Our neighboring city to the north is so much more than tea parties and historical trails : It ’ s a dynamic hot spot for foodies , trendsetters and sports fans alike . BY KAITLYN MURRAY
B oston is known for many things . Its history , its teams , its accent . But upon further investigation ( ahem , hours and hours down the TikTok suggestions rabbit hole ), I came to realize just how multifaceted it is . I grabbed a friend and took the train straight to the heart of Beantown .
FRIDAY AFTERNOON : We arrive at Back Bay Station around 1 p . m . Our three options to get to the hotel include a ride share , hopping on the T ( the city ’ s subway system ) or walking . We recommend buying a $ 2.40 Charlie card and taking the Green Line to Kenmore Square station . It ’ s located directly across the street from our accommodations : Hotel Commonwealth ( hotelcommonwealth . com ).
We call ahead to request an earlier check-in time — usually 4 p . m . — and within minutes we are on our way up to the room . Mere steps from fabled Fenway Park ( mlb . com / redsox / ballpark ), Hotel
Commonwealth certainly plays up its location , featuring a David Ortiz display case ( complete with World Series rings ) and a special elevator adorned with various baseball legends ’ autographs . As it should : Our spacious yet cozy room features prime views of the park ’ s famous facade . Though the Red Sox are away , we can ’ t resist paying a visit to our neighbor . A $ 25 ticket guarantees an hourlong guided tour of the historic park , including passage through the hallowed halls where many a ballplayer has stood and unparalleled views from atop the Green Monster .
Afterwards , we catch an Uber to Newbury Street , Boston ’ s answer to Rodeo Drive ( newburystboston . com ). We make a beeline for
Sonsie ( sonsieboston . com ), an open-air restaurant and wine bar with pretty sidewalk views . While shamelessly people watching , we indulge in rose and split a plate of housemade pork and ginger gyoza dumplings . Next , we satisfy my nerdier needs by visiting
66 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l OCTOBER 2022