Spring brings with it renewed urges to get outside and explore the world.
Whether it is in our own backyard or somewhere far away, we welcome the warmer weather and blossoming trees, the nodding daffodils, and the regal tulips.
Lucky for us that a recent trip to Boston was timed to intersect with perfect spring weather.
Newbury Street
We’ve visited Boston-Cambridge numerous times, but this was our first jaunt down Newbury Street.
What a pleasure.
Of course, the beautiful spring day helped make it special. Temperatures in the high 60’s, a sparkling blue sky, and abundant sunshine created a hard-to-beat background.
Newbury Street is reminiscent of Boston’s Charles Street, with old brick and brownstones. Small, flowering trees grow out of square plots in the sidewalks.
You’ll find cute coffee shops and gift shops, as well as high-end shopping; it isn’t called the “Rodeo Drive of the East Coast” for nothing.
My favorite shop was Topdrawer.
Here you’ll find beautifully made items for “creatives” seeking intentional living.
It sounds a bit hokey, but the wares were very beautiful.
The store is an eclectic mix of imports, many from Japan.
Topdrawer sells everything from house slippers to art supplies.
I was drawn to the gouache paints and watercolor sketch books. I bought a beautiful palette of cerise, orange, and rose colored paints.
The store also had some interesting Japanese watercolor brushes, but I restrained myself from buying more brushes.
Maybe on my next visit
Brattle Book Shop
Choosing which store is my favorite: a bookstore or an art supply store, that would be a tough one.
Luckily, one of my favorite used book stores in Boston is within walking distance of Newbury Street.
We crossed the south end of Boston Commons to get to Brattles, which is located on West Street.
First stop was to check out the shelves and carts of books outside the store. You feel like you are at a giant book garage sale. I could have spent hours here if I didn’t have other people to consider!
We also went inside the store to check things out.
The last time I was here, I bought a book about oil painting by Kevin MacPherson. The store had two books by this author back then, and unwisely I bought just the one.
I was hoping to find that they still had the other, but no luck.
Another learning experience.
The Artisan Bistro at the Ritz-Carlton Boston
My son and son-in-law got tired of waiting around for us to browse books. They texted that they were sitting in the Ritz-Carlton lobby on Avery Street, just a block away.
We walked in to meet them and were greeted by doormen and the concierge. The lobby was inviting, not intimidating, and that is exactly how I’d describe the experience at Chicago’s Ritz.
The lobby bar didn’t open until 4 p.m., but there is a cute bistro at the front of the hotel that has a lovely bar and lunch area.
We were able to sit at the end of the bar – all five of us – and as it was large, it was more like sitting at a table rather than at a bar. It was a nice arrangement for conversation over drinks.
The bartender was awesome. Three of us ordered a drink called the “Ritz Fizz.” It is a mixture of blue curacao, amaretto, lemon juice, and prosecco. The drink is served in a champagne glass with a twist (ours was lime). It was delicious.
I’ve since come to learn that the Ritz Fizz was invented at the Boston Ritz-Carlton back in 1934, just when prohibition was ending.
Our bartender offered us some mixed nuts, and he gave us individual silver bowls from which to snack while we sipped our drinks and talked.
It was a perfect way to cap the afternoon before heading to dinner. And the experience was so pleasant that we are sure to return.
Dinner at Row 34 Seafood
Photo credit: Kaleido-dp
One thing about Boston: they don’t mess around with anything but the freshest seafood.
Row 34 Seafood did not disappoint the raw bar lovers in the family.
A giant plate of raw oysters was ordered and devoured.
I have to admit that I don’t like raw oysters, but everyone else loved them. Shout out to Damariscotta oysters voted informally as best tasting.
I had a lobster roll and was looking forward to something special, but was disappointed.
The lobster meat was actually a bit tough, as if it had been steamed too long. It may have been just mine, because everyone else seemed to enjoy the meal.
Broadsheet Coffee Roasters
We met our son and his friends at Broadstreet Coffee Roasters in the morning before we headed back home.
We’ve been here before, and it is consistently good.
I had a café au lait and a trail mix scone. The coffee is rich but not bitter, and the bakery is fresh. And, of course, the company was fun.
Oleana Restaurant
Oleana’s is a Mediterranean restaurant that serves chef-created small plates.
Everything we tried was good, and the cocktails looked great. I just wasn’t all that hungry, so it is hard for me to give you an accurate assessment.
What I can say is that every table was filled, and the treats just kept coming. I’ve read that the patio is lovely in the summer, so maybe we can try it again when the weather is warmer.
Sugar and Spice Thai Restaurant
On our first night in Boston, we were hungry and ready to eat somewhere close.
Across the street from our hotel was a homey-looking Thai restaurant called Sugar and Spice.
We were lucky to arrive early (5:00) and got a table right away.
When we were leaving, there was a line out the door for restaurant patrons, and another line out the door for carry-out orders.
Yes, the food was that good! I had crispy chicken with veggies and rice noodles. It was all fresh and tasted fantastic.
My husband had the red basil crispy chicken, and that was great, too.
Our son’s yellow curry with ramen noodles was so flavorful that I may need to order it on our next visit.
No wonder the lines were out the door.
Mike’s Cannoli
A trip to Boston is not complete without at least one trip to get a cannoli. We’ve always gone to Mike’s for ours, but there is a running competition between Mike’s and Continental.
Photo credit: dna_xdm
Maybe we’ll do a side-by-side test one day.
I think I could handle that!
