Things To Do

Salem

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.

Notch Brewery & Tap Room - 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.

The Derby Restaurant & Bar

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.

Tiki Hut Boats Corp

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.

Bagel World II Bakery & Deli

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.

Salem Willows Arcade

An old school arcade at the historic Salem Willows Park along the ocean

Peabody Essex Museum

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 Witch Trials Memorial

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.

Bewitched Sculpture

The 9-foot bronze statue, located in Salem's Lappin Park, shows the character Samantha from the 1960s show.

Bowling at American Flatbread

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.

Salem Witch Museum

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

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.

Salem Walking Tours

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.

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North Shore

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.

Nick's Roast Beef

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.

Woodman's of Essex

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.

Crane Beach

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.

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

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.

Appleton Farms: Dairy & Farm Store

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 - North American Wolf Foundation

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.

Cape Ann Whale Watch

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.

North Shore Kayak Adventures

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.

Hammond Castle Museum

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.

North End (and Charlestown)

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.

Mike's Pastry

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.

Carmelina's

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.

Monica's Mercato

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...).

Warren Tavern

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.

Cycleboat Boston

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!

The Anchor

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.

Downtown

James Hook & Co

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 Marketplace

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!

Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe

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.

The Bell In Hand Tavern

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.

The Landing at Long Wharf

Drinking fishbowls and other things on a dock in the Boston Harbor. What more is needed?

Greenway Wine Garden by City Winery

Casual and fun urban wine/beer garden located right outside South Station in downtown Boston.

Summer in the City at the Harborwalk Terrace

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.

Freedom Trail

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).

Boston Duck Tours New England Aquarium Departure Location

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.

Sunset Cruise in Boston

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).

Castle Island

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.

Boston Ghost Tours by Ghosts & Gravestones

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.

Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston

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.

Boston Crime Tour

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.

Acorn St

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.

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Back Bay

Tatte Bakery & Cafe

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 Esplanade

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

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.

Charles River Esplanade

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.

Public Garden

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.

South Boston Waterfront

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

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!

The Barking Crab

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.

Cisco Brewers Seaport

A lively seasonal pop-up offering craft beer with food trucks & picnic tables in an outdoor venue amongst Boston's Seaport skyscrapers.

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East Boston

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.

The Tall Ship Boston

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.

Downeast Cider House

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.

Piers Park

"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.

Cambridge and Sommerville

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.

Vinal Bakery

Leave it to Sommerville to have a restaurant that specializes in English muffins. This is a great spot for Breakfast sandwiches.

Lamplighter Brewing Co. - Broadway

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.

The Station by Artifact Cider Project

This cider house has the hipster Cambridge vibes and a cider for everyone, even those who don't think they like cider.

Charles River Canoe and Kayak: Cambridge, Kendall Square

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.

Harvard University

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!

Other Boston Spots...

Boston has many other neighborhoods with great destinations, from Cambridge to the South End to Jamica Plain and more...

Mike's City Diner

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.

Samuel Adams Boston Brewery

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.

Fenway Park - Game or Tour

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.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

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.