Patch Picks: Have a Boston 'Staycation'

Earlier this week, Somerville Patch reporter Amanda Kersey outlined some about how you can keep your children occupied during the upcoming April vacation.

But what about for yourself—what would make a memorable staycation? After all, one of the best aspects of the Greater Boston area is that you can hop cities (with noticeably different characters) by just traveling between Boston, Cambridge and Somerville. So, to expand the list of suggestions we looked no further than central Boston.

Patch writer Stacey Leasca noted that several of her Twitter compatriots agreed – why go far when you can pretty much have it all here (or a short T-ride away)? No, it’s not warm yet. But it will be soon enough and in the interim, DISTRACT YOURSELF.

The Copley Sq. Hotel tweeted, “Let our Intuition Specialists plan it for you!”

• The specialists at the hotel are experts in all things Boston and will help you plan your trip from top to bottom including transportation, what to visit, where to eat and more.

Another Twitter friend of Leasca’s, Chasinj, tweeted their ultimate staycation: “stay @AmesBoston, eat at Barking Crab, check out @ICAinBOSTON and do a tour @harpoon_brewery."

• Once you grab a one bedroom suite for the night, do as Chasinj said and head over to The Barking Crab for dinner and see if you can devour their 10-pound lobster in true Boston style.

• Next on your staycation, why not act like a tourist and visit all the museums and attractions most residents take for granted?

The Institute of Contemporary Art runs extraordinary offers, including free admission for families on the last Saturday of every month. Most museums in the city also offer deep discounts so make sure to check their websites before visiting.

• Another option for making sure you see all of Boston during your staycation is to go on an Urban AdvenTours bike tour. The company offers citywide bike tours including their “Paul Revere Ride to Freedom” tour, the “Funway to Fenway” and more.

• Of course no Boston Staycation would be complete without visiting The Freedom Trail. Perfect for Bostonians and those from out of town alike, the tour will take you to every major destination point in Boston. Take a tour, or mosey the trail alone, either way, it's a great way to learn about the city you live in.

• A great way to end your staycation on a sweet note is to book a Chocolate Tour. The tour takes you to chocolaty destinations around Beacon Hill or the South End including famous shops, new cupcake stores and more, all the while sharing chocolate tidbits and fun facts on the neighborhoods of Boston.

There are a million things to do around Boston, so give it a chance as your next vacation destination. Just think, you won’t even have to pack!