Latest news with #ViewBoston
Scottish Sun
02-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
Grownups getaway to one of America's greatest cities on new Scots flight
Get there in just over six hours thanks to the new JetBlue direct service from Edinburgh BOSS'IN IT Grownups getaway to one of America's greatest cities on new Scots flight Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EMERGING from the lift, we followed the illuminated red exit signs, along darkly lit corridors, before pushing through heavy velvet curtains and went IN. No, we hadn't gone through the wrong door - this was the 'secret' entrance to Blind Duck, a speakeasy hidden on the 18th floor of Boston's Raffles hotel. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 25 Dark and moody interior at Blind Duck, a secret Speakeasy at Boston's Raffles Hotel 25 Punch served with style at Blind Duck 25 Boston is a fabulous city worth exploring day and night Inside it was dark and moody, but the customers were anything but, as they sipped fabulous cocktails, including Duck Punch, served from a gorgeous duck-shaped decanter complete with silver head and neck. Nibbles quickly appeared at our table. Okonomiyaki Fries - don't mind if I do. Lobster Tartine, Tuna Tartare, Duck Bao Bun (what else!) and more were soon demolished. It was our first night in the city and we were starting on a high that set the tone for the whole trip. This was Boston for grownups and we planned to take in all its late night thrills. 25 WR070X Boston skyline with sailboat in the foreground, Massachusetts, USA Credit: Alamy My pals and I had flown on the recently launched direct JetBlue service from Edinburgh. The six and a bit hour flight was fantastic thanks to being lucky enough to bag myself a seat in the airline's Mint cabin - business class fully lie-flat bed, great food choices from the Delicious Hospitality Group, who sure lived up to their name, and super friendly cabin crew. 25 Heather enjoyed her Mint Class cabin onboard the new JetBlue direct flight to Boston from Edinburgh 25 The Westin Copley Place Hotel was a great base in the city centre 25 Heather gets her bearings at View Boston 25 Fabulous food was on the cards on the first night at the brilliant Mida South End As it was a daytime flight, I took advantage of the in-flight entertainment, accepted some more complimentary drinks and nibbles, don't mind if I do, before being fed again with a lovely scone and jam before landing. After checking into the Westin Copley Place hotel, I had time for a quick change in my room with its fab views of the square which hosted a lovely market that weekend and nearby churches. Then we hit the town and began by taking in the cityscape from way up high at View Boston observation deck on top of the Prudential Tower. We took a wander round the fun exhibit, some pix at the Boston sign and a drink at the bar. Bearings found, we enjoyed a fabulous feast at Mida South End, an Italian eatery in a cracking setting. It was packed to the rafters and after demolishing my lip-smacking Spaccatelli al Pesto, I could understand why. The cocktail list was mouth-watering and the wine divine. What a welcome to this incredible city. Then we headed to that not-so-secret speakeasy for some nightcaps before tiredness won the battle and we reluctantly headed by to the West and hit the sack. After a satisfying hotel breakfast the next morning, we took to the water like, well, ducks, but in kayaks, on a 90 minute venture with Paddle Boston along and across the incredibly clean and calm Charles River. Red Sox star Triston Casas left in horror as Jarren Duran fixes broken-down car at Fenway Park My fear of drowning quickly subsided thanks to Zac our guide who assured me it was mega safe and he'd save me if I fell in. It was a perfect and peaceful way to see some of the city. There were plenty of others out enjoying the same things, along with packed Duck Boat tours, sailing clubs and even university rowing teams practising their skills (and skillfully avoiding us amateur kayakers) but it still felt serene. We rewarded our paddling efforts with a luscious lunch at Shy Bird, an American-style restaurant where my smashed falafel wrap was just what I needed. Messy, but oozing yummy flavour. Finger-licking good! Culture was the call for the afternoon as we visited the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum. It's based in her former home which she donated to the city on the understanding not one item of the huge collection she'd amassed from around the world was to be moved. And that included leaving blank spaces and even empty picture frames on the walls after an art heist in 1990, as sadly the loot was never recovered. It's an eclectic collection with more than a nod to Scotland, surprisingly, alongside items of furniture from the likes of China and creations from great artists like Titian, Rembrandt and Michelangelo. The stunning courtyard, packed with flowers of every variety, is worth taking the weight off and just admiring the sheer beauty of the place. 25 Heather takes to the water with Paddle Boston 25 Stunning courtyard at the Isabella Gardner Museum 25 Food as good as it looked at Urban Hearth Beauty was served up on a plate later when we were lucky enough to dine at Urban Hearth in the North Cambridge area of Boston. Every dish from chef and owner Erin Miller was a creative masterpiece. All looked stunning and tasted even better. Just order two or three dishes ahead and share. Tapas Boston style and delicious with it. Next day a quick change of hotel - well we wanted to sample as much of the city as possible - took us to the seaport and the highly-recommended Renaissance hotel. Astonishingly, they had our rooms ready and it wasn't even 11am. How's that for service! Then we jumped in a couple of Ubers and headed to Harvard Square, to wander the hallowed grounds of the famous Ivy League uni, and pop into the university shop for a souvenir. A quick lunch went down a treat at Alden & Harlow, whose ginger-infused Citizen Cider was fabulously thirst-quenching. 25 Classy Renaissance Hotel at Boston Seaport 25 Harvard is famous for its university Credit: Kyle Klein 25 Heather and her pals have fun with some props after the theatre show 25 Dine, drink and drive at F1 Arcade Boston The cooling interior of the American Repertory Theatre was warmly welcomed as a break from the blistering sun (temperatures were hitting 30C), as we took our seats for a hilarious and brilliantly acted two-person play 'Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York'. Even if, like me, you are not really into theatre, go. You will love it I guarantee. The young girl and guy are destined for stardom, I reckon. And don't forget to have fun with the props at the end for those quirky insta pix. Talking about fun, we laughed until we literally cried (well maybe I cried with frustration too) when we pitted against each other at the F1 Arcade Boston, at the seaport. Book a racing simulator, grab a cocktail or beer, take a seat in your F1 car and get revving for the race of your life as you roar round a track, trying to overtake your opponents and claim the ultimate victory - or avoid crashing like me! Defeated but not dejected, we headed for supper at one of Boston's top restaurants, Grace by Nia. It's truly gorgeous inside, all art-deco greens and golds, with dazzling chandeliers and ceiling-skimming gold-leafed palm trees. We literally devoured the entire menu as we were serenaded by a brilliant band who had us all swaying and singing along in our sumptuous velvet seats. 25 Stunning interior at Grace by Nia 25 The food was stunning 25 Jazz brunch at Beehive The fried green tomatoes were fab and my Bourbon stir-fry was, well, wow. Plump and succulent prawns bursting with spicy flavours mixed with mushrooms, onion and peppers. Sensational. Food definitely worth going back for. Food and music were back on the menu the next morning at a groovy jazz brunch at the Boston Institute that is Beehive. It's eclectic, quirky, bohemian and not to be missed. The shakshuka with polenta is a must as the music livened us up for another afternoon of fun. And that was to be had at my first-ever baseball game at the Boston Red Sox's Fenway Park. 25 Heather and pals at Fenway Park for Red Sox baseball game 25 Masataka Yoshida of the Boston Red Sox runs out a hit against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Fenway Park o Credit: Getty I hadn't the first clue what the hell was going on but I was soon cheering and clapping and Mexican-waving with the rest of the near 40,000 crowd as the home team hammered the Tampa Bay Rays. Go Sox! Now, if you like Chinese food, then I challenge you to find better than Mr H at the Seaport. Our dining space was open to the night breeze as we spun the lazy susans, laden with sumptuous creation after sumptuous creation brought to us by the incredibly attentive staff. Spicy cucumbers were a huge hit, as was the tangerine tuna, spicy salmon puffs and drunken octopus - and that was just for starters. Main attractions included rice dumplings stuffed with shitake mushrooms, crab and shrimp Shumai with caviar (my personal fav) bobo salmon and my meat-eating diners swore by tender strips of grilled wagyu sirloin. But the showstopper was the chocolate Buddha dessert which came dramatically surrounded by dry ice clouds wafting its tempting aromas. I was a tad nervous about eating him, unlike my pal Suzy who decapitated him with one swift swipe of a spoon and downed his head in one! 25 Dining at Mr H in the seaport area of Boston 25 Stunning Buddha dessert But we did toast his demise at Deck 12, a rooftop bar at the nearby Yotel, drinking in the views of the twinkling lights of the many skyscrapers that dot the harbour line, along with the crafted cocktails. Our last day highlights began with a delicious lunch of super-satisfying clam chowder in the glorious setting of Rowes Wharf Sea Grille, washed down by a Basil Brush mocktail. Set within one of the city's most iconic hotels - the Boston Harbour Hotel - I can't recommend it highly enough. Then we took to the water once again, this time for a leisurely cruise onboard Schooner Adirondack, sailing out into the harbour, taking in the sights while supping a cooling drink in glorious afternoon sunshine. 25 Heather and pals set sail in Boston Harbour 25 Boston Common is gorgeous 25 The bar where everybody knows your name A walk along the city's must-do Freedom Trail was next. It's easy to follow - just watch for the coloured paving bricks and you cannot get lost. There are plenty of places to stop and learn along the way, so perhaps download a guide to help you get the most out of the 2.5 miles. It starts at beautiful Boston Common, the oldest public park in the US (take a detour to the Botanic Gardens they are fabulous) and meanders through the city's downtown, taking in the golden-domed State House and the iconic old Ironsides warship. And that little history lesson brought our Boston grown-ups getaway to an end. Well not without a last photo opp at a bar that's definitely not a secret. Cheers Boston!
Boston Globe
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Pint-size summer in the city: Fun things that kids will actually want to do
We recently revisited a sampling of local family-friendly attractions with a rotating posse of children under the age of 10. Here are some highlights. Of course, your results — with your kids, little buddies, or grandkids — may vary. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Kids are often pretty entertained by the squirrel action in the Public Garden, and it's easy to see why. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff Fun freebies Attractions aren't cheap. Happily, Boston is full of fun freebies that score high with small fry, like the splash fountains on the Rose Kennedy Greenway ( Advertisement The chaos that is the Haymarket? The child in your party may well be entranced; ours was. But plan to carry that tot — this is not the place for a stroller. (For more tips, see Cyclists, runners, and walkers don't have to worry about cars on a section of Memorial Drive on Sundays. Vincent Alban For The Boston Globe How much fun is it to ride your bike in the street when there are no cars around? It's a blast. Our tester kids — old enough to ride two-wheeler bicycles — enjoyed Memorial Drive Recreation Sundays ( A pool of sprinkles at the Museum of Ice Cream. Suzanne Kreiter/Globe Staff New and topped with sprinkles We asked an 8-year-old if she wanted to go to a museum. 'Yes! The ice cream one!' she replied. We should have seen that coming. Boston has its own outpost of the Museum of Ice Cream (timed entry; weekday tickets from $25; weekend tickets from $33; Advertisement View Boston, the observatory on top of the Prudential tower, is where Top of the Hub used to be. Lane Turner/Globe Staff Room with a view We were eager to check out View Boston ($34; ages 6-12, $15; "Back Bay Bertha" splashes into the Charles in 2020. Jessica Rinaldi/Globe Staff Duck, duck, boat Hard to believe the duck boats, a.k.a. Boston Duck Tours (adult tickets, $55; 3-11, $40; under age 3, $11; The jokes come fast and furiously, and will go right over the kids' heads. For them, the fun comes with that splash into the Charles River, and the chance to pilot the vessel for a minute or two. Our take: Out-of-town adult guests and older kids will enjoy this most, while little ones get antsy. (Tip: If your party includes two adults and two kids ages 3-11, ask about their Family 4 Pack; it's $165, good at the Museum of Science location only. Not valid on Saturdays.) Advertisement Martin's Park was officially opened in June 2019 with a celebration of music and family-friendly programming. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff Awesome twosome Yep, the bubble exhibit is still there. And the Japanese House. The Boston Children's Museum ($22; under 12 months free; Visit on a nice day and make it a two-fer with a visit to Martin's Park Boston ( Legal Sea Foods gives little diners some options on their kids' menu. Of course, ours chose chicken fingers, along with rice pilaf and slaw. Diane Bair Best kids' menu If we never saw another chicken finger, we'd be fine. Legal Sea Foods ($10, for kids age 12 and under; Advertisement Maelynn Munro, 8, watches a penguin feeding session at the New England Aquarium. Barry Chin/Globe Staff Sea creatures? Yes please Harbor seals. Parading penguins. Seahorses. Sharks. Opened in 1969, New England Aquarium (adults, $39; ages 3-11, $30, We're running out of space and didn't have a chance to share the details of the Boston Public Library's ( Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum ( Sugar Factory Boston ( Advertisement See you on the Greenway Carousel — and in line at Cookie Monstah.
Associated Press
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
View Boston Unveils Signature Drink "Wicked Passionate"! City Chooses Signature Drink to Celebrate Boston's Iconic Marathon
Boston's Premier Observation Deck Teams Up with Flecha Azul Tequila and Mark Wahlberg BOSTON, April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After an exciting citywide survey that invited the greater Boston community to craft the perfect marathon-inspired cocktail, View Boston, the city's preeminent observation deck experience, has announced that a winning drink has been selected to represent the spirit of Boston's iconic run. Featuring Flecha Azul tequila, from proud Bostonian Mark Wahlberg, this newly crowned beverage pays homage to the city's resilience, passion, and historic race-day traditions. 'Wicked Passionate', chosen from submissions across the city, embodies the bold energy of Boston with a refreshing blend of Flecha Azul Blanco, Cointreau, passion fruit puree, pineapple juice, coconut water, agave, and lime juice. Designed to celebrate both runners and spectators alike, this cocktail will be served in a collectible souvenir cup and will make its debut exclusively at View Boston during marathon weekend. A spirit-free version of the cocktail is available, and is titled the Mile Marker Mocktail. 'When I heard that Bostonians were creating a cocktail for this event together as a community, I had to join in on the fun,' said Mark Wahlberg, Principal Investor of Flecha Azul Tequila. 'We're happy to partner with View Boston on this, and I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy the cocktail and view from their observation deck in celebration of marathon weekend.' Beginning today, 'Wicked Passionate' is available at View Boston, allowing locals and visitors to raise a glass in honor of the marathon's legacy. 'We were blown away by the creativity and heart the Boston community poured into helping us create this speciality cocktail,' said Mackenzie Finn, Senior Marketing Manager at View Boston. 'When the survey launched, we noticed an overwhelming number of responses were drinks with a Tequila base. This sparked the idea to partner with Flecha Azul Tequila, a high quality brand backed by a Boston celebrity who we all know and love.' 'Wicked Passionate' can be purchased at the Beacon and Stratus, View Boston's premier bistro and rooftop bar spaces. Reserve your tickets to experience the beverage and views here: About View Boston View Boston is the city's preeminent observation deck experience offering unrivaled 360-degree views of Boston's breathtaking city skyline. Encompassing the top three floors of Boston's iconic Prudential Tower, this 59,000-square-foot destination features both indoor and outdoor panoramic views of the city, an open-air roof deck, two dining destinations, and state-of-the-art immersive experiential exhibits. Honored with multiple awards, including blooloop's World's Best Observation Deck Experiences, Forbes Top 10 Boston Attractions, Commercial Integrator's 'Best Immersive Experience' Integration, and recognized in the Muse Awards as a 2024 Gold and Platinum winner for its exhibitions, View Boston continues to set the standard for exceptional observation experiences. Whether discovering famed landmarks and coveted hidden gems or meeting friends for a sunset cocktail, your unforgettable Bostonian experience begins here. For more information, please visit or follow View Boston on Instagram and TikTok. About Flecha Azul Tequila Co-founded in 2016 and launched in 2020 by Mexican PGA golfer Abraham Ancer and Mexican entrepreneur Aron Marquez, Flecha Azul Tequila was authentically crafted to taste like home. Backed by Mark Wahlberg, the premium, additive-free tequila is available in five expressions - Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Añejo Cristalino and Extra Añejo. As one of the only new world tequila brands with authentic Mexican roots and offerings, Flecha Azul Tequila is hand-crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, from fully-matured 100% single estate-grown Blue Weber Agave and produced by a multi-generational, family-owned and operated distillery with practices dating back to 1840. Media Contact: Dan Pettine Director, PR 484-941-1097 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE View Boston
Boston Globe
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Wrestling champ Mercedes Moné is ready for her Boston homecoming
Advertisement Moné, who previously went by the ring name Sasha Banks during her decade-long stint in the WWE, promotion's TBS champion, with hopes of taking the Women's World Championship title. Outside of the ring, she's also a budding actress, having made her acting debut in 2020 in the Star Wars show Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up As AEW comes back to Boston, Moné opens up about her career, mean tweets, and how being a female wrestler can be wicked hard. AEW champion wrestler Mercedes Moné at View Boston, atop the Prudential Center, on Tuesday. John Vitti Q. When did you come to Boston and where did you live? A. I moved here when I was 16 years old. I came from Minnesota, before that, and before that was I was in Oregon, Iowa, and California. I started online school when I was 13 years old. I have a brother with disabilities, so I left school so I could be at home to help take care of him. I was here for four years before I signed with the WWE when I was 20 years old. Advertisement Q. With the two shows at MGM Music Hall, what will this week be like? A. I'll be wrestling at 'AEW Dynamite,' which is on Wednesday. I will be wrestling Athena, who is the longest-reigning Ring of Honor champion, in the semifinals of the Owen Hart Foundation tournament. She's done things that I've never seen women's wrestlers do in the United States, and she's been doing it for 20 years — and she's just still getting her name out there. I'm super excited. This is like a dream match for me. Thursday, I have no idea if I'm going to be wrestling. It all depends on the outcome of Wednesday, but it's going to be a special two-day event of AEW here in Boston. Q. What was last year like when you made your AEW debut at TD Garden? A. The Garden was so significant to me, because I always drove around it. I used to work at the Royal Sonesta [in Cambridge], and I could see across the street every single day, and I always envisioned myself, 'I'm going to be wrestling there one day.' Q. It seems that being a female in the wrestling business has layers of challenges. A. [Yes,] it's very difficult. I started out at the New England Pro Wrestling Academy in North Andover right when I turned 18 years old (because I could sign that paper by myself), and I was the only woman in that school for a whole year . And because I was so passionate and so dedicated to what I wanted, Advertisement Mercedes Moné (top) gets the better of Robyn Renegade during a March 29 match in Milwaukee. Ricky Havlik/AEW Q. For female wrestlers, is it fair to say that people at home don't understand the scrutiny they endure over every aspect of their looks? A. No, they don't. And it takes a lot. It's the costumes, the hair, the nails, the makeup, going to the gym, making sure you're still fit, finding the right outfits. I love to be glitz and glams and looking five stars wherever I go. I want to feel royal wherever I go. It takes an extra two hours for a woman just to get ready. The guys can just wake up, spritz their hair with some water and go out on the streets and call it a day. It is so hard to be a woman wrestler. But it's a beautiful feeling to know that I can do all this stuff and do it better than the guys, and they're looking at me like, 'Oh, is she gonna main event tonight because this and that?' And, like, no, it's because I'm that good, and I do it better than you guys, and I wake up extra early to try to look better than you guys. So it all goes hand in hand. Q. When you started, social media wasn't what it is today, where you have Advertisement A. I remember when I first got on social media, and I was so scared to post ... and now you have to as your job, you need social media to reach a different audience. It's global. It's worldwide. You have to connect. But when I first got hired to NXT and I was reading all these tweets that fans were tweeting at me, I would break down from this stuff, because you're thinking these real-life people are criticizing you, they're judging you, they're saying mean things about you. But on the other hand, you have people who are praising you and saying good things about you. So you can't look at it one way or another, because you have to know inside of your heart the work you put in, what you've done for this outcome. And for me, thankfully, I've grown to learn that social media is just a steppingstone. It helps me connect to my fans, but I don't need to read their comments to feel a certain way, because I know how I want to feel every single day when I wake up. Mercedes Moné arrives for a match during a March 19 match in Omaha, Neb., that was broadcast on "AEW Dynamite." Ricky Havlik/AEW Q. Now that you've been doing this for a while, is it easier? A. No, every time before I go [in the ring], I'm still freaking out. I won't say it's the same feeling when I first started. I remember I would cry before every match and come back and cry after. Now I take it in and go, 'Mercedes, what did you learn from that?' So you can learn even more and go to the next step and not cry about it. But I still get the butterflies, I still get the nerves. I still feel like I'm about to throw up before I go out there, because it's live. Advertisement We have no idea what's going to happen. We have expectations. But performing live in front of the audience that can go any direction, that can chant any way, that can move mountains, that they can change the directions of the match depending how loud they want to be. I can slip, I can fall, I can break something. You never know what's going to happen in that squared circle. So it just gives you this, this adrenaline of like, 'OK, God, just protect me and let me do what I love, and don't let me cry when I come back.' That's it. Interview was edited and condensed. John Vitti can be reached at
