BLOGGER'S CITY GUIDE TO BOSTON

Hi fam! It's been a minute. A lot has changed the past few weeks. I got married on the 19th and Bobby (a.k.a. #MrStyleeLyst) and I just got back from our mini-moon in Boston, MA - as our real honeymoon to France and Greece was canceled due to COVID. We are hoping to reschedule for Summer 2021. But, for now, I want to update you guys on our amazing trip to Boston. Below is my first BLOGGER'S CITY GUIDE TO BOSTON.

Please note that I will update this post after future trips so that this info is as up-to-date and relevant as possible to all who are traveling to the Boston area.*

WHERE WE STAYED

I want to start off by mentioning that we stayed at one of, if not thee nicest hotel in Boston, the Four Seasons Hotel Boston. This five-star luxury hotel is just that, luxurious. We stayed in their STATE SUITE that boasts panoramic views of Public Garden, Boston Common and the State House. This expansive, stunning view, is really something special, especially in autumn with the colorful leaves and the gold-domed State House glistening in the sun.

This suite is equipped with a family room, bar area, dining area, powder room, bedroom, and full master bath. I know, I know, that's a lot of suite for only two people, but let me tell you, we used every square inch throughout the duration of our stay.

We also took advantage of The Sanctuary, a garden courtyard on the 6th floor. This peaceful, serene space was the perfect place for a cold beverage, while putting our feet up in between dining and shopping outings.

Bobby utilized the Fitness Center, as well as running along the Charles River, which is just a short jog from the hotel.

Above is the GREEN SHIELD SAFETY KIT that we both received, this was in our suite upon arrival. We were also scanned daily for a temperature. Security gave you a new colored wristband each day if you were fever-free. You could opt to wear it or tuck it away in your pocket or purse. Upon re-entering the hotel, you had to show your colored band or re-scan for a temperature check.* The TV remotes in our suite were also wrapped with clear plastic and sealed with a sticker noting they were sanitized. All of the soaps, shampoos, conditioners and body washes were also in these sealed bags. The exterior handles of every room also had a rubberized coatings that were changed out to make sure there was no unintentional transfer of germs. Hand sanitizer was readily available, and all staff were required to wear masks at all times. Guests had to wear masks while walking in common areas. All of these precautions, really made Bobby and I feel safe in these crazy COVID times.*

Both Bobby and I want to give a major shout out to Michelle in Marketing for everything that she did for us, Brian the valet, for always having our car ready at a moments notice, and Kristina at the front desk who booked all of our dining excursions - and made last minute changes for us, as we are quite an indecisive duo at times.

To get the quintessential Boston experience be sure to book your stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston. Just steps from premier retail shops and the famous Newbury Street with fine dining and shopping alike.

Our stay was partially sponsored by Four Seasons. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Follow them on Instagram at @FSBoston // @FourSeasons

BOSTON BITES

I feel like we had to have collectively gained 10 pounds while in Boston. The eats are just so good, we couldn't help but dig in.

Below are our Top 6 picks from our 2020 trip!

OSTRA

This restaurant knocked it out of the park. The food was spectacular and the ambiance and service were outstanding. No, I am not exaggerating, and no, this is not sponsored.

We ordered the below -

Kusshi Oysters* // Stellar Bay, British Columbia

U-8 Shrimp* // 5 Pieces, House-Made Horseradish Cocktail

Yellowfin Tuna Tartare* // Yuzu, Ginger, Soy, Cilantro, Pickled Beech Mushrooms, Nori-Sesame Wonton

Paella “Valenciana Style” // Spain’s Bomba Rice, Saffron, Maine Lobster, Shrimp, Mussels, Clams, Octopus, Squid, Drumette Confit, Chorizo

Roasted Autumn Vegetables

Sorbet // Coconut-Yuzu, Mango, Cider, Mixed Berry

Out of all of the restaurants we dined at, this was my personal favorite.*

Follow them on Instagram at @OstraBoston

SALTIE GIRL

This restaurant was by far thee most popular of all of the places we dined. There was a line down the sidewalk, and for good reason. This was one of the tastiest and freshest lobster rolls I have had - and I have had a lot. Bobby also thoroughly enjoyed the Saltie Girl Burger. The fried lobster and specialty sauce were perfect finishing touches for this twist on a classic American masterpiece.

We ordered the below -

Gloucester Lobster Roll // warm or cold // Saltie Girl Sea Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips

Saltie Girl Burger // 3 beef blend, gruyere, avocado, fried lobster, house cured pork belly, angry sauce and fries

Follow them on Instagram at @SaltieGirl

BROOKLINE LUNCH

This charming little gem in Cambridge was all Bobby's idea. It is slightly off the beaten path, and probably not a place I would venture off to or pick solo, but my husband (man that's amazing to write) knows how to pick em'.

The name is quite deceptive, as in addition to lunch, they also have a killer breakfast menu.

This family-owned establishment has been around for over 30 years. Inside you will find memorabilia from the decades past, both pop-culture and personal mementos.

We ordered the below -

Egg Plate // Two eggs any style with home fries, vegetables, buttered toast and bacon

Ultimate Omelette // Vegetables, cheese, bacon, ham, chicken, sausage served with home fries and buttered toast

Follow them on Instagram at @Brookline.Lunch

ROW 34

This was a fun, up beat restaurant with a very appealing menu. We both enjoyed every thing we ordered. They had pretty city views from their patio of Fort Point, and the inside dining was clean, modern, minimalist and industrial - great atmosphere for date night or a night out with a group of friends.

We ordered the below -

Tuna Tartare* // Sesame, cucumber, lime

Little Neck Clams

Oysters

Lettuce Cups // Crispy oysters, pickled vegetables, togarashi aïoli

Crispy Fish Tacos // Chipotle lime crema, pickled jalapeño

Grilled Salmon* // Savoy cabbage, bacon, mustard vinaigrette

Fried Brussels Sprouts // Miso

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Follow them on Instagram at @Row34

FOMU ICE CREAM

This is a dairy-free heaven. This from scratch, plant-based, premium ice cream shop is perfect for vegans and allergy stricken humans alike! Psst. they also have baked goods.

We ordered the below -

Large Chocolate Ice Cream

Large Cookie Dough Ice Cream Topped with Cone

To-Go Pint of Cookie Dough Ice Cream

Follow them on Instagram at @FoMuIceCream

STEPHANIE'S ON NEWBURY

This was by far the most recommended restaurant we dined at while in Boston. Friends and followers alike wrote to tell us how much they love it and how we needed to go - and, they weren't wrong. The food was positively scrumptious.

This is Back Bay’s quintessential gathering place for 25 years. They are a mainstay and smack dab in the heart of iconic Newbury Street; one of Boston's premier shopping meccas.

We ordered the below -

Avocado & Maplebook Farm Burrata Toast // Heirloom tomatoes, corn salsa, iggy's bread

Old Fashioned Turkey Club // Fresh roasted turkey breast, bacon, tomato, sliced avocado, lettuce, mayonnaise, thinly sliced brioche

Classic Chunky Chicken Salad // Roasted chicken, mayonnaise, toasted almonds, capers, romaine lettuce, toasted croissant

Follow them on Instagram at @StepaniesOnNew

THINGS TO DO AND SITES TO SEE

BOSTON HARBOR SUNSET SIGHTSEEING CRUISE

This tour was hosted by Viator and was an absolute delight. Not only was it the perfect warm fall evening, but the sights and sunset were amazing - pictures simply don't do it justice.

Our tour guide was knowledgeable and timely and we even had front row to see the cannon launch at sunset from a World War II vessel. It was pretty epic.

There was food and drinks available for purchase on the lower, enclosed deck and the second and third decks were open with undisturbed views. Seating was first come first serve.*

I recommend purchasing this tour over other similar ones that I researched.

Follow them on Instagram at @ViatorTravel

HARVARD SQUARE, CAMBRIDGE

Since we were in Cambridge for breakfast at Brookline Lunch (see above), we decided to hop over to Harvard Square and pop-in all of the shops and walk part of the campus.

The fall foliage was in full bloom in Cambridge compared to nearby Boston.

Bobby picked up a few new books for his classroom, along with some coaching books and a Moleskin. Overall a successful venture into the bookstore.

Follow them on Instagram at @HarvardBookStore

NEWBURY STREET

Boston's chic shopping destination mixes elegant boutiques with funky salons and trendy galleries alike. This was a perfect shoot destination, if any fellow bloggers are reading this post.

Bobby and I loved going in and out of quaint shops, as well as some of our big box favorites.

PUBLIC GARDEN AND BOSTON COMMONS

The Public Garden and Boston Commons are GOR-GEOUS! The landscaping is pristine and you will run into monuments and statues with historic significance. This park is a must-visit for anyone planning a trip to Boston or just driving through. You'll thank me later!

MORE SIGHTS FROM OUR TRIP

Make sure you explore the city. The architecture, history, energy and the people.

BLOOPERS AND BEHIND THE SCENES

Have a question(s)? Shoot me an email at ashleyvictoria@styleelyst.com and I will be happy to help!

FOR MORE CONTENT ON OUR BOSTON MINI-MOON

be sure to follow me on Instagram at @StyleeLyst and view my

MINI-MOON HIGHLIGHT, as well as my IG REELS*

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