SPRINGTIME IN BOSTON

Few cities celebrate the arrival of Spring like Boston. The winters are long and once the temps hit 40 degrees, life is good. Seriously, as the days inch toward summer with warmth and more daylight hours, it’s time for al fresco on outdoor patios, Southie’s St. Paddy’s Day Parade, the much-anticipated return of the Bosox at Fenway and get strong at the Boston Marathon. 

Here, the best spots to stay, eat, and play.

STAY
The Ritz-Carlton Boston has been a Boston beacon of luxury for almost a century and it still continues to shine with refurbished guest rooms and spacious suites and the elegant Ritz-Carlton Club® Level lounge has debuted craft cocktails, milk chocolate fondue and Sunday morning mimosa specials. The location across the street from Boston Common is perfect for sunny spring afternoons, and the retro-chic Avery Bar is perfect for evening springtime sips. 
Info: ritzcarlton.com

The Mandarin Oriental Boston With its desirable Back Bay address, this favorite hotel has been awarded AAA Five-Diamonds and Forbes Five-Stars—The Spa is just one reason. There’s also celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s namesake restaurant and 148 elegantly furnished guestrooms.
Info: mandarinoriental.com

The Newbury Boston Early Spring guests visiting now through April 15, will enjoy the curated hearth-side menu and the Fireplace Butler at The Newbury Boston—and the Public Garden is just across the street. The hotel has 42 wood-burning Fireplace Suites. And even more special is the, Contessa, on the rooftop—perfect for views of cherry blossom trees and stars. Info: thenewburyboston.com

The Charles Hotel In the heart of Harvard Square, the suites are spacious and smartly decorated with minimalist Shaker-style furniture and leather. Henrietta’s Table here is one of Harvard Squares most popular restaurants, as is Bar Enza for Italian—request a table on the pretty patio. Later, you’ll want to catch jazz at the Regattabar, also in the Charles. Info: charleshotel.com

The Seaport Hotel The heartbeat of the Seaport District, this hotel has been a favorite before the district became all that. The sunrise views over the harbor from the guest rooms are worth getting up for, celebrate the season with a Spring sip at one of the handful of outdoor patio spots. Also, swim in the heated indoor swimming pool at the hotel’s Wave Health and Fitness, the largest hotel club in the city. Info: seaportboston.com

Kimpton Marlowe Hotel This popular Cambridge boutique hotel known for its super pet-friendly policies (no fees, special amenities, all types of pets accepted from scaly to furry) debuted its new lobby and bar look recently, with a top to bottom reimagining; its guest rooms have also recently received facelifts and have views of the Charles River. All guests are invited to take advantage of the complimentary use of kayaks. Info: hotelmarkowe.com

Hotel Commonwealth The suite spot—the 14 suites at this official hotel of the Red Sox includes the clubby Baseball Suite. This Spring the hotel also has a collaboration with Community Rowing. Boston is a premier rowing destination. The Blue Ribbon Sushi and Pescador restaurants were recently joined by famed Blue Ribbon Brasserie on the roster of restaurants. Info: hotelcommonwealth.com

The Boston Harbor Hotel The waterfront location of this five-star property promises relaxing views and also a convenient stay if boat tour trips and cruises are part of the plan while in town. Expect water views from the handsome 232 guest rooms, and Rowes Wharf Sea Grille for a lobster roll and cocktails. A spa and 60-foot lap pool are also ingredients for a luxury stay. Info: bostonharborhotel.com

EAT
The Barking Crab Boston’s historic Fort Point Channel is home to The Barking Crab, one of Boston’s best restaurants that’s earned a loyal following since 1994. It’s all about the outdoor casual seating scene with that iconic yellow-and-red-striped tent and wood-burning stove, too. Lobster and crab (of course) steal the show. Info: barkingcrab.com

Woods Hill Pier 4 The Seaport District’s pearl is this unpretentious, refined waterfront spot with that coveted patio. Expect organic, non-GMO and locally sourced ingredients (fresh-caught seafood, meat from a partner farm) with a side dish of rainbows over the harbor. Info: woodshillpier4.com

The Bleacher Bar Boston’s best kept secret is under Fenway’s bleachers. Order a Bleacher Burger without paying a penny for game tix and watch the action.
Info: bleacherbarboston.com

PLAY The Boston Marathon The 128th marathon will take place on April 15th. Snag a table on a patio restaurant along the route on Boylston Street to cheer on the runners as they make their way to the finishing line.

Swan Boats These rides that glide at the Boston Public Garden, are a Boston tradition since 1877, and a harbinger of Spring—this this year the boats reopen after winter hibernation on April 13th. Info: swanboats.com 

The Boston Duck Tours Splash! The amphibious boats travel by land and by sea, splashing into the Charles River and crawling the streets, with guided storytelling about Boston’s history along the way. Reopens March 29th. Info: bostonducktours.com 

The View Boston’s newest attraction is this observatory that crowns the top of the Prudential Tower. It’s got indoor/outdoor panoramic views of the city, open-air roof deck, bar that faces the windows for cocktails and intoxicating views. Info: viewboston.com