Saturday, January 21, 2012

Boston Bed and Breakfast has 3 Places for South End Shopping

Although our time away from home may come to an end, our guests love to take back home with them great mementos to remember their special times. Here are some ideas to get you started shopping Boston for unique gifts for yourself or a special someone.

Delicious Treats @ Felicity Sweets
Gifted features unique gifts and art from owners Marie Corcoran who is a jeweler, potter, photographer and Luke Adams a glass blower who creates hanging sun catchers, pumpkins and vases, ans other local artists. Located  at 2 Dartmouth St, this shop is only a short walk away from this Boston Bed and Breakfast and will surely provide a unique selection of local gifts that will make for great souvenirs from your trip to Boston.

Not too long ago Felicity Sweets opened its doors in the South End and the neighborhood got a little more sweet. Their candy and gift selection is so beautiful, it feels like your in a jewelry store. Its only a few blocks away from Clarendon Square on 579 Tremont St, and we can almost guarantee you wont leave the store empty handed.

Hudson a home furnishings & decor boutique offers a variety of items for travellers. While some of the large furniture and casegoods make be too large to fit into a suitcase, you can always ask them about shipping larger items. However, its new location at 12 Union Park Street provides shoppers with lots of retail square footage to stroll and peruse for the perfect Boston token.
Another great spot to find lovely gifts & treasures is Sault New England. Part gift shop, part gentleman's clothing, this boutique focuses its eye on thought provoking pieces like make ordinary calling cards and stationary seem dull. With the addition of clothing, you can easily spend time & money in this small but well curated shop.If the shopper in you gets a little carried away, no worries. The shops of the South End are only footsteps away from our Boston Bed and Breakfast. Once you have had adequate retail therapy and gathered a sufficient collection of memories from Boston, you can relax in the comfort of your guest room. Do not be surprised if you see familiar details in and around the house. We love to support the local shops by adding accents here or there.


Friday, January 20, 2012

Boston Boutique Hotel Has 4 Places for Quick Pampering in the South End

If your Boston travel doesn't allow for a day long beauty retreat, do not worry, there are several places in the South End where you can go for short beauty pick-me-ups that will leave you feeling beautiful inside and out in a matter of a few minutes.

These 4 great salons, a short walk away from this Boston Boutique Hotel, have plenty of things to do for you:
 
Lan Nail Salon is located at 583 Tremont St and is a locals favorite. Not only do they offer $25 Brazilian waxes, during the weekdays you get 20% off of their services, and during the winter paraffin treatments for your hands are free! Make an appointment by calling (617) 424-9977.

My Nail Salon is located at 669 Tremont St and offers a $37 manicure/pedicure combo and also offers waxing services. Contact them for appointments at (617) 424-6261

City Nails and Spa is located at 1260 Washington St and offers $25 Pedicures and $35 manicure/pedicure combos. A walk to City Nails and Spa is a great way to learn more about up and coming parts of our neighborhood. For appointments call (617) 988-8189.

Located at 546A Tremont St, My ManiPedi Spa also offers great prices for manicures and pedicures at $12 and $25 respectively. For appointments call (617) 482-5550.

There is always an opportunity to relax at Clarendon Square Boston Bed and Breakfast. Our rooftop Hot Tub is open 24 hours every day of the year. You don't have to stop pampering yourself after you leave the salon.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Great Shopping for your Pets in Boston

Just like most of our neighbors in the South End, so many of our guests are lovely pet owners. The kind that misses their pet while away and always have pictures or videos of them handy to share with us. Although we do not accept pets at our bed and breakfast, here are some options that will make traveling away from home a little easier.

If you like to spoil your pet, even while away from home, check out these awesome places to find the best for your critter.
Polka Dog Bakery is a treat boutique for dogs located at 256 Shaw"mut" Avenue in the South End. Not only do they offer a huge selection of baked goods for your pet friend, they also have an incredible selection of unique accessories for sale (you might be able to find something cute for your cat too).

New to the South End, and quick to establish is D’Tails Pet Boutique a very short walk away from us at 482 a Columbus Avenue. In addition to grooming services, they are indeed a Boutique, so you can find the latest fashions for your pets. They also carry great lines of nutrition and care products and a big selection of treats.


At 296 Newbury Street in the Back Bay, you will find Audrey’s Pet Supply and Service. Audrey's is a genuine small business created by a small family of animal lovers. Last year, a collaboration between Audrey's and boston business, Adoptees,  lead to the creation of Project BART. "BART comprises a line of apparel that pays tribute to the role of military working dogs. Fifty percent of the net proceeds from all sales will be donated back to the Navy SEAL Foundation to aid the families of fallen soldiers."

Pawsh Dog Boutique and Salon in the Back Bay is located at 31 Gloucester Street and also offers Salon and Fashion services. In 2011, Pawsh Dog and Boutique was awarded a Best of Boston award for Best Dog Grooming, so you know you are trusting your pet needs to one Boston's Best.

And if you really cannot bear to spend a day away from your pet, we have a solution. Give your pet a luxurious stay at the Urban Hound Dog Hotel in the South End. A short walk from our property, this luxurious dog boutique hotel in Boston will surely impress your pooch. The accommodations are state of the art and well designed. Reassured that your pets hotel stay will mirror yours at our Boston bed and breakfast. With so many things to do in Boston, you will have lots of walks and shopping to do with your pet.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Boston Bed and Breakfast Near New, All Year, Farmer's Market

The Boston weather is not the only thing making us forget that it is actually winter, but also a new, all year round, farm stand. Sienna Farms South End opened last month, just down the street from our Boston Bed and Breakfast. Setting up shop in street level store front at 106 Waltham Street, the shop is open most days from Noon to 8PM (Tuesday - Sunday).

For those not familiar with Sienna Farms, the fifty plus acre farm, grows fresh produce for farmers' markets, restaurants and a 300 member Community Supported Agriculture share. Nestled in the fertile soils of the Sudbury River valley, Sienna Farms is located just twenty five miles west of Boston. Although the Farm has chosen not to be USDA Organic certified, it relies on the trust of its community to recognize its meticulous efforts for natural and fresh products. During the late Spring and Summer, visiting Sienna Farms at the nearby Copley Farmers' Market, is one of our favorite things to do in Boston.

However, at any time of year, you can find Sienna Farms present in over a dozen local Boston restaurants. Included are the pantries of some of our favorite South End restaurants, like popular Barbara Lynch restaurants B&G Oyster and The Butcher Shop. Both of Barbara Lynch's restaurants share a convenient proximity to the new Sienna Farms. Also our beloved Jean-Georges restaurant, Market is sourcing from the Sienna Farms.With the opening of Sienna's South End location, home cooks can now enjoy fresh local ingredients with more convenience. The farmstand's website even features frequent recipes that help its shoppers to use the seasonal produce it makes available.

For those traveling to New England, seeking sophisticated but authentic touches of New England Cuisine and ingredients, look no further than our incredible Boston dining scene. Clarendon Square Boston Bed and Breakfast is lucky to have neighbors like Barbara Lynch and Sienna Farms, who add further distinction to our notable neighborhood.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

New Years Eve Dinner in Boston

As the clock ticks closer to New Years Eve, our Boston bed and breakfast has many options to help you ring in the new year with style! Popular South End eatery B&G Oysters will be offering 5 course tasting menu ($65 per person) in addition to their regular menu for New Year's Eve from 12pm to 11pm. We recommend reservations. Give them a call at 617-423-0550.

At our neighbor to the north, the Back Bay, Brasserie Jo is serving a special holiday menu a la carte. Contact them at 617-425-3240

Just a few blocks away from this Boston Bed and Breakfast, in the Back Bay, L'espalier will be serving an eight-course dinner menu for $195 per person with champagne. They can be reached at 617-262-3023
Latin restaurant Noche, right in the South End, will host a special New Years Eve celebration with open bar, light appetizers and champagne toast for $100. The celebration is from 9:30pm until 2:00am. For more details, give them a call at 617-482-0117.

Sel de la Terre Back Bay is serving a special five-course prix fixe menu ( $85 per person + $40 with wine pairings or + $35 with Vitner's pairings) for New Year's Eve from 5:00-11:00pm. Get more information at 617-266-8800.

Right down the street, The Beehive will be hosting a Discoteque Burlesque New Years Eve gala celebration ($75.00 ) with a buffet ($105 with the buffet) from 9:00pm until 2:30am. Give them a call for more details at 617-423-0069.

Also in the South End, and only a short walk away, Toro is hosting a New Years Eve party ($95 per person) featuring special luxe treats and a cava toast from 9:00pm until 2:00am (Cash Bar). They are also welcoming 2012 with a Brunch on Sunday from 10:30am until 2:30pm. 617-536-4300.

Union Bar & Grille is serving their regular menu in addition to holiday specials for New Year's Eve from 5:30pm-12:00am. Give them a call for more details at 617-423-0555.

Right down the block from this Boutique Hotel, you will find many of these options for a fabulous New Years Eve in Boston.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas Dinner in Boston



If your travels this Christmas weekend bring you to Boston, check out these local restaurants meal offerings for the holiday.

Close to to thisw Boston Boutique Hotel, in the Back Bay, L'Espalier will be serving a prix fixe eight-course Christmas Eve dinner menu for $120 per person. Give them a call at (617)262-3023 for reservations.

Just a few steps from L'Espalier, Asana will be serving a holiday brunch buffet ($95 per adult; $35 per child under 12) and four-course dinner menu ($68 per adult plus $32 for wine pairings) on Christmas day. The dinner menu will be available from 5:30pm until 10:00pm. Contact Asana at (617)535-8888

A short walk away from us in the South End, Toro will be serving their regular menu plus some holiday specials for Christmas Eve. Their dinner hours for Christmas Eve are from 5:00pm until 11:45pm. No reservation required. For more information give them a call at (617)536-4300.

Union Bar and Grille is offering their regular menu in addition to holiday specials on Christmas Eve. Open for dinner from 5:30pm until 11:00pm. Contact them at (617)423-0555



A few blocks away from this Boston Bed and Breakfast, Brasserie Jo will be serving a special holiday menu on Christmas day (617)425-3240






Make sure to LIKE us on Facebook for more pictures of our Holiday decorations and, for more travel and insider information from Clarendon Square.

Monday, December 19, 2011

4 Beautiful walks to take in Boston during the Wintertime

"When it snows, ain't it thrilling,
Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland."

Although long and full of snow, New England Winters are notorious for the beautiful scenery they create. It is hard to describe the beauty that is formed when green and white come together, or the shadows casted by holiday lights and street lights on the snow in the city. And luckily, Boston doesn't slow down in the winter, so there is still plenty to do outside when you come visit. Check out these city walks or ask one of our Hosts at Clarendon Square Boston Bed and Breakfast about their favorite city walks.

Only a few miles away from this Boston Bed and Breakfast, you can find the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University. With 235 acres of land hold the most comprehensive and best documented living collection of its kind in the world. The Arboretum is the home of Peter's Hill, the highest point of Boston's Emerald Necklace and one of the best views of the Boston Skyline.

This entire season you can experience the Winter lights installations through the the Rose Kennedy Greenway with a special appearance from the piece  Ice Chimes which will be on display at the Rowes Wharf Plaza (between High St. and Broad St.). Walking the lenght of the Greenway takes about 30 minutes, but everyone should build in extra time to stop and admire the great artwork found around.

Boston Common and Public Gardens houses some of the most popular walks in the city. The starting point of the Freedom Trail, Boston Common is the oldest park in the country and it is almost 50 acres in size.

The Commonwealth Avenue Mall runs right down the middle of Commonwealth Avenue in the downtown area of Back Bay and serves as the perfect back drop for beautiful, colorful pictures year round. Full of history, art and beautiful trees, this stroll is sure to produce precious mementos to take back home with you. As you can see the Winter is full of things to do in Boston!