CityState : Current l Edited by Dana Laverty
Wanderlust : Encore Boston
What feels like a trip to Las Vegas but is only an hour ’ s drive away ? By Jamie Coelho
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ENCORE BOSTON .
The Las Vegas strip beckons with its beaming neon lights and monstrous resorts , but it sure is far away , requiring planes , trains and automobiles to get there . There ’ s an easier way to catch that what-happens-in- Vegas-stays-in-Vegas vibe , and it ’ s only an hour ’ s drive from Providence . The destination is Encore Boston Harbor Resort ( encorebostonharbor . com ), a mega-casino that is loaded with fine dining and luxury shopping options , plus high-end accommodations .
Check in for a night or two into a king-sized room or suite . Many have views of the Boston Harbor and city skyline , and feature 507-thread-count linens and deep-soaking tubs . You may never want to leave the room , but dinner calls at the newly revamped Rare Lounge and Rare Steakhouse . For the full experience , go for the steakhouse . The menus spotlight dry-aged Kobe beef steaks and lighter bites like tiny ahi tacos , lobster rolls and pigs in a blanket stuffed with Wagyu beef dogs . All pair well with a martini or a nice glass of cab .
After you ’ ve had your fill , head out for a night of gaming at slots and tables , or go for the big bucks in the high-limit gaming area . There are also 100 WynnBET sports kiosks throughout the property and a state-of-the-art WynnBET Sportsbook sports bar . Try your luck , then stop for a nightcap at upscale lounge Mystique , or maybe even take entertainment to another level with deejays and dancing at Memoire .
When you eventually make your way back to your room for some
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT : The event lawn of Encore Boston ; the atrium Ferris wheel ; enjoy brunch at the Garden Cafe ; the premier king room promises a comfortable stay ; dinner and cocktails at Rare Lounge and Rare Steakhouse ; the rejuvenating Spa at Encore Boston .
shut-eye , the ample amenities make it feel like home . Set an alarm ( or don ’ t ), and wake up to a room-service breakfast or sit-down brunch at Garden Cafe , followed by a spa visit .
The Spa at Encore Boston is an awe-inspiring selfcare experience with 19,000 square feet of treatment rooms . Rest in the common relaxation area before your treatment , or take part in the sauna , steam room or plunge pool ( bring your swimsuit ). Spa treatments include Ayurvedic Aromatherapy and Lomi Lomi-inspired massages as well as Biologique Recherche booster facials and HydraFacials . After a rejuvenating session , take a ride over to the nearby North End for some incredible eats .
Stop into bakeries like Mike ’ s ( mikespastry . com ) and Modern Pastry Shop ( modernpastry . com ) for cannoli , as well as some of the lesserknown mom-and-pop shops located down alleyways . North End kingpin Nick Varano owns celebrity-studded Strega ( stregaitaliano . com ), where family-style meatballs , burrata and calamari can be shared along with pastas . Or check out one of Frank DePasquale ' s restaurants , including Bricco , Mare , Aquapazza , Quattro , Umbria or Trattoria Il Panino ( depasqualeventures . com ). Right next to Bricco , head down the side alley to get to Bricco Salumeria and Pasta Shop ( briccosalumeria . com ), where you can buy imported Italian meats and cheeses , olive oils , vinegars , housemade mozzarella , fresh bread and handmade pastas . Pack up some goods so you can satisfy cravings for Boston ’ s Little Italy long after you return home .
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