LOUNGE Another music venue, which hosts an open mic poetry slam every Wednesday from 8pm. It’s very variable – sometimes you feel it and sometimes you don’t, but it makes a nice change of scene. 738 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, www.cantab-lounge.comINDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL BOSTON This usually happens around April every year. I love getting the chance to see films from around the world – and there’s always a buzzing atmosphere. www.iffboston.orgTHE COOLIDGE CORNER THEATRE A friend once told me that this independent movie palace was originally built as a church and later redesigned as an Art Deco movie theatre. It’s friendly, inexpensive, and fun, with bonuses like midnight movie screenings and kiddie matinees. The best place to see independent and classic films in Boston. 290 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02215, www.coolidge.orgOPEN STUDIOS CAMBRIDGE / SOUTH END Once a year Boston’s designers and artists open their studios to the public, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of the working practices of people you worship or can’t abide. It’s fun to stroll around checking out other people’s work. www.useaboston.com, www.noca-arts.org 50 Boston, MACULTURE
JEANETTE NEILL DANCE STATION So I love dancing. It’s the way I clear my mind, body, and soul after a stressful day. This lovely studio is my escape and my safe haven. It holds open classes, so you can come and dance without having to sign up for the rest of your life. Their teachers – especially their hip hop teachers are positively inspirational. 261 Friend St, 5th floor, Boston, MA 02114, www.jndance.com HARBORWALK The Harborwalk is one of Boston’s urban planning triumphs. 50 miles of walks, all cleverly linked up, take you around the shoreline from Charlestown, Deer Island, North End, and all the way to South Boston. It’s easily accessed from Downtown (start at the ICA or the aquarium), and is great for cycling, boating, swimming, picnicking, or just going for a stroll. My favorite walk (or run – even better!) is along Pleasure Bay, a calm, enclosed lagoon with a sandy swimming beach, with a detour to Castle Island, where I circle the fort and take in the awesome ocean views.CHILL 51 Boston, MACHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH POOL The Christian Science Church is an imposing, domed 19th Century building in the middle of the city. In the 1960s the church commissioned a big plaza to be built in front of it by the firm of the wonderful architect I M Pei. The result was the amazing 670 ft reflecting pool and fountain, which is a real Boston landmark. I love just staring at it on a sunny day. 210 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115
53 Charleston, SCCHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA BY JAY FLETCHERTo most, Charleston is a nod to gentler days gone by, known for its history, grace, and charm. To me, Charleston is a city rich in superlatives. We make a lot of “best of” lists. Flipping through the pages of most any travel rag will often reveal our relatively small city scoring top marks for best beaches, best weather, best dining, best manners…. It always amazes me how often I see my quaint little home touted amongst mega-destinations like New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and the like. Then again, it doesn’t. Within a few square miles of my front door I’ve eaten some of the best food, seen some of the most inspirational sights, and met some of the most pleasant people you could ever hope to come across. “Quality of life” is a phrase you hear constantly echoed in local circles. Charlestonians are a proud bunch, equally protective and welcoming, who can’t imagine life elsewhere. And don’t want to.Originally named Charles Towne when established by English settlers in 1670 and nicknamed “The Holy City” due to an overwhelming number of churches (in fact, there’s a height restriction ordinance enforced on new construction to keep the city’s signature steeple-dotted skyline intact), Charleston is one of America’s oldest and most historic cities. Pirate raids, sporadic assaults from Spain and France, pivotal moments of the American Revolution, the opening battle of America’s Civil War, and a devastating earthquake felt as far north as Boston and as far south as Cuba are just a few notches on Charleston’s unique and storied timeline. Today, apart from the tourism, it also has a vibrant economy based on an important and active seaport and a burgeoning IT industry. Strolling the city’s gas lantern-lit cobblestone alleys is like exploring a time capsule, lush and largely untouched history on display at every turn, the past alive and mingling with the city’s diverse and vibrant present. This is the true beauty of Charleston – how wonderfully the city coexists with itself as a modern antique, looking backwards and forwards at the same time.
STAY 54 Charleston, SCWENTWORTH MANSION Built in 1885 as a private residence, the Wentworth Mansion now serves as one of Charleston’s most unique and opulent hotels. Hand-carved marble, intricate woodwork, and Tiffany stained glass windows are just a few of the perks. The hotel restaurant, Circa 1886, is fantastic. If it’s too pricey, stop by anyway and politely ask if you can admire the view from the rooftop cupola. 149 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29401, www.wentworthmansion.comFRENCH QUARTER INN Adjacent to Charleston’s famous market area, the French Quarter Inn manages to be upscale without being snooty. The decor is classic, French urban in style, and the staff has a reputation for top customer service. The restaurant, Tristan, is popular, and the nightly wine and cheese reception is a guest favorite. 166 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, www.fqicharleston.com THE INN AT MIDDLETON PLACE This is one of the city’s few modern hotels. Awarded for its Lloyd Wright-inspired design, it sensitively complements the neighboring 18th Century plantation. Warm, handcrafted wooden furniture and paneling adorn each room, along with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the inn’s natural surroundings. 4290 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414, www.theinnatmiddletonplace.comSEASIDE INN If you’re looking for a more moderately-priced, saltier, beach-going experience, this is the place. Located 15 minutes from Downtown on the Isle of Palms, the rooms are mere steps from the ocean and the surrounding area is home to several good restaurants, bars, and shops. You came to see Charleston, but you just might not leave the island. 1004 Ocean Blvd, Isle of Palms, SC 29451,www.seasideinniop.com
55 Charleston, SCTRATTORIA LUCCA Living in a city known for world-class cuisine, and picking your favorite restaurant is like asking a father of twenty to pick his favorite child. That said, Trattoria Lucca is near the top of my list. This place brings a true Italian dining experience to a city known for shrimp and grits and macaroni cheese. The restaurant is cozy, the chef mingles with his diners, and the food melts in your mouth. Be sure to sample as many of the appetizers as you can. 41-A Bogard St, Charleston, SC 29403, www.luccacharleston.comTACO BOY The original Taco Boy at Folly Beach is a stone’s throw from the Atlantic, and a newer venue has now opened up in Downtown. Great atmosphere and food. Try the tempura shrimp tacos with a Mexican coke, and finish your night off with a hunk of tres leches cake. 217 Huger St, Charleston, SC 29403 and 15 Center St, Folly Beach, SC 29439, www.tacoboy.netCAVIAR & BANANAS One part upscale market and one part gourmet cafe, Caviar & Bananas is a slick little spot with something for everybody. There’s charcuterie, cheeses, sushi, a coffee bar, and a decadent selection of pastries. Or you can swing by and
