Kathleen’s Guide to a Day in Boston
Having recently and opened a second KWI office in Wellesley, MA, and expanding our work reach, I now find myself spending quite a bit of time in and around Boston. A friend (who also grew up in the Boston area but has since moved) reached out a few weeks ago to ask for my recommendations on a quick, lovely day in the city as she was planning Northeast college tours with her children. Knowing there wouldn’t be a TON of time to dedicate to being out and about — but also that she would want great food, a beautiful hotel, a spa treatment while the kids explored, some culture, and a quick shopping hour or two — I pulled the below list together and thought I’d share.
Some thoughts behind my selections: If you’re visiting when it's cold, muddy, or rainy (e.g., early November through late May), a focus of your free time on the Seaport is not a bad idea—everything you need is there.
Also, people go out in Boston in every season- even downright freezing and in inches of snow! Downtown has plenty of comedy clubs and theater, music is always happening, and every college has talks, events, etc.
If, as sometimes happens, nothing else appeals to the teens, there is always ice cream and candlepin bowling. For sweets in town, JP Licks + Toscanini's are my favorite. Out in the burbs- I'm partial to Truly's in Wellesley and Volante Farms in Needham. For bowling- this link will get you to the good lanes in a variety of areas. Of course, candlepin bowling is more about honing your skills as it’s hilariously nuanced. It’s a little like pickleball- you’ve got to try it to understand, but once you do, you're hooked, kind of like the whole region.
STAY & Work
For a cozy stay in the city, try The Newbury. If you can, book a fireplace room and snuggle up. Should you need a few hours of quiet and wifi, the Boston Athenaeum is one of the best spots in the country. I’m serious. Get a day pass and enjoy every minute surrounded by history and quiet.
DINE
A few options - depending on how far afield you like to go: Thistle and Leek in Newton is great for upscale casual, Wood’s Hill Table in Concord is excellent if you are out and about in the “country” (that’s as country as I get :) - they also have a location at Pier 4 in Boston. You should try Myers + Chang for something spicy and DO NOT skip the lobster roll at Saltie Girl.
One note, my inner New Yorker just cannot go in on the pizza here- sorry! My corner place in Park Slope Brooklyn (Norm’s should you be in the area) is a ritual stop for me and the kids when home in Brooklyn and nothing here has beat it- though lobster rolls and ice cream are both an entirely different story).
ART
When ready for a little culture:
For something old: The Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum (read the book The Lioness of Boston!) is a great stop when visiting schools with your teens, and has something to keep everyone engaged.
For something new: The ICA Boston has a wonderful collection and exhibitions…and the seaport location can’t be beat.
SPA
The Mandarin Oriental is super convenient and a quiet oasis from the bustle outside- making the hotel and the spa feel extra special.
Make sure you leave time to bask in the sauna and plunge pools after your treatment.
SHOPPING
If you're in town visiting schools and wondering how you managed to reach this milestone this fast you're going to need some retail therapy! Here are my recent small-shop favorites:
Oui Millie on Charles Street has a great selection of clothing, baubles, and some home goods, of course. Vintage Taste Boston is also on Charles Street and has an incredible selection (note, their website is also shoppable and lists sizing.) Beacon Hill Books is the prettiest bookstore (go find the kids section especially- adorable) and it has the cutest cafe downstairs. And lastly, if you or the kids need a reminder that there is most certainly a rebellious streak at the heart and core of this city, a stop in December Thieves should reassure you.
