Massachusetts

Hello History! From Salem, Cape Cod and the big city of Boston we have plenty to share from the main sights to places that are less discovered.

Oct 232012
 

Boston is one of the most vibrant areas in New England attracting visitors from across the world. The cities past dates back to the early colonial days making it rich with history. There are also plenty of modern day attractions that keep this city on the map. Whether you watch lightning strike at the Museum of Science, sample Taza chocolate or take in the sunset by sea you will see why this is a top tourist destination.

Cycle the City With Urban AdvenTours

Pedal the streets of Boston with Urban AdvenTours to learn less discovered history of Boston

Pedal the streets of Boston with Urban AdvenTours to learn less discovered history of Boston

It was an uphill climb for the bike tour company Urban AdventTours in the beginning.

Owner, Andrew Prescott operated out of his garage until building up enough revenue to operate out of a storefront in downtown Boston.  Andrew started the company in 2004, giving narrated tours of the city with a tiny fleet of eight bikes. “After quitting my job in accounting I thought about things that I really like,” says Prescott. “Some of the answers are green, travel, health.” And exploring. “On weekends I rode by bike to get lost and explore the city.” Continue reading »

Oct 222012
 

Stay at the Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston and your vacation starts as soon as you step foot from your hotel door. That’s right, you don’t even have to travel by foot, train or bus to experience a relaxing and entertaining vacation. Adults can gear up for mixolgy and cooking classes while kids enjoy cookie decorating and (indoor) poolside movies.

General Manager of Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston, Michael Medeiros, says it’s important for the hotel to appeal to families as well as couples. “I want to hear from kids on what types of activities they would enjoy on vacation. I’ll pull up a chair and talk to them.” As a result, ideas like the successful poolside movies with popcorn have played out with five star reviews from guests.

“We encourage all of our staff members to come up with ideas. If an idea sticks, we are ahead of the game,” says Medeiros A staff member initiated the running concierge, which combines exercise and history. Guests can lace up their shoes and join a group for a guided 4-mile run along the Charles River.  The Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston is constantly turning gears to come up with more ideas to delight guests. During the summer months, guests can rent bicycles or take acruise along the Charles River by boat. Both services are complimentary.

The geared up health club features an indoor pool with a retractable glass roof. Lanes are

Relax at the Indoor Pool complete with a retractable glass roof

Relax at the Indoor Pool complete with a retractable glass roof

open for lap swimmers at designated times of the day and there is still plenty of room carved out for others wanting to splash around. In the mini spa, you can choose to be pampered with facials, manicures or a massage. Local brews and unique plates delight guests at the onsite Art Bar and Dante’s Restaurant.

Set on the banks of the Charles River, the hotel offers a relaxed vibe. The hotel crosses elegance with modern touches staying true to form, function and fluidity. Updated rooms bring a refreshing feel offering either a city or river view.  Crisp white, sparkling silver, jet-black, touches of brighter colors and neutrals combine to give each room a lush quality. World-class art is featured throughout the hotel and rooms.

The contemporary spot offers plenty of walkable options for food and entertainment in Cambridge. You will also find easy access to downtown Boston and other attractions. A nearby T stop is just over a quarter of a mile away from the hotel. There is also a shuttle service leaving at specific times each day that will drop you near MIT, Kendall Square, Quincy Market/Faneuil Hall and the Prudential Center. The friendly staff at the concierge desk is geared with ideas and directions to make sure your travel ideas are fulfilled!

Personality and originality set this property on a caliber that’s tough to meet.

Contemporary Rooms are Accented with Personality & Charm

Contemporary Rooms are Accented with Personality & Charm

Exceptionally accommodating, the Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston is catching eyes. Other Sonesta Hotels with the same inviting features can be found across the map including Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Saint Maarten, New Orleans, Houston, Baltimore, Hilton Head Island, Philadelphia & Miami.

 Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston

40 Edwin Land Boulevard
Cambridge, MA 02142
617.806.4200

Set on the banks of the Charles River, the hotel offers a relaxed vibe.

Set on the banks of the Charles River, the hotel offers a relaxed vibe.

Oct 222012
 

In Provincetown, aka P-town, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, I recommend that you stay at the

The Sage Inn Sparkles Following a Recent Renovation

The Sage Inn Sparkles Following a Recent Renovation

Sage Inn and Lounge and you will realize it’s full of sparkle.  As the oldest [new] hotel in P-town, it’s filled with stories and charm but, after its recent renovation, it has also become one of the most modern hot spots in town. Layered details throughout the hotel are full of creative touches.

Inn Manager, Cathy Nagorski says everything may be smooth as sand at this point, but getting here wasn’t easy.  “We faced nail-biting challenges leading up to the opening,” confesses Cathy. “We advertised we would be open May 10th which was a stretch, at times. But we were going to make it happen.” Staying true to their word, the Sage pushed limits and welcomed guests as planned. Cathy credits the spirit of the Provincetown community. “If you need help, everyone comes together. Several workers felt our pain. We all rose up and came together.”

The space is much more than a place to catch some rest. Come in after 5 pm and you will find the lounge buzzing with people enjoying small plates and unique cocktails and beers. Executive Chef Lucio Garnica brings his French training to the menu with dishes like the Wellfleet oysters with cilantro mignonette, which are brilliant. “Everyone has oysters but our presentation is so unique,” says Cathy. Another item that sits well on the palate is the Inn’s clam chowder, prepared tableside.

Chef Garnica stays in tune with local and seasonal ingredients. “It’s impressing people.

Chef Garnica Strives to Use Local Ingredients

Chef Garnica Strives to Use Local Ingredients

We want to offer menu items that no one else offers.” Some of those items Cathy speaks of are drinks concocted especially for the Inn. Try the Sage Cumber cocktail that includes gin, cucumber, fresh sage, lemon juice and ginger. If gin isn’t your spirit of choice, try the Frozen Bellini made with Prosecco, peach puree and vodka.

The charm and spirit of buzzing Commercial Street are just steps from the tucked-away Inn. Travelers can take advantage of on-site parking, plush rooms, a friendly staff and expansive second-level deck to take it all in.

Also unique about the Sage Inn- during the quiet season(s) you will not find the Inn quiet

Catch Carri with Sage Inn & Lounge Manager Cathy Nagorski

Catch Carri with Sage Inn & Lounge Manager Cathy Nagorski

but instead filled with talented artists and motivated students at highly competitive rates. Sage will also donate a portion of each guest check from the Lounge to select cultural or non-profits organizations if guests are members. Examples include: Center for Coastal Studies, Provincetown Theater and the Cape Cod School of Art.

To book a room, visit: www.sageinnptown.com

Room Rates: vary by season but generally range from $130-$300 per night.

A suggestion from Sage on what to do in P-town includes:

Provincetown Trolley Tour & a guided sightseeing tour along Commercial Street.