Best Gyms & Health Clubs in Boston

If you’re looking to shed some weight or simply stay in shape, Boston has some excellent establishments for you and your family.  From luxurious athletic clubs to bodybuilding gyms, this city has what you are looking for.  Below are the top ten best gyms and health clubs in Boston:

1. Healthworks Fitness Center

617-859-7700
441 Stuart St.,
Boston, MA 02116

2. The Sports Club/LA

617-375-8200
2 Avery St
Boston, MA 02111

3. Body Evolver Health & Fitness

617-247-2639
364 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02116

4. Focus Fitness

617-951-2900
303 Congress St
Boston, MA 02210

5. Beacon Hill Athletic Club

617-742-0055
85 Atlantic Ave
Boston, MA 02110

6. Boston Body Pilates

617-262-3333
8 Newbury St Fl 6
Boston, MA 02116

7. Fitness Together

617-247-3900
36 Newbury St, 3rd Fl
Boston, MA 02116

8. fitcorp

617-261-4855
125 Summer Street 2nd Fl
Boston, MA 02110

9. Gold’s Gym

617-536-6066
71 Lansdowne St.
Boston, MA 02215

10. Boston Athletic Club

617-269-4300
653 Summer St.,
Boston, MA 02210

Best Restaurants in Boston

Boston has a wide variety of fine dining establishments, and even though it may lack in comparison to the nearby metropolis of Manhattan, its top restaurants exude class and New England charm.  Below are the best dining experiences in Boston:

1. No. 9 Park – European Cuisine

617-742-9991
9 Park St
Boston, MA 02108

At this fine dining establishment you will enjoy a memorable and deliciously elegant dinner. Their sophisticated entrees are presented to you with the finest technique and are made with outstanding  ingredients. My favorite is the Chef’s Tasting Menu which consists of seven courses and superb wine.

2. The Hungry I – French Cuisine

617-227-3524
71 Charles St
Boston, MA 02114

This is one of Boston’s most romantic restaurants, The Hungry I specializes in traditional French gourmet food and offers an intimate atmosphere. Their ambiance is enchanting, from flickering fireplaces, candles on every table, polished antiques and embroidered throw pillows sprinkled about this restaurant is a destination in-itself.

3. Grill 23 & Bar – Steakhouse

617-542-2255
161 Berkeley St
Boston, MA 02116

This restaurant is a premier steak and seafood grill, serving only the finest and freshest entrees, they also boast an award-winning wine list.

4.  Radius – Contemporary French Cuisine

617-426-1234
8 High St
Boston, MA 02110

Radius offers a Modern French menu created with seasonal ingredients and made with classical technique. You will enjoy sophisticated entrees and ambiance here.

5. Cafe Fleuri – Mediterranean

617-451-1900 ext. 7125
The Langham
250 Franklin St
Boston, MA 02110

Distinguished by seasonally updated menus Cafe Fleuri serves savory Mediterranean dishes and is located beneath a grandiose  six-story glass atrium at The Langham Hotel.  And on Saturdays they offer an internationally renowned Chocolate Bar!

6. Anthony’s Pier 4 – Seafood

617-482-6262
140 Northern Ave
Boston, MA 02210

Experience the freshest seafood, juicy prime steaks, and mouth-watering Maine lobsters while taking pleasure in a spectacular view of the city overlooking historic Boston Harbor.

7. Ristorante Fiore – Italian

617-371-1176
250 Hanover St
Boston, MA 02113

Authentic Italian cuisine, fine wines and an excellent staff is what I found here. Their menu is extensive and anything you order will delight your tastebuds.

8. Haru – Japanese Cuisine

617-536-0770
55 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02199

Haru is a modern Japanese restaurant that is located in Boston’s Bay Bay neighborhood. They serve premier sushi and provide a contemporary culinary experience.

9.  Lala Rokh – Persian Cuisine

617-720-5511
97 Mount Vernon St
Boston, MA 02108

This distinctive restaurant serves authentic home-style Persian cuisine, offers impeccable service and a wine list that specifically matches their entrees.

10. Vox Populi – American Cuisine

617-424-8300
755 Boylston St
Boston, MA 02116

Experience their contemporary American cuisine in a cosmopolitan yet spirited ambiance. Chose from dishes like Chilean Sea Bass,  Mediterranean Pork Chop, or a Black Angus Burger, Vox Populi’s menu will satisfy any craving.

Best Boutique and Specialty Shops in Boston

Boston has a unique style that is illustrated throughout the city, and one of my favorite ways to experience it is through their boutique shops.  From home decor to fashionable clothing, Boston can satisfy even the most picky shopper.  Below are the ten best boutiques in Boston:

1. Looc Boutique

617-357-5330
12 Union Park St
Boston, MA 02118

2. Sara Campbell

617-423-3134
46 Plympton St
Boston, MA 02118

3. Bliss Home

617-421-5544
121 Newbury St
Boston, MA 02116

4. Stel’s

617-62-3348
334 Newbury St
Boston, MA 02115

5. Bowl & Board

617-661-0350
1063 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02138

6. Mint Julep

617-576-6468
6 Church St
Cambridge, MA 02138

7. Twilight

617-523-8008
12 Fleet St
Boston, MA 02113

8. Ku De Ta

617-269-0008
663 E Broadway
South Boston, MA 02127

9. Aunt Sadie’s

617-357-7117
18 Union Park St
Boston, MA 02118

10. Intermix

617-236-5172
186 Newbury St
Boston, MA 02116

Best Hotels and Resorts in Boston

I have traveled to Boston several times throughout the years and each time I’ve had the pleasure of staying at some of the city’s most luxurious hotels.  However my last stay was far and beyond the best experience I’ve ever had, I stayed at the Liberty Hotel for several nights.  Due to my travels, it takes quite a bit to impress me, however The Liberty was awe inspiring to me and immediately became my favorite hotel in the city.  See below for the top ten hotels in Boston:

1. The Liberty Hotel

617-224-4000
215 Charles St
Boston, MA 02114

2. Mandarin Oriental

617-535-8880
776 Boylston St
Boston, MA 02199

3. Fairmont Battery Wharf

617-994-9000
3 Battery Wharf
Boston, MA 02109

4. XV Beacon Hotel

617-670-2515
15 Beacon St
Boston, MA 02108

5. Boston Harbor Hotel

617-439-7000
70 Rowes Wharf
Boston, MA 02110

6. The Colonnade Hotel

617-424-7000
120 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02116

7. The Copley Square Hotel

617-536-9000
47 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02116

8. Inn at St. Botolph

617-236-8099
99 St Botolph St
Boston, MA 02116

9. The Charles Hotel

617-765-4515
1 Bennett St
Cambridge, MA 02138

10. Four Seasons Hotel

617-338-4400
200 Boylston St
Boston, MA 02116

Best Coffee Bars in Boston

Boston offers some great coffee bars to both visitors and residents.  One of my favorite aspects of these java-happy establishments is that besides for the typical national chains such as Starbucks, the city also has a wide variety of local hotspots where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a great cup of coffee or tea.  Below you will find the ten best coffee bars in Boston.

1. Espresso Royale Caffe

617-859-9515
288 Newbury St
Boston, MA 02116

You come here to enjoy free wi-fi, coffee, tea and there bagels. They make to best hand made bagel sandwiches. I also like this location a lot because it’s like a little secret hiding place on the busy Newbury street. They keep board games in back for customers to enjoy while enjoying an authentic cup of joe.

2. Cafe L’Aroma

617-412-4001
85 Newbury St
Boston, MA 02116

This is a cafe has a sophisticated yet warm Italian atmosphere with plenty of outdoor sitting.  Take a break from the chic Newbury Street shopping and stop in L’Aroma for a cappuccino prepared the way it was originally.They also have a selection of over 20 loose teas directly from the estates of Ceylon.

3. True Grounds

617-591-9559
717 Broadway
Somerville, MA 02144

Is a wonderful local neighborhood coffee shop on the corner of Broadway & Willow. True Grounds offers first-rate coffee and is a nice place to stop in for breakfast or lunch. The dress is casual and you can enjoy free wi-fi access but remember to bring cash because they do not accept credit cards.

4. Caffe Paradiso

617-742-1768
255 Hanover St
Boston, MA 02113

This unique cafe has a European ambiance with a tribute to international athletics with soccer flags lining the ceiling. It is even known as the best place to watch a soccer game in Boston. They have premium espresso, iced lattes and irish coffee. One other aspect that sets Caffe Paradiso apart from other coffee shops are their handmade cannoils that are stuffed right in front of you as you order them.

5. Trident Booksellers & Cafe

617-267-8688
338 Newbury St
Boston, MA 02115

I could stay here all day, it has books, food, drinks, free wi-fi and nice people. I love that they serve breakfast all day. There menu features wholesome food, fresh juices and smoothies, and a variety of loose leaf teas, it is an ideal place to host a book club or just spend the afternoon reading.

6. Boston Common Coffee Co.

617-695-9700
97 Salem St
Boston, MA 02113

They currently they have locations in North End and the Financial District and are under construction for a third location in downtown. They contract local micro-roasters that roast in small batches to ensure quality and freshness of all their varietal coffees from around the world.  Boston Common Coffee Co. has also enlisted the services of an award-winning pastry chef. Baked goods, as well as grilled Panini’s are prepared on-site and baked fresh using only the finest meats, cheeses, and produce.

7. Blunch

617-247-8100
59 E Springfield St
Boston, MA 02118

Your neighborhood kitchen in Boston’s South End! Blunch serves unique and satisfying pressed sandwiches, homemade soup and granola, as well as a variety of muffins, sweets, and cookies. Blunch Blend Coffee is Fresh Roasted Mexican and Ethiopian which is a full, smooth dark coffee. For very modest prices you will get many refined  choices at Blunch.

8. Simon’s Coffee Shop

617-497-7766
1736 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02138

Located in Porter Square Neighborhood Simon’s Coffee Shop serves superb hot chocolate and George Howell drip-coffee. This cute and warm shop is a great place to cozy up with a good book and enjoy one of their raspberry chocolate scones.

9.Temptation Cafe

617-266-6080
313 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115

Great place, love the freshness of the food and I believe it is family owned. The veggies were so crisp and fresh, and the service is good too. They offer coffee, tea, and sandwiches. It is a nice place to go with a group or take your kids.

10. Polcari’s Coffee Shop

617-227-0786
105 Salem St
Boston, MA 02113

Coffee, Tea, and Specialty Foods are what you will find at Polcari’s. You can also chose from a variety of  coffee bean favors, if you are not savvy at choosing your own coffee. The staff is friendly and  knowledgeable  and can assist you with you java decision. They will also grind the bean of your choice there for you.