Fun ideas for parents' night out in Back Bay?? (Boston: sale, hotel)

[Patapsco]

Hi, gang!

Ok, husband got the job, relocation package, etc... now we are comign up househunting!

The company has him at the Hilton in Back Bay for business one night, and we're staying there again for Friday night, for our first overnight away from the kids, ever (almost 2 1/2 yrs)....

SO.

If you were unencumbered with "unfettered bipeds" for a big night out on the town, in Back Bay, what would you suggest?? Where for dinner? Things we should see/do? I know I'm not giving you much to go on, I am EXTREMELY pressed for time.

Any and all suggestions would be awesome.

Thanks again for all your advice so far in our search!

BTW: Friday we're doing Metro West, Sat. we're doing Hingham, Milton, etc. and Sunday we're checking out temporary housing....

TIA!
-K

[brightdoglover]

You'll be in a wonderfully walkable area of the city. Walk down Comm. Ave. to the Public Garden and Common, and it'll be like a postcard scene- ice skaters on the pond, holiday lights. You might then walk over to Charles Street and walk up and down, window-shopping the wonderful antiques, and pick an restaurant that catches your eye- many good choices on little Charles Street.
Wear comfortable shoes for all the walking- no fun to walk in fashionable women's shoes!
If it's not too cold/windy or too late, a couple of blocks from Charles Street is the Esplanade, the beautiful park walk along the Charles River, view of the Cambridge skyline.
Have a wonderful evening!

[smarty]

There is really not much to go on... no budget... nothing...


Some suggestions are
Duck tour or Trolley tour.
http://www.bostonducktours.com/
http://www.trolleytours.com/Boston/

Harbor cruise or Dinner cruise
http://www.bostonharborcruises.com/
http://www.odysseycruises.com/boston/index.cfm

You can take a walk in the Boston Common... skate at Frog pond... then Faneuil Hall. Very romantic with Christmas lights. Could be a little cold.

Theatre district -
Bostix at Copley Square. Exclusive half price, day-of-show tickets. Discounted tickets go on sale at 10am Monday - Saturday and 11am on Sunday. Cash only. Some shows:
Blue Man Group or White Christmas.

Other entertainment
Boston Ballet or Boston Symphony Orchestra


Here are a list of top restaurants in Boston.
http://www.boston100.net/

Shopping at Copley and Newbury St. Newbury St also has many galleries.

Also Dante at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge may have a nice view back into Boston.
http://www.opentable.com/rest_profile.aspx?rid=5744

[scarletfire]

Congratulations!! That's so exciting!

How about the Top of the Hub for dinner? Try the tasting menu. Pricey but a lovely time and it's a good place to start because you get a beautiful view of the city.

Are you looking for temp housing right in Boston or further out? My folks just rented a place on Comm Ave that was very reasonable for Boston. I can get the # if you'd like.

Have a wonderful visit! And dress warmly. It's sooo freezing here now! :-)

[scarletfire]

www.topofthehub.net/jazz.php

www.selectrestaurants.com/tophub/pdf/2044-DM.pdf

[Parsec]

Honestly if I were in that situation, I wouldn't care too much about going out. You're moving here soon and babysitting is easy to get for a night out. What's rare about this moment is the overnight stay w/no kids. I'd just shack up all night in the hotel after eating a nice meal somewhere close by (Hey, I bet your husband will probably think the same thing, hehe)

[rockyroad]

Originally Posted by Parsec

Honestly if I were in that situation, I wouldn't care too much about going out. You're moving here soon and babysitting is easy to get for a night out. What's rare about this moment is the overnight stay w/no kids. I'd just shack up all night in the hotel after eating a nice meal somewhere close by (Hey, I bet your husband will probably think the same thing, hehe)

I second that!!! it's a rare opportunity take advantage of it!!!

[smarty]

It's moment like this... that more babies are created...

[Patapsco]

You guys are TERRIBLE!!!! LOL :-)

Thanks for ALL the great suggestions!

We ended up having dinner at Atlantic Fish Co., pressed our noses against the windows at Top of the Hub, and since this is a family board, will not tell which other suggestions were followed. ;-)

Thanks again, gang!

[Parsec]

How was Atlantic Fish Co ... do you think seafood's better up here? Also, did you pay to go up to the top and view the city from the 50th floor? If you paid to go up there, I would've gone in and to get enjoy a drink and the views.