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Boston

By Mindy J. Ginley Once one of the dirtiest harbors in the country,

today Boston Harbor is thriving, with new hotels, restaurants and waterfront activities. Visitors can navigate a nearly unbroken 39-mile HarborWalk through Boston's six waterfront neighborhoods. With the completion of the harbor cleanup, new public spaces in the Rose Kennedy Greenway, and access to the Boston Harbor Islands, this area is a wonderful area for walking, sightseeing, playing, fishing or simply enjoying spectacular views.

DO Super Duck Tour: For the ultimate waterfront

history lesson, hop on a Super Duck, a full-service land and sea tour in Boston. Enjoy a 90-minute narrated ride through historic streets, then plunge into the harbor for a different vantage point. Or, choose a trolley tour and get two days of hop-on/ hop-off touring plus a 45-minute water-only Super Duck Harbor Splash and a free bonus tour.

Codzllla: You'll laugh and scream, all at the same time, as you rip through Boston Harbor on this high-speed "water coaster" boat ride. The music blares as Codzilla zips across the ocean at speeds up to 40 mph on this wet and wild 40-min­ute thrill ride.

Boston Tea Party Ships a Museum: This new museum gives the public a chance to help re-enact the revolutionary event. Visitors can role-play the tea-throwing part of the event off the ships, built to be exact replicas of the tea-bearing vessels of old.

Institute of Contemporary Art: Like its iconic building on the waterfront, the ICA offers new ways of engaging with the world around us. Its exhibitions and programs provide access to con­temporary art, artists and the creative process, inviting audiences of all ages an~ backgrounds to participate in the excitement of new art and ideas.

Boston Harbor Islands: Walk a Civil War-era fort, visit historic lighthouses, explore tide pools, hike lush trails, camp under the stars, or just relax. There are 34 islands out there to explore, enjoy and even get a history lesson on. And it's af­fordable - a family of four can spend a day explor­ing multiple islands for less t~an $50. 1

Get out and explore the waterfront with Boston's HarborWalk.

Harpoon Brewery Tour: Tour the brewery on weekends or enjoy a free narrated tasting on weekdays and experience firsthand what makes Harpoon New England's largest craft brewer. Boston's oldest brewery (they hold Permit No. 1), has changed and expanded, but founders Dan and Bill remain committed to brewing great beer and welcoming guests to their breweries.

EAT Barking Crab: The Barking Crab serves excel­

lent seafood in a fun, casual "clam shack" atmo­sphere. The service is friendly and knowledgeable, and there is a marina alongside for easy access by water. The lobster guacamole is amazing! Open year round.

Aneoata Bar and Bletro: Located in the Fair­mont Battery Wharf, Aragosta features an open kitchen and an outdoor terrace with views of Boston Harbor and the U.S. Coast Guard. Execu­tive Chef David Daniels' cuisine is best described as "Italian meets New England," and the menu fea­tures everything from creative flatbreads to share and entrees such as seared tuna, filet mignon and lobster mac 'n' cheese, all prepared with quality, local farm-raised ingredients.

Lucia Rlstorante a Bar: Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Lucia is a North End institution on Hanover Street. The Frattaroli family, who opened Lucia shortly after emigrating from Italy, was the first to bring authentic Italian cuisine to Boston's oldest neighborhood. The restaurant is warm and inviting with hand-painted murals depicting I tal-

ian scenes on the ceiling. ..... lllalllonlde: Located in the Seaport Dis­

trict, this flagship restaurant features three con­cepts on three floors. The rooftop bar and sushi lounge has amazing harbor views and is great for _ people watching. The casual and lively first floor serves seafood favorites with a twist (try the clam, pancetta and arugula pizza) and has an oyster bar and a fish market. The second floor offers more upscale dining. The food, service and ambiance are superb. Take the HarborWalk or a water taxi to Harborside for an enjoyable evening on the waterfront.

SLEEP Fairmont Battery Wllarf .... : This

sophisticated boutique hotel is a waterfront retreat­- walking distance to the North End, the Free­dom Trail and Faneuil Hall, but far enough away from the downtown crowds. Each of the four buildings is connected to the other via an under­ground concourse which provides passage between buildings during cold or inclement weather. Enjoy incredible harbor views, access to the HarborWalk and your own water taxi stand.

The hotel is sleek and modern with well-appoint­ed rooms, including high-tech amenities such as a Nespresso espresso machine. The hotel features a luxurious spa and a variety of dining options. After a day exploring the waterfront, take a water taxi back to the hotel, relax on The Terrace's o1itdoor couches and make your own s'mores on the out­door fire pit.