Going to Boston on Wednesday...

[jph712]

My wife and I will be staying near Faneuil Hall, we're going with the single purpose of seeing the Red Sox, but was wondering if there is a good walking distance place to maybe find a pair of Nantucket Reds, or maybe even a Whale Tie?

Thanks,
JPH712

[M. Charles]

You simply CANNOT go to the Boston area without going to the Andover Shop in Cambridge (about a stone's throw from J. Press as well). Not walking distance, but easily accessible by public transit. They'll fix you up.

[Taliesin]

You could take the subway (red line towards Alewife) to the Harvard Square stop. Andover Shop and J. Press are both about 2 minutes from the station by foot. You walk out of the station on Massachusetts Ave., turn right onto Holyoke Street, and Andover is right there, next door to a Thai restaurant and a lot of construction actvity. Press is another block or so, on Mt. Auburn Street.

If interested, you could also do a quick tour of Harvard Yard, which is right across the street from the subway.

[Taliesin]

But if you really don't have time to go into Cambridge, I think there's a Brooks Brothers near Faneuil Hall, at 75 State Street. You might have to settle for a lobster tie there:

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=212&Product_Id=1159002&Parent_Id=210

[Northeastern]

Go to the Brooks Brothers on Newbury Street instead. The top floor suit section has a great staff and ample selection. It's a better spot than the BB on State Street.

[Hayek]

I'm pretty sure that I saw a whale tie in the Cambridge J. Press when I was there last week (Press is on Mt. Auburn St. which is literally around the corner from Holyoke St., where the Andover Shop is located). If you're hungry stop by Felipe's taqueria in the Harvard garage (across the street from Press). Not very trad, but great burritos; you'd be hard pressed to find a better meal for under $5.

Also, there's an Orvis in the Faneuil Hall area next to all the other stores, you may want to check that out.

The Polo store is also really nice and well worth visiting. I think it's located on Newbury, or at least in the Newbury/Copley area. I was only there once two years ago and can't quite remember.

There's also a Barbour store on Newbury that you should check out.

[fenway]

A very nice upscale clothing store is Zareh's in Liberty Square (near Post Office Square; not too far from Faneuil Hall). See Greg. Robert Talbott, Oxxford, all the nice stuff.

Afterward, stop by Bakey's on Broad Street for a pint. Gets a nice professional older crowd.

Also, don't miss the "Acquired Tastes" exhibit at the Boston Athenaeum. 10 1/2 Beacon Street. www.bostonathenaeum.org (http://www.bostonathenaeum.org)

The Polo store is on Newbury. Where Kakas furs used to be (the old plaque is still out front).

The Barbour store is across the street, if memory serves me. Barbour at Peter Elliott (who has some nice stores on Madison Ave in NYC; we bought some children's clothes for my son there).

Dress warm for opening day. I'll be there as well. Buy some long johns!

[charms]

For what you're looking for, unquestionably head to Harvard Sq for a few great "old man stores," as my wife calls them. Just take the Red Line towards Alewife to Harvard. Easy, safe 15 minute ride. J Press and Andover Shop, of course. Also, check out Stonestreets (carries Bill's khakis) at 1276 Mass Ave. Finally, head in to Leavitt & Pierce (1316 Mass Ave) for an excellent selection of cigars, pipe tobacco, and men's grooming products (wet shaving, boar hair brushes, money clips, cuff links, etc).


From Faneuil Hall, there are a fair number of shopping options, although probably not exactly what you're looking for. A walk up State St and you'll pass Brooks Bros, Allen Edmonds, Jos A Bank, and Men's Wearhouse(?). Turn left onto Washington St and you'll pass all the discount stores, Marshall's, H&M, and finally Filene's Basement and Macys (Downtown Crossing). Once you hit Filene's there are a few options.

You can go left down Summer St and there are a few stores, most notably for me, John's Clothing and Tailoring, which has done a few hard-to-find button replacements and alterations for me. There is also an Eddie Bauer Outlet about a block south of Filene's at 500 Washington St. This whole path is only about a ten-minute walk from Faneuil Hall (minus stopping in stores, of course).

Enjoy the trip.

[gnatty8]

Louis Boston on Berkeley Street, less than 2 miles from Faneuil Hall so well within walking distance. Just don't ask somebody how to find "louie boston"

Postscript, forgot this was trad, you may want to skip Louis then.

[kforton]

It is unfortunate that there are no independently owned traditional men's clothing shops in the City of Boston. You can go to Zareh and have Greg do you up a traditional suit, but no OTR. And his style is more "board room" anyway. Even in Boston, the style is practically dead.

[Hayek]

For what you're looking for, unquestionably head to Harvard Sq for a few great "old man stores," as my wife calls them. Just take the Red Line towards Alewife to Harvard. Easy, safe 15 minute ride. J Press and Andover Shop, of course. Also, check out Stonestreets (carries Bill's khakis) at 1276 Mass Ave. Finally, head in to Leavitt & Pierce (1316 Mass Ave) for an excellent selection of cigars, pipe tobacco, and men's grooming products (wet shaving, boar hair brushes, money clips, cuff links, etc).

I'll second Leavitt and Pierce, one of my favorite stores in existence (my friend described it as an "all purpose guy stuff store"). Between that, Press, and Andover Shop, Harvard Square is a damn tradly area. Stonestreets is nice. In addition to Bills they also have some Polo chinos, and PRL polos.

[charms]

I'll second Leavitt and Pierce, one of my favorite stores in existence (my friend described it as an "all purpose guy stuff store"). Between that, Press, and Andover Shop, Harvard Square is a damn tradly area. Stonestreets is nice. In addition to Bills they also have some Polo chinos, and PRL polos.
There's also Drinkwaters, just north of Porter Sq on Mass Ave. A bit out of the way for our original poster, but perhaps of interest to others in the Boston area. A good selection, including Bills Khakis. The owner, Gary, is quite helpful and just a very nice guy to deal with.

[CCabot]

There is also an Aquascutum on Boylston (the only one in the US I believe).

[cglex]

Forget the clothes in Boston.

Walk over to Sel de Terre and have a great, affordable (for me at least) meal. The resturant is between the Marriott Long Wharf and the Acquarium. S/B a short walk for you.

If you feel daring, do take the Red Line to Harvard Square, and besides perusing the Harvard odd balls, check out the Andover Shop and if you have time, J. Press. The Harvard glass "bug" museum is kind of cool too. Zareh's is a short walk from Faneiul hall, but who cares about Oxxford and Hickey-Freeman's while on vacation?

While, the Red Sox are a noble use of your time, clothing is not. Check out Boston's fine music scene, both classical and jazz. Also, check out the Museum of Fine Arts. These are two under appreciated Boston assets.

If you have more time in Boston, again, don't waste time on men's clothes. Eat. Do experience the North End, a short walk from Fanieul Hall. I like Prezza's and Monica's for the money.

[knickerbacker]

It is unfortunate that there are no independently owned traditional men's clothing shops in the City of Boston. You can go to Zareh and have Greg do you up a traditional suit, but no OTR. And his style is more "board room" anyway. Even in Boston, the style is practically dead.

Isn't the Andover Shop an independently owned shop? There are a grand total of two of them and Press, though indeed owned by a Japanese company, isn't exactly a chain store with a staggering bounty of 4 locations in the US. Neither are exactly a Wal-Mart, though I certainly do agree that it's a shame there are not more choices in this pleated, darted, business casual, 'i wear tevas to work' kinda world.

I think if one hasn't had too many opportunities to visit them (after decades I have yet to find what that number is) a visit to a Press and an Andover Shop in Cambridge is a wonderful idea. Although many years have passed since my brief stint at a college there, I still see much of the charm that enamored me to the area when passing through (though as a resident of San Francisco I scoff at the notion that there are good burritos anywhere else. I'm addicted to Papalote on 24th which was given great reviews by both the WSJ and the NYT [SF has no newspapers, really. It's sad.] . Definitely check out Harvard's campus, it's beautiful and you may see shells and sculls rowed on the river.
Enjoy your trip

[kforton]

Isn't the Andover Shop an independently owned shop? There are a grand total of two of them and Press, though indeed owned by a Japanese company, isn't exactly a chain store with a staggering bounty of 4 locations in the US. Neither are exactly a Wal-Mart, though I certainly do agree that it's a shame there are not more choices in this pleated, darted, business casual, 'i wear tevas to work' kinda world.

I think if one hasn't had too many opportunities to visit them (after decades I have yet to find what that number is) a visit to a Press and an Andover Shop in Cambridge is a wonderful idea. Although many years have passed since my brief stint at a college there, I still see much of the charm that enamored me to the area when passing through (though as a resident of San Francisco I scoff at the notion that there are good burritos anywhere else. I'm addicted to Papalote on 24th which was given great reviews by both the WSJ and the NYT [SF has no newspapers, really. It's sad.] . Definitely check out Harvard's campus, it's beautiful and you may see shells and sculls rowed on the river.
Enjoy your trip



It may be too fine a distinction to draw, but I was drawing one between the City of Boston and Cambridge. How can a city with Beacon Hill not have a trad shop? Since Andover's Clarendon Street shop closed, we are now tradless.

[xcubbies]

The Tannery, on Boyleston, near the Public Gardens, to my knowledge, is the only store to still sell Aldens in Boston. They have a limited stock, but they have great prices and you can haggle with them. The Tannery doesn't stock Aldens.

[RunningBeagle]

If you have more time in Boston, again, don't waste time on men's clothes. Eat. Do experience the North End, a short walk from Fanieul Hall. I like Prezza's and Monica's for the money.

+1 for Monica's. Simply excellent eating.

[Jack Imari]

Stonestreets closed this past summer, part of the increasing "malling" of Harvard Square.

No one has mentioned Keezer's in Central Square, Cambridge -- "gently used" tuxedos, suits, overcoats, etc. Very reasonable (prices start at $20-$40).

Modo Gatto on Hanover Street (North End) is very good for casual clothes.

Other: two great restaurants on Beacon Hill are Lala Rokh, family-owned Persian, and Toscanno's, classy Italian. There are also dozens of antique shops in the neighborhood -- everything from "junk" to museum-quality. Legal Sea Foods has several locations and is very good. Sage, maybe the best Italian restaurant, has moved from the North End to the South End (Washington St.), so recommending it is conditional. L'Espalier, off Newbury st., is formal French and stunning. They are moving to the new Mandarin Oriental hotel when that opens next year so there is no time to lose to enjoy their Back Bay townhouse elegance. Finallly, Boston's Chinatown has many great restaurants if you don't mind being "adventerous" and dining in less than sparkling surroundings.

For information on the unbelievable amount of activities check the Thursday's "Globe" or the weekly "Phoenix".

finally, one great attraction that no one knows about: The Hart Museum at MIT's school of naval architecture has dozens of amazing model ships. Free and open every day, it's right off the main entrance on Mass. Ave., Cambridge.

[Bermuda]

Anyone know of any good thrift stores in Boston? Looking for suit/tie items....Thanks

[P Hudson]

"Anyone know of any good thrift stores in Boston? Looking for suit/tie items....Thanks"

I was just there for the first time a few weeks ago. Keezer's has an impressive collection of used men's clothes. I didn't buy anything, but saw a lot of things I liked. It is just off the beaten path in Cambridge.

If I ever get back to Boston, which I hope I will, I'll spend less time looking at clothes and more time eating. The food was fantastic, and priced within reason.

[88 Pelican]

But if you really don't have time to go into Cambridge, I think there's a Brooks Brothers near Faneuil Hall, at 75 State Street. You might have to settle for a lobster tie there:

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=212&Product_Id=1159002&Parent_Id=210

Take the extra 10 minutes and take the subway to the Newbury St. Brooks Brothers (Green Line to Copley or Arlington Station) - the 75 State Street has only a minimal selection, and the Newbury St. store recently complected a top to bottom renovation. Well worth the extra time.

[ds23pallas]

I may as well piggyback this thread. I will be in Boston the latter part of October and am looking for a place to stay a few nights. Doesn't need to be fancy, just clean and a good location. Could even be in Cambridge. Any recommendations for a B&B or modest hotel?

I will also be in Stockbridge. Has anyone been to stay at the Red Lion recently? I haven't been since my schooldays. Thanks in advance.

[rabidawg]

Anyone know of any good thrift stores in Boston? Looking for suit/tie items....Thanks


http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=96531

[PorterSq]

I may as well piggyback this thread. I will be in Boston the latter part of October and am looking for a place to stay a few nights. Doesn't need to be fancy, just clean and a good location. Could even be in Cambridge. Any recommendations for a B&B or modest hotel?

I will also be in Stockbridge. Has anyone been to stay at the Red Lion recently? I haven't been since my schooldays. Thanks in advance.

I was at the Red Lion for lunch last summer. Neat place. I loved their handcut potato chips and the barroom has a lot of really interesting stuff on the walls.

[RyanPatrick]

Go to North River Outfitters. You should be able to find a pair of reds there. The originals can only be had at Murrays, which would require a trip to either the island or the vineyard, but you can certainly find a suitable alternative.

As some others have mentioned, make it over to Cambridge and visit the Andover Shop and J. Press. You can pick up the green line near where you're staying, take it to the Park St. stop and switch over to the Red line. It will drop you off right in Harvard Square.
Enjoy your trip.