Serving up burgers, salads, chicken sandwiches, fries, and yes- veggies, this is a healthy alternative to fast-food. This young, hip new-aged (did we mention expanding) restaurant chain has the people in mind. Come for the food and stay for the funny advertisments and unique marketing strategies displayed in-house. Always clean, and often with lines, be sure to ask for your burgers well done if you like them like that, they tend to come on the rare side. There are four other locations around Boston.

_ http://www.monroesaltworks.com/ Just like the stores in Portland ME and Arlington, MA- half the store is dedicated to quirky, nostalgic,odd ball novelties and half to selling their own brand of salt glazed pottery pieces, with 4 distinct patterns (the Crow is popular) and with a "new england" rustic appeal. Pieces include full dining sets, Bean pots, pie plates and pie birds. To add to the mix, the store has is a good toy section (mid 20th century type) and a fine artsy jewelery section. Handmade toiletries and linnens to match the pottery round the store out. Beware to parents : there are some novelties with iffy subject matter set up close to the toy section. Nothing too outrageous ... just snarky enough to need explanation. If your four year old can read that is.

Get a glimpse of Boston through all mediums: past (history), present (history in the making), by land, and by sea.

This fun boat tour takes visitors around the city to all the big landmarks, then on the Charles River for a panoramic view of the sky line. The vehicle is a converted World War II DUKW that has the capability to run on water.

These tours are educational and interesting, but can be very costly. Adults run $29, and children are $19. There are discounted prices for students, seniors, active duty military members and children under 3.

Tours depart daily from the Museum of Science and the Shops at Prudential Center. Tickets booths open at 8:30am and the first tour of the day leaves at 9am. Tours run every half hour until 7pm during peak season and 6pm during the shoulder season. Be sure to purchase tickets early as tours fill up very quickly. Each tour is 80 minutes long and as seats are first come first choice, make sure you get to your departure location at least 30 minutes prior to your tour.

Many times the captain(driver)"aka conDUCKtor" will let an eager tourist run the vehicle while it is on the river.

Route Map:

Click HERE to see a detailed Duck Tour route map and interactive guide to the streets and neighborhoods you'll see on the tour.

The Appleton Cafe rarely disappoints. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or a quick cup of coffee on the go. Highlights include Wednesday's Hamburgers and the mostly-daily cupcakes. This down-to-earth gourmet sandwich shop in the South End offers up super-fresh soups and delicious prepared foods. Their sandwiches ($7-8) are inventive, like the Empire, which is stuffed with roast beef, caramelized onions, chevre cheese, and roasted red peppers, and are offered on a variety of breads or wraps. If you are not in mood for lunch, try their fabulous muffins. They were named Best of Boston in 2003. Appleton has a strong neighborhood pull and is a South End staple. Far different than the chains and trendy eateries of Copley Square, this place is worth the trip after a long, hard day of shopping. Also, be sure to check out all the other goodies that the Appleton Bakery has lining it's shelves. Gifts and treats, as well as basic grocery items can be found at the bakery. So, whether you need to do some christmas shopping, or need a quart of milk, make sure to stop by. Currently the Bakery has a convoluted but useful special for regular lunchers - buy a sandwich on Thursday or Friday, bring in your receipt Monday or Tuesday and get a sandwich for 1/2 price.

Where's the beef? The first Daily Grill to open in New England, Daily Grill Boston is located at The Shops at Prudential Center. The venue has a bar area boasting its array of signature cocktails as well as a stellar selection of surf and turf including a New York Strip Steak that has been aged for 28 days ($28.75) and prime rib with au jus only served on Saturdays and Sundays ($27.95). Their sauce seems to be, well, their secret sauce ranging from savory red wine to creamy horseradish. Also, the dining area and bar is completely open--or alfresco--on sunny days and is the perfect spot to people watch as tourists trek up and down Huntington Ave.

SkipJack's is the lastest addition to the "best seafood restaurant" race in Boston. Okay, so it's more that 16 years old (a "teenager"). It's named after a high-quality Pacific tuna that is rumored to be one strong fish. The atmosphere is a combination of wooden ship with traces of the sea by smooth metal lines and sea color tiles. Enough about the atmosphere, the seafood is f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s. They offer a wide variety of seafood, and some yummy sushi for the adventurous. If (when) you fall in love, ask about their customer loyalty and rewards program! Kid friendly / Kids menu. In a bit of an odd location, but away from the hoards of restaurants, wait periods are shorter or non-existent. They have other locations in the 'burbs, including Newton. SkipJack's is a go-to for seafood. Insider tip: 2 hour free parking with validation.

A wonderful children's boutique. The products themselves are higher end, (pricier) but there is no noticeable markup to comparable products on the web. They let kids come in and play a bunch too, which we appreciate and definitely helps you learn what to purchase. They also have a weekly storytime. Brands: Plan, 7am, Zutano, etc.

This charming turn-of-the-century hotel offers renovated rooms (last refurbished in 1998), all with marble bathrooms and free wireless internet, and many with fireplaces or great views of the Boston Marathon finish line. Guests can dine at in-house restaurant Azure, then kick back with a drink or two at either of the hotel's bars, City Bar and Solas Irish Pub. Reserve up to a year in advance for Commencement. Rooms start at $189; suites $695. Parking (valet or self-park) $36. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. One of the older hotels in Boston that has been well maintained and managed for years by the Saunders Group. Family owned and family friendly. Boston Marathon® Tip: Considering their finish-line proximity, rooms at the Lenox and Commonwealth hotels can offer some awesome race-day sights--but at a price: $300-$600 per night. Public restroom: Up the stairs next to the Sam Adams pub.

If you're looking for the perfect pre-/post-theater date destination, look no further. Situated off the lobby of the Colonnade Hotel, the lively Brasserie Jo offers classic French cooking in a casual but stylish setting. Although steak frites ($22) is the main attraction (and understandably so), a variety of other simple bistro entrees including swordfish, salmon, and roasted chicken are available and uniformly good. The wine list offers lots of affordable options, and desserts are absolutely marvelous. Entrees $15-25. Bar with a “light menu” open daily 11am-1am. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

Although it does not appear hip and happening on the outside, the Colonnade presents an extravagant interior. All of their rooms are luxurious, and the location can not be beat. The piece de resistance of the Colonnade is their rooftop pool and happening bar, the only in Boston. They also boast an expanded fitness club, a French restaurant, and indoor parking ($36 per night). The Colonnade Hotel, conveniently located near the Shops at the Prudential Center, Copley Place, Prudential Skywalk, Museum of Fine Arts, and Fenway Park, is a good bet for families on the go. It offers accommodations (two double beds) for up to two adults and two children. If you need to bring Fido along, he can cozy up in a Colonnade dog bed. Perks include the ever-popular fanny pack stuffed with goodies, and a terrific family restaurant, Brasserie Jo. Kids will love the Colonnade's Roof Top Pool www.rooftoppool.com, but don't plan on taking a dip when it's chilly outside - this pool is seasonal. When swimming is not an option, the hotel's cable channels include Disney and Nickelodeon. The hotel has on-site parking (a big plus in Boston), and a late checkout at 2pm, both subject to availability.