First Trip to Fenway - Any Tips?

[Scott Garner]

Visit the Union Oyster Bar in downtown Boston if you like oysters and great clam chowder.

The Union Oyster Bar I believe is the oldest restaurant in the US if I'm not mistaken.

[icollectDCsports]

If you like great cannolis, try Mike's Pastry a few blocks away from Union Oyster. So many varieties to choose from and they are amazing.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by icollectDCsports

If you like great cannolis, try Mike's Pastry a few blocks away from Union Oyster. So many varieties to choose from and they are amazing.

Absolutely!

[aphanna25]

Depending on how close you want to stay to the Park, the Hotel Commonwealth is a great option right in Kenmore Square (steps from Fenway), and on the Green Line subway stop.

For a "large" US city, Boston doesn't feel all that big within city limits, it's closed in and easily walkable, with great restaurants all over, so tough to really go wrong in any area. Probably, as others have said, the best area to utilize the whole city easily is the Prudential area of the Back Bay which is centralized relative to the waterfront and Fenway Park. But in my opinion, if you want to stay right in the Fenway area, tough to go wrong with the Hotel Commonwealth.

[Michael B]

Originally Posted by Scott Garner

Visit the Union Oyster Bar in downtown Boston if you like oysters and great clam chowder.

The Union Oyster Bar I believe is the oldest restaurant in the US if I'm not mistaken.

Damn boy, it's chowdah!!!! If you don't know how to say it you don't deserve to eat it.

It is located in the area called Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall aka the place to send every tourist as the locals don't go there.

As for Fenway - every guy has to pee in the troughs. Almost part of the experience.

About a mile west of Kenmore Square, just past Boston University, you can see the remnainder of Brave's Field. Just after Harry Agganis Arena you take the right down Harry Agganis Way and the former offices/ticket booths are about 200 feet down on the left. If you can get into Nickerson Field in behind, you may have to go around to the other side, the stands are the center field/left field stands.

[mgugs46]

I have a season ticket package still even though I live in NJ.

Personally I like to stay at the Sheraton on Dalton St (short mile walk to Fenway) but if you plan to site see, maybe staying over near Fanueil Hall would be better ... Marriott Long Wharf is nice, and close to the T, the north end, and FH.

Feel free to pm me of you have any questions. I'd offer you my seats, but they're just RF bleacher seats, so I doubt you'd want them.

Mike

[Ladder7]

This is our routine, when we fly home.. Stay at the Marriot Long Wharf and you're in the North End (Little Italy + great bars). It's one subway stop to Logan. There is also the T boat from the hotel to Logan... Walk to Fenway - across the Commons and Public Gardens. Hit the pubs on Boylston. You'll skirt the Fens and end up at the ball park. No need to take the T, and you'll get to see the town. It's a very safe city. It's just about a two mile walk.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by Michael B

As for Fenway - every guy has to pee in the troughs. Almost part of the experience.

Are they still there? I thought they renovated them all out.

Better then the troughs was the waterfall. I a mens room under the centerfield bleachers, a wall about 12 ft long with a gutter at the top constantly overflowing so it ran down the tiles. No backsplash at all. And sadly long gone. Of course, the water bill must have been huge.

Steve B
Fan of both the Sox and antique plumbing.

[nickedson]

Thanks for all your input. It's been really helpful in planning the trip. I've been checking out hotels close to Fenway and wondered if anyone has stayed at the Hotel Buckminster, which is very close to Fenway?

[spec]

Originally Posted by nickedson

Thanks for all your input. It's been really helpful in planning the trip. I've been checking out hotels close to Fenway and wondered if anyone has stayed at the Hotel Buckminster, which is very close to Fenway?

Don't know anything about the accommodations at the Buckminster, but you'd be staying at a place that played a pivotal role in baseball history. World Series fixer Sport Sullivan met with Chick Gandil there to plan their scheme in 1919.
As a former longtime Boston resident, I, too, am a big fan of the T. However, when I returned this summer I discovered the Government Center station was closed longterm, making the transfer from the Blue Line (from the airport) to the Green Line (a branch of which stops in Kenmore Square near Fenway) rather challenging, especially for someone with suitcases and not familiar with the system (it would be even worse if you arrived during a heavy volume time).
All the historical, culinary and watering hole tips you've received are spot on. I don't think anyone mentioned the Museum of Fine Arts, which is only a few blocks from Fenway. If you are of an outdoor bent, don't miss the Public Garden. In addition, the Arnold Arboretum at the end of the Orange Line in Forest Hills is world class and the Emerald Necklace system of parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted provides excellent walking and biking opportunities.
B.ob Ric.hardson

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by nickedson

Thanks for all your input. It's been really helpful in planning the trip. I've been checking out hotels close to Fenway and wondered if anyone has stayed at the Hotel Buckminster, which is very close to Fenway?

Avoid it.

My daughter went to BU so I visited Boston a lot.

Go to -
1- Boston Common
2- Paul Revere House
3- JFK library is a must see
4- Durgin Park for roast beef and lobster, this place has been in Boston before John Adams .
5- North End for great Italian restaurants, you can practically go into anyone of them.
6- Harborside Inn great place to stay, great location.
7- Granery cemetary

[scooter729]

I work just on the other side of the river at Harvard - many folks in town come over to visit the school, go around Harvard Square, etc. Plenty of good eateries and some old sports history here on the Harvard campus as well!

[nickedson]

Thank you to everyone who has offered tips. They are all very helpful. I'm a little shocked at some of the hotel prices I'm finding for the recommended places - $900 for two nights at a couple of places. Maybe I'll have to sell a few Cracker Jack cards to do some of my funding for the trip!

[TimCarrollArt]

My favorite city! When you leave the airport, take the airport shuttle to the T. Not sure if they sell 2-day passes, but I would go ahead and buy a 3- or 5-day pass if they don't - well worth it. That T will get you all around Boston in no time. If you have never been to Boston at all, I also recommend walking as much as possible. So much history, and as creepy as it sounds, the cemeteries (Granary and King's) were among my favorite spots the first time. My boys enjoyed the Tea Party experience as much as Fenway!! It really was cool - very nostalgic. Have fun....you'll definitely be back for a longer stay after visiting!

Tim