Boston City Guide - Some of My Favorite Places

While I don’t pretend to be an expert on things to do in Boston, I can tell you the places that I’ve enjoyed going the last few times that I’ve been to visit my daughter Rebecca. This trip, my youngest daughter Sarah, came from Nashville and met us there. It was her first trip and unfortunately, it was very very cold so we made the best of it by shopping, eating amazing food, and exploring new neighborhoods.

NEWBURY STREET - BOSTON

Newbury Street is Boston's most enchanting street….it may not be the very best shopping, but the charm definitely makes up for that.  Eight blocks filled with salons, boutiques, and fabulous dining. Boston's Newbury Street has something for everyone. Some of my favorite shops are Aesop for the most fabulous skincare products, Rag and Bone for an amazing selection of jeans and boots and Alice and Olivia for funky fun clothes.

STEPHANIES ON NEWBURY STREET - LOVE IT FOR LUNCH

Restaurants come and go on Newbury Street, but Stephanie’s On Newbury is one of my favorites! Stephanie’s is casual elegance at its best with one of city’s most fashionable sidewalk cafés, although it was too cold to eat outside while we were there! You’ll love the bar and lounge overlooking Exeter Street and cozy sky-lit dining spaces…not to mention the lobster guacamole!

BOSTON FINE ARTS MUSEUM

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, is one of 13 buildings to receive a prestigious 2011 RIBA International Award for architectural excellence.

From the opening of its first location in Copley Square through today, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), has undertaken a series of renovation and expansion projects. We were fortunate to see the Frida Kahlo exhibit while we were there, which was beyond excellent!

CHICKADEE RESTAURANT

Chickadee Restaurant is a small restaurant with delicious food that we found on this trip! Chickadee is a New England born and Mediterranean inspired restaurant situated in the heart of Boston’s Innovation and Design Building. Named after the state bird of Massachusetts, Chickadee is a collaboration between long time friends and industry veterans, Chef John daSilva and Ted Kilpatrick. We enjoyed the atmosphere, the food, and the wine selection was excellent! Pictured below are chickpea fries that we devoured!

TATTE BAKERY

Founder Tzurit Or started Tatte Bakery & Café in 2007, baking 20 hours a day in her home kitchen and selling her delicious creations to Boston farmers’ markets. After only one summer, Tatte expanded to its first brick-and-mortar bakery in Brookline, Massachusetts. When she opened her very first location she wanted it to feel welcoming, as if someone was hugging you, a home away from home. She has since opened eleven Tatte cafes but the aim has always remained the same; each Tatte has its own individual sense of identity, feel and style but they all stay true to the original spirit – to what Tatte is all about. Tatte has become one of my favorite places to go for brunch while in Boston and I promise, you will not be disappointed!

BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Established in 1848 by an act of the Great and General Court of Massachusetts, the Boston Public Library was the first large free municipal library in the United States.  In 1986, the National Park Service designated the McKim building a National Historic Landmark, citing it as “the first outstanding example of Renaissance Beaux-Arts Classicism in America.” Within the McKim Building are exquisite murals series by John Singer Sargent, Edwin Austin Abbey, and Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, a peaceful inner courtyard, and additional works of famed sculptors and painters that can be viewed via the library’s daily art and architecture tours. 

FAIRMONT COPLEY PLAZA

This luxury downtown Boston landmark hotel has been a symbol of the city's rich history and elegance since its gala opening in 1912.  Centrally located in Boston's historic Back Bay, Fairmont Copley Plaza sits steps away from the Boston Public Library, historic Beacon Hill, and the Freedom Trail. This historic landmark Back Bay hotel is a luxury four diamond property located only a few blocks from the Hynes Convention Center, Copley Place Mall and the boutiques of Newbury Street. We didn’t stay there this time, but we had a delicious lunch there and coffee every morning. It’s so elegant and beautiful that I just love being there! We’ll definitely be staying at the Fairmont next time we’re in Boston.

EATALY BOSTON

“In November 2002, the Eataly concept was born from Oscar Farinetti’s idea sketched on a piece of paper.

The idea was simple: to gather under one roof high-quality food at sustainable and reasonable prices for ALL, celebrate Italian biodiversity, and create an informal, natural, and simple place to eat, shop, and learn.

The name EATALY is a fusion of two words: EAT and ITALY

As a result, Eataly stands for “Eating Italian” which encompasses the history and the food culture of Italy, the ease to prepare its dishes, and the many qualities that Italy has to offer.

After five years of research and hard work, the first Eataly opened its doors in Torino on January 27, 2007, when an old vermouth factory was transformed into Eataly Torino Lingotto – the very first multifunctional marketplace dedicated to Italian excellence in the world.

And the rest is history. Since then, Eataly has expanded, with more than 35 locations throughout Italy and the world.” If you’ve never been to Eataly, find one and go. It’s an experience like no other! I could spend days wandering around and especially eating!

SEPHORA AT COPLEY PLACE

We all love to shop and it was so cold during our visit that we spent some time in the mall (ok, maybe a lot of time). We totally enjoyed getting our makeup done by Anastasia Beverly Hills makeup artists at Sephora! My favorite new makeup palette that I got while I was there is the Norvina palette by Anastasia Beverly Hills. I’m still trying to replicate the exact look!

FRENCHIE RESTAURANT - AMAZING FOR DINNER OR FOR BRUNCH

Frenchie Restaurant is a French cuisine made in house using locally sourced and sustainable products. Served with awesome wines and cooked by executive chef Alex Falconer.

SOUTH END NEIGHBORHOOD

The last day we were in Boston, was of course, the prettiest and warmest, and we had such a nice time walking around and exploring the South End Neighborhood! The South End is a culturally rich neighborhood with restored Victorian row houses surrounding charming English-style squares. We loved popping in the cute boutiques and seeing the beautiful architecture.

WESTIN COPLEY PLACE

We stayed at the Westin Copley Place while in Boston. It’s a large hotel and the best part about it is that it is connected to two large malls…The Prudential Center and Copley Place. This was so nice, especially on the day that the high was 23 degrees, because we didn’t have to go outside. I’m not sure I could live in Boston because of the cold, but it’s a great place to visit! Maybe my next trip should be in September instead of February! I would love to go and see Boston Harbor when it’s warm!

The two pictures of the city were taken from our room at the Westin. The views were breathtaking!

A few other restaurant recommendations for eating out in Boston are Alden and Harlow, Southern Proper for fun and very casual Southern food, Puritan & Company, Pammy’s, Oleana and Mare Oyster Bar. There are so many, but these are ones that we’ve enjoyed!

I hope this guide helps if you’re planning a trip to Boston! Thanks so much for reading today! Please be sure to check out my Pinterest Boards as I’ve been trying to get them more organized and add great Spring fashion!