Sherman's Travel

On November 20, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s much-anticipated Art of the Americas Wing officially opened to the public, and locals and visitors can’t get enough. When I visited the museum last weekend, the galleries were packed with people and there was a line outside of those just waiting to buy tickets. The new 121,000-square-foot wing – a project five years in the making – displays 5,000 works from the MFA’s collection.

The new American galleries showcase everything from Native American crafts to Paul Revere silver to 20th-century Abstract paintings. Standout pieces include the extensive John Singer Sargent collection on level 2 and the enormous “Passage of the Delaware” by Thomas Sully. The first-floor galleries were specially designed to fit the latter painting (shown above), which measures over 12 feet in height; this is the first time the painting has been displayed in its original frame.

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The editors at Sherman’s Travel sat down and thought long and hard about what U.S. cities just don’t get enough credit. After much debate, the votes were casted and the results are in for the Top Ten Most Underrated Cities in America. One city that made the cut was Houston, and now the Sheraton Suites Houston near the Galleria has crafted a way for visitors to see what all the fuss is about with a City Pass hotel package priced from just $115/night. This special offer is valid for arrivals on Thursdays through Sundays, and includes four complimentary City Pass booklets – granting admission to six of Houston’s premier attractions.

THE VALUE: You’ll pay $36 less than regular room rates (which check in at $151/night), but the real icing on the cake is the incredible savings from the City Pass booklet – a whopping $140! Choose from the Museum of Fine Arts, the Downtown Aquarium, the Space Center, the Houston Zoo, and many other options.

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Situated in Boston’s hip Back Bay neighborhood, the upscale Colonnade Hotel is ideal for a posh city stay within easy walking distance to major art museums, parks, and trendy restaurants. Book one of the hotels 285 stylish guestrooms, outfitted in soothing chocolate brown and purple décor, and head out to explore Beantown’s fine cultural attractions. One not-to-miss institution is the Museum of Fine Arts, located just a few T stops away. From $259/night, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston Hotel package at the Colonnade Hotel includes a deluxe overnight, breakfast for two, and two general admission passes to the MFA Boston. Spend the day exploring the museum’s phenomenal 450,000-piece collection of European, American, and Egyptian artworks and then head back to the hotel’s hip rooftop pool bar for sunset cocktails and live music.