Boston or Philly?

Allie

Guys,
I have a free Amtrak voucher. I'm thinking of taking a trip, I've never been to either of these fine cities. Which one would yous guys recommend? And where's a good place to stay in one or both cities?

Thanks in advance!

ryan198

Allie wrote:

Guys,
I have a free Amtrak voucher. I'm thinking of taking a trip, I've never been to either of these fine cities. Which one would yous guys recommend? And where's a good place to stay in one or both cities?

Thanks in advance!

If you are a middle-upper class white person or in college I would suggest Boston. If you are working class, and not looking to go to college go to Philly. If you are not white go to Baltimore. Clearly this is based on generalizations, and what you are probably going to like based on these basic identities, but I'm just trying to give you a basic sense of what each city is about.

Allie

ryan198 wrote:

If you are a middle-upper class white person or in college I would suggest Boston. If you are working class, and not looking to go to college go to Philly. If you are not white go to Baltimore. Clearly this is based on generalizations, and what you are probably going to like based on these basic identities, but I'm just trying to give you a basic sense of what each city is about.

:rolleyes:
I'm a white person who's a college graduate with a master's degree and I'm a little too poor to even consider myself middle class. Fortunately my parents raised me to not make generalizations of cities or travel opinions based on my race.

anybody else? thanks! next.....

Drop The Leash 10

Allie wrote:

:rolleyes:
I'm a white person who's a college graduate with a master's degree and I'm a little too poor to even consider myself middle class. Fortunately my parents raised me to not make generalizations of cities or travel opinions based on my race.

anybody else? thanks! next.....

bostons a much cleaner city, most of philly is a dump IMO. whereever you go, enjoy yourself

GraySaturday

If you want to visit my birthplace, visit Boston..

If you want to visit where I lived for 15 years, visit Philly..

Hahaha.. no seriously.. take it from me, who has lived/spent A LOT of time in each city. Boston is WAY more interesting and has much more to do. Philly is okay, but its not a great city over all.

GraySaturday

ryan198 wrote:

If you are a middle-upper class white person or in college I would suggest Boston. If you are working class, and not looking to go to college go to Philly. If you are not white go to Baltimore. Clearly this is based on generalizations, and what you are probably going to like based on these basic identities, but I'm just trying to give you a basic sense of what each city is about.

who says that?

BlackCorduroy

i live near Boston but I've been to both cities and agree that Boston is a lot cooler, cleaner, and has more to do.

Allie

GraySaturday wrote:

If you want to visit my birthplace, visit Boston..

If you want to visit where I lived for 15 years, visit Philly..

Hahaha.. no seriously.. take it from me, who has lived/spent A LOT of time in each city. Boston is WAY more interesting and has much more to do. Philly is okay, but its not a great city over all.

so what should I do in Boston?
Where's a good place to stay?
bathy was talking about that Fenway tour in the Yanks thread had me thinking. I better not mention I'm a Yanks fan up there :eek:

I have a hankering for a cheese steak, that's why Philly was on my mind. Plus I think everybody should see the Liberty bell once.

ryan198

GraySaturday wrote:

who says that?

All three of the cities I mentioned have their general differences. What I was trying to get at is that Boston is more of a white college town, Philly is more white middle-class, and B'more is more minority. CLEARLY there are different places to go in each city that would contradict what I just said, but if you want to go to the places that you are "supposed" to go to in each city, and the foods that you are "supposed" to eat in each city then it kind of reflects my statement...
Boston - Fennuil Hall, seafood, political stuff, Fenway, etc.
Philly - Political stuff, cheesesteaks, etc.
B'more - Fed Hill, Inner Harbor, crabs, natty boh, etc.

Allie, I wasn't trying to be a jerk, you were just asking which would be better suited to your tastes without giving any sense of what you like. For instance if you like cheesesteaks and "real" people I would suggest Philly, if you like pretend liberals, and lobstah, then Boston (partial tease), and if you are strict blue collar then B'more (maybe even Pittsburgh) is for you. Sticking to your original choice between Philly and Boston I would go Boston it has more stuff to do. Of course Philly people will disagree.

ryan198

Allie wrote:

so what should I do in Boston?
Where's a good place to stay?
bathy was talking about that Fenway tour in the Yanks thread had me thinking. I better not mention I'm a Yanks fan up there :eek:

I have a hankering for a cheese steak, that's why Philly was on my mind. Plus I think everybody should see the Liberty bell once.

The Fenway tour is funny considering it's easily the most racist stadium in the history of American sport. They even memorialize Tom and Jean Yawkey in left field (the owners of a team called the "plantation"), while in right they have Jackie Robinson's retired number. While you're there ask them why they retired his number there since it's where one of the Red Sox management once said "get those n's off the field", it might make the tour a bit more interesting. Seriously though, in Beantown, check out Fennuil Hall, Boston Beerworks (get the Blueberry Beer), you can take the political walk (can't remember its name), and even the duckboats.

GraySaturday

ryan198 wrote:

All three of the cities I mentioned have their general differences. What I was trying to get at is that Boston is more of a white college town, Philly is more white middle-class, and B'more is more minority. CLEARLY there are different places to go in each city that would contradict what I just said, but if you want to go to the places that you are "supposed" to go to in each city, and the foods that you are "supposed" to eat in each city then it kind of reflects my statement...
Boston - Fennuil Hall, seafood, political stuff, Fenway, etc.
Philly - Political stuff, cheesesteaks, etc.
B'more - Fed Hill, Inner Harbor, crabs, natty boh, etc.

Allie, I wasn't trying to be a jerk, you were just asking which would be better suited to your tastes without giving any sense of what you like. For instance if you like cheesesteaks and "real" people I would suggest Philly, if you like pretend liberals, and lobstah, then Boston (partial tease), and if you are strict blue collar then B'more (maybe even Pittsburgh) is for you. Sticking to your original choice between Philly and Boston I would go Boston it has more stuff to do. Of course Philly people will disagree.

steriotypes are played out.

BlackCorduroy

ryan198 wrote:

The Fenway tour is funny considering it's easily the most racist stadium in the history of American sport. They even memorialize Tom and Jean Yawkey in left field (the owners of a team called the "plantation"), while in right they have Jackie Robinson's retired number. While you're there ask them why they retired his number there since it's where one of the Red Sox management once said "get those n's off the field", it might make the tour a bit more interesting. Seriously though, in Beantown, check out Fennuil Hall, Boston Beerworks (get the Blueberry Beer), you can take the political walk (can't remember its name), and even the duckboats.

Do you mean the Freedom trail? It goes by a lot of historical spots which is cool.

I would also recommend the Museum of Science, some really interesting stuff to see in there. There's also the North End if you're looking for good Italian

Allie

ryan198 wrote:

The Fenway tour is funny considering it's easily the most racist stadium in the history of American sport. quote]
I have officially banned you from posting in my thread. Thank you.

ryan198

GraySaturday wrote:

steriotypes are played out.

I'm fine if you are into going to the "townie" places that don't reflect the traditional things each town is known for, but my feeling was that she wanted to do the "tourist" thing in each town right? Again I wasn't trying to be a jerk at all, I was just trying to give Allie a general sense of what it will be like to go to each town. Downtown Philly people who know their way around can def. give cool/different places to go, same with Beantown people. However, if you want to do the "tourist" thing, and see the city the way that planners, the media, and politicians think you should then this is what you would get.

GraySaturday

Allie wrote:

so what should I do in Boston?
Where's a good place to stay?
bathy was talking about that Fenway tour in the Yanks thread had me thinking. I better not mention I'm a Yanks fan up there :eek:

I have a hankering for a cheese steak, that's why Philly was on my mind. Plus I think everybody should see the Liberty bell once.

I stayed at a Bed and Breakfast in Brookline once that was so beautiful. Right on the T too, so it was fast to get downtown. I can't remember the name, but it was yellow. haha.

Faneuil Hall is a must, shopping and good food? You had me at hello!
Backbay is a lovely area to walk around. My mom lived there growing up and now its a SUPER beautiful place.
The fenway of course.. yeah, I'd hold off on the Yankees love, atleast in public there
I've been to many awesome Jazz clubs in Boston, good night life
The public gardens are always a fun place

Drop The Leash 10

ryan198 wrote:

The Fenway tour is funny considering it's easily the most racist stadium in the history of American sport. They even memorialize Tom and Jean Yawkey in left field (the owners of a team called the "plantation"), while in right they have Jackie Robinson's retired number. While you're there ask them why they retired his number there since it's where one of the Red Sox management once said "get those n's off the field", it might make the tour a bit more interesting. Seriously though, in Beantown, check out Fennuil Hall, Boston Beerworks (get the Blueberry Beer), you can take the political walk (can't remember its name), and even the duckboats.

yeah you should just stop posting in general.

ryan198

Drop The Leash 10 wrote:

yeah you should just stop posting in general.

http://www.amazon.com/Shut-Out-Howard-Bryant/dp/0807009792

read it, sorry again Allie

xavier mcdaniel

Allie wrote:

ryan198 wrote:

The Fenway tour is funny considering it's easily the most racist stadium in the history of American sport. quote]
I have officially banned you from posting in my thread. Thank you.

He does have a point, the Red Sox were the last to employ a black player (Pumpsie Green in 1959). The Yankees were close to the last (Elston Howard in 1955) and that was after they traded Vic Power because they didn't like him dating white women.

That racial history of the Red Sox and the Yankees is not the greatest, but the current versions of both teams have embraced the diversity.

Allie

xavier mcdaniel wrote:

He does have a point, the Red Sox were the last to employ a black player (Pumpsie Green in 1959). The Yankees were close to the last (Elston Howard in 1955) and that was after they traded Vic Power because they didn't like him dating white women.

That racial history of the Red Sox and the Yankees is not the greatest, but the current versions of both teams have embraced the diversity.

while obviously I would not support or condone that aspect of the history,

surely you of all people would understand my interest in wanting to see Fenway from the historical aspect of the ballpark in general and none of this answers my question

xavier mcdaniel

Allie wrote:

while obviously I would not support or condone that aspect of the history,

surely you of all people would understand my interest in wanting to see Fenway from the historical aspect of the ballpark in general and none of this answers my question

i'd suggest boston because philly is closer and there are other cheaper ways to get to philadelphia.

South of Seattle

I personally don't think Ryan was trying to be an Asshat, there are plenty of them around

If it were me, I'd go to Pittsburgh and check out Heinz field and the Steelers history, or I'd eat at every philly cheese steak place out there. Then again, then Yankee and Steeler fan in my are making these decisions

Allie

South of Seattle wrote:

I personally don't think Ryan was trying to be an Asshat, there are plenty of them around

If it were me, I'd go to Pittsburgh and check out Heinz field and the Steelers history, or I'd eat at every philly cheese steak place out there. Then again, then Yankee and Steeler fan in my are making these decisions

the Yanks and the Steelers? Where are you from?!

South of Seattle

Allie wrote:

the Yanks and the Steelers? Where are you from?!

Portland

When I was little I wanted to be Lynn Swann and Rickey Henderson

Allie

xavier mcdaniel wrote:

i'd suggest boston because philly is closer and there are other cheaper ways to get to philadelphia.

thank you.

Allie

South of Seattle wrote:

Portland

When I was little I wanted to be Lynn Swann and Rickey Henderson

oh that's so tragic j/k

I'm trying to think who I wanted to be and I can't think of anyone. I wanted to marry Kevin Elster until I found out on Donahue he cheated on his wife. :(


I saw Portland on Rachael Ray's tasty travels. It looked nice!

South of Seattle

Allie wrote:

oh that's so tragic j/k

I'm trying to think who I wanted to be and I can't think of anyone. I wanted to marry Kevin Elster until I found out on Donahue he cheated on his wife. :(


I saw Portland on Rachael Ray's tasty travels. It looked nice!

You could take the train here. We have amtrak The funny thing about Rachael Ray is that she went to some of the worst restaurants The bargain spots she went to are good, just not the big restaurants.

Allie

South of Seattle wrote:

You could take the train here. We have amtrak The funny thing about Rachael Ray is that she went to some of the worst restaurants The bargain spots she went to are good, just not the big restaurants.

Oh no! LOL. But everything she does look tasty when she puts it on TV.
She went to Boston too.
That girl goes everywhere!

I know amtrak goes to Portland but that would necessitate a trip across the country! D'oh! I flew to Seattle, I think it was in '99 or 2000. I always wanted to take that train that goes down the West Coast. That seems nice.

so I guess all the Boston and Philly folks are not online or not up I hope some more folks can let me know what they think. The thing about the schedule for Boston is that I'd have to stay overnight. For some odd reason they only have trains that go up there early in the a.m. and leave coming back in the morning and early afternoon. I would think they'd have an evening train?

I took a train home from Fla last year b/c i was afraid to fly. That was a bad idea. I almost got off twice in Orlando and DC to go to the airport! I'll never ever do it again. But I got two $100 vouchers for my troubles (it was 5hrs late getting back) and they expire at the end of the month.

colorsblend

Allie wrote:

I took a train home from Fla last year b/c i was afraid to fly. That was a bad idea. I almost got off twice in Orlando and DC to go to the airport! I'll never ever do it again. But I got two $100 vouchers for my troubles (it was 5hrs late getting back) and they expire at the end of the month.

Amtrak runs on a one rail system in many areas and also shares these rail lines with freight service, which causes delays all over the country. In 2005, one of my friends took a monthlong Amtrak trip across the US and was delayed for hours on the west coast and southeast due to the one rail system. He was 6 hours late getting into NOLA.

Everytime I've taken Amtrak to/from Philly, there's always at least an hour delay. I vote for Boston.

Danimal

Allie wrote:

so what should I do in Boston?
Where's a good place to stay?
bathy was talking about that Fenway tour in the Yanks thread had me thinking. I better not mention I'm a Yanks fan up there :eek:

You can mention you're a Yankees fan. We're all not THAT crazy....we'll some of us are, but who cares. EFFEM! If anyone says anything to ya just say "Danimal will kick your ass!" They'll be like "OH NO! Wait a minute...Who?"

markymark550

my vote would go to Boston

to me it seems that Boston has more things that I would enjoy

lalalalaaaaaaaa

I live in/around Boston...been to Philly...I also go to NYC about 5 times a year. (just to give ya an idea of where I'm comin' from)

Definitely go to Boston, not Philly. Philly has it's charms, but you gotta be really gritty to like it imo. The food in Boston is also waaay better if that matters to you. You said you're poor, so I wouldn't waste yer time w/ Fenway & other touristy jumble...unless you're a HUGE baseball fan. Then you should at least get a look @ the park.

Now a poor-peep's guide to Boston...

1. Stay out of downtown, Faneuil Hall, Back Bay, and Fenway areas. They are expensive and generally soulless.

2. Stick to Jamaica Plain and Central Square in Cambridge. Both are easily accessible via the trains, and they're still thriving imo. Coming from NYC, I think you'd feel most comfy and have a blast in these areas.

Central Square has 2 awesome music venues, a cheap improv theatre, and some great authentic Irish pubs.

Jamaica Plain looks run down, and many people will tell you it's "ghetto". Welllll they dunno wtf's up :P JP rules. At least 3 of my top 10 bars in the city are there. There's a great place to drink and bowl candle pin style with old wooden balls...most charming thing ever. There's also plenty of great little shops, restaurants of all kinds, lesbians and art freaks walking around, etc...it's just awesome.

PM me if you want more specifics