I absolutely love to travel! I normally search for hotels and resorts in the area I want to go but when I was asked by HomeAway to use their services for a weekend, I was skeptical. I had so many concerns about staying in someone’s home. I’m used to daily service and having everything in one place and I usually spend time speaking to the concierge.  I also only schedule a few things on my itinerary and the rest of the time I like to wing it. Some of my best adventures have been unplanned.

I was WRONG! HomeAway was a GREAT choice!

Why Boston?

I live in CT and have been to Boston a thousand times but I’m usually there for work which means I haven’t done the “touristy” thing. I’ve seen many things in Boston but this weekend was going to be about food, history, and sites! My daughter also recently moved there and this gave me a chance to go and visit her.

Follow along

Boston, MA 02110

Boston, MA 02113

Boston, MA 02114

Boston, MA 02113

Boston, MA 02113

Boston, MA 02114

Boston, MA 02114

Boston, MA

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Why Beacon Hill, Boston?

I’ve never visited Beacon Hill and I heard great things about the neighborhood. Now I could start planning my weekend on HomeAway.

 

Kay My Concierge

I spent a little time searching on HomeAway and found a newly renovated one bedroom condo in the heart of Beacon Hill. It seemed to have everything I needed, great reviews, and I thought it would be close enough to drive to where we needed to go or we could take the T (train/subway). I picked our 3 nights and submitted it to the property. Kay, the owner got right back to me with the approval and she emailed me (through HomeAway) with all the information I needed. We also got on the phone to go over everything.

When we arrived, Kay met us to give us the key as well as explained to us how to park. She texted me with tons of places to eat and told us where everything was. I actually called her a couple times during our stay and she was extremely accommodating.

Our Condo in Beacon Hill

The charming one-bedroom condo had a kitchenette, dining area, and living room. The cabinets were filled with dishes, glasses, silverware, pans, and much more to make cooking “at home” easy. Although we didn’t cook, it was great to have the refrigerator for our left-overs. They made great late night snacks. Remember I said I had concerns? One of them was having enough towels. The bathroom had towels and in the closet were plenty of extras. I always bring my shampoo, conditioner, and body wash but kay also had that available. 

The condo was decorated so nicely and the furniture was comfortable for those early nights that we wanted to have a glass of wine and relax watching TV. 

Kay also provided maps, phone numbers, and brochures so we could plan out our days easily.

PARKING: If you drive there, a parking garage is one block away. It costs $48 per 24 hours.

The Neighborhood

It was a little chilly when we went but as true city people, you go out in any weather to get where you need to go. I loved walking through the neighborhood and looking at the old brick townhouses, brick sidewalks, and lamp posts. It truly said Boston! We found that Boston Commons wasn’t a far walk and there was plenty of shopping and exploring from our doorsteps. 

Food

These were some of our favorite places near our condo in walking distance!

The Paramount – A seven minute walk from our condo and about a thirty minute wait was well worth it. Plan on standing in line once you arrive and it will be a tight squeeze as you make your way to order your food which is cooked to order. When your food is ready, a table WILL be ready for you. With only about 12 small tables their system has been in place since 1937! 

Harvard Gardens- A three minute walk from our condo, the pub style food was perfect for a late lunch/early dinner. I highly recommend the French Onion Soup with a cocktail made with a house infused liquor or a cold beer! 

I consider myself a chocolate aficionado and I was overwhelmed with the varieties of truffles. Each hand made and flavors to satisfy anyone’s chocolate needs. This is a must-stop! 

There are plenty of other places within walking distance but we decided to drive over to the North End (we are Italian!)

Giacomo’s North End – This no-frills Italian restaurant delivers to its reputation. As an Italian, there is nothing worse than going to an “Italian” restaurant and they can’t pronounce the dishes or worse the food isn’t up to par. Italian American cooking does have variations depending if your ancestors where from north or south Italy or Sicily. Either way the food should taste like one of your nonna’s made it! 

 

When we say no-frills, we mean it. You can only pay in cash (and this goes for all the restaurants in the north and south end), you will not find coffee or dessert here, and there is no valet parking. You wait outside in line, first come-first serve. It made us feel at home because we’re used to this process at Sally’s Apizza on Wooster Street in New Haven, CT. A waiter will come outside and ask how many in the party and then call you in when one of the tables open up. It’s not spacious, it feels like a typical holiday with everyone just happy to be at a table. Be prepared to sit next to strangers who will be your friends by the end of the meal! I started with the Caprese (Ka-pray-zay), antipasto, and ended with shrimp fra diavolo. It was delizioso! 

Mike’s Pastry- You will see these boxes everywhere. Mike’s in known for their several different types of canolis. I opted not to have one because I was looking for a zeppole or stracciatella gelato (surprised) which they didn’t have. Although I am bias for my Rocco’s cannoli, with the amount of people eating Mike’s I’m sure they’re good.

History

Old Stone Church– There is so much history in Boston, you can find something everyday for a year and still not see everything. While we were in the North End, we decided to go to The Old Stone Church. Truthfully I wanted to go there because I’m a huge fan of National Treasure and that’s where they ended their journey in the first movie. 

The church was founded in 1723 and is the oldest standing church in the City of Boston, made famous by Paul Revere’s midnight ride and,

“One if by land, two if by sea.” 

When you walk in the small church ($3 donation-admission charge will start in June) you’re amazed at all the old pews and detailed craftsmanship in everything. When you’re done with pictures and walking up and down the three aisles, you’ll want to take the tour of the bell tower and the crypt!

Bell Tower Chamber

Crypt

During the 30-minute tour ($6 for adults) you will climb the same stairs as Paul Revere and walk among 37 tombs while learning about the church steeple, the oldest set of change-ringing bells in North America and artifacts found in the crypt. 

Historic Chocolate Shop– After your tour you’ll want to explore the historic site and stop at Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate Shop. You thought you knew everything about chocolate??? Here you will touch, taste, smell, and experience 18th-century chocolate as it was enjoyed by some of Boston’s most famous Revolutionary-era patriots. Captain Jackson’s, the only shop of its kind in New England, explores the history of chocolate, including how it was produced and consumed during the American colonial period, and its connections to Boston and the Old North Church. 

Spoiler- They drank the chocolate. There was no milk or sugar added and it’s so rich, one can only consume small amounts.

FUN

Aquarium- If you don’t have kids with you, the aquarium will only take a couple hours. It’s perfect for Generation Xers or Baby Boomers to explore the deep blue sea, especially on a rainy day.

Book your Boston Weekend Now 

or Book my now Favorite Spot in Beacon Hill Boston!