Boston’s Best Beer

Posted on April 5, 2017April 30, 2024 by Colin O'Donnell

Boston is a diverse city full of people in many walks of life. But what brings us together (other than our championship rich professional teams) is our love for beer! From the pubs and dives, to the light beer sports bars, to the craft beer bars and beyond, there’s nothing like getting a beer with a Bostonian. But what better way to get to know our beer culture than to visit the breweries where it’s made? We’re going to delve into the brewery scene over the next few months, so keep your eyes peeled for future posts on the topic!

For this entry, I wanted to focus on two of my favorite breweries (and two of the most famous) Sam Adams and Harpoon!

Sam Adams : Quick Facts

Year Opened: 1988
Location: 30 Germania St, Boston, MA 02130
Tours: Yes, suggested donation of $2-$5 per person (proceeds go towards local charities)
Tastings: Absolutely!
Hours: click here

Located a short way outside the city center along the subway orange line, you get a taste of the humble beginnings of The Boston Beer Company. Unlike many of the breweries you may encounter around the country,Sam Adams’ Boston brewery is no longer a full-scale production facility. Rather, the original brewery location has evolved into their test facility, whereas the mass production is done at their two facilities in Cincinnati, OH and Lehigh Valley, PA. This allows for a more down to earth charm to the experience. It also allows you the opportunity to try new beers they are working on that have yet to hit the shelves!

Tours run every 40 minutes and last around an hour. They end with everyone’s favorite part: The Tasting. There are two tasting rooms (one with long narrow tables, the other with multiple round tables). You get to taste 3 beers (full sample pours, typically Boston Lager, the current seasonal, and a choice of some beers they are currently developing) and are walked through the official beer appraisal process.

Pro Tip: In the tasting rooms, sit as far from the taps as you can. They fill pitchers with beer and pass them down the tables. If you are at the end of the table and have extra beer in your pitcher, you don’t have to pass it back forward.

Harpoon : Quick Facts

Year Opened: 1987
Location: 306 Northern Avenue Boston, MA 02210
Tours: Yes, $5 per person
Tastings: You got it!
Hours: click here

Located deep in the up-and-coming Seaport District, Harpoon Brewery was officially the first licensed brewery in Massachusetts under the new laws and holds brewing permit #001. Operating as one of their two full production facilities (the other is in Windsor, VT), the Boston brewery is still in its original warehouse location, they have just expanded quite a bit over the years. During the tour you get to experience the classic catwalk experience of a full-scale facility.

Their tasting is halfway through the tour and allows you to taste several different beers (basically anything that is currently in production as well as a couple special pours you can only get at the brewery) in rapid fire fashion with smaller tasting pours.

While the tour is exciting, my favorite part of the Harpoon Brewery is their newly renovated beer hall. Long tables reminiscent of the classic beer halls in Germany allow for a great gathering point after and before your tour. Here you can try any beer they make as well as seasonal and small release varietals. Sacred above all else, however, are their famous pretzels. Forged from the spent grains of the brewing process, there are three varieties that can be paired with your choice of two sauces (from a selection of eight). My personal go-to is the Original salted with IPA Cheese and Bacon Ranch sauces. Come hungry.

Harpoon is also known for their various festivals throughout the year; St. Patricks Day, Oktoberfest, and most famously HarpoonFest. Hosting live music, games, and a multitude of food trucks, HarpoonFest is one of the best parties in the city, and it’s coming up this weekend!

Sólás at The Lenox Hotel

If your love of beer is not yet satiated, look no further than our very own Irish Pub, Sólás! Boasting a strong beer selection, Sólás extends their love of beer into their menu as well! They have their own version of pretzels and IPA beer cheese (made with Harpoon IPA) that you can compare to the brewery’s own offering, beer battered chicken tenders and fish n’ chips, and of course their famous Guinness onion soup (perfect for this time of year).

Over The Bridge

Posted on March 5, 2017April 30, 2024 by Alison Majka

So you want to go to the Cape this summer? I’ve got ya covered if you are traveling through the Mashpee area. I’ll share some of my favorite restaurants, beaches, parks, stores, etc. I don’t have children, but I did Nanny for a few summers in Falmouth so I will try to weave in some fun family stops along the way!

Okay let’s talk traffic, bridges and transportation. If you are driving, NEVER hit the road between 2PM -6PM on a Friday. Just wait until 8PM or later and you will probably get there around the same time. There’s also a High Speed Ferry from Boston to Provincetown to avoid the madness.

I grew up in Mashpee and luckily my parents still live there. My siblings and I joke that they can never move because it’s our “Cape House” which I actually think is more motivation for them to move! Anyways, as you drive into Mashpee you will pass through the Mashpee Commons and rotary which is the center of town. Below are bullet points of some places to visit while you are here.

GROCERY STORES

Roche Bros. has great produce, deli, household supplies and there’s a Starbucks inside if you need an iced latte! Surprisingly, they have great breakfast sandwiches so my friends and I like to pick up some and bring to the beach before anyone gets there. We call it BOB (breakfast on the beach) and it’s my absolute favorite. Let’s not kid ourselves; you will also want to pack some beers before you park it in the sand for hours. If you are at Roche Bros. there’s a convenient liquor store right next door OR if you don’t mind a short drive, I’d recommend Andy’s Market – they have the best selection and prices!

BEST BEACHES ON CAPE COD

Now that you are all packed up with sandwiches, beers and sunscreen it’s time to hit the sand. South Cape Beach is a 10 minute drive from the commons and is located between Waquoit Bay and Vineyard Sound stretching over a mile. There is the Town Side for Mashpee residents which you need a sticker for and a State Side which is $12 for MA vehicles and $14 for non-MA vehicles. Between Columbus Day and Patriots Day the State side is closed so anyone can go to the Town side. Growing up, I took it for granted but South Cape really is beautiful. My Dad always calls it “our little slice of Southern France”.

FOOD & DRINK

With lots of new great dining experiences on the cape, I would still recommend the Raw Bar located in the Popponesset Marketplace. It’s a little tricky to find but if you follow the signs through New Seabury you will be fine. The Raw Bar is not on the water but has a ton of Cape Cod charm. Its claim to fame is the $30 Lobster Roll (photo below). Yes, that’s a shit load of money but it’s meant for two people and it’s worth it. You should also try the Stuffed Quahog, Steamers and the Rum Punch. Ask for a Cherry Bomb too, you will thank me later. Oh, keep your cell phone put away or the owner, Bob might call you out. Enjoy! Swing by the Popponesset Inn on your way out of the Marketplace for a drink with an ocean view. I worked there for 7 summers through High School/College – ask for Jimmy! You might even get a glimpse of a wedding going on in their tented space by the water.

A few other places to check out while in Mashpee:
Bleu Restaurant: great French bistro open for Lunch and Dinner –a bit pricey
Cape Cod Children’s Museum: perfect for rainy days with the kids and it’s inexpensive
The Lanes Bowl & Bistro: bowling and a fun outdoors space/bar with yard games
Polar Cave Ice Cream: there are so many ice cream places but I’m partial to this one because I worked there
Estia: Amazing Greek restaurant that is usually packed – call first
Wicked Restaurant and Wine Bar: great for the entire family with TVs at the table to keep everyone entertained

Spring at TD Garden

Posted on March 1, 2017April 30, 2024 by Colin O'Donnell

Spring is around the corner and the BoSox are down in Fort Myers getting ready for a new and potentially exciting season. We have all your Red Sox and Fenway wants covered here. But I’m not quite ready to make the shift to America’s pastime just yet. What I’m excited about are the teams that will hopefully play well into the Spring at the TD Garden. As I write this the Celtics are the second best team in the east, poised for a deep run in the playoffs. And their Garden roommates the Bruins are red hot after making a coaching change mid-season. So whether you are a green teamer looking forward to another 4th quarter performance from IT, or a B’s loyalist ready for the return of the Big Bad Bruins, we have you covered on your night in the West End.
Getting there: Take the T. From The Lenox take the green line inbound to North station (which is right underneath the garden) for the most direct route. Or if you are worried about the crowds, walk an extra block to the orange line at the Back Bay station and get off at Haymarket.

Pre-game

Check out West End Johnnies for some pre game nosh. If you get there early enough you should be able to get a seat at the bar upstairs. Check out the delicious menu here. Once you’ve had your fill grab a quick beer at the Harp (sister bar to our own Solas) right across the street from the garden.

Post-game

Well hopefully you witnessed a win and you have nothing scheduled too early the next morning. Here are my favorite post game spots to keep the festivities rolling.

Sullys Tap. An institution. Grab a Macro brew and play some pop a shot – www.facebook.com/SullivansTapOfficial
Porters – Named after the street it’s on, this place is an underrated bar in the west end. Grab the Jalapeño burger and the Fried Pickles if you didn’t get your fill earlier. – www.portersbar.com
McGanns – great Irish pub near Porters. Awesome beer list and post game vibes. – www.mcgannsirishpub.com

After all that grab an uber back to The Lenox and rest easy. We have breakfast covered!

PS. If your tickets are up in to upper bowl keep you eyes out as a few of the concession stands have Molson Canadian on draft. A personal favorite! Enjoy.

Welcome to Boston, Eataly!

Posted on December 2, 2016May 7, 2019 by Nina Senatore

In the words of famous chef and Eataly partner, Mario Batali, “Hello Boston! You have chosen us and we have chosen you!” Eataly Boston has finally arrived at the Prudential Center located at 800 Boylston Street, right up the street from The Lenox in Boston’s Back Bay. Spanning over 45,000 square feet, over three floors, it is a huge win for Boston! The concept is a fabulous recreation of a typical Italian marketplace, featuring a great Italian wine shop, wonderful cheese, pasta and bread stalls, along with full service restaurants and more casual grab and go eateries, perfect for a quick Back Bay lunch!

Not to be missed attractions include their incredible cheese case, featuring a rotating selection, including many local favorites- of over 700 varieties. All mozzarella and burrata is made on premise with the promise that any variety sold or used in their restaurants is no more than 4 hours old. The fresh pasta display is staffed by an artisanal chef, happy to explain which particular type of pasta would be perfect for your evening meal. As you ride the escalator from the Boylston entrance, you will be greeted by a custom outfitted Cannoli Cart-the first of its kind in Eataly Nation- offering freshly filled ricotta, chocolate and candied fruit tubes of deliciousness!

Another not to be missed Eataly experience is having dinner at IlPesce/Il Crudo, featuring wonderful fresh seafood in collaboration with beloved local chef Barbara Lynch. Il Pesce seats 64 with an additional 12 seats at the bar. What could be better than fresh New England Seafood paired with just-made fresh pasta in Italian inspired dishes!! Note that all Eataly restaurants, take no reservations, with the exception of Terra-an exciting dining innovation planned for the 3rd floor-opening in 2017.

My recommendation for December is to take a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, grab a seat at La Piazza, and savor a rich glass of Barolo and a delicious charcuterie plate enjoying the Eataly excitement. You might also indulge in the daily free sampling hour from 5-6pm. As the Italians say, life is so much more fun in Italy! Ciao Bella!

Taste of the Terrace

Posted on September 6, 2016November 4, 2019 by Christopher Smith

We are very excited to announce that our sister property, the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro in Boston is hosting a series of events on select Saturdays in September. Pairing tempting drinks with delightful light bites, the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro’s roof terrace is unique in being the only publicly accessible roof deck in the area. Instead of having to beg, borrow, or plead your way onto an exclusive roof deck, you can join them on theirs!

Perched three stories above bustling Charles Street, the Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro’s roof deck is the perfect spot to spend time with friends & neighbors while soaking in the last warm rays of summer and ushering in an exquisite fall season.

Save Your Spot Now!

Fabulous Fall Farmers Markets

Posted on August 29, 2016April 30, 2024 by Lisa Burns

As summertime comes grinding to a halt (boo!) the abundance of locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats and specialty foods does not disappoint. Being a huge fan of supporting local farmers and their wares, I continue to visit my favorite Boston farmers markets around the Back Bay throughout the Fall. Did you know that for much of the year you can find a farmers market operating every day of the week in Boston and during the winter on Wednesdays and Saturdays?

The farmers market craze continues to spread in Massachusetts, with new markets opening each year. For shoppers, that means more local options. Farmers markets are one of the easiest places to find the tasty harvests of local farms. You’ll find a diversity of foods fresh from the fields and meet the people who grow your meal. Plus, every dollar paid directly to a local grower is a dollar reinvested into Local communities.

Check out some of my local favorites and be sure visit!

Copley Square Farmers Market

139 St James Ave, Boston, MA
I stop here most weeks on my way to the train station – so convenient. There are usually at least 15 vendors including some of my favorites: Iggy’s Breads of the World, Siena Farms & Atlas Farms. I always grab a bunch of sunflowers to brighten by home or office! Looking forward to the arrival of the many apple varieties that will be selling soon.
Dates and Hours: May 12 – November 24 on Tuesdays & Fridays: 11am – 6pm

Boston Public Market

100 Hanover Street at Haymarket Station, Boston, MA
The Boston Public Market is an indoor, year round marketplace for locally sourced groceries and specialty agricultural products, where residents and visitors can find fresh, seasonal food from Massachusetts and New England. The Market houses 40 local farmers, fishers, and food entrepreneurs selling items such as farm fresh produce; meat and poultry; eggs; milk and cheese; fish and shellfish; bread and baked goods; beverages; flowers; and an assortment of specialty and prepared foods. Everything sold at the Market is produced or originates in New England.
Dates and Hours: Year Round, Monday – Saturday, 8am – 8pm; Sunday, 10am – 8pm

Boston Public Market on the Greenway

136 Blackstone Street Plaza facing The Greenway Boston, MA
Products include farm fresh produce; meat, poultry, and eggs; cheese and dairy; fish; bread and baked goods; plants and flowers; and an assortment of specialty and prepared foods, including several grab-and-go lunch options.
Dates and Hours: May 18 – November 16 on Wednesdays, 11am – 6pm

Dewey Square Plaza on the Greenway

600 Atlantic Avenue (across from South Station) Boston, MA
Products include farm fresh produce; meat, poultry, and eggs; cheese and dairy; fish; bread and baked goods; plants and flowers; and an assortment of specialty and prepared foods, including several grab-and-go lunch options.
Dates and Hours: Markets run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 17 – November 22; 11:30am – 6:30pm

Brookline Winter Farmers Market

314 Harvard Street, #320A Brookline, MA
The Brookline Winter Farmer’s Market at the Arcade Building in Coolidge Corner includes some of my favorite vendors from the town’s seasonal outdoor market moved inside this wonderful, 1927 architectural gem for the winter. And, they’ve given us a reason to get to know the wonderful small businesses that are permanently located in this space.
Dates and Hours: November 20 – June; Sundays, 11am – 3pm

SoWa Farmers Market and Bazaar

500 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA
This market is a thriving cultural tradition in the area of the city south of Washington Street (SoWa). There is also a craft market and a vintage market, with over 50 different vendors – you could honestly spend days here! They also offer seasonal festivals – the SoWa Winter Festival will be held the weekend of December 2-4. Check out their amazing Beer & Wine Garden.
Dates and Hours: May 1 – October 30 on Sundays, 10am – 4pm

Pahk The Cah in Hahvahd Yahd

Posted on August 29, 2016April 30, 2024 by Ceci O'Marah

I suggest starting your day at the center of the Square. It is where the oldest Harvard Square Subway stands & Out of Town News, where you will come across an extensive collection of newspapers & magazines from around the world.

It is also where the “Hahvahd Tour” starts which I highly recommend – it runs about 70 minutes long and the distance is less than a mile. The tour is scripted although the guides are very entertaining and it is the best way to learn about Harvard’s rich history & culture.

If you have time head over to the Harvard Museum of Natural History, it’s about a 10-minute walk from the square. In the Museum’s permanent galleries, you’ll encounter the diversity of life on earth, from dinosaurs to fossil invertebrate and reptiles, to large mammals, birds and fish, and the only mounted Kronosaurus. Also, you’ll come across the internationally acclaimed Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants, the “Glass Flowers.” This unique collection of over 4,000 models represents more than 830 plant species.

After the tour, continue down Mass. Ave. where you’ll come upon Harvard Book Store. Established in 1932 as a place for Harvard students to buy used textbooks, it has transformed into a place known for its extraordinary selection of new, used and remaindered books. It’s easy to get lost here, browsing the rows and shelves for a diverse range of books. This is the must-visit for any true book lover.

Definitely walk along Cambridge’s original thoroughfares like Brattle Street (known as Tory Row) and Winthrop Street, which date back to the 1600’s. Some of my favorite shops are along Brattle St. are Cardullo’s Gourmet Shop, it’s a specialty food store on Brattle Street where you will find freshly prepared foods, possibly be able to sample as well from around the world. And The World’s Only Curious George Shop is always fun to walk through even for the young at heart.

You’ll want to check out one of the many restaurants that Harvard Square has to offer. Next to The Harvard bookstore is one of my favorite burger places, Mr. Bartley’s Gourmet Burger Cottage. Voted ‘best burgers in America’ according to the Boston Globe and the Wall Street Journal, Mr. Bartley’s is a local favorite where each visit is an experience. The walls are covered in Boston and Cambridge-related posters and picture frames. The atmosphere is loud and vibrant. The best thing about Mr. Bartley’s is its rotation of creative and ever-changing names for specialty burgers.

Another one of my favorite restaurants is Alden & Harlow, located in Brattle Square. It’s inventive & seasonal new American fare and was recently nominated for The James Beard Award & also named Best Restaurant this year by Boston Magazine. Before heading back into Boston, I recommend stopping by Harvard Coop for souvenirs.

A Peek Into Portland

Posted on June 28, 2016April 30, 2024 by Lisa Burns

Looking to surprise my husband for Father’s Day, I decided to plan an impromptu getaway to one of our favorite places near Boston – Portland, Maine. Though we’ve been a couple of times, we always manage to find a new restaurant to try, a new shop to poke around in and of course, a new brewery to visit (there are surprisingly quite a few in the area – check them out here!)

As we got in the car, my husband asked, “where are we going? you know I don’t like surprises…”. I replied, “just drive North on 95 and you’ll be happy!” (I figured as long as the sampling of craft beers was involved, he wouldn’t be upset about our ultimate destination.)

FIRST STOP:

A detour to Kennebunk/Kennebunkport to try one of the most coveted and talked about lobster rolls in New England – at the Clam Shack. While we were there, Coastal Living Magazine was filming a live Facebook video of the travel editors favorite spots in Maine. I have to say that this was the best lobster roll I’ve ever tasted – served on a signature round local bakery roll with a dab of mayo and a drizzle of butter and a heaping mound of just-shucked Maine lobster – amazing!

SECOND STOP:

As promised, BEER! Allagash Brewery offers daily tours, however it always books up so be sure to check their website to reserve a tickets (free!) Since we couldn’t do the tour we sat in the spectacular indoor bar area and each had a flight of 4 tasty beers – complimentary – how can you go wrong with that! They have a neat outdoor, dog-friendly patio paired with outdoor seating and a corn hole set, this is the perfect day drinking place!

THIRD STOP:

Check-in at our favorite hotel, the Portland Regency, conveniently located by the cobblestone streets of the Old Port historic district, within a few minutes walk of restaurants and shops. Our spacious room had a lovely patio deck right outside our slider – perfect place to sample one of the yummy Allagash beers we bought to go!

FOURTH STOP:

Decided to go to one of our favorite drinking & people watching spots – 3 Dollar Dewey’s – because of their extensive, yes you guessed it, beer menu! After a pint of our favorite local craft beer and a couple of bowls of their free popcorn, we headed out to browse the local shops on Commercial Street, named one of the top 10 streets in the U.S.

FIFTH STOP:

After walking around for an hour or so, we worked up an appetite and decided to stop at the Dry Dock Tavern & Restaurant. One of the daily specials was a fried clam appetizer which were probably some of the best clams we’ve ever had – lightly battered and served with a delicious tartar sauce.

SIXTH STOP:

Our original plan was to have dinner at the much talked about Duck Fat restaurant, however the wait was over an hour and we were kinda hungry at this point. Over to Eventide Oyster Co., highly recommended by many of our friends, which was across the street – out of luck there too – an almost 2 hour wait – no thanks! We went next door to their “sister” restaurant, The Honey Paw which specializes in home-made noodles and an Asian influenced American menu. Forgot to take a picture of our meal, which was delicious – but I did manage to take a pic of our fun beer choices!

SEVENTH STOP:

We decided to head back to the hotel and popped into their Armory Lounge, located in the lower lobby. Because there were a couple of wedding parties staying at the hotel, the lounge was quite lively. I splurged and ordered an amazing pineapple upside-down cake along with – you guessed it – a Bar Harbor blueberry ale, yum! With all the imbibing and nibbling we had done, it was time to call it a night!

EIGHTH STOP:

What better way to start the day, then a diner-style breakfast. We had discovered Becky’s Diner on a previous visit to Portland, and my husband insisted we return. Located on Portland’s waterfront, the family run business is open 362 1/2 Days a Year from 4am — 9pm! The wait for a table was about 40 minutes but it was well worth it – we fueled up for the day ahead.

NINTH STOP:

Everyone has been raving about the Holy Donut, so we had to stop and grab some to bring home to the fam. So glad we decided to go – surprisingly there wasn’t a line out the door as there usually is (a 5k race literally started as we pulled up to the door, so many roads around were detoured!) Made with Maine potatoes, these donuts are both healthy and unique – I highly recommend the Pomegranate and the Chocolate Sea Salt (the Maple Bacon is pretty darn good too!) With two locations in Portland, there are plenty of donuts to go around!

TENTH STOP:

Home Sweet Home! As much as we loved our getaway to Portland, we loved pulling into our driveway and being greeted by our two “doodles” – had to include a picture of them…

Portland is such an accessible and beautiful drive from Boston – along the eastern seaboard there are many great places to stop along the way but so much to do in Portland, you could easily spend a week here. Whether it be one day or a few, it’s the perfect summer escape!

Touring, Boston Style!

Posted on May 26, 2016April 30, 2024 by Nina Senatore

One of the best ways to see Downtown Boston is to take a tour. Two of our favorites are the Boston Duck Tours and the Old Town Trolley Hop On/Hop Off!

Boston Duck Tours:

Leaving every hour from the Prudential, just a quick walk from The Lenox, the fun begins as you board your Duck – a WWII amphibious vehicle, for an entertaining, fully narrated tour and Charles River cruise, which includes all the sites that make Boston a city of firsts! From your high Duck Boat perch, enjoy the beauty of Copley Square and the stained glass windows of Trinity Church along the way to the Boston Common and Quincy Market. Your final adventure is a splash down into the Charles River for an amazing view of the Boston skyline. Ninety minutes of history and fun – no walking!

Old Town Trolley:

Board your customized trolley, one block from The Lenox, for a fully narrated tour of the Best of Boston. Highlights of the tour include, Fenway Park, home of our beloved Boston Red Sox, traveling the Harvard Bridge to MIT, on to Faneuil Hall, the town meeting spot of Colonial Boston and Quincy Market, home to 150 shops and 35 stands, perfect for a great lunch while you enjoy watching musicians and jugglers entertain on the cobblestone promenade. After lunch, enjoy touring the North End with its delicious Italian pastry shops, Mike’s Pastry, Modern Pastry & Maria’s Pastry, before heading to Charlestown to view the USS Constitution, launched in 1797, the oldest commissioned warship afloat and the towering views from the Bunker Hill Monument before returning to Copley Square. The complete tour is 2 hours + but guests are encouraged to hop on and off to truly experience all that the city has to offer.

A Tranquil Oasis In The Midst of Backbay

Posted on May 18, 2016January 30, 2019 by Lisa Burns

Who knew? I certainly didn’t for about 20 years and I work right next door at The Lenox Hotel! Knowing I’m an avid reader, a college friend asked if I ever spent my lunch breaks over in the courtyard. Courtyard? I had no idea it existed and immediately took a stroll across the street to the iconic Boston Public Library and was amazed at what I encountered! An arcaded promenade with a water fountain in the middle, a replica of Frederick William MacMonnie’s Bacchante and Infant Fawn, surrounded by lovely landscaping. Whether you want to surf the net, people watch or read a great mystery novel, this is the place to visit.

With cafe seating, free wi-fi and an adjacent Map Room Cafe for a coffee and croissant or a gourmet sandwich (my favorite is the Balsamic Grilled Portobello Mushroom Sandwich and the Spinach Salad!) – the courtyard at the BPL is a wonderful escape in the heart of Back Bay Boston!

Have You Bean There?

Posted on May 4, 2016April 30, 2024 by Christopher Smith

As an admitted coffee-geek, I look forward to my morning cup of coffee the same way most people look forward to a rare steak, or perhaps big slice of chocolate cake. Sure, sometimes I get funny looks from my friends and family when I break out a scale to weigh my coffee beans (to the tenth of a gram) before I grind them by hand, but, hey, we all have our quirks…right?

While you might not be quite as obsessed, who doesn’t love relaxing in a cozy café while enjoying a delicious beverage and doing some top-notch people watching? While in Boston, you’re definitely in luck! Boston’s Back Bay has several great, independent cafés just a short walk from our the Lenox doors.

Share Coffee – The Lenox Lobby
I would be remiss if I didn’t first mention our amazing coffee partner, and my personal favorite Massachusetts coffee roaster, Share Coffee, from Hadley, MA. Located a couple hours west of Boston in the Pioneer Valley, they produce some incredible coffee that we grind fresh for each batch we brew every morning in the lobby. Nothing is cozier than relaxing by our lobby fireplace while enjoying a cup! You can read and watch more about them here.

Pavement – 286 Newbury Street
Only a couple blocks away on Newbury Street, Pavement brews coffee roasted by Counter Culture Coffee, and is quickly becoming a Boston institution with six shops throughout the city. They also serve a large selection of bagels and breakfast sandwiches. On a nice day, I’d recommend taking your order to go and enjoying it on a park bench just a block away on tree-lined Commonwealth Avenue.

Thinking Cup – 85 Newbury Street
On the opposite side of Newbury Street, the Thinking Cup serves Stumptown Coffee and offers a wide selection of amazing sandwiches and pastries. It’s often not listed on the menu, but they also make a great hot chocolate if you’re looking for something even cozier on a blustery day. Take my word for it and try a slice of ricotta pound cake with your coffee. Trust me, it’s a great way to start your day, and I promise it tastes nothing like cheese.

Blank Street Coffee – 647 Boylston Street
Not even a block from the hotel is a Lenox favorite, Blank Street Coffee. They first opened up in Brooklyn, NY working out of a 5×10 coffee cart and now have expanded to our beloved city of Boston. You can’t miss trying a cup of cold brew or a hot latte on a chilly day, both are great and reliable options on the go. They serve, clean. natural, and high quality ingredients from their pot to your cup.

Ahhhh! Spring!

Posted on April 4, 2016April 30, 2024 by Gerry VonDohlen

The temperatures are climbing, the sun is setting later in the day, the tulips are blooming in the public garden, and soon our olde town team will return to Fenway to play ball!

Like many of us in Boston I developed a great passion for baseball and the Red Sox. I fondly remember as a child my Dad taking me and my brother to Fenway. My first impression was how vast the park seemed to me, I felt I was in another world. All my senses came alive. Hearing the crack of the bat, the cheers and jeers from the crowd, the PA announcer (Sherm Feller’s) booming voice, and the vendors hollering “Hot Dawgs heeya”. Seeing the plush green lawn, the scoreboard on the leftfield wall, the bright neon of the Citgo sign, and a close play at the plate. Smelling and tasting the ballpark fare; peanuts and cracker jacks, Fenway franks, Italian sausage with peppers and onions, and a large souvenir cup filled with ice cold coke. Feeling the emotion of the crowd during a tight contest, the heat during the dog days of summer, and the crush of the crowd trying to enter or exit the park.

I was fortunate enough to attend some special moments and games that I will never forget. There was the 1 hitter Clemens threw against the Indians (he lost the no-hitter with 1 out in the eighth). I saw Ted Williams at an old timer’s game hit a ball to right field that nearly reached the bullpen for a home run (he was 67 years old at the time). I was there when Pedro faced Clemens in the ’99 ALCS. The “Where is Roger? Where is Roger?” game. I saw Big Papi eliminate the Angels in ’04 with a homer in extra innings. There was also a do or die playoff against the A’s in ’03 when Trot Nixon hit a walk off homer about 15 feet in front of where I was seated. I attended the ceremony to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the park’s opening in April of 2012, and I witnessed game 6 in 2013 vs. the Cards the first championship clincher at home in 95 years.

If you’re not able to attend a game, taking a tour of the park is a great experience. The hour long guided tour takes you inside the home and visiting team club houses, you will see the press box, view the field from many vantage points, including above the Green Monstah, and the right field roof deck, which is also a great place to see the Boston skyline.

While in Boston, a visit to Fenway, “America’s most beloved ballpark” should be on your must see list! If you’re staying with us at The Lenox Hotel, that should be easy as your hotel room is just as short walk to the ball park.

Walk to Fenway

Posted on April 4, 2016April 30, 2024 by Ceci O'Marah

Here at The Lenox in Boston, we are perfectly situated for the full baseball experience. The day begins without even stepping beyond our walls at Solas, our Irish pub. Start off with a perfect pint, a plate of wings, and pregame coverage and you’re on your way to a great day!

Our hotel is near Fenway so getting to the park is easy! Taxi? They are readily available, just ask our doorman. Want to take a ride in a Boston Pedi-cab? Chat with the concierge and we will call one for you. Feel like a walk? Perfect! It’s just a short 20 minute stroll down Boylston Street. Along the way you come across a host of other pubs and sport bars, keep an eye out for Dillons on Boylston Street which has an excellent patio.

A slight right onto Ipswich Street will lead you right to the back of the park. On game day the streets around Fenway close down and remind me of a carnival atmosphere. Programs, pennants, t-shirts, hot dogs, and the highly coveted sausage from The Best Sausage Co. on Yawkey Way is a must!

If you get there early enough, swing by one of my favorite hidden bars in the area, Bleacher Bar. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view looking out directly on the immaculately cared for outfield as you enjoy a pint under the bleachers. When you’re ready to head to your seats, an entrance to the park is right next to the bar.

Now that you’re inside, get your pipes ready to sing along to Sweet Caroline, Take me out to the Ballgame, and ‘root root root’ for the Red Sox! Play ball!

A Newbury Adventure

Posted on December 7, 2015April 30, 2024 by Beverly Doughty

We begin our adventure on Newbury Street across from the Public Garden at Arlington Street. All of the cross streets in Back Bay run alphabetically A-H, so figuring out the perfect shopping locale is a breeze!

Start your day between Berkeley & Clarendon Streets to visit the gorgeous Restoration Hardware located in the newly restored former Museum of Natural History. Exit out onto Boylston Street before turning back up Clarendon to return to Newbury Street. Newbury Street is home to world class boutiques and Boston favorites. In the first two blocks you can shop for a new “T” bracelet at Tiffany’s, an iconic purse at Chanel or a new watch from Cartier. Don’t forget to pop into the world-renowned Shreve, Crump & Low and check out the famous Gurgling Cod pitcher!

If you need a little snack to fuel your adventure, Georgetown Cupcakes is directly across the street – you can’t miss the line! Meandering down Newbury to Dartmouth & Exeter Streets will bring you past the Simon Pearce Glass Studio to a lively patio or happening lunch scene at Stephanie’s On Newbury. Rub shoulders with celebs as you indulge in their signature cocktails, delicious salads, or decadent mac n cheese. After a scrumptious lunch, swing up to Commonwealth Avenue for a quick stroll along the tree-lined boulevard.

Continue back to Newbury Street and make a right to find more shopping, especially small local spots and additional great dining like Sonsie, with their beautiful open frontage, as well as world class spas, and hair salons, such as Viselli. Who doesn’t love a new look to go with the latest fashion finds? On your way back, stroll down to Boylston Street and pop into Saks to find a fab Chanel lipstick.

The best part of your shopping adventure on Newbury? Where ever you go, you’re only moments from your comfortable Lenox room on Exeter. We can’t wait to welcome you back with a coffee or a cocktail and all of your treasures! The Lenox Hotel, time well spent – A Newbury Adventure, a day well spent!

Category: Neighborhood