What to do in Boston

I grew up in Boston, went to college and graduate school there, and frequently go back to visit friends and family. It’s one of my favorite cities
- if you are attending BAI Retail Delivery, here’s my recommendations for “unique to Boston” restaurants, places to go, sites to see.

The Sites. If you only have limited time, walk as much of the Freedom Trail as you can. It is well marked with red brick or red paint line on the sidewalk and connects 16 historical sites, mostly from revolutionary days. The entire walk is 2 miles, but if you skip the trip across the harbor to Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution, you can significantly shorten the distance. Part of the trail is right across the street from the Parker House, one of the conference hotels. Be sure to see the Old State House, site of the Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere’s House, and Old North Church (“one if by land, two if by sea”). Go to http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/ for more information.

Shopping — you can find everything you need at:

• Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. Redeveloped historical hall and former city market. Downtown, along the Freedom Trail.
• Newbury Street. Fancy shops, art galleries, restaurants, especially the section from Copley Square to Arlington Street (Public Gardens). Easy walk.
• Prudential Center/Copley Square. Next to the Copley Plaza Hotel (one of the conference hotels)

How to get around: It’s simple – walk, or take the T (the subway).

Where to eat — unique to Boston:

• Seafood
  • Legal Sea Food, probably the best seafood in Boston. Originally a Cambridge fishmarket (licensed, or “Legal”) that started serving food, caught the attention of Julia Child, and grew into a 10 state chain. There is one within walking distance of the BAI Conference at the Fish Pier, 212 Northern Ave.
  • Jasper White’s Summer Shack. An updated take on the classic clam shack. Good seafood, fun, informal. Dalton St., Copley Sq. area.
  • Union Oyster House. Right on the Freedom Trail next to Faneuil Hall. An experience not to be missed
    - in the same place, serving continuously since 1826.
• New England Traditional
  • Durgin Park. Immense portions fit for the market workers it originally served, sassy waitresses, same place in Faneuil Hall area since 1826. A Boston tradition.
• Italian
  • Mamma Maria. Excellent northern Italian, in North Square in North End, around the corner from Paul Revere’s house.
  • Five North Sq., across from Mamma Maria. Home style Italian.
• American/Continental
  • Locke-Ober. Locke’s is the classic downtown special occasion restaurant since 1876. Where the elite meet
    - Power Lunch, and where Boston goes in the evening for special events.
• Informal/Inexpensive
  • Surf the food stalls and restaurants at Faneuil Hall in the Quincy Market.