2 Days in Boston....

[tigersmom]

Spending 2 days in Boston, hopefully 1 day in Salem. Looking for good things to eat, somewhat cheap and local. Any ideas?

[Aromatherapy]

Some recent threads below. Neptune is local but not cheap.
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/500453
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/499767
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/492430
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/500204

[Kbee]

Tigersmom, you'll get more response if you get more specific. Good things to eat? Ummm, we've got lots. Take a look at some recent threads. Let us know where in Boston you're staying, where you're coming from (seems to be SF), if you'll have a car, what "cheap" means to you, what types of food you're interested in, and who's in your group (kids? picky eaters? vegetarians?)

A little more info would be a big help in steering you in the right direction.

[tigersmom]

Thanks. We are staying on Tremont Street, I believe that is Beacon Hill? We will have a car, we do have a kid (12yrs old) and we like all types of food. Looking for good seafood and local favorites. Nothing fancy, but not junk food. I hope that helps.

[Kbee]

In that case I would recommend Neptune Oyster in the North End. Fun atmosphere, great seafood -- particularly lobster rolls, fried clams, oysters as well as some less traditional preparations. Definitely a local favorite. Search this board for it and you'll get a ton of info. Go early or at an off time though, to avoid a line. Definitely do not drive there. I suspect you'll only use your car to get up to Salem, really no need for a car for travel within the city.

[dannyjann]

I too am going to Boston for the first time, what a terrible weekend to pick, we will be there the weekend before the marathon. Could only find a hotel opening at Sheraton Braintree--is this a safe part of town? Also, besides the Freedom Trail and the harbours--what else should an old middle age couple from the midwest taken in when they only have two days? Also, where are the best clam chowder's found? Thanks.

[Pegmeister]

Braintree is absolutely a safe place, although not quite as convenient as staying downtown. Hopefully, they have a shuttle to the T. Neptune is a great suggestion, Kingfish Hall in Faneuil Hall does a nice chowder as well as great lobster rolls. You could stroll down to the waterfront afterwards and then stop at SeldeLaTerre for cheese and wine. The aquarium is a good take is right near everything. You may also enjoy going into Chinatown for some hotpot cooking. I recommend Shabu Zen on Tyler Street.

[dannyjann]

Thanks--I know this will be the first of many trips to this area. We are off to Kennebuck as soon as we land. We are just going to site see up in that area, any recommendations of must see or do in that area? We have a car rented and just going to drive..

[Taralli]

Go the the New England board for anything outside the Boston area for locals' tips in & around Kennebunk or do a search on the NE board.

[yumyum]

Post requests for Kennebunk on the New England board. You'll get more responses there.

Agree with pegmeister's suggestions for your trip into town from Braintree -- take the T (easy trip in on the Red Line) and hop off at Park Street to be centrally located for sight-seeing. Sel de la Terre is a good recommendation, and a little bit apart from the hustle and bustle of Faneuil Hall, where I wouldn't suggest eating anyway. You might also enjoy the North End.

Don't worry about the weekend -- Boston will be fun to explore no matter what.