First Trip to Fenway - Any Tips?

[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!

[DHogan]

Durgan Park restaurant in the Faneuil Hall Market place is the real deal for great Boston food. You'll get the real Boston attitude fromthe waitress staff.

[grainsley]

Making mental note to put Boston and Fenway on the Bucket List.

[RichardSimon]

Originally Posted by 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!

Like I said in my previous post Harborside Inn.

[mgugs46]

Originally Posted by 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!

You'll be hard pressed to find hotels that you'd actually want to stay at for less than 350 a night. On the bright side you won't have to pay an additional 45 bucks a night for parking!

Buckminster isn't terrible, but not great. Old, strange shaped rooms.

[nickedson]

Thanks, Mike. My son and I aren't hard to please, so a hotel that is close to the ballpark and reasonable priced ($700 for 2 nights is OK) because we'll be spending most of our time at Fenway or sight-seeing in those three days. Thanks to you, we have our tickets for Saturday, July 25th. Now we'll just play the Stub Hub or E-Bay game for tickets for Friday, July 24th. This is going to be a great vacation for a hobby old-timer!

[lug-nut]

make sure you go early to get your tickets, regardless of the day...the tours sell out so if you want a 1030am tour, get there early.