10 Best Things to Do Around Boston, According to 'Fix My Frankenhouse' Hosts Denese and Mike Butler

On Fix My Frankenhouse, Denese and Mike Butler work as a team to transform homes with choppy floor plans and funky additions into welcoming, functional spaces. The Stoughton, Massachusetts, couple tackles houses around the Boston suburbs, with Mike handling the construction and Denese styling the interiors.

When they’re not renovating homes, the Butlers spend their downtime with their three kids exploring Boston, one of the country’s most vibrant cities. Considered the heart of New England, Boston’s great food, museums and outdoor attractions make it an ideal place for a long weekend getaway. If you’ve been considering a trip to one of America’s oldest cities, the duo shares some of the best things to do in and around Boston.

Go Berry-Picking at Ward's Berry Farm

When the weather’s nice outside, the couple likes to head to Ward's Berry Farm, a family-run farm in Sharon, just 30 minutes from downtown Boston. “The farm’s a perfect escape,” Denese says. “It’s not far from Boston, and there’s an abundance of fresh produce, opportunities for picking your own fruit and plenty of open space where kids can run around and enjoy the outdoors.” Along with the fresh fruit and veggies, the farm offers a sandwich counter and deli with homemade chicken Parmesan and Italian sub sandwiches. Be sure to save room for the delicious chocolate milkshakes made with soft-serve ice cream.

Fuel Up at Tatte Bakery or The Beanery

There’s a lot of competition for the best cup of coffee in Boston, but Mike says you can’t go wrong with Tatte Bakery & Cafe, which has more than a dozen locations around Boston. The charming cafes have a full list of specialty lattes (the house latte is infused with honey halva and cardamom) and Middle-Eastern dishes like lamb meatballs and shakshuka. Mike’s other favorite cafe is The Beanery in North Easton. The kitschy diner has built a loyal following for its homemade donuts and breakfast sandwiches. If you’re overwhelmed with the options at The Beanery, Mike says the “electrolyte smoothie and breakfast wrap are delicious.”

Watch the Boston Celtics in Action

Boston is also home to some of the most successful sports franchises in the country, namely the Celtics, who hold a current NBA record with 18 championship titles. If you're a basketball fan (or just looking for a night of high-flying entertainment), Mike says to head to the TD Garden arena to check out the team in action. “Catching an exciting game at the Garden is high on our list of activities,” he says. The NBA regular season runs from October to April, so if you’re in town, consider checking out a game.

Splurge on a Special Meal

Traveling with a plus-one? Consider dining at one of the city’s upscale restaurants. While Boston is known for its clam chowder and lobster rolls, the city has expanded its dining portfolio to include several top-notch restaurant experiences. If you’re not sure where to make reservations, Denese has a short list of favorites. Porto and Contessa offer elevated Italian (think house-made rigatoni bolognese and spicy lobster capellini). For French cuisine, head to Rochambeau for crispy duck breast and Marseilles French mussels. And if you’re hoping for some excellent seafood, Denese says, “you’ll enjoy Zuma's seasonal and signature dishes like the seared wagyu striploin.”

Spend a Day at the New England Aquarium

There’s no shortage of great museums in town, but if you’re traveling with kids, consider the New England Aquarium. “The world-famous New England Aquarium is definitely worth checking out,” Denese says. “Its impressive exhibits and marine life offer an experience for enthusiasts of all ages.” First opened in 1969, the aquarium is one of Boston’s most popular attractions and includes interactive programs and a 3D theater. There’s a bustling colony of African and Rockhopper penguins on the first floor, but the main attraction is the four-story Giant Ocean Tank, a 200,000-gallon aquarium, a habitat for turtles, sharks and eels.

Get Some Fresh Air at a Park

Also known for its great park system, Boston has a long list of parks available to the city’s residents and visitors. Some of Denese’s favorite parks are just outside the city and include Borderland State Park in Canton, which she says is “layered with history, greenery and scenic views.” Another great option is Hale Reservation, located in Westwood, which will provide you with acres of woods. Fresh-air fanatics will also appreciate Boston’s many outdoor trails. Mike says the 8-mile-long Lower Neponset River Trail is “perfect for biking, walking, running and roller-skating/blading.”

Check Out the City’s Winter Entertainment

When the temperature drops, Boston turns into a winter wonderland, and if you’re here during winter, Mike says to venture outdoors and take advantage of what the city offers. Brush up on your skating skills with a visit to the outdoor skating rink at The Boston Common Frog Pond, or don your mittens and scarf and check out the holiday lights at the Edaville Family Theme Park. Every winter, this amusement park is transformed into a festival of lights, complete with a Polar Express-like train that loops around the property. If you’d rather be indoors (we get it), Mike says to consider axe-throwing at Crazy Axes in Foxboro, knocking down pins at Boston Bowl or reserving a pool table at Flat Top Johnny’s.

Explore the City’s Best Casual Cuisine

Your vacation itinerary should also include checking out the city’s relaxed dining spots, which run the gamut from burgers to poke bowls. Between sightseeing excursions, Mike suggests stopping by BRED for their gourmet smoked burgers dressed with toppings like sliced pineapples, sweet plantains and Creole slaw. If you’re in the mood for Japanese, Totto Ramen has a tasty variety of ramen, dumplings and chicken-stuffed bao buns. If samosas and tandoori chicken are more your style, Mike says Tikki Masala has “understated decor and impeccable food.” And if you’re looking to fill up on chili duck or mango BBQ pork tacos, he says to make a beeline to the popular Yellow Door Taqueria.

Discover Boston’s Historical Landmarks

As one of America’s oldest cities, Boston is home to important historical events like the Boston Tea Party and Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride. And while it would take more than a few days to explore all of the city's rich history, Denese says that your historical bucket list should include the nearly 115-year-old baseball field Fenway Park. The stadium dates back to 1912, and visitors can purchase tickets year-round to tour the park or catch a game during the regular season from March to September. Another great destination is Boston Common, America’s oldest public city park, established in 1634. During the spring and summer, you can enjoy a picnic or ride the seasonal merry-go-round and swan boats.

Get Some Retail Therapy

One of the best places to shop in Boston is Newbury Street, an eight-block stretch of high-end accessory stores like Chanel and Rolex and home goods outlets like Restoration Hardware and Anthropologie. One of Denese’s favorite retail pleasures is Sky Candle Co., just minutes from Newbury Street, where she likes to make “customized candles for the home.” And if you have young kids who may not be ready to spend all day shopping, Denese recommends a stop at Faneuil Hall. The lively marketplace has more than 40 local vendors and a food hall with 25 different options, and between stops, you can check out the street performers.