“My velvet escape travel tip“ is a guest series about what the name ‘Velvet Escape’ evokes and what that would be in the hometown of the guest writer. With this series, I hope to uncover travel tips from places around the world to help visitors have a truly local experience.
I travel to experience new things, not to escape them. I’ve captured the various colors of sunsets from countries around the world; buried my feet in sand ranging in hues from white to black; tasted some of the best cuisine straight from the kitchen of locals in the world’s most remote fishing villages. And yet, there’s no place like home.
The travel writer’s worst day is when there isn’t a plane ticket on hand, or a trip planned. But there is something to be said for finding that perfect little escape in your own hometown. Whether it’s a favorite restaurant, a quiet museum or a public garden, your own ‘velvet escape’ is what settles your soul, and makes you truly appreciate home.
Allow me to introduce you to my home: Boston, Massachusetts, where some of the greatest escapes are documented in history and some unknown treasures are still waiting to be discovered.
Escape tips for Boston
Most people come to Boston to walk the path of Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride, or stand aboard the USS Constitution in honor of their ancestors. While the history of this city should be an essential part of your visit, there are a few less-talked-about things to do that will make your trip to Beantown memorable:
Sail the Boston Harbor
Summer in Boston harbor – the seagulls, the sailboats and the sun blanket the blue water as you set off to the nearby Boston Harbor Islands. Spring for a Boston Harbor Islands ferry ride or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, charter or rent a sailboat for the day. There’s nothing like a day at sea and the view of the city from the water is one of the most picturesque. Don’t forget your camera (and sunscreen).
Tea at the Taj
The Taj on Newbury Street is the place to go if you want to embrace your elegant side. Sip fresh brewed tea, and eat cucumber sandwiches and scones from the Taj while watching Newbury Street fashionistas stroll by. Suddenly, the chaos of the city seems to disappear.
Afternoon in the Public Garden
There’s Boston Common, and there’s the Boston Public Garden. Once you’ve walked through Boston Common, past Frog Pond and the gold-domed State House, cross the street and enter the much smaller Public Gardens. Stay straight and walk over the footbridge toward the statue of George Washington. Turn right and wind your way through the willow trees and dogwoods. Find a shady spot to settle in and spend a few hours with a good book or people watching with your camera. The peacefulness of the garden is unlike many parts of this noisy city, and on a windy clear spring day you can smell the roses in bloom from any spot in the garden.
Before you leave Boston, enjoy a cup of Chowder, a lobster roll and a pastry from Boston’s famous North End neighborhood.
Enjoy my tips for a ‘velvet’ escape in Boston!
About this week’s guest writer
Melanie Nayer is an award-winning editor and writer for various travel and online publications. Her blog offers invaluable insights learned from her travels to destinations around the world.
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[…] Boston, Massachusetts, USA […]
[…] Boston, Massachusetts, USA […]
[…] Boston, Massachusetts, USA […]
[…] Boston, Massachusetts, USA […]
[…] Boston, Massachusetts, USA […]
How can any travel article about Boston be complete without the recommendation to go see and listen to the Boston Symphony/Boston Pops? One of the top three orchestras playing in the best symphony hall in the world at an affordable price.
Thanks Miles. That’s an excellent tip.
Cheers,
Keith
[…] Boston, Massachusetts, USA […]
[…] Boston, Massachusetts, USA […]
Thanks for your comments and additional tips! Awesome!
Cheers,
Keith
Thanks for all your comments! Glad you enjoyed the tips and let me know if you take advantage of any of these escapes next time you’re in Boston.
-Melanie
Boston is my old hometown and though I’ve been “gone” since 1989 I return every year. A few years ago, instead of staying with family in the suburbs, my girls and I stayed in the North End in a vacation apartment. Best decision we made, as my girls are now Boston escape artists and have even had the pleasure of acting as tour guide to “visiting” friends while in town at the same time. One of the items on your tip list though, is the Taj. Next time we’ll be sure to take tea there and watch the east coast fashionistas pass by. Thanks for a new tip for a former New Englander.
BVR Tip: This summer we had lunch with a large group in Cambridge at Fire and Ice and it was the perfect antidote to people with varied tastes and cheap as could be for a Sunday late lunch. It had been over 20 years since I worked in Central Square and what a pleasure to see the area thriving and the newer shops like Lush along side my favorite Harvard Coop.
Thanks for your comment Bob!
Cheers,
Keith
Excellent post! Can’t wait to get back to Boston after reading these tips.
Boston is such a beautiful city! Love the tips. And don’t forget to try some crab cakes while you’re there… 🙂
Thanks for your comment Vera.
Cheers,
Keith
I really loved this post, because I was just recently in Boston. It is a city that you can visit many times, and see different faces each time. Todd Felton has a GREAT book about walks in Boston, but I was there for such a short time, that I didn’t get to follow his tips. Now I know when I go back I must have tea at the Taj, sail the harbour and other things Melanie suggests.