Summer in Boston is all about being outdoors — from exercising on the Esplanade to savoring a lobster roll on the harbor, this New England capital is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. When you’re done soaking in the sun during the day, it’s time to chill out with the cool summer breeze on the water. The place to be: Boston Harbor Hotel. The reason: The property’s annual Summer in the City series.
The series celebrates its 15th year of live entertainment on the harbor this June. The waterfront comes alive with different bands performing each weeknight on the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel’s floating barge.
This year, the schedule welcomes a few new themes, including Rat Pack Mondays and Summer Soul Tuesdays. On Fridays, family-friendly movie nights begin after the DJ sets and live acoustic performances and, of course, chef Daniel Bruce of Four-Star Meritage restaurant shows off his popular cuisine and cocktails for guests.
Every night features a different band or performer. Rat Pack Mondays honor the original Las Vegas ensemble with swing-style performances from the likes of the Rich DiMare Band and Niki Luparelli and the Gold Diggers; on Summer Soul Tuesdays, acts such as the World Premier Band and Good Will and Them Apples pay homage to beloved hits by Marvin Gaye, Al Green, James Brown and Gladys Knight & the Pips; Country Pop Wednesdays bring a bit of the South to the Hub as groups such as Walkin’ the Line and Whiskey Wild take the stage; Blues Barge Thursdays (the foundation for the Summer in the City series when it started 15 years ago) highlights local and national blues artists such as Jeff Pitchell and Grammy-nominated James Montgomery; and Fridays cater to families with movie favorites such as E.T., Mary Poppins and Tootsie screening on the harbor.
If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, head around the corner from the barge to Boston Harbor Hotel’s Rowes Wharf Bar or its neighbor, Alley Bar at Rowes Wharf. Cocktails, wine and beer take center stage at Rowes Wharf, a well-known haunt that’s frequented by business executives and guests of the hotel. The Alley Bar is in its second year and features local acoustic artists, cocktails and light bites (such as grilled ham and Boursin cheese sandwiches or corn tortillas with salsa, cilantro sour cream and guacamole) for a more laid-back vibe. Here, you’ll find more locals than tourists, but equally amazing harbor views and cuisine from the hotel.
Photos Courtesy of Boston Harbor Hotel
