1.5 days in Boston (Worcester, Lowell, Salem: rent, hotel, home)

[MissingIndiana]

Hi all. The wife and I are heading out on a cruise from Boston in October and are spending about a day and a half in town before departing. I was wondering what people would consider 'must sees' in that time period. We've kind of considered driving up to Salem to see some of the witch trial historical stuff, but are open to suggestions. Thoughts?

[AnonChick]

Originally Posted by MissingIndiana

Hi all. The wife and I are heading out on a cruise from Boston in October and are spending about a day and a half in town before departing. I was wondering what people would consider 'must sees' in that time period. We've kind of considered driving up to Salem to see some of the witch trial historical stuff, but are open to suggestions. Thoughts?

I'd recommend staying in the greater Downtown vicinity. Salem is a long drive; it'd take up most of your day, and you'd be rushed returning back to your hotel.

There's an historic walk known as the Freedom Trail; you can check it out online and map out places of interest on that you'd like to see. The trail is a full day's walk around Boston proper.

Another possibility would be to walk through the Boston Commons, to Copley Square, then cut down to Newbury Street. Walk up that for a dozen blocks, find some place for a light lunch or snack during the walk. Then take the "green line" back to Park Street, where you can grab the Red Line to Harvard Square and enjoy the culture there for the late afternoon/early evening. Then get the Red Line back to Park Street and make your way back to your hotel for the night. In the morning, you can get a good breakfast at one of the downtown eateries, and make a leisurely trip to the ship.

[snatale1]

Originally Posted by AnonChick

Salem is a long drive; it'd take up most of your day, and you'd be rushed returning back to your hotel.

Really? most of the day to drive 30mi? Maybe if your walking!

[Verseau]

If you actually did go to Salem, I certainly wouldn't rent a car for such a short trip; I'd just take the commuter rail from North Station. However, unless you are really, really dying to see Salem for some reason, I would stay in Boston, especially since 1.5 days is not a long time to see the city.

The Freedom Trail is a must from start to finish; Beacon Hill is beautiful, as is Back Bay and the numerous attractions therein (Public Garden, Newbury Street, Commonwealth Ave, Copley Square, Boston Public Library, Christian Science Plaza / Mapparium, etc.). Harvard is nice if you have the time. This could easily occupy the duration of your stay, and frankly, you'd only really be scratching the surface of Boston.

[Bob Lanata]

my vote for a day and a half in Boston would be the Duck Tours, Fanuil Hall and the Freedom Trail as you stated. Hope you have a good stay here and it calls you back for more

You are a stanger here but once

[scorpio516]

Originally Posted by snatale1

Really? most of the day to drive 30mi? Maybe if your walking!

+1

One day last fall, we left Worcester, went to Salem, couldn't find a parking spot, went to Lowell, and still made it home before the sun went down. 70 miles each way.