Experience 3 Great American Cities in a Whole New Way
There’s never been a better time to pack up the car and head out for an adventure on the open road. From Boston through the Big Apple and down to the nation’s capital, three world class cities offer plenty to do and see, and all are within an easy day’s drive. This summer, it’s time to revisit these grandes dames of the eastern seaboard for a fresh perspective on our history and culture.
Boston Beauty
Boston’s summer season officially gets underway once the marathoners cross the finish line on the third Monday in April. Outdoor dining is back. There’s no better place to enjoy Back Bay’s laid-back luxury than OAK Long Bar + Kitchen at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, with its prime patio location overlooking historic Copley Square. Executive Chef Zaid Khan sources ingredients from the Copley Square Farmers Market, the city’s largest gathering of local growers. Spend the night at the elegant hotel to be within easy walking distance of Newbury Street shopping, the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood, and the stunning stained glass Mapparium at the Mary Baker Eddy Library.
For a fresh view of the city, head across the Charles River to Medford, one of the area’s hottest new neighborhoods for young professionals. Harvard and MIT may get all the attention from scholars, but Tufts University offers the area’s best-kept secret: Alex’s Place on the roof of Tisch Library. This special spot was designed as a memorial and functions as a gathering spot for the young and hip, with the city skyline sparkling in the background.
New York Nostalgia
There’s always something new to do in New York, but this year, retro is the word. For starters, the iconic ice-skating rink at Rockefeller Center is getting a makeover for the warmer months. Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace brings back 1970s roller skating fun with classic tunes and special theme nights. In the evening, head to New York City Center for Encores!, a concert series that revives Broadway gems for limited runs. Don’t be surprised if you rub elbows with the city’s famous composers and actors. These performances are beloved by the city’s musical theater community and cultural elite.
Speaking of revivals, be sure to catch the limited run of Neil Simon’s Plaza Suite at Hudson Theatre with Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. Did you know the play’s setting is The Plaza Hotel? Book a suite and you’ll be treated to luxe accommodations and city views, including Central Park. If you miss the comedy, ask one of The Plaza’s Les Clef d’Or concierges to secure the best concert or theater tickets for you. But whatever you do, don’t miss the opportunity to toast your stay with a glass of bubbly in the fabulous Champagne Bar.
Washington, D.C. Wonders
If your days on the road have you missing your furry friends, book a room at Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown, where you’ll be greeted enthusiastically by Georgie, the Canine Ambassador. Located in the fashionable West End and adjacent to historic Georgetown, this is an ideal location from which to explore the National Mall. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, which has just emerged from a 3-year transformation. The award-winning new design updates and restores the original Mies van der Rohe building, the celebrated architect’s only library project.
Washington, D.C. has emerged as an incredible destination for creative, high-end dining. Union Market and the surrounding neighborhood is the epicenter of the foodie scene in the District, and the area is now also home to shopping and cultural activities. Be sure to drop by Byrdland Records, a vintage vinyl shop where you can make your own 45s in the 1947 recording booth. When the day is done, sip the best gin-and-tonics in at the Fairmont Washington D.C., Georgetown, where the secret ingredient is the hotel’s proprietary gin. Choose a table in the courtyard to enjoy the fragrance of seasonal cherry blossoms, herbs and flowers.
With so much to enjoy in these cities, you’ll be hard-pressed to choose a favorite, and that’s fine! The beauty of an East Coast road trip is that your next amazing weekend is always within reach. All you have to do is pack a bag and go for a trip to remember.