Visiting cities, as a tourist or a local, can be filled with boozy temptations. Create a zero-proof, alcohol free itinerary. Fill it with fun, movement & awe.
I grew up a T ride to Boston, will always be the city closest to my heart. Coming back as an adult, I rediscovered it as half tourist /half hometown city. One of the first recovery books I read was Caroline Knapps: Drinking is a Love Story (and will always be my favorite). It is set in Boston. Yes, there are many bars in Boston, Caroline describes her time in them them well, and a big drinking culture. Reading that book reminds me that I can choose to: lose my afternoon, evening and following morning to a barstool or I can wake up early when the city is clean & bright to explore, embrace the many activities at my fingertips, and carry on Into the evening to the theater or symphony. All the fun, none of the drain of alcohol.
New England is famous for it's dramatic changing seasons. See how the Ducklings are celebrating the season or current events. Bundle up in winter to join Bostonians outdoors at The Frog Pond where skaters can take to the ice. Eat gelato and explore The Rose Kennedy Greenway under the summer sunshine. Venture to The Mount Auburn Cemetary in Autumn for beautiful foliage. Delight amongst the flowers and awakening of spring in The Boston Public gardens. Celebrate the season, dawn to dusk, dusk to dawn, no alcohol needed.
To meander "to go about from place to place usually without a plan or definite purpose" . When I visit a new city , or explore a favorite, I love to meander. My basic itinerary is to: Walk, coffee, walk, eat, walk, coffee, walk, tea time, sit & gaze. Boston provides well. Skip the bars to better keep on going. and max the day.
Walk: Feel the cobblestones under your feet, don't rush, stop to ponder & pause.
My three favorite strolls. Share yours in the comments below.
Up Newbury Street window shopping, through The Public Gardens and The Common to & through Beacon Hill.
The Freedom trail, totally worth it: Full of History & you get lots of steps in so you can get pastries , gelato and more along the way.
Around Harvard , Over the Anderson Bridge (look for scullers, seasonal) , Harvard Square , more Harvard.
Tours :
Duck Tours: Be a tourist, just do it! We like to combine it with a visit to the Boston Museum of Science.
Whale Watch Visiting only Boston, A Whale Watch to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is fantastic & accessible from the Aquarium. . Whales not guaranteed, but when you do: WOW! Count 4 plus hours in your day for the whale watch. Booze & Boats makes me woozy, so abstaining is always a good idea.
Fenway Tour ; Sports are a passionate affair in Boston. If time and tickets are available, catching a professional, college or local matchup is exciting. Drinks are expensive (and note those consuming often missing the game with frequent trips to the rest room). If a game is not on the itin but one can catch the spirit with a visit to America's legend , The Green Monster. Fenway Park, is often thought of as one of the worlds most beloved sports venues.
Landmarks and Museums
Boston has so many historic building, museums, galleries and collections, find your niche and explore. Choose a bench and gaze, no consumable needed except absorbing the visual feast. I am highlighting my personal favorites to share my connections. What draws you to a museum or landmark? Share in the comments.
Walk The Labrynth in the Armenian Heritage Park
"Stop to smell the roses" in the Rose Kennedy Rose Garden
Cool off in the fountains
Food trucks line the are at designated spots. Continue on to The North End or Quincy Market for more eateries.
New England Aquarium: Feel like a kid again, they know how to have the most fun, alcohol not even a notion. My fave Boston stop is The New England Aquarium. I always stop by to say hi to my old friend Myrtle. She was ab out my age in this photo in 1981. Now she is believed to be approximately 95. The Harbor seals are super cute and you can go on the whale watch with a combined ticket. When you get hungry, Quincy Market & The North End are a quick walk.
I feel so at home in Libraries.
Peruse some books, admire the beautiful art & architecture, absorb the peace & quiet, inhale the history and wisdom .
Finishing touch: High Tea overlooking the Library Courtyard
Maparium. A find for fellow map lovers !
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: Choosing one museum visit in Boston is almost impossible but if only one, I would be at The Isabella Stewart Gradner Museum. The shared connection for the love of travel, art, gardens, community, music et all brings together so much of what I appreciate in one harmonious locale.
Food & Drink:
From famous watering holes such as Cheers in Boston & boozey brunches , one could get derailed easily. I like to research places to eat where alcohol is not the focus. I look at menus in advance to check for mocktails and alcohol free alternatives. A good alcohol free list, gives me an indication that the establishment is conscientious not everyone wants to drink alcohol.
"Meeting up for. a drink" often assumes alcohol, but coffee, tea, juice and more offer lovely beverages to connect over.
Coffee
Boston has no shortage of delicious coffee shops and cafe's. I hold fond memories of strolling down Newbury Street with my Mom, sitting at an outdoor street side cafe, and watching the fine heeled Bostonians walk by. Dipping into Tatte Bakery in Beacon Hill, for a fancy coffee & a delectable treat, savory or sweet is a perfect warm up on a chilly day walking up from the commons.
Juice Bars: Instead of going for a cocktail go to a Juice Bar, many in Boston. Steps off the Freedom Trail: North end The Juicery, 3 min walk from the Paul Revere House.
High Tea at a fancy hotel or The Boston Public Libray, yes some try and serve/include alcohol. Make it all about the tea.
Evenings : Boston's heartbeat thrives on the arts. There is no end to the options from the legendary Boston Symphony , performances at the Wang and it's neighbors, and treasures within the rich fabric of universities. Keep momentum up with light & delcious theater bites, a crafted mocktail , bottle of bubbly water, and enjoy the evening.
Stargaze at the Coit Observatory (seasonal)
Moonlight Movies on The Greenway (seasonal)
To explore
A city alive with imagination and creativity, look beyond the typical. I have a continually evolving list of new places to visit and activities to try. Know of some alcohol free , not alcohol focused activities or locales? Please share and fuel the discovery & exploration to continue.
Here are a few recommend I have yet to try, but excited to:
Havana Club Salsa: Monday Bachata Nights, no alcohol allowed , dance the night away! Their website even notes “ Cool, classy parties where friends meet, mingle, and dance! Parties have a zero tolerance policy toward bad behavior.” Knight Moves Cafe : Play board games, 1000s to choose from, while sipping on smoothies, coffees, teas, milkshakes & more.
Have a wicked good time !!!!!!
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