Visit Boston: Make Way for Ducklings

In Boston Public Gardens you'll find Make Way for Ducklings, bronze statues created in honor of the popular children's book of the same name, by Robert McCloskey.

I admit - I never read the book, but it's so endearing to see the statues.  I thought it was especially cute that in the winter, the ducks were adorned with hats and festive holiday gear.

Make Way for Ducklings

Boston Public Gardens
4 Charles St S

Boston, MA 02116
(617) 969-7214

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Visit Boston: Airbnb in Jamaica Plain

Although we typically stay in hotels when we travel, during our recent trip to Boston, we stayed in an Airbnb in Jamaica Plain.

The 2-floor, 4-bedroom, 2-bath apartment is adjacent to the owner's property, but it is really like having your own home to yourself.  

There is a living room as well as a full kitchen.

Although the decor is somewhat dated, and there is no cable television, there is an abundance of space, and even use of a washer and dryer.

The property is within walking distance to the train station, and just a short drive from numerous restaurants and shops.  I got my daily walk in at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, which is just minutes away.

This Airbnb is great for families, and the price is great too!

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Visit Boston: Legal Sea Foods

Legal Sea Foods is one of the most popular chain restaurants in Boston.  We dined there two years ago, and even though we try to visit new places whenever we travel, we knew we would end up with a satisfying meal, so we dined there again - this time at the Copley Place location.

Turns out - we ended up ordering nearly the same things as our first visit.

Hot Lump Crab Dip

Although my Hot Lump Crab Dip didn't come out first - in fact it came out last, after everyone was just about done with lunch, I still enjoyed it.  The dip came out bubbling hot, and I just loved the creaminess!

Lobster Bisque

I thought the Lobster Bisque was good, but not as good as one that I had tried a few days earlier at a different restaurant.

Crabmeat Roll

 A kids menu is available.

Cheese Ravioli with Red Sauce

Macaroni & Cheese

Despite my dip being "forgotten," service was really great, and we were satisfied with our meals.

Legal Sea Foods
Copley Place
100 Huntington Avenue

Copley Pl, Boston, MA 02116

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Visit Boston: Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Because we were staying at an Airbnb while in Boston, that meant no access to a fitness center for my daily workout.  Fortunately, the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University was just a short walk away from our rental.

It was a popular spot for joggers, walkers, and even pet owners walking their dogs.

But as it was winter, there was not much foliage.

However, it was still nice to walk during the frigid mornings (an average of 30 degrees each morning!)

I'd walk past frozen lakes, icy trails, and many squirrels scurrying about.

There were many paved paths that made it easy (and safer) to walk (I slipped a couple of times on icy patches).

The Arboretum is huge.  Each day I'd walk a different area and take different trails.  There was still so much I didn't explore!

I would love to return to visit in the fall one day!


Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
25 Arborway

Boston, MA 02130

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Visit Boston: Patriot Place Play Action Pass

Patriot Place in Foxborough is a great place to visit for all sorts of shopping, dining, and activity options.

Adjacent to Gilllette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, it gets really crowded on game days (both home and away games).

During our visit, we purchased Play Action Passes.  For a low price, you get access to two attractions.  We took advantage of a winter special, which included two attractions for $18.50 per adult (regularly $22.00) and $14.75 per child (regularly $17.50), plus a winter skate bonus, and free Menchies for the kids!

For the two attractions, we chose 5 Wits ($29.99 per ticket) and Howl Splitsville Topgolf ($5 per game; $3 per shoe rental; free soft drink).

The Play Action Passes definitely turned out to be a deal, as we saved an average of $20 per person!

You can also choose from indoor cycling, Patriots Hall of Fame, a movie, and more!

If you're planning to spend the day at Patriot Place, consider getting the Play Action Pass!
Patriot Place
2 Patriot Pl

Foxborough, MA 02035

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Visit Boston: Shiki

On New Year's Day I was craving ramen. We went to a ramen shop only to be told the wait was an hour! We looked for another nearby restaurant, and found Shiki, an izakaya.

Agedashi Tofu

Ume Ochazuke

Nori Ochazuke

Chicken Karaage

Rainbow Maki

Ebi Karaage

Edamame

Takoyaki

We ordered a variety of small plates, and my faves were the Chicken Karaage, Agedashi Tofu, and Takoyaki.

I also loved the Nori Ochazuke - it was just what I was craving - something warm and comforting.

The service was okay, and the prices were on the high side, but we were glad to be able to find somewhere to dine on New Year's Day while getting a little taste of home.



Shiki
9 Babcock St

Brookline, MA 02446

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Visit Boston: Howl Splitsville Topgolf

Howl Splitsville Topgolf in Patriot Place offered a brief respite from the extremely chilly weather.

The venue is a combination bar, bowling alley, and virtual golf center (other sports offered as well).

We went to Howl Splitsville Topgolf primarily to bowl.

There are three separate bowling areas throughout the bar.

It was a two-hour wait for a lane, so after roaming through Patriot Place, we got a text saying our lane was ready.

There is a table and seating area right behind the lane, so you can drink and eat in between turns at a strike.

It was a fun (and warm!) way to spend an afternoon!

Howl Splitsville Topgolf
220 Patriot Pl

Foxborough, MA 02035

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Visit Boston: World of Beer

The weather was bad one day in Boston (the first ice storm I've ever experienced), and we ended up going to CambridgeSide so we could spend some time indoors.

We ended up having lunch at World of Beer.

$5 Monday Special

 On Mondays, World of Beer offers a special - just $5 for a burger and a side!

Beer Cheese Nachos

I ended up ordering Beer Cheese Nachos and added Green Chili Chicken for extra.  The nachos were pretty basic, and the chicken was cold, which I thought was a little odd.

A kids menu is available, with everything just $5 (meals include a drink).

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Mac & Cheese

Service was fine, and the food was too.  I'm sure beer drinkers would enjoy the place more than non-beer drinkers.  I'm just happy World of Beer provided a respite from the crazy weather for a bit.


World of Beer
100 Cambridgeside Pl

Cambridge, MA 02141

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Visit Boston: J.P. Licks

J.P. Licks is an ice cream shop chain that can be found all throughout Boston.  On our recent trip, we stopped at J.P. Licks twice.  The first time, we were driving by and a parking space opened up, so we took it as a sign.

The second time, we found a location right around the corner from where we were having dinner.  30-degree weather did not deter us from indulging in ice cream!

Cookies n' Cream

Brownie Brownie Batter

Salted Caramel Cookies & Cream

Cookies n Cake Batter

Cookie Dough

Brownie Brownie Batter

Frozen Hot Chocolate in a Pretzel Cone

Of the flavors I tried, my fave was the Frozen Hot Chocolate.  I didn't really care for the Pretzel Cone, however.  

The Brownie Brownie Batter seemed to be quite popular with my kids.

The ice cream is pricey compared to other places we've gone to in the state, but it's worth the splurge.

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