This page is divided up by several sections: getting here, getting around, and getting to/from the wedding.
Air
Because Boston is a major airline hub, it.s easy to get direct and/or
cheap flights here, especially through some of the discount & smaller
airlines
1. Logan International Airport (code: BOS)
See the list of airlines that serve the Boston area here
2. Manchester, NH's Regional Airport (code:MHT)
See the airlines that serve this smaller airport, 60 miles out of
Boston
here
3. Providence, RI's TF Green Airport (code: PVD)
See the airlines that serve this smaller airport, 50 miles out of
Boston
here
Train
Other than local-range transportation, Amtrak is the only deal in town. They
serve 3 stations in the Boston area:
1. South Station (code: BOS) -- this is the big one.
2. Back Bay Station (code: BBY) -- second biggest
3. North Station (code: BON) -- less-frequented.
The ride up from both New York City & Philadelphia is quite
enjoyable, but the timing can be dicey as Amtrak often has delays.
Bus
While there are many companies that run buses to and from Boston, they
pretty much all end at the same place, South Station. While Meg, in
particular, would be happy to expound on the relative merits of Chinatown
buses, greyhound, trailways, and other companies, we'll just suggest
that you only use these buslines if you're traveling a short distance,
or from an area not well served by trains or planes; while economical
and safe, buses are the most unreliable of transport methods we've used.
Car
While Boston is an incredibly easy city to drive to, it is not so
easy to drive in. The area is easily accessed by several major
interstates: 95, 93, 91, etc. as well as by the two lane wonder: route
1.
Your best bet for coming up from south of Boston is to take the
Jersey Pike to the Garden State Parkway.
Cross the river above New York City at the Tappen Zee Bridge (287),
then get
on the Merrit Parkway/Hutchinson
Parkway/Route 15 for the trip north.
Follow signs to Rt. 84 around
Hartford CT when the Merrit ends.
follow 84 up into Massachusetts, then
get on Mass Pike (Rt. 90) east, and follow it into Boston.
Getting Around
As mentioned above, Boston can be a very tough city in which to drive;
repeating street names, odd angles, and aggressive drivers (often called
"Massholes," if that gives you any indication) make for a trying
experience. While you can certainly navigate (we like Google Maps better
than other online directions sites for the Boston area) effectively, we
often recommend relying on public transportation.
Boston's public transportation system (called "The T," which is short for MBTA, which is, in turn, short for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) is a pretty far-reaching & interlocking set of subways, trolleys, buses, trains, and ferries that cover most of the metropolitan area. While their new fare system is slightly bizarre, it really is both convenient and easy to navigate. The map is managed by color and by termini, there is a "red" line (off of which Ry & Meg live, and off of which the wedding venue is located) which travels between Alewife, Ashmont, and Braintree, a "blue" line (off of which the airport is located) which travels between Wonderland and Bowdoin, an "orange" line which travels between Forest Hills and Oak Grove, and a "green" line which runs between Lechmere, Boston College, Cleveland Circle, Riverside, and Heath Street.
Driving & Public Transit Directions from The Hotel Tria in Cambridge
Driving: Head right (north) on ALewife Brook Parkway16E. AFter about 3/4 of a mile, bear right to stay on 16E, and continue until the traffic circle. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit to stay on 16E/Mystic Valley Parkway. After about .7 miles, bear left to stay on 16E. Merge onto I-93S by taking the lefthand ramp. Follow signs for I-93S to Boston, and continue on I-93 over bridge & ito tunnel. In the tunnel, take exit 20A toward South Station. After the exite, turn left onto Summer Street at the light, following the sighs for the Convention Center. Follow SUmmer Street across the bridge, then take the very first right onto Melcher Street. Follow Melcher street to the T-intersection with A street, and turn right onto A street. At the intersection with West 2nd street, the EpiCenter will be on your right, in order to pull up in front of the building for valet parking, continue on A street to West 3rd street and take a left. FOllow West 3rd STreet ti C street & turn right on C street, West 2nd street is only a short distance, so turn left almost immediately onto West 2nd street. 100 West 2nd street is the first building on the right after the overpass.
Google Map & Directions
Public transit: Leave the hotel and cross the street to walk near the Dunkin Donuts. Head right (away from the traffic circle), past the shopping center & over the pedestrian bridge. Turn left at the Alewife T station (same building as the Bertucci's), and pay your fare to get on the T. Climb on the subway (headed inbound, but since it's the end of the line, all of them are), and ride it to Broadway. When exiting the station, take a right onto Broadway (there are two exits, but both exit onto Broadway on the same side of the street), and follow Broadway to the intersection with 'A' street (there's a light, and Mul's diner). Cross the street to take a left onto 'A' street. Follow 'A' street up to Second Street, where EpiCenter will be in front of you, just to the right.
Driving & Walking Directions from the Westin Waterfront in Boston
Driving: Head right (southeast) from the Westin on SUmmer Street. Take the first right on D street. Take the first right onto West 1st Street. FOllow West 1st STreet until it reaches West 2nd Street. Take right onto West 2nd Street. Pull up in front of 100 West 2nd Street (right on the corner of A street) for valet parking.
Google Map & Directions
Walking: Exit the Westin on to Summer Street, head left, toward downtown & the SUmmer Street bridge. Turn left on A street. Follow A street down to its intersection with West 2nd Street & turn left to enter 100 West 2nd Street.