Hook & Co | Lobster Roll With Butter
No trip to Boston would be complete without visiting a brewery or two. In fact, Boston's history of brewing beer dates back to the 1630s, and the craft beer scene continues to thrive, with more than 45 craft breweries in the city.
During this trip, we visited one of my favorite breweries in the city, Trillium Brewing. They have several locations throughout Massachusetts, but we visited the Fort Point location. It features a two-story taproom, a full-service restaurant, and a rooftop for those keen to soak up some sunshine and enjoy the breeze while sipping their favorite Trillium creation.
One thing I love about this brewery is that it offers an assortment of beers. Talk about creative and innovative flavor profiles. They have anything from crisp and hoppy creations to rich and toasty, which happens to be my preferred drink of choice, as well as sours. I guarantee that even the pickiest beer lover will find something that speaks to them.
Definitely worth adding to your itinerary!
Trillium Brewing
Trillium Brewing
Giacomo’s Ristorante
355 Hanover Street
Boston, MA 02113
Website
One of the best finds of the trip was Giacomo's Ristorante, located in the North End. If you only take one recommendation for your upcoming Boston trip, it is this: HAVE DINNER AT GIACOMO'S. We stumbled upon this restaurant while we were making our way to Mike's Pastry. Y'all, I couldn't believe my eyes. The line this restaurant garnered was unlike anything I had ever seen, which meant that the food was legit. Lucky for us, we canceled our dinner reservations earlier in the day, which meant we, too, would enjoy Giacomo's for dinner!
Before you visit, there are a few things that you need to know.
Giacomo's does NOT take reservations, hence the lengthy line. Arrive early if you plan on dining during the lunch or dinner rush.
Even though we live in a world where Apple Pay and credit cards are primarily used for payment, cash is king at Giacomo's. If you don't have cash readily available, there is an ATM on-site available for use.
If standing in line isn't for you, or you need an Italian food fix, Giacomo's offers online ordering.
Bring your A-game appetite because portions are large (see photo below) but damn delicious.
There's an extensive chalkboard menu flanking the wall beside the kitchen. Feel free to peer into the window and start thinking about your food selection. Once you are seated, your server isn't playing around.
The restaurant is quaint, with tables situated close to one another. Since it is a favorite of locals and tourists alike, it's a great time to swap recommendations for things to see and do in Boston!
Given the size of the space, it can get a little warm in the summer months. Plan accordingly.
Everything we ordered was absolutely out of this world. If you love Chicken Parmigiana, this is the place to order it. Your eyes will be rolling back in your head!
Giacomo’s Ristorante | Lobster Ravioli (Top) + Chicken Parmigiana ( Bottom)
Krasi | Bobota (Top) Charred Corn + Honey Butter Dakos (Bottom) Marinated Tomatoes + Carob Paximadia + Anthotyro Chese
While I intended to do a lobster roll crawl through Boston, I stumbled upon Krasi while researching restaurants for the trip and wanted to check it out. Mezze and wine really speak to a girl. As I do, I logged on to OpenTable to secure a reservation, and they had nothing. I thought, "Are they closed for a private event?" Maybe I input the wrong date?"
No, they are just that good.
Reservations open 60 days in advance, and they are snatched up immediately. I texted the restaurant, and the restaurant gods smiled upon me as they had two seats left at the bar.
We arrived promptly at 5:00 only to find out that our good fortune continued with a prime table in the front of the restaurant. Once we were seated, we began to order all the things. Every single dish was a standout, and if I could have brought some of them back to Nashville, I would have done so, but in the meantime, these photos must suffice until I return to Boston. I'm a tomato girl through and through, so when I spotted Dakos on the menu, I knew I'd order it. Dakos is comprised of marinated tomatoes, carob paximadia, and anthotyro cheese. Y'all, I would have licked the bowl if I weren't at a restaurant. The flavors were bright and fresh, and the cheese added a layer of complexity that, simply put, blew my mind. We enjoyed this dish with a side of Bobota, a charred cornbread served with whipped honey butter.
Blame my southern roots, but I also obsessed over the Kopanisti, a creamy feta dip served with fried okra. Need I say more? Every dish we ordered was simply impeccable.
While we were eating, we had the pleasure of meeting Chef Val (2023 James Beard Best Chef Northeast Finalist) and chatting with him about his love of food and Boston. Talk about a perfect dining experience.
Krasi | Kopanisti | Manouri + Feta + Yogurt + Boukovo Oil + Fried Okra
Krasi | Kavourosalata | Fresh Crab + Avocado + Lentils + Tomato Gel + Parsley Oil + Crispy Tempura
Krasi | Kritharoto | Orzo + Chanterelle Mushrooms + Corn + Tomato + Metsovone Crema
Krasi | Kotopoulo | Marinated Chicken Thigh + Fasolakia
Whether you consider yourself a sports enthusiast or use it as an excuse to socialize and drink beer, you can't come to Boston without visiting the Green Monster, a.k.a. Fenway Park. Admittedly, I don't follow baseball, but there was something magical about walking through the stadium with such history. The tours are narrated by quite enthusiastic tour guides who are willing to answer any question you may have and stump you with a bit of trivia along the way.
Boston is more than just a city; it’s an experience. Its blend of historical richness, culinary adventures, picturesque parks, and waterfronts, not to mention a sports lovers paradise. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation or family fun, Boston offers it all. Book the flight, make the reservations and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.