First timer @ Boston/Fenway advice

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

I'm aware they're a million threads like this so I apologize.

 

A lot of you know I've been wanting to go to Fenway for quite some time now. I wasn't able to though because of my age and how far I live. I pretty much got the ok from my parents. I'm turning 18 in June which is when I plan on going to Boston. Since they're a lot of Boston natives on the site. I'll most likely go by myself so I need a place to stay. I need it to be kind of close to Fenway since I won't have my own car. I'm not trying to spend a fortune though. Also since it's my first time at Fenway I want it to be the best experience possible. Where are the best seats at? I'm willing to spend some money on the tickets. Now that I have a job I'm going to save up. I've yet to look up plane tickets but I'm trying to save up now so that when June comes I'll have everything ready. I heard you can get a certificate for your first time at Fenway. Not sure if that's true or not, if anyone can confirm that'd be nice. I'll most likely be in Boston for a few days. Is there anything else in Boston around Fenway worth going to? Like I said I'm tryig to make this the most memorable experience ever. If anyone wants to throw out any other ideas go ahead and shoot. Thanks in advance everyone.

[mvp 78]

The weather sucks in June, wait til July.

 

Nearly all hotels in Boston are walking distance from Fenway (Boston is a tiny city). Wait til a few days before and get a good last minute deal.

 

There's a ton to do in Boston. What kind of stuff are you into?

 

The best seats are behind home or either baseline. Just don't get RF grandstand seats. CF bleachers are a good deal. Maybe get standing room for Moster seats?

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

The weather sucks in June, wait til July.

 

Nearly all hotels in Boston are walking distance from Fenway (Boston is a tiny city). Wait til a few days before and get a good last minute deal.

 

There's a ton to do in Boston. What kind of stuff are you into?

 

The best seats are behind home or either baseline. Just don't get RF grandstand seats. CF bleachers are a good deal. Maybe get standing room for Moster seats?

 

July it is then. Glad to hear the hotels are close together. One of my co workers did tell me that Boston was pretty nice to get around. You can get pretty much anywhere through subway. Uh, I'm in to sports and food lol. If there's any like museum related to sports or some good food spots I should know about that'd be cool. I don't know what type of things do people go to when visiting Boston? I've never been to Fenway so don't know what the best seats is. Where's the best spot you've experienced? Home plate seems nice but I was thinking towards the dugout?

[mvp 78]

Seats near the dugout would be great too.

 

There are a bunch of great places to eat. The North End is filled with awesome Italian food and pizza. Chinatown is ok, but nothing special. There are a ton of places on Boylston/Newbury St that you could check out (burgers/pizza/American fare). Lots of good Indian food as well. Not too many worthwhile TexMex spots though. I'd skip all the burrito joints too.

 

People typically grab a duck tour, walk the freedom trail, go to Harvard Sq, go shopping on Newbury, Fanueil Hall (sp?), go to the aquarium and other touristy stuff. You'll have a lot more fun coming with another person unless you don't mind wandering around by yourself. Boston is a very walkable and fun to explore around by foot.

 

If I was going to show someone around, I'd do breakfast at Mike's Diner, wander around Newbury, walk to the Boston Public Gardens, do the freedom trail, get dinner in the North End and dessert at Mike's Pasteries (though there are better spots). The next day, I'd take the T out to Harvard Sq for lunch and shopping, walk down Mass ave through Central and back over the bridge, get dinner at the Pour House and ice cream at JP Licks. If you were 21+ (you aren't) I'd send you to some other spots too. The Fenway/Kenmore Sq area is ok to wander around, but it has lost a lot of the more fun stuff over the past 15 years.

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

Seats near the dugout would be great too.

 

There are a bunch of great places to eat. The North End is filled with awesome Italian food and pizza. Chinatown is ok, but nothing special. There are a ton of places on Boylston/Newbury St that you could check out (burgers/pizza/American fare). Lots of good Indian food as well. Not too many worthwhile TexMex spots though. I'd skip all the burrito joints too.

 

People typically grab a duck tour, walk the freedom trail, go to Harvard Sq, go shopping on Newbury, Fanueil Hall (sp?), go to the aquarium and other touristy stuff. You'll have a lot more fun coming with another person unless you don't mind wandering around by yourself. Boston is a very walkable and fun to explore around by foot.

 

If I was going to show someone around, I'd do breakfast at Mike's Diner, wander around Newbury, walk to the Boston Public Gardens, do the freedom trail, get dinner in the North End and dessert at Mike's Pasteries (though there are better spots). The next day, I'd take the T out to Harvard Sq for lunch and shopping, walk down Mass ave through Central and back over the bridge, get dinner at the Pour House and ice cream at JP Licks. If you were 21+ (you aren't) I'd send you to some other spots too. The Fenway/Kenmore Sq area is ok to wander around, but it has lost a lot of the more fun stuff over the past 15 years.

 

Thanks man, gave me plenty of info. That Italian food spot sounds nice. I'll take a look at that aquarium too along with a few other spots you mentioned. I'd like to bring someone but not sure if my friends are willing to pay so much money. Remember I'm from Miami. I have to get plane tickets, game tickets, hotel, etc. I just want to go to Fenway. I've wanted to go for years. If that means I have to go by myself and sit in the worst possible spot I'll do it.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Thanks man' date=' gave me plenty of info. That Italian food spot sounds nice. I'll take a look at that aquarium too along with a few other spots you mentioned. I'd like to bring someone but not sure if my friends are willing to pay so much money. Remember I'm from Miami. I have to get plane tickets, game tickets, hotel, etc. I just want to go to Fenway. I've wanted to go for years. If that means I have to go by myself and sit in the worst possible spot I'll do it.[/quote']

 

Well, I'm still a pretty big newbie when it comes to Boston, but I have recently traveled there a few times, so I'll give you some pointers that I would use. If you're going in July, they play the Yankees at home the 6th-8th. They also have a weekend series vs the Jays from the 20th - 22nd.

 

First off - stay in the Back Bay. You're always close to the T, Newbury Street, etc. I would check out Hotwire.com. It doesn't tell you the name of the hotel that you're staying at until you make the purchase, but you can choose the area and the rating of the hotel, and you can usually find something pretty cheap. My wife and I stayed at the Westin Copley last time via Hotwire, and we got the room for like 110/night. It usually runs around 250-300/night.

 

Second - There are some great places to eat, but my vote goes to Cask and Flagon right next to Fenway. Jump off the Green Line at Kenmore, and walk toward Fenway, and you can't miss it. It's literally right across the street from the Monster. It's bar food (they have awesome buffalo chicken dip). There is also pizza called The Upper Crust, which is fantastic. And if you go to the north end, make sure you swing by Mikes Pastry and get a cannoli. I didn't even like cannolis before I went there.

 

Third - If you have nothing to do before the game, go to the Red Sox Team Store. They have a tour that lets you stand behind home plate while the players take BP, and I don't think it's very expensive either. I've never done it before, but it's something I definitely intend on doing this season.

 

Finally - don't forget that July tickets have not gone on sale yet. If you don't have the money, you can see if either A. someone here has bought some extra tickets to those games, or B. you can score some online using your parents credit card. It's a whole lot cheaper to buy them at face value than buying them on stub hub (think like $60 face value vs like $200 stub hub).

 

Enjoy your time man. It's an awesome city.

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

1- Thanks man, I look into hotwire.com. Trying to find somewhere to stay was my biggest concern.

 

2 - I'll check out the Upper Crust. I love Pizza. Which explains why I was so interested in that Italian resturant mvp told me about haha.

 

3 - I had plans on taking the tour. A good friend of mine took it the first time he went to Fenway. Said it was fun and cheap. I'll most likely do it.

 

4 - "parents credit card" I haven't asked them for money in months haha. I have a debit card so I'll use that. I'd love to go to all 3 games vs the Yankees but not sure if I can afford it. I work but with college coming I have so much s*** to do. Most importantly a car. Plus I want to get a really good seat since it's my 1st time. I know that the Red Sox/Yankees games are a lot and I want to sit first row over the dugout. We better win though because I don't think I can handle a loss my first time at Fenway and especially to the Yankees. I hope the Yankees get beatdown. That'd make a memorable first time.

 

I really appreciate the help guys. 2012 is looking to be a great year.

[a700hitter]

My advice would be to be flexible about when you come up to Boston. Hotel reates really fluctuate. For example, on Patriots Day weekend rates are very high and it is difficult to get a room. Sometimes there are big conferences in town and rates are high. Personally, I use priceline's name your own price feature. I select the Copely square area and 3 1/2 stars. I have gotten rooms as cheap as $85 (Fairmont), $110 (Copley Mariott and Westin). If you want to go down to 3 stars or under, you can get a better deal. Once you have the hotel locked in, then worry about game tickets. Since you are coming from Florida, sign up for some price alerts to Boston. JetBlue has this as an online feature, so does the travel site kayak.

 

I'd track airline rates and hotel rates first and book them at the same time. You have to track them both, because sometimes airline rates are high when the hotel rates are low and vice versa.

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

Makes sense. Thanks king I really appreciate it. Why must I live so far I'll still get to see the Red Sox play down here though. It's going to be a blast watching them play the Marlins play us with their new team. First time since 03 I saw them play down here. They should make Tampa a NL and the Marlins an AL team.

[a700hitter]

Makes sense. Thanks king I really appreciate it. Why must I live so far I'll still get to see the Red Sox play down here though. It's going to be a blast watching them play the Marlins play us with their new team. First time since 03 I saw them play down here. They should make Tampa a NL and the Marlins an AL team.

My niece lives down by you in Florida. She used to be a Marlins season ticket holder. I'm not sure whether she still has them. One time I went down for a visit and used her tickets to see the Sox play a weekend series. It was 2006, and I remember that on the Saturday, Manny and Papi both went deep twice and Papi missed a third hitting it off the left field scoreboard. Also, Lowell had 4 doubles if I remember correctly. Her seats were on the first base side in short RF. One of the bonuses was that was right where the cheerleaders would come out.

 

She sent me a text recently asking when the Sox play the marlins this season, so I may come down for that series.

[mvp 78]

Just to clarify: Copley, Back Bay and Newbury/Boylston is all relatively the same place. For visiting purposes, it's the best place to have a home base (lots of food, short walk to Fenway).

[Bellhorn04]

The view from the top floor of the Prudential building is worth checking out. Also the brunch at the Top of the Hub restaurant there was pretty incredible the last time I tried it...mind you that was 25 years ago, but I would guess it's still pretty damn good. Only trouble is you might have to lie down for awhile after eating it.

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

My niece lives down by you in Florida. She used to be a Marlins season ticket holder. I'm not sure whether she still has them. One time I went down for a visit and used her tickets to see the Sox play a weekend series. It was 2006, and I remember that on the Saturday, Manny and Papi both went deep twice and Papi missed a third hitting it off the left field scoreboard. Also, Lowell had 4 doubles if I remember correctly. Her seats were on the first base side in short RF. One of the bonuses was that was right where the cheerleaders would come out.

 

She sent me a text recently asking when the Sox play the marlins this season, so I may come down for that series.

 

If you do come down here we can meet up for lunch or something. I'm going to all 3 games from june 11-13. There's no way I'm not going since the 12th is my birthday and tickets are cheap.

[seabeachfred]

1- Thanks man, I look into hotwire.com. Trying to find somewhere to stay was my biggest concern.

 

2 - I'll check out the Upper Crust. I love Pizza. Which explains why I was so interested in that Italian resturant mvp told me about haha.

 

3 - I had plans on taking the tour. A good friend of mine took it the first time he went to Fenway. Said it was fun and cheap. I'll most likely do it.

 

4 - "parents credit card" I haven't asked them for money in months haha. I have a debit card so I'll use that. I'd love to go to all 3 games vs the Yankees but not sure if I can afford it. I work but with college coming I have so much s*** to do. Most importantly a car. Plus I want to get a really good seat since it's my 1st time. I know that the Red Sox/Yankees games are a lot and I want to sit first row over the dugout. We better win though because I don't think I can handle a loss my first time at Fenway and especially to the Yankees. I hope the Yankees get beatdown. That'd make a memorable first time.

 

I really appreciate the help guys. 2012 is looking to be a great year.

 

Considering you gave me a big ration of s*** about not being a Red Sox fan, what the hell, why not just give you some good suggestions from a fellow RED SOX FAN!!!!!!! If you come in July you have about seven months to save some bread and maybe coax your parents into giving you a gradutation present like a trip to Boston. Go on the MLB Red Sox Board and check out RED SOX DESTINATIONS. They sponsor trips to Boston and get you tickets and a pretty nice hotel to stay in. If you're coming to Boston for the first time why not make it a time to remember. I've made about nine or ten trips from California by this route and never had a bad time.

 

I don't know how much you have to spend or what you can afford. Check out RS Destinations to see if you can afford that. They are easy to connect with. Hell, I'mm kae is easier. Call 617-226,6400 and ask for Tom Kennedy. He'll give you all the particulars; a very helpful guy. If you decide to drive up instead, I would suggest the Commonwealth Hotel. It is right around the corner from Fenway Park. A left out of the hotel, a left at the first signal, over the railroad bridge and there you are. Still, I would go the Red Sox Destinations Route. Yes, a little more expensive but worth the price, and you get to meet a lot of loyal fellow Red Sox fans, take a tour of Fenway, and get to meet one of the players. I have pictures taken with Papelbon, Youkilis, Cora, Masterson and others in my Red Sox room. Guaranteed, you will have a helluva good time.

 

Since I'm Italian, you have to take the subway (red line) to the edge of the North End and walk the three blocks to the Dago section. The best Italian neighborhood in the country. You have dozens of great restaurants to choose from. My favorite is Pagluica's on Parmenter Street. See the Old North Church while you're there. Good luck!!!!!

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

I probably came off as a douchebag and I apologize. I've gave members a lot of s*** lately so I just stopped coming to the forum. Probably won't be active until opening day.

 

Anyways, I just looked up Red Sox destinations and that'd actually work out pretty well. Not sure if I get to pick my seat and how much it'll cost but I'm leaning towards doing this. Batting practice from the monster, a gift bag that includes a shirt, hat, and a signed photo from a current red sox(for 60 bucks more you get a jersey which is a steal since they cost over 100 dollars). Plus the Yankees series is July 6-8 from Friday to Sunday which is when they run the service. You only get 2 tickets though and the 3rd is an option which I'll probably end up going to if I have the money. Now all I have to worry about is a plane ticket. Oh how I wish money would grow on trees.

[a700hitter]

I probably came off as a douchebag and I apologize. I've gave members a lot of s*** lately so I just stopped coming to the forum. Probably won't be active until opening day.

 

Anyways, I just looked up Red Sox destinations and that'd actually work out pretty well. Not sure if I get to pick my seat and how much it'll cost but I'm leaning towards doing this. Batting practice from the monster, a gift bag that includes a shirt, hat, and a signed photo from a current red sox(for 60 bucks more you get a jersey which is a steal since they cost over 100 dollars). Plus the Yankees series is July 6-8 from Friday to Sunday which is when they run the service. You only get 2 tickets though and the 3rd is an option which I'll probably end up going to if I have the money. Now all I have to worry about is a plane ticket. Oh how I wish money would grow on trees.

Everyone has some bad days. We just move on. I used Red Sox Destinations one time. My brother and I used it to go to Jim Rice's Hall of Fame induction. They did a really great job. They make all your arrangements and you have zero worries. Plus, they throw in some nice extras. BP from the Monster is really cool. I did that once.

[seabeachfred]

No problem RS Fan For Life---and thank God you found the Red Sox when you did. It took me until I was 59 before I finally found the team I should have been rooting for as soon as the Dodgers left Brooklyn. Also, I noticed you mentioned goodies they give you that I never did in my post. They gave me two Red Sox golf shirts on my two trips this year, and a nice bag of stuff, a used ML baseball, hat and photo. I have all my stuff they've given me since 2006 when I made my first RSN trip. Before that I freelanced. I like RSN better. Anyway, you have some options. Just start making plans and start the countdown. Guaranteed, you'll have a great time. And, please, no more doubting my Red Sox fandom. My wife laughed and rolled her eyes when she read a few of the things you originally wrote. Linda also said he sometimes wished what you said was true. She usually leaves me alone when the Sox are on the MLB channel on the computer or on TV. And she will NOT go to a Red Sox-Angels game with me, not ever. Have a great day.

[Gringo]

The weather sucks in June, wait til July.

 

Nearly all hotels in Boston are walking distance from Fenway (Boston is a tiny city). Wait til a few days before and get a good last minute deal.

 

There's a ton to do in Boston. What kind of stuff are you into?

 

The best seats are behind home or either baseline. Just don't get RF grandstand seats. CF bleachers are a good deal. Maybe get standing room for Moster seats?

 

The weather sucks in June?

[mvp 78]

The weather sucks in June?

 

When it's raining and gloomy, don't come whining to me.

 

Every year I here "it's never this cold and rainy in June." It's like that every f'n year.

 

Weather doesn't get nice for good until July.

 

Too many off and on days to plan a vacation for then.

[Palodios]

I probably came off as a douchebag and I apologize. I've gave members a lot of s*** lately so I just stopped coming to the forum. Probably won't be active until opening day..

 

Not sure if you've noticed, but this season sucked, and that happened to all of us.

 

I would definitely recommend finding a series against a non-Yankee divisional opponent during the week. You can save a ton of money that way-- the series against the Yankees/ NL teams, and weekend games can be a lot more money. Boston public transportation is pretty good, so as long as you're in the city-proper, you'll be fine.

 

As far as good food, you can't throw a rock in the city of Boston without breaking the glass windows of two good restaurants. Most of the places around Fenway itself are pubs, and the beer is usually better than the food so you may want to branch out for dinner before the games-- one of the mods usually has great recommendations (Yeszir or Coco I think?). Feel free to hit me up when you get in town.

[RedSoxfanforlife305]

I know this season has sucked but that's still no excuse. I've mistreated many of the better posters on the site. I gave BPEF a lot of unwanted s*** and I didn't mean to. The new posters aren't as bad as I make them out to be either. I'm just so passionate about the Sox and whenever I see so much negativity I just lose it.

 

 

I'm well aware the Yankees game will cost more but if I'm going for the first time, I got to do it big. It all depends on how much everything cost. I'd just love to give Yankees fans s*** though with a whole bunch of other fans.

 

I love food. I wasn't worried about not gettin good food. I just wanted to know the best spots in Boston so I can check them out. No matter how good the beer is it won't matter because I'm underage. I will hit up a couple of members on the site though when I go to Boston. A lot of you guys seem pretty cool.

 

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. I really appreciate it.

[seabeachfred]

The weather sucks in June?

 

I can vouch for that Gringo. June, 2009, I was there for that three game series with the Yankees and thank God we swept that series otherwise I would have chalked it up as a total bummer. The weather was cold, blustery and damp and the cold went right through you. They put us up by the Coke sign and I felt I was in Antarctica. I had to mosy down to the standing room section all three games. I was coughing my ass off and my prostate acted up and made me a walking plague. Yes, the weather is s***** in June in Boston much of the time. RS Fan for life should wait until July to make his trip. I also attended the Red Sox Home Opening Series in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and this year and except for this year had to thaw out on the plane coming back to my home in California.

[Spudboy]

Of course as a native Bostonian I have my opinions. Yes, you can get decent Italian food in the North End. But the best Italian food in eastern Massachusetts is in the burbs. In fact, if you want really good Italian, go to Providence. As for lodging, there is a Holiday in on Beacon Street at, I believe, near the corner of Temple Street in Brookline. It is a 20 minute walk to Fenway Park or a 5 minute ride on the Boston College Green Line (located in front off the motel). And I have to disagree about the quality of Tex-Mex in Boston. While the El Phonix/Sennets Pub is long gone, many viable venues remain. In fact, Boston has some excellent classic Mexican restaurants. One is Sol Azteca at the corner of Park Drive and Beacon Street. Minutes from both Fenway and the Holiday Inn. And really, come to Boston to eat? Go seafood. But why go through all this when you can crash at my place and drive one of my vehicles?

 

One more thing, Mikes is a tourist trap and the cannoli suck. I spent three years working as an apprentice in the finest Italian bakery in Boston and have made tens of thousands of cannoli. Mikes is glop.

 

Do yourself a favor and ask Co-Co or Yeszir for advise.

[Palodios]

One more thing' date=' Mikes is a tourist trap and the cannoli suck. I spent three years working as an apprentice in the finest Italian bakery in Boston and have made tens of thousands of cannoli. Mikes is glop..[/quote']

 

I've been bakery-obsessed for a few years, and Mike's definitely turned out to be a real disappointment for me. None of my friends can tell the difference. They put too much effort into their Marzipan. Pastiche in Providence blows it out of the water, IMO.

[Spudboy]

I've been bakery-obsessed for a few years' date=' and Mike's definitely turned out to be a real disappointment for me. None of my friends can tell the difference. They put too much effort into their Marzipan. Pastiche in Providence blows it out of the water, IMO.[/quote']

 

Check out Antoine's Pastry Shoppe on Watertown Street in Newton. Then buy new pants and and a new belt. Go early on a Sunday morning.

[BigPapiEnFuego]

I gave BPEF a lot of unwanted s*** and I didn't mean to.

 

Man, You haven't. I understand how you get. It's part of being a Red Sox fan. I've got a bit of a temper sometimes when it comes to sports and music so I know I've been a dick sometimes. We've had some heated exchanges but at the end of the day you're still one of my favorite posters and a cool dude.

[Emmz]

QQ

 

*Joins in on group hug*

 

I'm not always a bitch, just 95% of the time, sorry for it :

 

/warm moment.

[Emmz]

And that's a very half-assed apology, but I'm really bad with that stuff. Sorry!

[mvp 78]

Yeah Mike's isn't the best (which I noted in my post) but what's the point in talking about places outside of Boston if he won't be driving a car?

 

RSFFL, just bring your walking shoes and wander around. You'll find more thsn enough fun things to do.

[onlybereaved]

My best advice would be...

 

- Bring an empty vile, go early to the game for batting practice...Stand by the home-plate area and ask someone who has field-access to please fill your vile up with dirt from the field. (I did this, and it is extremely awesome to have dirt from home plate at Fenway Park). You can ask your tour-guide, but mine said no - FYI anyone who works at Fenway will most likely say no, so ask someone who looks like a fan who has field access for batting practice.

 

- Go visit the library...Amazing building filled with awesome history, just to say you were there is worth it. Also, Good Will Hunting filmed a scene there...A+

 

- Boston Harbor is beautiful/gorgeous/solid - worth taking 30 mins to walk around there

 

- Go to the Fenway Park tour / Visit the official Boston Red Sox store on Yawkee Way

 

- Go to the Cheers bars - not impressive, but it's nice to say you've been there - not a drag by any means.

 

- Downtown has some nice shops including a pretty good size 4ish floor Nike Store

 

- Have fun - Take it all in - Be proud you rep the best team in organized sports, and that you are part of the best fan-family-mob ever...slap hands with some fans at the game.

 

- Order one of those Lemon/Ice drinks when you're at your seat during the game when the drink-man comes by - If you order peanuts, they throw them at you and then come collect the money, so don't duck and let them hit the lady behind you, catch that s***!

 

Word - all I can think of for now

 

Hope you have the time of your life - Guarantee you will go back annually