My City: Asara on Boston, Massachusetts

Some of Boston's historical buildings

Empress Avenue had the pleasure of getting to learn more about one of the most historical cities in the United States – Boston. Known for its sports fanatics, breweries, pubs, and winding cobblestone streets, Boston has gracefully incorporated the look of old and new into its booming urban center. With universities scattered throughout the city it makes for a young, hip, and lively place to be year-round. In our interview, Asara gives us the details on what it’s like to live and work in this thriving city.

1. What city are you in right now? – Boston, Massachusetts

2. What’s the best kept secret about your city? – Boston is know for being an alive and modernized college town today, but one of the most interesting parts about this city is the history here. Whether you’re strolling through the Boston Commons, climbing Beacon hill with its brick brownstones and gas-lit streetlights, having a Sam Adams at The Bell in Hand, (the Oldest Tavern in America) or cheering on the Red Sox at Fenway, the historic past of this great city echoes through the streets.

3. Describe your city in 10 words. Smart, Cobblestoned, Alive, Innovative, Historical, Walkable, Creative, Bearded, Sporty, Patriotic.

4. Favourite place to catch up on some emails? – The best coffee shops in Boston are Boston Common Coffee and the Thinking Cup. Both offer well-crafted lattes, freshly baked goods, sweets, and delicious soups and sandwiches all in a relaxing and cozy atmosphere. I love bringing my Ipad to organize my schedule for the week or catch up on some reading for class. You can choose between locations Downtown or The North End.

5. Best place to relax and enjoy some quiet? – When the weather is nice the best place to go is the Public Gardens. Walking through the tulip beds and winding pathways is nothing short of serene. Weeping willows dip into the water while swan boats pedal past. You can relax on a park bench for some people watching or bring a blanket over to the Commons to catch some sun.

The historic past of this great city echoes through the streets.

6. Best restaurant that offers atmosphere and good prices? – My favorite restaurant in the city is Lolita, a Mexican Taqueria and Tequila Bar located in the heart of Back Bay. This little place is so chic and always a fantastic time. The food is delicious and the atmosphere has a style all its own. You start off your meal with a tequila infused sorbet pallet cleanser and choose from plenty of delicious appetizers and meals. To top it off, the server brings you cotton candy for the table to share as dessert! Make sure you reserve a table early. I’ve been told a large party requires up to two weeks notice.

7. Best shopping neighborhood and favourite store? – There are plenty of great shopping areas in Boston. My favorite store is Urban Outfitters in Faneuil Hall. It’s great to bring visitors or to pick something up quick for an evening out.

8. Tell us about your perfect weekend? – My perfect weekend would start off with an evening of bar hopping with a big group of good friends on Thursday night. Thursdays are very popular for college students to go out in Faneuil Hall. We have many friends that work in nightlife so it’s always fun to go out and visit them while they work. During the day, Fridays and Saturdays are great for long shopping days and dates at little coffee shops. I usually set these days aside for catching up with friends that I don’t normally see over the week.

A restaurant that is a absolute gem during the evening is Marliave in downtown Boston. I love oysters so naturally I go for their half price oysters and clams from 4-6p and 9-10p (daily). On Saturday, the Theatre district is the place to go for clubs and upscale lounges. My personal favorites are Tunnel at the W hotel, Emerald Lounge, and Whiskey Saigon. On a perfect Sunday morning I’d have brunch at Ferrara’s in the North End with close friends. If at any point I can squeeze a Bruins game in there it would only get better!

The Liberty Hotel was converted from a jail so the building is modelled with bars, maintaining some of its originality, but it’s now a really sophisticated modern place to stay.

9. What hotel would you recommend for women business travellers? – The Liberty Hotel is beautiful and has a really cool history behind it. It was converted from a jail so the building is modelled with bars, maintaining some of its originality, but it’s now a really sophisticated modern place to stay. Today, it holds many private functions like fashion shows and receptions. It’s also right next to the T (Boston’s subway), making the rest of the city is very accessible.

10. Where is the best place to meet new people in your city? – Sports games are the best places to meet people in Boston. Whether you’re watching the Red Sox hit a fly ball over the Green Giant, the Bruins score a goal at the TD Garden, Bostonians are always willing to talk about how awesome their sports are to anyone willing to listen.

11. What are the top places you would take a visitor? – ‘Skywalk’ on the top floor of the Prudential, A concert at the Bank of America Pavilion, shopping on Newbury Street, and on my roof top in the North End.

Submissions: We are looking for contributors to share business advice, travel inspiration, shopping guides and style tips with our readers. Do you know a successful business woman we could interview? Tell us about it! If you are interested in these opportunities, please review our website for ideas on how you can get involved and contact us anytime. Better yet, if you have a fresh new content idea, send us the details! Don’t forget to join us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Contact taliabeckett (at) gmail.com to discuss further and receive our media kit.

Subscribe to Empress Avenue Mailing List!

* indicates required



Ad Space

You Might Also Like