I moved to Boston to attend law school, fully expecting to return to New York state after graduation. I quickly fell in love with many aspects of life here, and I now consider myself a proud Bostonian after 35 years.
Q. What inspired you to become a guide?
I take enormous pleasure in meeting people from all over the world and sharing my local knowledge with them; it's important to me that I enhance their visit in a meaningful way.
Q. What do you love most about Boston?
I've always described Boston as a city "you can get your arms around"--it is extremely walkable, and the city affords residents and visitors a fascinating history and endless list of events and activities in close proximity.
Q. What's a story you tell on tour?
My favorite story reaches back to my first visit in Boston--I had flown in for interviews for a quick overnight before heading to Maine on vacation. My flight was delayed 9 hours, so I put on a pair of running shoes and decided to run The Freedom Trail. A few of the landmarks were familiar to me, but what stopped me in my tracks were the cafes and bakeries on Hanover Street in the North End--so much ground to explore!
I've run the Boston Marathon (raising money for Make-A-Wish Foundation)
I've thrown out the First Pitch at Fenway Park
I love everything about the outdoors and Boston's proximity to so many outdoor venues: hiking, walking, gardening, birding and exploring
Q: Best time of year to enjoy Boston?
I really enjoy the changing seasons, so spring and fall are both high on my list--spring for the Boston Marathon and when trees are leafing out, and fall for the cooler, crisp days, changing foliage and events like the Head of the Charles Regatta, fairs and harvest season.
Q: What do you tell your visiting friends to see in Boston?
My friends are happy to leave travel logistics to me, and the only rule I have is that repeat visitors should be prepared for something new each visit. The Freedom Trail, to put things into historical context, is a must, but I look for ways to make that more interesting…like walking over the locks into Charlestown. I like exploring both new and old sections of the city, so a trip to the Seaport (and a walk along a portion of the Boston Harborwalk) is also a "must".
Q: What about the culture in Boston should people not miss?
I encourage friends and guests to get out and look for experiences in the different neighborhoods. I love the Gardner Museum and Museum of Fine Arts in the Fenway as well as Harvard's Natural History Museum and its glass flower exhibit. The orchestral and classical music here is top notch, and our green spaces are the envy of many cities…from Frederick Law Olmsted's Emerald Necklace, to the Arnold Arboretum, the Esplanade and the Charles River's rowing and sailing opportunities.
Q: What are some unmissable foods and drinks?
I am 100% Italian, so I find myself gravitating to the North End on special occasions--seafood pasta and risotto dishes top my list! The Tea Room and Map Room in the Boston Public Library are new favorites. For guests looking to conduct their own "lobster roll" or "clam chowder" crawls, I can easily recommend my favorites around town, but I find my own South End neighborhood offers so many unique and eclectic offerings--there's nothing quite like the outdoor dining at Petit Robert (French), KAVA (Greek) or even the South End Buttery for a coffee and a quick bite!
