Our Hotel Block is in Salem, MA. Best known for the Witch Trials, Salem also has fun things to do, a waterfront, and great food. We recommend walking around the town, where our hotel is conveniently located. Salem also has a Commuter Rail Train and a Passenger Ferry that both go to Boston. The next few recommendations are all in Salem.
Awesome brewery along the water and right next to the Salem Waterfront hotel. This is next to the Church and shuttle pick-up, so it is a good option to fill the time between the ceremony and reception.
If you are looking for a drink, air conditioning, and no wait before the wedding, this is probably your best bet as the Marina beer garden and Notch Brewery can sometimes only have outside seating available on the weekends. This is a seven minute walk from the church and hotel.
If you have a destination wedding there has to be tiki bars, so here is one... on a boat. Make sure to book well in advance because tickets fill up.
The best bagels in Massachusetts are at Bagel World. The line is long for a reason. Pro-tip: there is an express lane for people that are only getting bagels (not bagel sandwiches) or ordered online.
An old school arcade at the historic Salem Willows Park along the ocean
For over 220 years, the Peabody Essex Museum has been dedicated to collecting, preserving, and showcasing compelling artwork throughout history and from around the world.
Salem's simple yet dramatic memorial to the 20 victims of the witch trials of 1692 is about a 5 minute walk from the hotel and serves as a very real reminder of the dangers of fear and ignorance as well as the importance of due process.
The 9-foot bronze statue, located in Salem's Lappin Park, shows the character Samantha from the 1960s show.
American Flatbread is a pizza and candlepin bowling (not to be mistaken with what Katherine calls "Big Ball Bowling") joint. You can reserve a lane on the site or by calling.
The Salem Witch Museum is a museum in Salem, MA about the Witch Trials of 1692. The museum is based on the actual documents of the trials.
The House of the Seven Gables is a 1668 colonial mansion, named for its gables. It was made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1851 novel The House of the Seven Gables.
Katherine saw on Yelp that this was the best part of one reviewer's trip to Salem. If you're interested in learning the history, including the Revolutionary War, the Witch Trials, and stories of noble merchants & abolitionists, then this would be a great option for you! P.S. - Katherine trusts Yelp with her life.
The North Shore is the northeastern area of Massachusetts which includes Katherine's hometown of Ipswich, Salem, and many beautiful places. In addition to the Salem spots already listed, we have these driving destinations that you may want to check out while in the area.
The North Shore of Boston is known for many things, one of which is the ultimate roast beef destination. We've chosen Kyle's roast beef indoctrination location, Nick's Roast Beef, but there are plenty of options to choose from all over the North Shore and even in Boston. Order it one-way, two-way, or three-way based on your choice of any combination of Mayo, Cheese, and tangy BBQ.
Besides being owned by Katherine's seventh grade history teacher, Woodman's claims to have invented the first fried claim. Whether or not this is true, the restaurant has been on food network as a top fried fish spot. Other awarded fried seafood and chowder places include Farnhams (Essex), Clam Box (Ipswich), and Clambake (Ipswich). If you get to Woodman's and the line is too long, we recommend continuing down the street to Farnhams.
Katherine's hometown, Ipswich, is known for Crane Beach. Kyle and Katherine will be going here on Monday June 3rd, and hope you can join. Advance purchase day passes are required on the weekends. On the weekends, there is a shuttle from the Ipswich train station to the beach.
Up the hill from the Beach is the mansion that was once the vacation home of the Crane family (as in the toilets, and adoptive family of Chevy Chase). You can walk around the grounds or take a tour and learn about the architecture and history of the estate. Advance tickets are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays, but not required.
The oldest continually operating farm in America (est 1638) is in Ipswich (and Hamilton) and is also a great place to walk. Open to the public, the farm has 1,000 acres with walking trails, animals, and crops. The best parking lots are at 219 Country Road, Ipswich (at the farm store) and 877 Highland Street, Hamilton (parking lot with several trails).
Wolf Hollow is a wolf preserve that allows you to see (but not touch, you are separated by a fence) gray wolves in their natural environment. During a visit, you can listen to an interactive presentation about wolves.
For a whale of a good time, you could check out a whale watch. Katherine has done the one leaving from Gloucester, but there are other location options throughout New England.
If you're looking for a way to get on the Atlantic Ocean, one option is Sea Kayaking. North Shore Adventures offers rentals and daily kayaking tours from beautiful Rockport.
Money doesn't buy happiness, but it does buy a medieval castle. In 1926 the inventor of the remote control built himself a waterfront medieval castle in Gloucester that now acts as a museum, housing artifacts from ancient Rome through the Renaissance.
The North End, Boston’s Little Italy, is a maze of narrow streets with some of the city’s oldest buildings. It's the most European feeling place in the USA. Whether you're just looking to walk around and feel the vibrancy of the neighborhood or looking for truly authentic Italian cuisine, this is a must-see neighborhood in Boston. Just across the harbor from the North End, and easily accessible by foot, is Charlestown. Charlestown is also historical and aesthetically pleasing, with a great Navy Yard, and a more residential vibe.
If you like cannolis, then this is a must do. Right on Hanover, the main street of Boston's famed North End neighborhood, sits one of the best cannolis you'll ever have. And if you're really up for it ... do a comparison with rival Modern Pastry right down the street. And if you're really reallyyyy up for it, go one block over to Bova's, another rival offering 24/7 convenience. Let's just say, Kyle has been to each of these spots a few times.
Our top restaurant in the North End is Carmelina's. If you would like to try one of Boston's best pasta dishes, you will need to make a reservation well in advance, so make sure to plan ahead. While none top Carmelina's, the North End has many other fantastic Italian restaurants with a shorter wait list.
Located in the North End, this is a true Salumeria where you'll find classic Italian deli sandwiches. This is Kyle's favorite sandwich spot in the city - his favorite is the Italian Steak Tips, but you can't go wrong with any option. These things are pretty hefty and plenty big enough to split between two people (Kyle doesn't split...).
The Warren Tavern is one of the most historic taverns in America. It was visited by many famous individuals including George Washington (his funeral was here too) and Paul Revere. You'll feel the history with one step inside this Charlestown neighborhood staple.
Familiar with the pedal pub, where you gather friends to cycle your way through the streets while enjoying some drinks? Well, this is Boston, and we do it on a cycle boat in the Boston Harbor, so it's 100% better. If you're interested, this is something you'll need to reserve in advance!
Boston's only oceanfront beer garden (that Kath & Kyle know of) is The Anchor. It's located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, right next to the U.S.S. Constitution (oldest active Navy Ship in the USA). The Anchor usually has live music, and they posts their music and event calendar on their website.
What's a trip to Boston without a classic Lobstah roll. James Hook has been around for over 90 years and is widely regarded as one of the best lobster & seafood fisheries around. It's a casual shack located right on the downtown waterfront. For those interested, Kath and Kyle will be stopping by James Hook on Wednesday (7/5) for lunch starting at noon followed by drinks at a local beer garden.
Faneuil Hall has been around since 1742. It's a bustling and active spot in the city where you'll find shopping, street performers, and food. Faneuil Hall, sometimes known as "The Cradle of Liberty", also played an integral role in revolutionary times, serving as an organized meeting place to discuss & plan events like the Boston Tea Party!
This Western Chinese restaurant is at the heart of Boston's Chinatown. The restaurant does not sell flatbreads, in Chinese culture you keep the name of the restaurant that previously existed in the building. Other good Chinatown spots include Taiwan Cafe, Dumpling Cafe, and Toro.
Bell in Hand Tavern served its first drink back in 1795 and is America's oldest continuously operating tavern. This historic tavern is located downtown in the Faneuil Hall area.
Drinking fishbowls and other things on a dock in the Boston Harbor. What more is needed?
Casual and fun urban wine/beer garden located right outside South Station in downtown Boston.
Soak up the evening summer sun and take in live music every Tuesday-Thursday starting at 6pm at the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Summer in the City series. We recommend sitting down for a drink while you enjoy the music. *Note: Link is for 2022 schedule.
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path through Boston that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. If you like history, then this is the thing to do. This trail highlights many of the important places and moments of the American Revolution. After all, Boston is considered the birthplace of the American Revolution. This can be self guided and at your own pace (or you can book a guided tour).
Hop aboard Boston Duck Tours and enjoy a fully narrated, historic tour of Boston in a “DUCK", a W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle that travels on land and water. Good way to see and hear a ton about Boston without all the walking.
For a great view of Boston from the Harbor, take a romantic ride on a Sunset Cruise. There are other boat options on this website if you don't like sunsets (e.g. Jazz music cruise).
This is one of Kyle & Kath's most frequented places, located not far from their apartment. Castle Island has picnic tables, a walking trail, a small beach, a snack shack (Sully's) which has great soft serve ice cream, and four of Kyle's favorite things (1) Kite Surfers, (2) Skyline view, (3) Airplanes, and (4) the Port. "Castle Island" itself was a primary stronghold for the British at the start of the American Revolution before they abandoned it.
As the birthplace of America, Boston has an interesting (and sometimes spooky) history. On this ghost tour you will take a trolley to places such as the Omni Parker House and King's Chapel, while being told about murders and paranormal activities. There are plenty other ghost tour companies that go to different destinations and are walking instead of a trolley.
What better way to rest your dancing legs and see the city of Boston than a hop-on-hop-off Trolley? The trolleys go to all the major Boston sites and have tour guides onboard.
Between pirates, Whitey Bulger, other Irish Mobsters, bootleggers, the 1900s underground crime world, Boston has a long history of crime. There are many different tours focusing on Boston's crime history, this one is a guided walking tour that is also a good way of seeing some of the downtown area.
One of the most photographed streets in the city, Acorn Street offers visitors a reminiscent ride back to colonial Boston in the heart of the Beacon Hill neighborhood.
Tatte is a popular Boston fast casual chain with sandwiches and pastries. The restaurant started in the Copley Farmers Market and now has locations all over the east coast.
Night Shift Owl's Nest beer garden is located right along Boston's esplanade. It's a great place to grab a beer in the city!
Newbury Street is Boston's equivalent of 5th Ave in NYC. Here you'll find that quintessential Boston brownstone look surrounded by shopping of major brands and small upscale boutiques alike.
The Esplanade is one of Kath & Kyle's favorite places. It's an idyllic trail along the Charles River bank for a walk, run (if Katherine successfully convinces Kyle), bike ride, or a place to just settle into a seat and watch the sailboats glide by on the Charles.
The Boston Public Gardens and Boston Common are two of Boston's best known parks. Right across the street from each other in Downtown Boston, this is a common tourist stop. The Boston Common is the oldest city park in the country, and the Public Garden is one of the prettiest. Besides walking the parks, you can take a ride on the Public Garden Swan Boats, or take a picture with the Make Way for Ducklings statue.
The South Boston Waterfront includes "Southie" and Seaport. Both have great waterfronts. Once Whitey Bulger's empire, Southie is now home to a mix of locals and young hip 20 year olds, including Katherine and Kyle. Not surprisingly, our favorite spots are away from the trendy (long-line) nightlife and on the preserved waterfront. Seaport is a newer neighborhood, with a more urban waterfront.
Harpoon Brewery is one of the biggest and most popular breweries in Massachusetts, and their flagship taproom is located right in an industrial pocket of Boston's Seaport neighborhood. Plenty of good beer selections often including collaborations with other Boston companies like Dunkin'! Be sure to try the pretzel if you go too!
Located on the other side of the bridge from one of our other recommendations (James Hook), the Barking Crab is a more lively waterfront seafood joint with open-air picnic-table dining & views of the Boston Harbor.
A lively seasonal pop-up offering craft beer with food trucks & picnic tables in an outdoor venue amongst Boston's Seaport skyscrapers.
For the best views of Boston go to East Boston. You can take the blue line, then head straight to the waterfront because that is where everything you want to see is.
A 245' vessel turned floating oyster bar moored on Pier One in East Boston. Great place for drinks and a phenomenal view of the Boston skyline.
You've probably heard of Downeast Cider, but did you know it was founded in Boston? If you're a cider person, this is the place to go. Located in an old shipyard, this indoor taproom has plenty of hard cider options you can only find here.
"The nicest park in all of Boston" - Kyle "I've lived in Massachusetts for 25 years and I've never been to East Boston" - Katherine But really, Piers Park is a hidden gem with incredible views of the city, located in East Boston (affectionately known as Eastie) and is a great place to picnic or relax while taking in the beautiful harbor and city skyline.
Home to some "Wicked Smaht" people, Cambridge and the neighboring Sommerville have an academic and more hipster vibe. Not listed here, but Cambridge and Sommerville are the "Foodie" neighborhoods of Boston.
Leave it to Sommerville to have a restaurant that specializes in English muffins. This is a great spot for Breakfast sandwiches.
This small batch brewery is focused on aroma-packed and flavor-driven beers, with an emphasis on New England IPAs, barrel-aged sours, and special seasonals. Other breweries in Sommerville in Cambridge include Aeronaut, Night Shift, Lord Hobo, and Cambridge Brewing Company.
This cider house has the hipster Cambridge vibes and a cider for everyone, even those who don't think they like cider.
Launch into the Charles River from Cambridge's Kendall Square for an active way to get some of the best views of Boston while kayaking up and down the Charles.
You may have heard of Ellen's alma mater once or twice. Harvard university is the oldest and most prestigious institution for higher education in the United States. It's hard to deny the aura felt walking around Harvard's beautiful campus!
Boston has many other neighborhoods with great destinations, from Cambridge to the South End to Jamica Plain and more...
Also on Guy Fieri's Diners, Dives and Drive Ins list, Mike's Diner is an amazing old school no-frills dinner that does not take reservations. Katherine recommends the Pilgrim.
Sam Adams, the well known and unofficially official beer of Boston, has a wicked cool tour at its brewery in the Jamaica Plains neighborhood that's worth checking out. You'll need to book a spot on the tour in advance through their website.
The infamous Fenway Park, oldest baseball park in the MLB, is a great place to catch a game or book a tour to learn as you walk through this history spot.
The JFK Library, honoring our 35th President of the United States, is located on the water in South Boston. Located on a ten-acre park, overlooking the sea that he loved and the city that launched him to greatness, the Library stands as a vibrant tribute to the life and times of John F. Kennedy.