Growing up, like most kids of executives, I moved around a bit…going mostly where the next promotion or job was. Originally from Texas, we once moved as far north as Connecticut. Although we got close, we regrettably never made it to Boston. My dad, a Navy man and quite the history buff, definitely had it on our list of places to hit, but our time in Connecticut was short. Thankfully, I recently had the opportunity to visit there with my husband and two dear friends, and I’m quite glad it was during my adult years when I could truly appreciate its rich history and wonderful cultural opportunities!

It’s true—Boston really is a walking city. With the amount of sites to see along the Freedom Trail and wonderful restaurants in which to dine, you’re glad it is. There’s no better way to take in a wonderful city than by foot, and it’s also a great way to burn those calories you consume eating all of the wonderful clam chowder the city’s restaurants offer. I had the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful steaming bowl of the creamy concoction from the Union Oyster House, touted as America’s Oldest Restaurant. You’ll find it on Union Street, a 250-year-old cobblestone street along Boston’s Freedom Trail, and it is a must-do on any tourist’s list…one that I’m sure is on my dad’s list.

You get a real sense of the history that surrounds you as you walk through the various dining rooms adorned with heavy wood-beamed ceilings, and survey the centuries-old booths and tables. It was our honor to sit at the very booth that John F. Kennedy occupied on his many visits…so many that the booth bears a plaque with his name. I enjoyed my scrumptious bowl of chowder as I envisioned what it must have been like to sit among such great men, not only Kennedy but Daniel Webster and other great statesmen of Boston who frequented back in the early 1800s. What a great way to set the tone for a most memorable trip rich in history.

As we meandered on our self-guided tour of the Freedom Trail we found ourselves once again, engulfed in life as it was in Boston’s early days. We had the opportunity to visit Fanuiel Hall, The Old State House and even made it to the North End boasting the home of the famous Paul Revere, just to name a few. History came alive for me during this trip…bringing to light all of the stories that my former history teachers and especially my dad tried to convey.

What is so wonderful about Boston is that this charming history-rich city also is invested in the future. Boston is going to great lengths to strengthen its tourism industry, offering attractions for a myriad of visitor. Its historic waterfront is just one area where Boston is putting a major emphasis on revitalization. The pearl of this effort is the luxurious InterContinental Boston hotel. Premiering in November of 2006, this radiant 424-room hotel was the first InterContinental hotel in Boston and in New England, and the hotel group absolutely pulled out all of the stops in designing a hotel for the Boston of today and for the future. I appreciated not only the unique elements of its two restaurants and bar, but the thought and creativity that the chefs and directors put into making these three areas one of a kind.

First there’s Sushi-Teq. Yes, you guessed it, a restaurant that offers a cultural fusion of sushi and premium vintage tequilas from around the world. It’s actually the first sushi/tequila venue of its kind in the United States. I enjoyed a most unique experience by having their famous “Big Dig” roll so called in honor of the famous underground tunnel the city constructed so that visitors and residents could enjoy beautiful green space instead of paved roads in its financial district. I also got to sample a flight of margaritas…now that’s the way to get a taste of the fruity concoction to pick a favorite!

In addition to Sushi-Teq, the hotel boasts a most impressive AAA Four Diamond-rated signature restaurant in Miel “Brasserie Provencale.” This French provincial gem is a must-dine at the hotel. Again, chef brings such a unique lair in his offerings. One of my favorites was the olive oil tasting. I enjoyed the artisan breads, and sampling to determine which of the three premium olive oils was my favorite. The verdict? I enjoyed them all with their different flavors. The service was amazing, and I felt quite at home in this French-inspired retreat amid the gorgeous and modern hotel, a hotel that is definitely on my list when I return to Boston.

These are just a few of the highlights on a long list of things I enjoyed about Boston. With its appreciation for its historical treasures and vision of what it desires for its future, Boston has something for everyone. I will come back for more, and next time it will be with my dad!

by Amber Mette

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information, visit www.intercontinentalboston.com or www.bostonusa.com

Growing up, like most kids of executives, I moved around a bit…going mostly where the next promotion or job was. Originally from Texas, we once moved as far north as Connecticut. Although we got close, we regrettably never made it to Boston. My dad, a Navy man and quite the history buff, definitely had it on our list of places to hit, but our time in Connecticut was short. Thankfully, I recently had the opportunity to visit there with my husband and two dear friends, and I’m quite glad it was during my adult years when I could truly appreciate its rich history and wonderful cultural opportunities!

It’s true—Boston really is a walking city. With the amount of sites to see along the Freedom Trail and wonderful restaurants in which to dine, you’re glad it is. There’s no better way to take in a wonderful city than by foot, and it’s also a great way to burn those calories you consume eating all of the wonderful clam chowder the city’s restaurants offer. I had the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful steaming bowl of the creamy concoction from the Union Oyster House, touted as America’s Oldest Restaurant. You’ll find it on Union Street, a 250-year-old cobblestone street along Boston’s Freedom Trail, and it is a must-do on any tourist’s list…one that I’m sure is on my dad’s list.

You get a real sense of the history that surrounds you as you walk through the various dining rooms adorned with heavy wood-beamed ceilings, and survey the centuries-old booths and tables. It was our honor to sit at the very booth that John F. Kennedy occupied on his many visits…so many that the booth bears a plaque with his name. I enjoyed my scrumptious bowl of chowder as I envisioned what it must have been like to sit among such great men, not only Kennedy but Daniel Webster and other great statesmen of Boston who frequented back in the early 1800s. What a great way to set the tone for a most memorable trip rich in history.

As we meandered on our self-guided tour of the Freedom Trail we found ourselves once again, engulfed in life as it was in Boston’s early days. We had the opportunity to visit Fanuiel Hall, The Old State House and even made it to the North End boasting the home of the famous Paul Revere, just to name a few. History came alive for me during this trip…bringing to light all of the stories that my former history teachers and especially my dad tried to convey.

What is so wonderful about Boston is that this charming history-rich city also is invested in the future. Boston is going to great lengths to strengthen its tourism industry, offering attractions for a myriad of visitor. Its historic waterfront is just one area where Boston is putting a major emphasis on revitalization. The pearl of this effort is the luxurious InterContinental Boston hotel. Premiering in November of 2006, this radiant 424-room hotel was the first InterContinental hotel in Boston and in New England, and the hotel group absolutely pulled out all of the stops in designing a hotel for the Boston of today and for the future. I appreciated not only the unique elements of its two restaurants and bar, but the thought and creativity that the chefs and directors put into making these three areas one of a kind.

First there’s Sushi-Teq. Yes, you guessed it, a restaurant that offers a cultural fusion of sushi and premium vintage tequilas from around the world. It’s actually the first sushi/tequila venue of its kind in the United States. I enjoyed a most unique experience by having their famous “Big Dig” roll so called in honor of the famous underground tunnel the city constructed so that visitors and residents could enjoy beautiful green space instead of paved roads in its financial district. I also got to sample a flight of margaritas…now that’s the way to get a taste of the fruity concoction to pick a favorite!

In addition to Sushi-Teq, the hotel boasts a most impressive AAA Four Diamond-rated signature restaurant in Miel “Brasserie Provencale.” This French provincial gem is a must-dine at the hotel. Again, chef brings such a unique fl air in his offerings. One of my favorites was the olive oil tasting. I enjoyed the artisan breads, and sampling to determine which of the three premium olive oils was my favorite. The verdict? I enjoyed them all with their different flavors. The service was amazing, and I felt quite at home in this French-inspired retreat amid the gorgeous and modern hotel, a hotel that is definitely on my list when I return to Boston.

These are just a few of the highlights on a long list of things I enjoyed about Boston. With its appreciation for its historical treasures and vision of what it desires for  its future, Boston has something for everyone. I will come back for more, and next time it will be with my dad!

by Amber Mette

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information, visit www.intercontinentalboston.com or

www.bostonusa.com

The secret has long been out on the natural allure and romantic inspiration of the fabled Texas Hill Country. The area is revered for pragmatically beautiful landscapes of scrub oak and mesquite-dotted plateaus, breathtaking vistas of wildflower valleys and picturesque town-square settlements like the German pioneering village of Fredericksburg. Once a cozy backyard haven for weekend and holiday escapes long favored by its San Antonio and Austin neighbors, Fredericksburg’s diverse array of unique attractions, old-world charm, and nouveau-western entrepreneurism now entices tourism from around the world.

Wildflowers and Wine
Located just over an hour from either San Antonio or Austin, Fredericksburg is a vacationer’s paradise with an abundance of specialty shops, boutiques, spas, restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and brew pubs lining the broad downtown streets first lain out by the early German settlers. There are an impressive array of antique emporiums, art galleries, museums, state parks and historical sites as well. Gillespie County, revered for its magnificent spring displays of colorful wildflowers and butterflies, is home to numerous wildflower, herb and lavender farms and nurseries. The region is also known for its fine diversity of peaches and other seasonal fruits and vegetables.

And with a climate conducive to cultivating a variety of grapes, Fredericksburg and other nearby Hill Country communities find themselves poised at the heart of the rapidly emerging Texas wine production industry—vineyards and wineries canvas the surrounding countryside. Texas Wine Tours originate daily from downtown, and offer wine-tasting tours of several award-winning Hill Country vineyards and wineries. Leave the driving to your guide while getting an up-close look at the region heralded as second only to California in domestic wine production.

Sunday Houses and B & B’s
Fredericksburg is also home to an intriguing form of residential architecture that may arguably be the precursor to the 300-plus, charming bed-and-breakfasts popular with contemporary visitors. The famous Sunday Houses were built by the early German pioneers as weekend homes to accommodate their pilgrimages into town from their outlaying farms for shopping, socializing and church services. Economically designed, these appealing miniature dwellings consist of an open multi-purpose space downstairs and
second floor sleeping lofts accessed by outside stairs or ladders. Many still exist today, and those that are not in use as guest houses or homes can be toured.

Whether staying in a historical B&B or any of an impressive selection of modern lodgings, anytime is a good time to visit Fredericksburg’s year-round attractions.

Local Excursions
The Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site & National Museum of the Pacific War is a must-see for all ages and interests. The complex honoring hometown hero Admiral Chester Nimitz is a tribute to all who served in the World War II’s Pacific Theater of Operations and includes The National Museum of the Pacific War. Luckenbach, Texas was famous locally long before Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings sang about its charm. Located just outside Fredericksburg, this tiny hill country hamlet where “Everybody’s Somebody” was established as a Trading Post in 1849 making it one of the oldest settlements in Gillespie County. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, which includes Enchanted Rock, the second largest granite monadnock in the United States after Stone Mountain, Ga., is impressive—hiking tours of the mammoth outcropping stir emotions and the imagination.

Although Fredericksburg and the Hill Country offer year-round attractions, it is the seasonally-identified activities that are most anticipated. These climate and travel friendly months see Fredericksburg and the surrounding country-side flooded by tourists maximizing the infinite combinations of food, drink, sights and fun. Spring and early summer months promise an annual explosion of festivities associated with the spectacular wildflower displays, bountiful peach harvests and hot air balloon convention while autumn and winter counter with impressive holiday celebrations reflective of local culture and customs.

Oktoberfest!
If it’s fall in Texas then its Oktoberfest in the Hill Country! Fredericksburg celebrates and showcases its German heritage with a colorful, festive Oktoberfest Texas style! An annual tradition around the world, Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg is a community event of family entertainment featuring continuous Oompah music, lederhosen, traditional arts and crafts, German Bier Tent, Oktoberfest Vineyard area, and authentic German cuisine. Anchoring a fall festival season focused on regional heritage, Oktoberfest offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about the fascinating history of the German settlers who braved the hardships of a hostile land to create a home in the new world.

Autumn Festivals, Tours and Events
Fourth Annual Fredericksburg B&B and Cuisine Tour
September 14, 2008

Oktoberfest
October 3 – 5

Texas Mesquite Art Festival
October 10 – 12

Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest
October 25

Texas Hill Country Regional Christmas Lighting Trail
December

Weihnachten in Fredericksburg (Christmas Festival & Market)
December 5-7

For more information, call 830.997.6523 or 1.888.997.3600 or visit the Chamber of Commerce Web site at www.fredericksburg-texas.com.

Other Helpful Links
www.fredericksburg-lodging.com
www.tex-fest.com/
www.hill-country-visitor.com
www.fbgtx.org
www.oktoberfestinfbg.com/

Richard Bennett is a freelance travel and culinary writer.