(Boston, Massachusetts)
One of the things my daughters and I love to do is see a good show. My daughter’s latest favorite, Hadestown, finally came to Boston and we HAD to go. As soon as we bought tickets, I knew there was only one hotel I wanted to stay at…the Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel! This hotel has it all…gorgeous rooms, elegant charm, and one of the most desirable locations in the heart of Boston. I love boutique hotels and the Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel is quaint and welcoming.
Salem, Massachusetts
If you are in Salem, MA, and want to get away from all the talk about witches, The House of the Seven Gables may be the destination for you. This historic home, built in 1668, is best known today as the setting of world-renowned American author Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1851 novel. Take a guided 45-minute group tour through this seaside home. You’ll have an expert guide that is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the subject. Never read the book? Don’t worry…most visitors haven’t. It’s a wonderful way to get a glimpse of what Salem was like at that time period.
Let me show you a peek at some of the rooms you’ll view:
Make sure you go outside an look at the view of the harbor.
If you are looking for a lovely activity for the whole family to do while you’re in Salem, Massachusetts, the Peabody Essex Museum is a wonderful option. It was a gloomy, rainy day outside when I visited and it was the perfect place to spend the morning. Take a peek at some of the pieces that I most enjoyed:
Protector Goddess, mid-1800’s. Artist in Kerala, India
You know I love a good cup of tea! I had the pleasure of going to Jolie Tea Company in Salem, Massachusetts, and it was so great I had to tell you all about it. Because I really wanted the full experience, I didn’t just go for a cup of tea, I did a High Tea!
After I was seated, I had to take a minute to take in the beauty of the room. The room has seating waiting for guests. I love the pink light that showcases the wall of teas. Good luck trying to buy just one.
Look at how lovely each place setting is! I love the porcelain tea cup and plate. The gerbera daisy is a fun touch!
I was pleasantly surprised that they bring out a hibiscus iced tea to enjoy while you look over the high tea menu.
Smolak Farms is a working farm that combines agriculture, education, and entertainment in a unique way!
When in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the number one place you MUST visit is Hammond Castle, an actual European castle perched high on a bluff on a stunning New England shoreline. You will feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you explore the grounds of this magical place. Built by John Hays Hammond, Jr, a scientist, inventor, and art connoisseur, it was completed in 1929 as a wedding gift to his wife. He was one of the most eccentric man I’ve ever heard about and you’ll learn all about him throughout your visit. Let me show you around…
IT ALL STARTS OUTSIDE
Peek through the arches to see Gloucester Harbor and Eastern Point light.
It is such a peaceful spot as you look out at the water.
Who would have guessed that prison could be so romantic? The Liberty Hotel is housed in the exact building of the Charles Street Jail, a national historic landmark. Completed in 1851, this jail once house some of Boston’s most historic inmates, and now you can call it home for the night. It has a nice blend of high-style luxury and hometown warmth. Trust me…you won’t be asking anyone to bail you out!
My girls have a new obsession…Dear Evan Hanson…so we were thrilled when it came to Boston. As I started looking for a hotel, I knew I wanted to use my Marriott points and the Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Harbor on Tudor Wharf stood out because it is an all-suite hotel. The 167 suite hotel is located right on the St. Charles River and has stunning views of the Boston Harbor.
You know how I feel about driving in Boston… I’m such a chicken! There are times I want to do different things around the city but I can only drive to the aquarium and the science museum (lol)! I then end up taking cabs so I don’t get to stop as much as I want. Well I’ve found the perfect solution! For my birthday, the girls and I spent a perfect day in Boston on the Old Town Trolley Tour. This hop-on hop-off bus allows you to get off at a stop when something strikes you or stay on the bus and continue hearing more historic commentary. It’s an amazing way to see Boston!
Here are some fun things you can do on this 15-stop tour:
STOP 1: We started our tour in front of the New England Aquarium (which is great since I can actually drive here and park…lol). It’s a beautiful place to see the waterfront!
When you think of a fine arts museum you may imagine boring halls filled with old portraits, security shushing people, and bored children trailing behind their parents. This is not the case at the Boston Fine Arts Museum. Not only do they have hundreds of famous paintings, they also have mummies, statues, jewelry, and weapons that will capture anyone’s attention. The Boston Museum of Fine Art, with more than 450,000 works of art, is difficult to see in one day, but with a little planning, you can see it all. The museum is separated into different wings such as Art of Ancient World, Art of Asia, Oceania and Africa, And Contemporary Art. Let me take you around to see our favorite areas of the museum:
Your experience of the MFA begins before you even walk inside. The museum has some really unique pieces of art right outside. These doll heads are my daughters’ favorites!
I personally love Indian Hunter (Paul Manship, 2002) as the hunter and Pronghorn Antelope (and Paul Manship, 2002) as his prey.
