With only forty-eight hours in Boston, hubby and I had precious little time to waste. So here’s the blow by blow of where we stayed, what we ate, and what we did.

Sleep

The Kimpton Nine Zero Hotel

With Calliope now a permanent fixture in our travel plans, pet-friendly hotels are an absolute must. The Kimpton Nine Zero goes above and beyond simply welcoming pets: it embraces them. Upon check-in with our fur baby, the staff promptly set us up with food and water bowls and an enormous, cushy doggy bed that Calliope adored. They also offer dog walking and pet sitting services. The front desk accommodated our particular needs with such a young puppy and, at our request, sent someone up to our room to check in on her whenever hubby and I stepped out.

The room itself was stylish and comfortable, and the location couldn’t be beat as far as proximity to all of Boston’s main attractions. I would absolutely stay here again.

Eat

Mooo…

This was the first spot we visited after checking in. They had the most delicious lobster bisque I’ve ever tasted—to my dismay, it was hubby who ordered it and not me. Sadly, we didn’t get a second chance to dine here so that I could order one all for myself. We also split a steak, flavorful and tender, as our main.

Tatte Bakery

This spot became our breakfast mainstay. The fact that they could brew a good espresso was enough to win me over; I rarely find espresso that satisfies me on my travels. Never mind its varied mediterranean-inspired menu chockfull of deliciousness. I highly recommend the egg in a hole, the French toast, and the cheese bourekas. Fingers crossed they bring a Tatte outpost to New York.

Moo Yah

The word “moo” seemed to be a common motif around Bean Town. I came in not expecting too much—other than sating my burger craving—but the quality blew me away. Not to mention the numerous options available to fit various diets, from vegetarian to paleo. I got the mushroom swiss burger; hubby got the Paleo.

PABU Boston

Sushi is a must everywhere that hubby and I go. He’s got a knack for finding the best hidden gems that every place has to offer, and he knocked it out of the park once again with PABU. The quality of the fish was to die for, and our server was friendly, attentive, and informative. Overall, it was one of the most enjoyable meals we ate in Boston.

Union Oyster House

One does not simply visit Boston and not partake of clam chowder and a lobster roll. Naturally, we opted to visit the restaurant that had been preparing these staples for the longest. Union Oyster House has been serving that and more since the early 1800s. Hubby and I got one soup and roll each and split a shrimp cocktail as an appetizer.

Play

New England Aquarium

Despite the enormous crowds, we had a fun time visiting the fish. My heart leapt with joy at finding not one but two touch tanks. I got to boop some starfish and urchins and horseshoe crabs at the first tank. I spent a solid hour at the second tank caressing stingrays.

Boston Common

We spent a lot of time in this park, which is to Boston what Central Park is to Manhattan. Not sure how much I can say about this place: it was pretty with lots of fountains and bridges and green space. Several impressive landmarks looked down on the grounds, including the Park Street Church and the Massachusetts State House.

Beacon Hill

When we weren’t wandering around Downtown Crossing, we’d hop to the opposite side of the Common and peruse this pretty neighborhood. Naturally, I navigated my way to its most Instagrammed street, but everything in Beacon Hill from the facades down to the doors was beautiful.

Shop

Dress Boston

Because everywhere go I need to do at least a little bit of damage. A sudden rainstorm sent hubby and me running for cover, and it just happened to chase us into a cute boutique filled with beautiful clothes. I shared a lovely conversation with both shopkeepers as I browsed and tried on a few little things. I ended up buying a gorgeous short-sleeved sweater from a new-to-me brand, Demylee, and a pair of jeans from a personal favorite, Mother Denim. Highly recommend a visit to this shop whenever you’re in Boston.

Coming up next, what I wore in Boston. Watch this space.