Boston can get a bad rap for its weather and aggressive locals, but it’s a cool city to spend a few days in!
Boston Tips:
Expect terrible driving. Parking is bad. Drivers are bad. Lanes end with no warning. I’d avoid having a car if you’re staying in the city center.
I would not recommend going in the winter unless you really enjoy the snow and cold—Boston gets slammed with winter storms.
Be sure to venture into Cambridge and out to Cape Cod while in the area as well!
Adventures & Ales Top Recommendations:
Tree House Brewing Company: A stellar brewery with 5 locations (one is on the beach and one is at a golf course!). They have some funky rules about how many pours you can get and ordering to-go beer, so be sure to check out their website for each taproom’s policies before visiting.
Sandwich: A beautiful spot on Cape Cod at the beach! Dog friendly outside, and they serve delicious pizzas and lobster rolls.
Carlton: The OG location is a massive, beautiful campus. They run like a well-oiled machine. Dog friendly inside and out, pizzas sometimes available.
Deerfield: This is a converted industrial building that they made into an epic taproom. They have a plant-filled interior and a spacious outdoor area. Dog-friendly outside, pizzas available.
Trillium Brewing: Trillium is consistently one of the best breweries in the country and you absolutely must try their beers while in Boston! Trillium has four locations in the area: Fort Point, Fenway, Canton, and on the Greenway!
Trillium Fort Point: This location has a large tap list, a rooftop bar, a full food menu, and a nice outdoor patio. Highly recommend checking out this location!
Trillium Fenway: A smaller tap list and a small taproom, but the outdoor space is nice. This location is right next to Time Out Market which has a bunch of different food options.
Trillium Canton: Their newest space is a bit further outside of the city center. Full food menu, gorgeous, spacious taproom, and a huge outdoor area.
Pro-tip: The Homewood Suites in Canton is a 3 minute walk from this Trillium location!
Trillium on the Greenway: A seasonal taproom located right on the Rose Kennedy Greenway!
Fenway Beer Shop: A bottle shop close to Fenway Park with a really good selection of cans and bottles. Highly recommend!
Mike’s Pastry: Touristy but worth it. Cannolis are not usually my favorite but I loveeeeee Mike’s. The peanut butter chocolate is clearly the best. Cash only!
Rose Kennedy Greenway: A fun outdoor space in the heart of the city. The city’s best food trucks park here for lunch time—get on it! Trillium Brewing also has a location on the greenway!
Tatte Bakery & Cafe: This fantastic bakery has numerous locations throughout the Boston area for you to try their delicious baked goods. I recommend going to the location near the Boston Commons and taking a stroll with your coffee/snack!
Vitamin Sea Brewing: A solid brewery in Weymouth specializing in IPAs. It is a nice little spot with good vibes. They also have a location in Plymouth.
Barrel House Z is across the street
Sam Adam’s Brewing: Super touristy of course, but at least they have brewery-only releases to try when you visit! They have a nice outdoor space as well.
Night Shift Brewing: They have several taprooms throughout town, so we checked out the Love Joy Wharf location. It is right on the water and they are a solid brewery.
The Lawn on D: This is basically an adult playground with games, swings, alcohol, dogs, and more.
Harpoon Brewery: This massive brewery is definitely worth a stop. Be sure to get a pretzel.
Trillium Brewing
touristy things in boston that are worth doing:
Fenway Park: You gotta do it! It’s such a cool little stadium. Even the cheapest seats have a great view because everything is compact.
Bleacher Bar is a great place to pre-game with lots of craft beer options right across from the stadium
Newbury Street: Wander the shops & admire the brownstones!
Boston Public Garden & Boston Commons: The swan boats are iconic and the park is gorgeous!
Wander North End: This neighborhood is full of fantastic Italian restaurants! For something casual grab sandwiches from Pauli’s and enjoy them on the waterfront of the Boston Harbor at Langone Park with Mike’s Pastry!
Boston Public Market: A great food hall with lots of options. Makes for a great stop for lunch!
Explore Cape Cod: A fun spot to spend a day or two! Expect road delays.
Provincetown: A cute little town at the end of the cape full of shopping, restaurants, ice cream shops, and more. Be sure to stop at The Canteen, a self-proclaimed “Provincetown institution.” This restaurant and bar has a great patio on the water. The food is tasty but nothing too special and they have a solid beer selection. Their raw bar is weekends only.
Sandwich: This town is at the start of the cape and home to one of Tree House Brewing Company’s taprooms. It is located right on the water with gorgeous views and a beautiful interior. They have delicious and massive pizzas + lobster rolls. In addition to their incredible beer they have craft cocktails in the airstream outside.
Cape Cod National Seashore: Check out Highland Lighthouse and Coast Guard Beach!
Fenway
Cambridge & Somerville Recommendations:
Explore Harvard of course! Here is a self-guided walking tour!
Lamplighter Brewing: A fun brewery with yummy beers and a small food menu.
Remnant Brewing: A great brewery in Somerville located in Bow Market. Really good beers and several other food/drink options in the market plaza as well.
Aeronaut Brewing: Another brewery in Somerville with good beers, a huge patio, and chill vibes.
Simon’s Coffee Shop: A cute and homey coffee shop with killer breakfast sandwiches!
Kendall Square Roof Garden: A cute garden with a nice view.
Cambridge Brewing Co.: Personally my favorite part was that they have different mini-glasses for flights for each type of beer! A fun spot with food as well.
The Sinclair: A great spot for brunch in Harvard Square. Sit on the rooftop if the weather is nice!
