With the upcoming DNC convention, all eyes are on Boston. If you're traveling there, read this supplement to our guidebook.
The Democratic National Convention will take place in Boston from July 26 through July 29. The unprecedented security and widespread road closings will affect residents and visitors throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Double-check the hours of any businesses, including tourist attractions, you hope to patronize. If you must visit the Boston area during this time, check the event website, www.boston2004.com, or the city's Info 2004 hotline (tel. 617/635-2004; www.cityofboston.gov/info2004) for guidance.
The discount carrier Independence Air (tel. 800/FLY-FLYI; www.flyi.com) serves Boston's Logan Airport -- as well as T. F. Green Airport in Providence and Manchester Airport in New Hampshire -- from numerous locations in the East and Southeast.
The gargantuan Boston Convention & Exhibition Center officially opened in June at 415 Summer St. (tel. 617/867-8286; www.advantageboston.com). If you're attending an event at the 1.6-million-sq.-ft. facility, bear in mind that there's no on-site hotel.
A reminder: As of July 5, Massachusetts forbids smoking in all workplaces -- including restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
Accommodations
The new Onyx Hotel (tel. 866/660-6699; www.onyxhotel.com) near North Station has a suite named after Britney Spears and decorated by the pop princess and her mom.
Dining
The gospel brunch that once enlivened the dear departed House of Blues now raises the roof at Jasper White's Summer Shack (tel. 617/520-9500; www.summershackrestaurant.com) on Sundays starting at 11:30am. Tickets, including the brunch buffet, cost $35 for adults, $20 for children under 12; reservations are recommended.
Sightseeing
The price of the Boston CityPass has gone up a little, to $36.75 for adults, $25.50 for children 3 to 17. It's still a great deal if you plan to hit all of the included attractions (the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Kennedy Library, the New England Aquarium, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Science, and the Prudential Center Skywalk). The passes, good for 9 days from the date of purchase, are on sale at participating attractions, at the Boston Common and Prudential Center visitor information centers, through the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (tel. 800/SEE-BOSTON; www.bostonusa.com), through some hotel concierge desks and travel agents, and from www.citypass.com.
Visit the New England Aquarium (tel. 617/973-5200; www.newenglandaquarium.org) sooner rather than later if you hope to see the entertaining sea lion show. The charismatic creatures will move out while the aquarium raises funds for and constructs a new habitat that better represents their natural environment.
With its courtyard renovation complete, the Museum of Fine Arts (tel. 617/267-9300; www.mfa.org) has reinstated the summer Concerts in the Courtyard series. Performances are on summer Wednesdays (this year, through Aug 25) and cost $24 for adults, $20 for seniors and students.
The enormous bear outside the former FAO Schwarz store on Berkeley Street in the Back Bay will move this fall. The city (which now owns it) will determine the new location in collaboration with local kids.
Shopping
Cross, the Rhode Island-based pen maker, has opened its first retail outlet at Zero Brattle Street, Cambridge (tel. 617/868-7120; www.cross.com; T: Red Line to Harvard). It's not just a place for grandparents to pick up a last-minute graduation gift-the merchandise includes gorgeous stationery, fun cards, quirky gifts, and enough desk accessories to outfit an entire funky office.
The home-furnishings store Cocoon has closed.
Boston After Dark
Bill's Bar (tel. 617/421-9678.; www.billsbar.com) is temporarily closed for refurbishment; call before heading to Lansdowne Street to make sure it's open.
Farther Afield
The Liberty Ride (tel. 781/862-0500, ext. 702; www.libertyride.us), a narrated bus tour of Lexington, now includes Concord. The fare has jumped to $20 for adults, $10 for children 5 to 17.