Some of the best travel experiences result from a local guide, especially when it's a friend (new or old) since we often share similar tastes and interests. Since the conference is in my home base of Boston, I reached out to a handful of Boston's local ladies and asked them about their favorite things to do in the city. These women are seasoned travelers and truly enjoy everything this city has to offer so I think they make great virtual guides. First up is Lisa:
Graduate Student, Mom, Enthusiastic Omnivore, City Biker
Favorite Local Shop
Looks in Harvard Square
Where I Go for a Cup of Joe
Darwin's LTD in Harvard Square has the best coffee
Favorite Restaurant
Rialto in Harvard Square and any of Barbara Lynch's restaurants: No. 9 Park, Sportello, B&G Oyster, The Butcher Shop, Menton
Boston Band on My Playlist
Guster or Aerosmith
Favorite Place to Work Out
Running along the Charles River
Fresh Pond in Cambridge, Hiking in the Fells or the Blue Hills
Best Photo Opp in Boston
Anywhere on the Charles River (take a Duck Tour or rent a sailboat to get to the middle)
Favorite Day Trip
The north shore beaches like Crane's Beach in Ipswich or Singing Beach in Manchester. Or Salem for the Peabody-Essex Museum, history, and witchcraft.
Favorite Dive Bar
The BHP (Beacon Hill Pub) or The Sevens
On a Rainy/Snowy Day, I Like To...
Go to a movie at The Common or one of the new Deluxe Movie Theaters in Dedham or Chestnut Hill; also shopping at the Natick Mall
Where I Go For Cheap Eats
The Asian food court at the Porter Exchange
Grab a Drink At
Marliave
What I Love Most About Boston:
Boston/Cambridge is mostly flat, so it's incredibly walkable and bike-able.
Where to Go For Seafood:
Row 34, Legal Harborside, or many restaurants in Chinatown (e.g. East Ocean City)
Insider Tip for Visitors:
Many fabulous restaurants offer $1 oysters on off nights (e.g. Mondays) or off times (4-6 p.m.), such as Rialto, Marliave, Les Zygomates, etc.
THANK YOU for sharing your recommendations, Lisa! I especially love her tip on $1 oyster happy hour! Check out Lisa's recommendations on our Live LIke a Local interactive map: