Summer has officially made its debut in New England. There's a larger than life feeling in the air that makes you want to just get outside and celebrate. That time of year when it seems like everyone comes alive with new energy, welcoming a warmth in the air after those cold winter months. Boating, beach days, hikes and lobster boils are the weekend norms. A swarm of cars retreating from the cities to find quainter vibes can be spotted on Friday afternoons and vast crowds retreating to find outdoor activities seem to take over cities throughout the region. It's apparent that summer in New England is a special season. One worthy of recognition.

It probably comes as no surprise that we could easily win an award for being tourists of the year. Especially with this blog post. But, at the risk of sounding touristy, I'll chance it. While in Boston for a quick layover on our honeymoon, Jo and I had a great experience that we wanted to share for others that find themselves in similar situations. If you ever find yourself stuck at Boston Logan, and you just can't stand the thought of waisting hours sitting around in those uncomfortable airport seats, there's good news for you. There are other options!  

It's pretty rare that you find yourself at airport that accommodates, or in a situation where you have the time to get off the plane, catch a shuttle, then a taxi and make it into downtown and back in time to catch a connecting flight. Most airports are built so far away from downtown, provide little to no transportation, and are so chaotic that just the stress of leaving and checking back in would not be worth it. Well, Boston has figured out how to make it simple! They created the BOSTON WATER TAXI!

Jo and I only traveled with a carry on just for the sake of not having to check bags (this is our norm for traveling). So, we hopped right off the plane and hit the streets. Almost literally. We did have to wait the usual exit time period and navigate our way through the airport terminals. But, once we did that we simply walked right out the front doors of the airport where we caught a shuttle that took us to a dock. Now, I know what most think. This IS Boston. Docks, airports, yeah, yeah! We have ALL seen The Departed. It was NOT that scenario at all! We were dropped off at the water taxi loading dock by the five minute shuttle that picked us up directly from the airport. Fortunately, we were the ONLY ones willing to risk the rainy, chilled morning air by taking a boat ride. This made for no wait and even a couple of different boats to choose from.

The taxi round-trip cost us a total of $15. The view and nice morning boat ride were worth every dime. Our driver was super too! She told us about tons of hidden treasures within the city and some of the history. We had a guide and a GPS all in one. It’s always neat to get a local’s scoop on the city that you’re visiting too. Definitely puts things into a different perspective.

We began our trip to the heart of Boston on the docks and then at noon our same boat picked us up on the Boston side docks and brought us right back to the airport where the shuttle was sitting, as if it had been waiting the whole time! It was uniquely simple and time well spent. 

If you’re ever in this awesome city, even if it’s just stopping through on a plane, I definitely recommend taking the water taxi! It’s neat, you get to connect with locals, and I mean seriously, who doesn't love a good boat ride? Especially when it’s through the Boston harbor!




“Dare to adventure into unknown seas. Treasures lie on the other side.”   

I consider myself to be a Southerner to the T. I mean, sweet tea lover, “ya’ll” frequent user and guilt driven by many other stereotypical “southern” charm habits. I love everything about the South! However, recently my husband and I have found ourselves venturing North a bit more frequent than normal. Within the past two months we have been to Washington D.C. (Yes! DC IS considered north…no ands, if’s or buts), Boston, Nantucket, AND Martha’s Vineyard! We are on a roll! This particular blog is in reference to a hidden treasure we found while hanging out in the North's beloved Boston for a couple of hours.

While strolling through the North End section of Boston we decided, or better yet our stomachs decided, it was brunch time. In case you are unfamiliar with brunch it is a combination of breakfast and lunch. An American gem that allows us hungry folk to squeeze in just one more meal of the day because everyone knows that five just isn't enough!  You see, we were on our first official day of our honeymoon. We had a 7 a.m. flight from North Carolina, and we were FINALLY Mr. and Mrs Best! Food had NOT been in the cards, until our grumbling stomachs broke their peace!

While strolling, Sunday mass was letting out at a beautiful church hidden between cobble streets and old brick buildings. We heard a NUMBER of people chatting that they were going to Mike’s Place to eat because it was the BEST! Well, seeing our state of hunger, and the fact our last name was now Best we decided that we better get to know this Mike person as well!  

We actually stumbled upon Mike’s place really! If it hadn't been for the crowd and our need for energy we would have NEVER located this place. I am assuming (which I tend to do quite often) that Mike’s most popular business hours are right after Sunday services between 10:00 a.m. and noon. This is, at least, what the crowd suggested. Mike’s Pastry, located in the North End on Hanover Street was surrounding inside and out with what looked like pleasantly hungry, and satisfied local customers! Josh and I decided based on what had been heard and the look on all the fokl it was a must! We, too, had to experience Mike’s.