I will be visiting Boston for the first time in October. What is the weather like during this time? Also, what things must I absolutely see and do in the 3-4 days that I will be there? Since I will be staying with a friend, what's a good hostess gift? Thanks!
Sock
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October is a fabulous time to visit Boston. Pick up a copy of the Boston Phoenix (it's free...and it is filled with events taking place in and around the city).
The city is pretty small, so you can walk almost anywhere. The subway system is fairly neat and easy to use as well. The city has some wonderful museums, particularly the Museum of Fine Arts, the Gardiner Museum, the Museum of Science, and the New England Aquarium.
You can't beat the Italian food in the city's North End, which seems completely liberated now that the city has taken down the Central Artery which used to hang overhead. Tremont Street is the theatre district, and you may be able to catch a Broadway quality show. The Boston Common is a wonderful park, and the swan boats may still be operating. I wouldn't take the Duck Boat tour (old WWII amphibious vehicles used to give tours of the town)...Not worth the price.
There are tens of thousands of college students in town, so expect a lot of bar action, if that's your thing.
The temperature in Boston varies in October. It can literally be very summer like or very winter like. Plan on temperatures in the 50s with a fair degree of sun. Make sure to pack sweaters and a light jacket. Also plan to get out of the city and see the foliage. It usually peaks around Columbus Day.
But here's the absolute best thing you can do in October. Drive north of the city and find an apple orchard. You think you know what an apple tastes like? Supermarket apples have nothing in common with a crisp Macintosh or Empire apple off a tree. Indescribable.
Hope you have a great time!
Jack
The weather may range from 40-60, average 54.8, so cool that season, and you can have a good vacation.
Some places I think you must see in Boston are:
*Freedom Trail,
This three-mile ribbon of red paint links 16 historical sites. Most visitors start the trail at the Boston Common. The National Park Service offers 90-minute guided tours starting at the Boston National Historical Park Visitor Center. Maps are also available here. Stops include the Old State House, Faneuil Hall and the Old North Church. You can also discover Paul Revere's house and the Copp's Hill Burial Ground. At the end of the trail in Charlestown, the Bunker Hill Monument and the U.S.S. Constitution await you.
* Public Garden,
Just across Charles Street from the Boston Common, this park is elegantly landscaped with flower beds, lagoons, walking paths and statues, including a notable monument of George Washington on a horse. You can watch couples posing for their wedding photos every summer weekend. The children's story Make Way for Ducklings took place here, and there is a popular sculpture of the ducklings in the northeast corner of the park. A ride in the famous Swan Boats is an essential experience for any visitor. Excursions on the swanboats will begin for the new season on April 17.
* Museum of Science
About gift, since you are friends, I think common gift is just OK.
Have fun and hope this helps.
orlandoluvr_1990
I love Boston! It's my favorite city.
The weather will probably be cooler. 40-60 degrees. The leaves will be changing, so it will be really pretty.
You have to go to Quincy Market. It has a whole bunch of shopping and restaurants. The Museum of Science is also really cool. I haven't been to the Aquarium in years, but I hear that its still really nice. If you're into history, then they have a historical walk around Boston (self-guided) that takes you to places like Ben Franklin's house, The Old North Church, ect. If you like the Red Socks, stop by Fenway park. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is good if you're into art. I've been there a few times with school. Its really nice. And this is a fun thing to do wherever you go in Boston- count the number of Starbucks you see. There is one on every block, especially in the Business district.
Have fun!
Peter Griffin
As the peson before me said, take a day trip up to Salem MA for "Haunted happenings" in october, the whole month is halloween stuff.
Salem is the halloween capital of the world, plus the drive up 128North has plenty of foliage to see... fall is the best in boston..
Even tho the sox aren't playing, take a tour of Fenway Park... its a fun time!
Darushka
If you're going in October, try to drive up to Salem and participate in the Halloween events. So much fun!