Boston
Boston City Overview
Boston, one of America’s most historic cities, is on the short list for anyone who’s into baseball and beer. Or even if you’re not! With its winding streets and beautiful neighborhoods, Boston is a city that stays in your memory. Bostonians love their Red Sox, and Fenway Park is one of the city’s most beloved treasures.
If you travel to Boston, bring your walking shoes, as it’s far and away the best way to feel the pulse of the city. Of course, the famous Freedom Trail is meant for walking, so join the millions of Boston visitors each year and set out on foot.
There are so many attractions in Boston that fitting them into a long weekend is nearly impossible. Adding to that are the numerous great restaurants and bars to explore, and you’ve got the makings of a very full agenda. From the famous North End to Harvard Square to countless historic attractions, there’s something for everyone in Boston.
The Neighborhood – Fenway Park
Fenway Park is nestled in a Boston neighborhood a mile or so south of the city’s center. Surrounding the ballpark are the requisite bars and a few restaurants. Directly across the street is Boston Beer Works, one of several brewpubs in the city. Another famous Fenway Park neighborhood bar is the Cask ‘n Flagon, which fills to the brim before and after games.
If you’re hungry before or after the game, go to the back of the ballpark on Yawkey Way. There are several cart vendors selling hot dogs, Italian sausage, and the like. The Italian sausage with peppers and onions is outstanding. Of course there’s also the famous Fenway Franks inside Fenway Park. They’re foot long hot dogs and available throughout the park.
The Ballpark
Opened in 1912, Fenway Park is the oldest major league ballpark. It’s cozy, intimate, and loud. Nowadays just about every game is filled to capacity and to say the fans are passionately into the Red Sox is an understatement of gross proportions. The famed Green Monster in left field looks close enough to touch, which you can actually do on a tour of the park.
As you can imagine with an old ballpark, amenities are cramped and somewhat lacking, but frankly who cares? This place is a huge part of baseball history and it’s a thrill to see a game where so many greats have played … both from the Red Sox and other teams.
There are new seats atop the Green Monster and just like every other seat at Fenway, they’re expensive. We prefer the seats in right field, which provide a nice panoramic view of the ballpark.
Ballpark Tours
Tours are available during the season, every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the hour. Cost is $12 and tickets are sold on a first come first served basis. The tour itself lasts 50 minutes and the highlight for us was posing for a picture along the Green Monster.
Historic Baseball Sites
Other than Fenway Park, there’s one significant baseball historic site in Boston. About a mile away from Fenway Park is the campus of Boston University. The BU athletic field, Nickerson Field, is actually the former site of Braves Field, which housed the Boston Braves until they moved to Milwaukee in 1953. There’s a plaque outside the stadium, and the current campus police building was formerly the Braves ticket office. In fact, part of Braves Field is still standing. One section of Nickerson Field’s seating is the original right field pavilion of the old ballpark.
Another interesting site is just a few blocks away from Fenway on the campus of Northeastern University. Part of the campus is the former site of Huntington Avenue Grounds, where the then Boston Americans won the very first World Series in 1903. There’s a statue of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young marking the former home plate location.
Red Sox Tickets
Red Sox tickets are among the toughest to obtain in major league baseball. The team is usually in contention and sellouts are the norm. For Red Sox tickets, you may have to resort to a ticket broker, especially for highly popular games.
Public Transportation
Highly recommended to get around Boston. Driving is a frustrating experience, even for locals who know their way around. Boston’s subway system, called the “T”, is safe and efficient. It’ll get you anywhere you need or want to go at nominal cost.
Bars, Restaurants, and Taverns
Like any big city, Boston has numerous bars and restaurants to suit any taste of budget. Fortunately, beer holds a place of high esteem in Boston, so you’ll find a good beer bar is never far from where you are. Familiarize yourself with the “T” and you’ll get around the city quickly and safely.
The list of great places to have a beer and those with a wide beer selection is very tough to narrow down. Undoubtedly, we’ll learn about more as time goes on. For now, here are eleven of our Boston favorites …
21st Amendment: The 21st Amendment in the Beacon Hill neighborhood is one of our favorite historic taverns in Boston. It has a real neighborhood hangout feeling, and the American comfort food is as appealing as the setting. There are a few local beers on tap and some great drinks that harken back to days gone by, like Prohibition Punch, The Speakeasy, and Dark ‘n Stormy. 150 Bowdoin St., Boston. Phone: 617-227-7100.
Tavern on the Water: Located in nearby Charlestown adjacent to the shipyard, Tavern on the Water serves good food at reasonable prices with a spectacular view of Boston’s skyline. Sit outside on the 200 seat patio, quaff a few cold ones, and enjoy life. 1 8th St., Pier 6 in the Charlestown Shipyard, Charlestown, MA. Phone: 617-242-8040.
Jacob Wirth: Located in the Theater District, Jacob Wirth is a German style beer hall that’s been around since 1868. It’s a fun, bustling place that’s the choice of locals and those attending shows in the area. Try the Jake’s Lager, Special Dark (both house brews) or any of the nearly three dozen other taps, many from small northeast breweries. A personal favorite, we stop here every time in Boston (usually twice!). 31 Stuart St., Boston. Phone: 617-338-8586.
The Sevens Alehouse: A quiet, friendly neighborhood pub on Charles Street in the Beacon Hill area. A perfect stop if you’re walking from the Boston Commons up to the North End. Ample selection of beer, good pub food, and local conversation. 77 Charles St., Boston. Phone: 617-523-9074.
Grand Canal: This is a great spot for happy hour. There’s a big outdoor patio and specials from 3-6 p.m. like “5 Things For $5″. There’s great pub food at reasonable prices, and a good looking crowd as a bonus. 57 Canal St., Boston. Phone: 617-523-1112.
Boston Beer Works: This brewpub is located right across the street from Fenway Park, so it’s hard to miss. We had a pumpkin beer here a few years ago and it was one of the best of that style we’ve tasted. As you might imagine, the crowd is lively and boisterous before and after games. 61 Brookline Ave., Boston. Phone: 617-536-2337.
Bell in Hand Tavern: This one gets special recognition because it’s purportedly the oldest saloon in America. It’s a nice respite from the bustle outside with it’s location right on the Freedom Trail. Bell in Hand offers a small menu with sandwiches and appetizers, plus a small but interesting array of beer and cider. 55 Union St., Boston. Phone: 617-227-2098.
Cambridge Brewing Company: In Cambridge on the other side of the Charles River sits this Boston area brewpub that’s been churning out imaginative, quality ales for well over a decade. Take the “T” to the Kendall Square stop and pop in and have a few. 1 Kendall Square #100, Cambridge, MA. Phone: 617-494-1994.
Boston Beer Company (Sam Adams): While Boston is the birthplace of the Samuel Adams Brewing Company, most of the actual beer production is in Cincinnati. The small brewery here is used for small production and experimental batches, and as a tour center. The tour is very enjoyable and by the end you’ll be making friends with your fellow tour attendees. The brewery is located in the Jamaica Plains neighborhood south of Fenway Park. Tours are offered six days a week, every 45 minutes of so. Take the “T” orange line to the Stony Brook stop. 30 Germania St., Boston. Phone: 617-368-5256.
Harpoon Brewery: Slightly lesser known than Sam Adams, Harpoon Brewery has made quite a name for itself nevertheless. Among others, Harpoon is known for their IPA and fantastic Hefeweizen. Tours are offered Saturdays and Sundays, with complimentary tastings offered at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 306 Northern Avenue, Boston. Phone: 617-574-9551.
John Harvard’s Brew House: The original of the John Harvard brewpub chain, this location is in the shadows of Harvard Square. Perfect for a rainy day. Rub elbows with the intellectuals as you savor their fresh beers. 33 Dunster St., Cambridge, MA. Phone: 617-868-3585.
