Mixing Business and Pleasure: Quick Escapes in Boston

by  Darren Murph | Nov 1, 2012
Boston Public Garden
Boston Public Garden / Sean Pavone/iStock

Boston is about as storied a city as they come in the United States, and if you're looking to indulge in history, this is the place. If you're shipped here on business, count yourself among the fortunate. It may be busy (and bitterly cold in the winter), but those who know where to turn can make a memory or two before calling it a week. In an effort to get you outside of the boardroom and into the wilds of Beantown, we’re offering up two restaurants, two attractions, and one bar that you can hit with just a few extra hours between meetings.

If you're camped out inside the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, you may find yourself hankering for a pick-me-up. A legal one can be found just a few blocks inland at Sweet Tooth Boston. They'll whip up a cake if you really need to leave a lasting impression on a client, but for quick pit stops, you'll find some of the best cupcakes in New England.

If you find yourself hungry on a clear day, a quick jaunt to Sam's overlooking the bay is well worth the walk. It's a newer place  located on the second floor of the Louis Boston, providing excellent harbor views and remarkably good food. As you might expect from an eatery with a water view, the prices are inflated somewhat, but not overly so.

Assuming you've got a few spare hours in the morning or afternoon, toss on your walking shoes and head downtown. While it could be said for just about any city, taking a stroll in Boston is more of a journey than in most other places. I'd start at the Boston Public Garden and the Bronze Statue of George Washington. This is New England, after all, and you'll see some amazingly old sights around here that you won't find in most of America's more modern places. A walking tour that takes you east towards the city center (via Beacon St.) will put you in front of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Boston City Hall, and the New England Holocaust Memorial. Best of all, you'll spend practically zilch to see all of this. Just remember to bring your camera, as the architecture truly is spectacular. (And yes, a stroll down Yawkey Way to see Fenway Park is highly, highly recommended for baseball fans!)

Hopefully, you'll have a solid half-day (or longer!) to enjoy your surroundings. If so, definitely book a trip on the 90-minute ferry to Provincetown. That's on the very tip of Cape Cod, and it's an entire world away from the hustle and bustle of Boston. The Cape is a beautiful place, dotted with exquisite homes, unique shops, world-class seafood, and astounding views of Cape Cod Bay. Provincetown is a pretty small place, so you should be able to enjoy most all of it on foot.

Before heading back home, be sure to swing by The Whiskey Priest. It's also just steps away from the convention center, and you'll be able to experience the Irish flare that so shapes Boston culture. You can grab a pint, a bite, or merely a conversation with the locals. Either way, you'll probably hear a tune or two from Dropkick Murphys    before heading out.

This is a recurring feature exploring must-visit locales in a variety of cities. If you find yourself traveling to a place for business, why not venture out and enjoy your surroundings?

See our Boston destination guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights.

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