Locations: Boston, Cambridge, Burlington
Dates: November 20 – December 7
Weather: A few sunny days at 10°C, several days of single digit temps, fair amount of rain and cloud. No snow on the ground!
Often heard phrase: Winnipeg is cold, but this damp cold is harder to take.
Tag Along Time Together Rating: 2.5 out of 5 (I was on my own much of the time, but had weekends with Steve)
Highlights:
Hotel Marlowe – Cambridge
This was our second stay at the Marlowe. We decided to stay here for Saturday night in Boston before heading to Burlington, where Steve’s head office is, for the rest of the week.
Hotel Marlowe is a Klimpton Boutique hotel and I love everything about it. The service is friendly and efficient. They provide yoga mats and running maps in your guest room. They have an evening guest reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres. It’s situated directly across from the Charles River and one of the nicest running routes in Boston.
The Hawthorne
http://www.thehawthornebar.com
After the Marlowe reception, we headed off to The Hawthorne, a stylish cocktail bar where you can also get small plates. The cocktails are made to order (just tell the waiter what flavours you like and he/she will fix you up).
The food is an eclectic mix and quite good, but this is not the place to go if you’re ravenous. We ordered a variety of items: prosciutto deviled eggs, spicy steak salad and grilled cheese sandwich. All were quite yummy.
Charles River Run and Au Bon Pain
Before heading off to Burlington on Sunday, we did a stellar 9K run along the Charles River and into Cambridge. We ended our run at the Cambridge Side Galleria mall for a healthy breakfast at Au Bon Pain.
Homewood Inn Suites by Hilton – Burlington
http://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/ontario/homewood-suites-by-hilton-burlington-ONTBUHW/accommodations/index.html
This is the third tag along trip I’ve taken with Steve to Burlington in 2014 and I’ve never been thrilled with the longer-term suite hotels we’ve stayed in until the Homewood. If you are in Burlington on business (and who isn’t in this tech sector dominant burg?) this is the place to stay. The suites are spacious with a well-equipped kitchen and eating area. The desk is comfortable for working and the Wi-Fi connection is not bad. It’s a bit slow, but you can pay an additional $4.95 a day for the faster connection. I didn’t and managed. My biggest complaint is that you have to repeatedly sign in with your room number to access it. Can this not be programmed for the duration of one’s stay?
A hot breakfast with many healthy choices is included with your rate as well as dinner (with wine or beer!) from Monday to Thursday. Dinners were a bit less healthy, but not too bad on the two nights I took part.
Running the Wilson Mill trail in Bedford
http://www.wilsonmillpark.org
Running in Burlington and surrounding area is not the most picturesque and often involves a stretch along Middlesex Turnpike, which is not pleasant. I was thrilled to discover Wilson Mill Park just outside Burlington in Bedford. It borders a quintessential New England neighbourhood featuring large, stately homes, gently winding roads and quaint mailboxes at the foot of each drive. I kept expecting Jimmy Stewart (a la It’s a Wonderful Life) to jump over a white picket fence to greet me. The Mill trail is nice, but can be difficult to navigate. I suspect we didn’t stay on the best path.
JFK Library and Museum
http://www.jfklibrary.org
We spent an hour or so on Saturday visiting the John F. Kennedy Museum. It’s well done with tons of memorabilia from JFK’s political rise, family life, and presidency. If you’re familiar with this American history, there is not too much to learn, but it really does give you a feel for the time and the issues of the day. The all glass pavilion overlooking the harbor is stunning. It was cloudy the day we visited, but I’m sure it’s a great view in warmer months when sailboats are cruising by.
Blue Ribbon BBQ (Washington Ave. Location)
http://blueribbonbbq.com/newton/
Our last night in Boston, we went to a movie and took a chance on the nearby Blue Ribbon BBQ. It was quite good. We shared the Trio Combo platter featuring brisket, burnt ends, and pulled pork. Our sides were potato salad and collard greens. I loved the greens, Steve did not (worked out well for me). Everything was great, especially the cornbread, which was just the right amount of sweet and quite moist. If you go, don’t forget to load up on the pickles when you help yourself at the condiment table. They’re quite crisp and tart – just the way I like them.
Harvard Square
http://www.harvardsquare.com
Before heading off to the airport we strolled Harvard Square, which buzzes with activity. Lots of trendy stores, coffee shops and bars. It also boasts the world’s only Curious George toy store!
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Au Bon Pain sounds great to me for breakfast!