boston, part one

A couple weeks ago, Neil and I flew over to Boston to watch his sister run the marathon (26.2 miles in 3 and a half hours, she ran it well) and to spend the week hanging out with his family. We've never been to Boston, so it was a new experience for us.

We hit the major spots - the Italian North End (my favorite), Harvard Square, USS Constitution, the Freedom Trail and of course - Fenway Park (Red Sox versus Yankees! although I was most excited about the beer and hot dogs). The history was overwhelming and intimate at the same time.. to finally see and feel what you've just read about in textbooks as a kid was awesome.

What struck me about Boston was how well-preserved the history is, yet how modern it's become. Most views you have in the city include a skyscraper skyline with steeples belonging to 250 year old churches.. pretty cool.

We also had a chance to try out some local eating spots and coffee shops that we really fell in love with, and we got some great Boston suggestions from bloggers who knew the area (thanks Liz and Kennedy!). Our favorite coffee stop was Pavement Coffeehouse (best bagel sandwich and cuban style latte), although Render and the Thinking Cup were good as well. I love how you can hit almost any coffeehouse now and get pour-over coffee; it's a drink trend I want to see stick around for awhile.

As for best restaurant experience of the week - Neptune Oyster. Hands down. I tried the cioppino and Neil and his dad both ordered the lobster roll, which the rest of us tried to steal the entire night. Even with an hour and a half wait, the experience was really worth it. We visited Bova's Bakery afterward to overindulge in their 24-hour goodness.. tiramisu, sfogliatelle, and chocolate dipped everything.

Outfit recap! In order of photos - vintage Gunne Sax dress and Kork Ease wedges, American Apparel crop top and vintage polka dot trousers (thrifted), and vintage leopard print silk blouse, black cardigan, platform sneakers, and woven tote (all thrifted) with American Apparel black riding pants. First time wearing animal print, something I swore I'd never do. I actually kind of love it right now, which goes to show you should never say never.

We also made a few visits to the Boston Public Gardens and drove up the New Hampshire coast, but that's for later.

Happy May! Plans for tonight for Neil and I.. chicken and avocado tacos with banana pudding for dessert (making it for the first time, wish me luck), then a local show my friend is playing and the AVENGERS MIDNIGHT PREMIERE. Superhero movies oh yes.