OT: Planning a trip to Boston

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Posted By: Al

Don't know where your seats are, but the best spot in Fenway is on the 3rd base side to avoid the sun. The sun will set on a line from the left field foul pole towards the right field foul pole and can make viewing the game a bit tough for a while. While making hotel reservations inquire about using the "T" to get in and out of Fenway. Local bars around the park are usually jam packed. Save your appetite perhaps for a hot dog at Remdawg's...Jerry Remy has a hot dog stand in the immediate Fenway area. After you pass through the turnstile, continue straight ahead till you see his open air place down on the right. Often times Remy is there doing the autograph and picture thing before heading to the broadcast booth. You may also see Jim Rice there as well, as there is a little stage where he broadcasts on NESN.

Depending upon time, you may want to Google the Freedom Trail. The trail consists of two red bricks in the sidewalk that will generally guide you to some pretty historic stuff. The trail begins at Boston Common and will take you up to the North End where you can visit Paul Revere's house and the Old North Church (one if by land, two if by sea) and the Italian section. Boston's streets are exceptionally narrow from Colonial days, renting a car is not advisable. Get a map of the "T" online and blend with the locals. Visiting Quincy Market is almost a must, plenty to eat and a superb people watching place along with Fanueil Hall.

A trip to Cheers would be easy before game time. You will find it at the southwest corner, and across the street from Boston Common. When in doubt, just ask, the drivers are crazy, but the locals on foot are accomodating.

If you have the time, a trip away from the city up to the White Mountains in NH would be a memorable trip. Find I-93 north and just keep trucking. If you are really adventurous, find North Conway, NH and drive up the Mount Washington auto road. It's 6,288 feet at the summit, but on a clear day, you can really almost see forever. Highest winds ever recorded on the earth where recorded there, 241 mph. You can also take the cog railway to the top as an option. Cannon mountain has an excellent tram ride to the top where you will also enjoy superb views.

If gambling is your thing, take I-95 south toward Providence, RI. Foxwoods is a spectacluar casino, could be some entertainment there when you make your trip. The nearby Mohegan Sun (just about 10 minutes apart) is worthy of a visit. Mohegan is very impressive as you cross the bridge and the casino is on your right, a beautifully done place. If you play blackjack, the better games will be found at Foxwoods. You can probably get to Foxwoods in about 1.5 hours once you clear the congestion of the Boston traffic. Be warned...Boston drivers can be very aggressive.

You may want to pass on the "Tomahawk chop" thing in Fenway, better to blend.

Enjoy your trip to my home state and enjoy Fenway Park as well.