Dear Megan,
My husband and I would like to stay in a B&B for 2 days that serves Thankgiving dinner in the Boston area. Can you help us?
Elsie

Dear Elsie,
I found a wonderful place that is quintesential New England without the madness in Plymouth. The Publick House in Sturbrige, MA hosts a Thanksgiving meal for $48 a person. I think you will be pleased with Sturbridge. It has a similar feel to Plymouth with reenactments and and with Old Sturbridge Village to explore. I would make your reservations as soon as possible though.

Megan

Dear Megan-
Was hoping that you could recommend a restaurant that would be close to the Charles Playhouse and be a nice atsmosphere for a group of 6 women. Thanks, Jo

Jo-
My suggestions within walking distance or a short cab would be:

Piatinni
162 Columbus Ave
617-423-2021
The wine selection is amazing and you can share lots of little plates with your friends.

PF Chang's
8 Park Plaza
Boston, MA
617-573-0821
Try the lettuce wraps, great to share with friends!

Hope you enjoy your night out!
Megan

Thanks to all of you who have written in and suggested additional ice cream places that I may have missed!

Chuck writes: Whenever favorite icecream is mentioned in MA, you cannot forget Kimball's Ice Cream! They've been at it for decades and serve some of the best not to mention the HUGE sizes. They have locations in Wesford and Carlisle. Try it and you will put it on your list for sure!

Thanks for the suggestion Chuck!

Andy writes: For Ice Cream, have you tried 4 seas in Craigville Beach, Barnstable?

I have not, but I will take your word for it that it is worth the visit!

Maria writes: What about Sundae School in Orleans?

Maria, I grew up going to Sundae School in Dennisport so I can attest to the fact that it is phenomenal. Thanks for the suggestion!

Is there a Cheers bar like on TV?
Dear Megan,
We are coming to town and looking for the Cheer's bar like on T.V.?
Shelly

Dear Shelly,
There is a two part answer to that question. The bar that was filmed for the front of the Cheer's bar on TV is called the Bull and Finch Pub and is located on Beacon Street. However, the inside does not resemble the Cheer's bar on T.V. There is a "Cheers" bar that opened next door that caters to the tourist with its pictures of Norm and Woody and souvenirs. I would suggest visiting both.
Megan

Getting around Boston?

Dear Megan,
We are coming to Boston in September for our honeymoon. We are staying a town called Billerica. We don't want to drive into Boston from our hotel (we heard the driving is crazy!) Are the bus lines easy to get around on. Also, what would you suggest for fun things to do? Thanks!
Shawna

Dear Shawna,
You can certainly take the MBTA (the train) commuter line from North Billerica to North Station. From North Station, you are in the heart of Boston and can use public transportation to get around very easily. Boston is also a very walkable city. I highly suggest taking a Duck tour, which leaves from the Museum of Science or the Prudential Center. It is a fun tour on an amphibious vehicle (goes on both land and water) and will help you get your bearings for the city and areas you would to see in better detail. Enjoy!
Megan

Dear Megan

We are coming to Boston in June and want to go to Salem. What's the
best way to get there without a car?

Suzanne

Suzanne,
My suggestion would be to take the commuter rail from North Station (in downtown Boston) to Salem. The same commuter line makes stops in many of the great North Shore towns including Rockport, Ipswich, Gloucester, and Salem. You can check out the schedule for exact times.
Enjoy!
Megan

Hey Megan...with all your travels in N.E. & your love for seafood,
where would you get live lobsters sent from to have that sweet N.E. taste when
you are not dining in Boston?
Horvath

Dear Horvath,
I would definitely suggest Legal Seafoods for their seafood delivery. I have ordered food from here before to have delivered to my brother out of state and he called to thank me, with rave reviews.
Enjoy!
Megan

Megan
Where can I take my daughters and Mother-in-law for a true high
afternoon tea?
Jean

Jean,
My favorite place for afternoon tea is the Ritz Carlton. I have made it a tradition with my friend Sarah to go to tea once a year to celebrate the holidays. My mom has now adopted the tradition and takes my sister and I and our female cousins for tea once a year in early spring.

It certainly feels like a luxury, but one that I am more than willing to do year after year. My suggestions would be to:

1) make reservations for at least a few weeks in advance, it fills up fast
2) go for the "Royale" treatment, which includes a glass of champagne
3) request a window seat, you can overlook Newbury Street

The selections include either tea sandwiches or mini desserts. I always opt for a mixture of the two. There is definitely something for everyone's tastes.

Enjoy!!

Megan,
My 18-year-old nephew is visiting from Florida this weekend. I've livedin Cambridge since I was 26, so I don't know what interest Boston Metro holds for an 18-year-old. Any ideas on what would wow a too-cool-for-school kid?
Kiernan

Dear Kiernan-
With over 70 colleges in the city, Boston definitely caters to a younger crowd. However, if you are trying to impress those not easily impressed, why not take him on a tour of Fenway Park. King's offers entertainment for 18+, including pool, bowling etc. King's is a popular bar with 21+, so you may win the "cool" factor there. Other options are walking around Harvard Square, or Quincy Market or heading to the North End for dinner and then going to see a show at the Improv Asylum.
I hope that helps. Good luck!
Megan

Megan,
I have several out of State wedding guests who will be staying in the
Boston/Cape area in July. What do you recommend as fun activities to experience
New England
Tiffany

Tiffany,
I would suggest that your friends take a day trip to...

Martha's Vineyard. Ferries leave from Woods Hole (1.5 hour drive from Boston). Once on the vineyard they can rent bikes and explore the island pretty easily, hitting the beaches along the way.

Another idea would be to take a whale watch from Plymouth to Provincetown, or even just the ferry. A fun creative way to get to the outermost point of Cape Cod and also a way to beat typical Summer traffic. Once out there, Provincetown is a fun place to walk around or even take a dune tour.

While they are here they should definitely have some New England Clam Chowder. There are several great places in Boston to try, Legal Sea Foods, or Union Oyster House are both great.

You could send them on a day trip up north to Woodman's of Essex, for some world famous fried clams. The North Shore is also well known for beautiful beaches so they can't go wrong spending a whole day up there.

I hope this helps out!

Megan

Megan,
Thanks for the great tip on Spike's! While I enjoy a good hot dog, can you tell
me where to get the best sushi in New England?
Horvack

Dear Horvack,
I would have to say the best sushi in Massachusetts is...

Fugakyu on Beacon Street in Brookline. It is very fresh and offers the best selection, reasonably priced for the quality.

If you are looking for good, cheap sushi, I would suggest visiting the Porter Exchange Building in Porter Square and going to one of the stands in the food court. Not your traditional food court, it offers a variety of asian cuisine and the sushi is made right in front of you. While cheaper, not much selection.

Hope that helps.
Megan

This is the section where I answer your questions. I'll respond to your inquires with tips, suggestions and any other way I can help guide you in Massachusetts. Or if you just want a local's opinion on something, that's fine too. You can pretty much ask me whatever you want. If you have a question or comment, send it to me using the simple form to the right. It will come right to me. Be sure to check back often to see my response. Thanks!