I have only done one Boston Marathon, but I had a great time visiting the city of Boston. It was nice to treat the race weekend as a mini vacation. We flew into Boston from Washington, DC late on Friday evening and left very early Tuesday morning. I think we were able to do some fun activities in a limited time. I am going back again this April, and will add to this list, I am sure. Have a suggestion? Add it to the comments.
Meb was a bit flat, but Mr. Hoyt was the embodiment of a Running Dad!
BOSTON MARATHON EXPO
You have to go to the expo to collect your race bib and goodies. It is a large expo and packed with vendors. It can be overwhelming with the number of attendees milling about, so set aside enough time to enjoy it and not feel rushed. Keep an eye out for celebrities. Lots of past champions and running icons are in attendance and have booths set up. You never know if you’ll bump into Meb or Team Hoyt.
“On Saturday, we go to Sam Adams for a brewery Tour (get your free 26.2 glass and excellent beer), Doyle’s cafe for brunch (free glass with your tour), then on to the expo. You won’t mind the prices as much after several beers! Then on to the Red Sox game. Perfect day in Boston! Go for a shake out run around the Commons on Sunday.”
— Kate Clark
Sam Adams 26.2 Brew.
BOSTON BREW TOUR
When in Boston, you have to visit the Sam Adams Brewery. Why not jump in a van with other beer enthusiasts and hit a handful of breweries and get guided tours and tastings of their products? The variety of styles of beer brewed in Boston is impressive. The Brew Tour also includes a nice lunch with beers paired with the food. Don’t forget, if you are running on Monday, practice moderation.
http://bostonbrewtours.com/
“Eat chowder and collect your free Sam Adams 26.2 pint glass!”
— Kathryn Schjei
“Boston Public Garden is beautiful to walk around. The original shot from the outside of Cheers (tv show) is right across the street. Also visit Harvard and walk around the campus. Go to the Old North Church (1 if by land, 2 if by sea) and visit and go inside Paul Revere’s house.”
— Jody Stoops
See Boston by land and water.
DUCK TOUR
Climb aboard a colorful aquatic transport vehicle, with equally colorful personalities at the helm, and get a guided tour of the city by land and water. The bus boats will take you through the streets of Boston, pointing out historic landmarks as well as splashing down in the Charles River to show you some unique views of the city. Very entertaining and you might learn something!
http://www.bostonducktours.com/
“We always go to Salem the day after the marathon. It is beautiful there. Lots of neat shops. You can tour the House of the Seven Gables and the boats. There is a great little ice cream place, too”
— Lisa Georgis
Fenway Park
BOSTON RED SOX GAME
Every year, there is a home Sox game the Sunday before, and the same day, as the marathon. The race day game starts at 11:15 am and when it is over, the crowd leaves the stadium to cheer on the marathon runners for the final mile. We caught an Oriole’s vs. Sox game last year the day before the race. Fenway is a really cool, historic ballpark.
“The Bleacher Bar in Fenway, when there isn’t a game on. It is the coolest thing we did!!! Oh, and the Churches!!! See all the Churches!!!!”
— Nathan Brown
“We went whale watching!! It was fantastic. A memorable add on to an amazing trip. You can book at the harbor.”
— Jeanette Rogers
Take a walk and see history.
FREEDOM TRAIL AND BOSTON COMMON
A lot of history went down in Boston. Revolutionary stuff! Paul Revere, a big Tea Party … There is a lot to take in. To keep your legs loose for the race, take a walking tour of the city. If you took the Brew Tour or Duck Tour, you probably caught sight of a lot of the landmarks that make Boston famous. Most of the attractions are within walking distance of each other, so swing by Beacon Hill, Boston Common, or stop in to Cheers!
