Shopping & Eating Your Way Through Boston

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I had the pleasure of taking two weekend trips to Boston recently. One was to visit one of my favorite gal pals and the other was college touring with our teenage sons. Since I don’t have daughters, I relish my shopping trip with girlfriends. When I’m out with my husband and boys I barely even window shop and when I do it’s at a blurred pace. So needless to say, one trip was quite relaxing and included lots of shopping with discussions over chardonnay on what’s “coming back in style” while my other trip to Boston was centered around where the next meal was coming from. Both were enjoyable, of course, as Boston has always been one of my favorite cities.

My friend and I enjoyed a relaxing day browsing around Newbury Street and popping into the quaint shops on this tree-lined historic section of the city’s Back Bay.  You’ll find a selection of international shops and local boutiques as well as world class dining.  When I revisited this area with my sons we cruised right past these shops to grab a hamburger at Abe & Louie’s on Boylston Street.  Don’t miss a stop at this sophisticated steakhouse which is truly a throwback to a past era and the clam chowder was amazing. 

A short walk from Newbury Street is The Shops at Prudential Center where you’ll find a variety national chain stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor.  Prudential Center also offers a unique mix of dining options.  Located not far from these shops is Copley Place which offers more of an upscale shopping experience with stores such as Tiffany & Co, Jimmy Choo, and Louis Vuitton, to name a few.

No trip to Bean Town is complete without a visit to Faneuil Hall.  It’s a must-see for both a gal pal getaway or a teens-in-tow weekend.  The teens will still roll their eyes in boredom but will later admit it was a pretty cool area.  Faneuil Hall Marketplace Shopping Center offers some interesting shops and boutiques.  It’s a great location to dine, shop or just people watch.  You will usually find some type of event or street entertainment taking place.  A must-do dining experience when in this part of town is dinner at the Union Oyster House.  It is considered one of the oldest operating restaurants in the US and has continuously operated since it’s opening in 1826.  There’s good reason for that as the seafood was certainly everything you would expect it to be and it even managed to put a smile on the face of a couple of teenage boys. 

A great way to experience the city and live like a local is through a home swap.  International Vacation Home Exchange offers this city center apartment.  You’re sure to find it a “wicked” good place to stay while you explore this exciting capital city.  

Thank you Travel Writer Lisa Medeiros.  Follow her on Twitter @lisamedeiros_