Boston 2022 – Getting There and Being There

Boston 2022 – Getting There and Being There! Nothing compares to Boston in the Springtime – especially if you’re a runner (or runnah, as the locals say.) Check out the details of our 6 day, 5 night trip in April – getting there and finding beer!

Parking – We used our normal vendor, US Park. This morning, the lot was very full and we had to wait about 20 minutes for shuttle pickup.  That’s very unusual for them so hopefully it was a one time thing.

Cheapskate tip – Visit Detroit Parking Coupons to save a little dough. They also offer veteran’s discounts and discounts for various businesses as well so be sure to check that out before you pay.  

Flight – Flew from DTW to Logan via Delta on April 15th at 6:50 AM (as in Awww Mornings). The flight was on time and congestion at the airport was low.

Low Stress tip – We took advantage of our TSA Pre-check / Clear membership to glide through the security line.  We were at the new Delta lounge within 10 minutes of walking into the airport.

Transportation – We used Uber to get us to the drop off spot for our VRBO because WHO WANTS to lug luggage around public transportation.  By the way, I just got where the word luggage comes from! It cost about $24 and took about 10 minutes.

Being There

Lodging – We stayed at a studio apartment on Moon Street in the old north part of town – steps from Paul Revere’s house. Our 6 day stay cost us only $800. Some of our friends who had booked with another vendor had their lodging cancelled and had to rebook at the last minute for $600 PER NIGHT!

Cheapskate tip & Low Stress tip – VRBO has been both economical and very reliable. Unlike some other services, we have NEVER had a VRBO cancel on us and usually it’s been a real pleasure working with the owners of the properties. 

Afternoon Shenanigans

What we did – First stop the T at Haymarket to get a Charlie Card.  A 7 day pass cost $22.50 for unlimited train and bus transport.  Since we didn’t want to rent a car and deal with the traffic, this card was a life safer.  We got off at the Hynes Convention Center to pick up Stephen’s packet for the Boston Marathon. 

Runner tip – Don’t believe that going to the expo before it opens will save you any time.  We got there at about 10:45 and got in the back of a line that had to have more than 200 people in it and ended in the parking garage. Once the doors opened at 11 and the initial queue cleared, you could basically walk in at any time.

Finding Beer

As we were both now bordering on hangry, we decided it was time to stop for lunch at the Russell House Tavern in Cambridge. We sat at the downstairs bar and split a clams casino appetizer and the ample fish and chips which came with coleslaw. The downstairs vibe was dark and cozy, slightly hipster. 

We sat at the bar downstairs and enjoyed some great local beer including some from Alagash. I opted for the Finback IPA which was citrusy and refreshing while Stephen tried the Charms and Hexes sour from Banded Brewing in Maine.  

Next stop was Lamplighter Brewing in Cambridge. Stephen had a Birds of a Feather IPA while I enjoyed another hazy. Super fun vibe at this place. Somewhere I would want to hang if I were local.

What we did – Since we were sufficiently hydrated, we were able to continue our journey to Harvard (or Hawvawd). And now I can FINALLY say I went there.  I wonder if I can get a tee-shirt that says that? 

Cheapskate tip – We then hit the Goodwill to get Stephen a throw away robe for the race start and I scored a great black blazer from Banana Republic. I was planning to spend around $120 to get one from Boston Proper but both of these items combined cost less than $10. This means we have more money for beer!

Evening Shenanigans

After a quick stop at the room to drop off our bags and change for dinner, we headed over to Durty Nelly’s for a quick libation. One of our top dive bars! It’s small, cash only and feels local. We love it there. I had an amaretto sour and Stephen had a whiskey, I’m pretty sure.

Where we ate – We had reservations at the Union Oyster House for dinner. Reported to be the oldest restaurant in the US, they had lots of revolutionary paraphernalia including reports of how Daniel Webster would drink at their bar and enjoy plates of oysters. We each got a clam chowder – as we had a report from a local that it was the best in Boston. I think they were right. It was pretty righteous. For the main course, I had a salmon fillet while Stephen enjoyed broiled sea scallops and we split a bottle of white wine. It was a grown up dinner and nice, however, we both noticed the old, old bar on the other side of the restaurant and decided it would be worth a visit on another day.

Finding Beer!

Where we drank – Since it was too early to call it a night, we headed two doors down to the Green Dragon which was opened all the way back in 1654 and was a favored hang out of Paul Revere. Pictured here, Stephen enjoyed a Shipping Out of Boston by Jack’s Abby. I frankly had too many to remember but we had a great time chatting up the locals and enjoying the evening. We left after the band started their second number and headed back to our hotel.

That ends day 1! Check out all the running hoopla on Day 2.

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