Mike’s Recommendations
1. Charles River Esplanade >
1 mile away2. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum >
1.3 miles away3. Boston Seaport District >
2.2 miles away4. Fenway Park >
1 mile away5. Boston Harbor Island Tour >
1.9 miles away6. North End >
2 miles awayCharles River Esplanade
1 mile away
If you are an early morning runner or enjoy a late afternoon walk, you won’t find a better place to get moving in the city than the Esplanade. This beautiful 3-mile stretch along the Charles River always has something interesting going on around it, too.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
1.3 miles away
I’m not a big museum guy, but Boston has a lot of them—and my co-workers tell me the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is the one they enjoy the most. If Barry Dahl returns some of the artwork (allegedly) stashed in his basement, you might have even more paintings to view.
Boston Seaport District
2.2 miles away
Located on the Boston waterfront, the Seaport is pretty much the place to go in Boston these days. Good restaurants, fun bars, lots of shopping—even if you went there in 2013 when Fusion was last in town, you’ll be surprised at how much more this area has to offer.
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Fenway Park
1 mile away
Watching a game at Fenway Park should be on any baseball fan’s bucket list. Unfortunately, Fusion falls at the tail end of the All-Star break, so only by extending your stay in Boston could you see the Red Sox take on the D2L Brightspacer’s favorite team (the Toronto Blue Jays) the weekend of July 22. However, taking a tour of Fenway Park is a great experience as well and highly recommended. While in the Fenway area, be sure to check out the James P. Kelleher Rose Garden.
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Boston Harbor Island Tour
1.9 miles away
There’s no shortage of whale watching and other boat tours around Boston Harbor, but the one we really like is the Boston Harbor Islands Lighthouse Tour. Few things say New England more than lighthouses, and even fewer things are better than being out on the water when the weather is good.
North End
2 miles away
Boston’s North End is one of the oldest parts of the city and another enjoyable historical area to walk around, but its true appeal lies in its restaurants. Save room for dessert, though, as you’ll have to decide between Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry (or if it’s 3am, Bova’s Bakery). So many choices!
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Storie’s Recommendations
1. Freedom Trail >
1 mile to the start
2. Faneuil Hall >
1.7 miles away
3. Boston Public Garden >
0.8 miles away
4. Castle Island >
4 miles away
5. Old Town Trolley Tours >
Just steps away
6. Boston Clock Tower >
1.8 miles away
Freedom Trail
1 mile to the start
This 2.5-mile red-bricked path runs along sidewalks in Boston, leading to 16 official historic sites—museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship and historical markers—that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond. A Freedom Trail map, along with information about sites, tours (including self-guided) and other details, is available at the website.
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Faneuil Hall
1.7 miles away
Opened in 1743, Faneuil Hall became the site of speeches by Samuel Adams and others encouraging independence from Great Britain. More than 275 years later, it still hosts meetings, protests and debate. Newer attractions include a visitor center, a shopping marketplace and a museum.
Boston Public Garden
0.8 miles away
Created as America’s first public botanical garden, the park continues that tradition through its rich variety of meandering paths, plants, monuments and fountains. Be sure to include a 15-minute Swan Boat ride in your visit: https://swanboats.com/.
Castle Island
4 miles away
Often missed by tourists and locals alike, Castle Island (the site of an old armory) offers walkways with amazing views of Boston Harbor and Logan Airport.
https://www.bostoncentral.com/activities/playgrounds/p249.php
Old Town Trolley Tours
Just steps away
Buy a hop-on, hop-off pass (for one, two or three days) and let these orange-and-green trolleys guide you through the city known as “the Cradle of Liberty.” Explore any or all of Boston’s amazing areas: Historic North End, Seaport District, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Theater District, Waterfront District and more. That’s a lot of hopping . . . and a great way to see the city. Stop #11 is right outside your hotel.
Boston Clock Tower
1.8 miles away
With the Prudential Tower Skywalk and Top of the Hub both closed (the brand-new Prudential Observation Floor experience won’t be open until 2023), a great observation deck at the top of the Marriott Boston Customs House (aka the Boston Clock Tower) offers the best view of the city from above.
https://www.bostoncentral.com/customs-house-boston-observation-deck-views
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Barry's Recommendations
1. Boston Public Library >
2 blocks away
2. JFK Presidential Library >
4 miles away
3. Boston Public Market >
1.7 miles away
4. Union Oyster House >
1.7 miles away
5. Boston Duck Tours >
Just steps away
6. Democracy Brewing >
1.2 miles away
Boston Public Library
2 blocks away
Established in 1848 as the nation’s first large, free municipal library, the Boston Public Library was also the first to lend books, use the branch system and introduce a children’s room. Notable items in the collection include Shakespeare first editions, original music scores by famous composers (from Mozart to Prokofiev) and the personal library of President John Adams.
JFK Presidential Library
4 miles away
Are you tired of hearing about the 2013 Fusion social event that we held at the JFK Museum? I’m not, which is why it’s on my list for both first-time Fusion attendees and those looking to revisit the President Kennedy exhibits in a striking, I. M. Pei–designed building. You most likely will not get a police escort this time.
Boston Public Market
1.7 miles away
The Market is a civic, community-building space where farmers, fishers, entrepreneurs, customers and partners come together around the common culture of seasonal foods—an opportunity for small businesses to thrive and to nourish the Boston community with experiences, conversation, and education about public health and the impact of buying local food. Everything sold at the Market originates in New England, from great vendors such as the Beantown Pastrami Company, Bon Appetit Creperie, Boston Beer Alley, Boston Smoked Fish Company, Jennifer Lee’s Allergen Friendly and Vegan Shoppe, The Popover Lady and Mo’Rockin Fusion (yes, seriously!).
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Union Oyster House
1.7 miles away
First opened in 1826, and known best for its chowder and other New England seafood standards, Union Oyster House is the nation’s oldest restaurant in continuous service. Dine in the same building as several U.S. presidents, or drink at the semicircular oyster bar where influential political leader and orator Daniel Webster was practically a daily customer back in the day.
Boston Duck Tours
Just steps away
“One, if by land, and two, if by sea,” wrote Henry W. Longfellow in his poem “Paul Revere’s Ride in a Duck Boat” . . . or something like that. I’ve heard these tour guides are the absolute best, and the 80-minute tour is a great way to single out Boston sites for further exploration. There’s a pickup spot across the street from the Fusion hotel, at the Prudential Center.
Democracy Brewing
1.2 miles away
Like me, President Abraham Lincoln was a firm believer in the people, and he depended on them to meet any national crisis. “The great point is to bring them the real facts,” Honest Abe reportedly said, “and beer.” So let’s celebrate democracy before it’s gone, with flights and pints of craft beers in a vaulted room with a historical vibe—and where better to do that than at Democracy Brewing? (Trillium Brewing has an amazing selection of ales and great food, too!)