The Toohigs: Brandy in Boston

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Brandy in Boston

It was way past time for Brandy and me to have some quality away time. We found a few days to sneak away in mid June, and we evaluated a list of Delta direct flights and chose Boston. She did all, and I mean ALL, the planning and found favorite things of each of ours to do/ see. You'd think after all these years we'd know everything about each other, but I think we learned a lot of new things on this trip. (I had no idea she is a HUGE Red Sox fan, and she is a fast walker when she is on a mission. Scared to ask her what she learned about me- ha!) We enjoyed time together to just finish a thought and to experience new things together. Good for the soul!

We are on our way!

Whale watching tour: New England Aquarium Whale Watch Cruise

Once we got out to the Stellwagen Plateau, some tourists got crazy about taking pics and were knocking people over. So we tried to stay in one spot and be really patient. And it paid off! OMG, I was dying at all these whale tails!! And there was a pod with two adults and a BABY!

Giacomos in the North End for lobster ravioli; no reservations but we went there right after our whale tour and walked right in. It's TINY though, so plan accordingly.

We had to do our own cannoli taste test (we chose chocolate chip) between Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry. Mike's won in our opinion, although it seemed like Modern was the popular hometown vote.

Fenway Tour! Brandy is a Red Sox fan, so this was a must for her and I really enjoyed it too. I love any backstage access. We were there for the Red Sox - Yankees weekend, and the media for both teams were playing a game while we were there for the tour.

From the top of the Green Monster

That red seat is as far as a hit has even gone, 502 feet- Ted Williams in 1946.

Thornton's Grille near Fenway for a quick lunch

We were searching for our meet up spot for our historical walking tour when the BOTTOM FELL OUT OF THE SKY. We waited inside Faneuil Hall for a while and then made our way over to JJ Donovan's for a drink.

An hour later, the rain passed and we were ready for our Revolutionary Story Tour with Citywide Boston Immersion. This was great and showed us all areas of Boston with all the historical details. I loved getting to walk from Paul Revere's silver shop (right at the sight of the Boston Massacre) to his house (North End).

Interesting headstones with both a skull and angel wings

Paul Revere's small original headstone on the right and the new one made for him later

The Democratic Donkey outside the old City Hall building

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston but lived most of his life in Philadelphia (and London).

Site of the start of the Boston Massacre outside the Old State House

Old State House

Site of Benjamin Franklin's birth

Paul Revere's house on the right, built in 1680. The next building to its left was built in the 1700s, the next 1800s, the next 1900s. Such an interesting snapshot of buildings through time.

This adorable courtyard is right outside the Revere house.

The back of the Old North Church. On the bottom left of the church, behind the gate and branches, you can see a bricked up window. The church deacon that helped Paul Revere hang the lanterns saw soldiers coming to the church, and he leapt out of the window and ran across rooftops to his home where he hid until danger passed.

Beacon Hill monument isn't really on Beacon Hill...

Dinner at Limoncello in the North End; again, we lucked out with no reservations

Boston Commons

We were waiting for lunch at Boston Sail Loft and found this bunny park! It's near One Lewis Wharf.

Yummmm clam chowda

Acorn Street is a dream

The Celtics were in the NBA championship, so the ducklings had Celtic jerserys on!

Cocktails at Contessa at the top of our hotel, the Newbury. The Newbury is in the Back Bay and right on the park, and it couldn't have been more beautiful and service oriented! Highly recommend!