BostonUSA Green Visitors Program  2008 

 
BostonUSA America's Walking City 

 

The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau is committed to growing its green visitor program and looks forward to inquiries from you- the individual visitor, family, tour planner, meeting planner or convention planner - so that you can plan your BostonUSA green getaway, group tour, meeting or convention!

 

As "America's Walking City" Boston offers the visitor the opportunity to enjoy a unique 'green getaway' car-free!

 

A vibrant international city visitors can walk from the pedestrian-friendly Newbury Street to the Charles River riverfront parks. A walk from the charming Beacon Hill to the downtown Boston waterfront where the soon-to-be 40-mile Boston Harborwalk awaits as well as the 27-acres Rose Kennedy Greenway.

 

Boston's most popular visitor attraction, the Freedom Trail, is a walk-through-history trail.  At the mid-point of the Freedom Trail is Boston's most popular café district - Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

 

Visitors can walk to museums, attractions - or hop on a very efficient Trolley that loops through the city. The Boston public transit system-easily understood by visitors with its four-color lines that connects hotels, attractions, shops, convention centers, and different neighborhoods. Even Logan International Airport is now connected through the brand new Silver Line. Terminals with the Amtrak South Station---so traveling by train is really enjoyable.

 

Water, rail, and coach transportation in Boston is convenient. It is easy and inexpensive for the visitor staying at a hotel in Boston & Cambridge to tour the Boston Harbor Islands, Cape Cod (Provincetown), Salem, and Quincy by fast ferry. A day trip to Portland, Maine, Providence, Rhode Island, or even New York City by high speed rail is affordable. You can also take a day trip by coach to the Wrentham Village Outlet or Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun Casinos. All of which are also low cost and convenient.

 

Boston & Cambridge hotels, restaurants, attractions & tours are engaged in a widespread 'greening' initiative - as you will read below.

In This Issue
GBCVB Green Visitor Program
BostonUSA Green Transportation Options
BostonUSA Green News
BostonUSA Green Trails & Tours
BostonUSA Green Convention Centers
Green Certified Hotels & Restaurants
Join Our Mailing List!
BostonUSA Quick Links
 

BostonUSA 2008 Events at a Glance

 
 
GBCVB Green Visitor Program

The five elements of the GBCVB Green Visitor program are:

  1. BostonUSA Green Visitor Transportation Options
  2. BostonUSA Green News: Events, Celebrations, Festivals & Expositions
  3. BostonUSA Green Green Trails & Tours
  4. BostonUSA Green Convention Centers
  5. BostonUSA Green Certified Hotels & Restaurants 

BostonUSA Green Visitor Transportation Options

Boston "T"
The MBTA - referred to as the "T" - runs daily service on buses, trains, & trolleys throughout Boston & surrounding towns. T stations can be identified by a black "T" on a white circular sign. Charlie Cards can be bought at booths at each station. Click here to find out more information on Boston's "T"!
 
One Week Visitor Pass
For British, European & Canadian visitors to Boston this summer using the extensive public transit, one week "T"  pass which connects hotels, airport , attractions, shops, and parks could be the best bargain in the USA. At $15.00, the Boston one-week "T" Pass provides unlimited travel on their subway, locus, bus, inner harbor ferry. To make the purchase even more convenient for arriving international visitors Boston Logan International Terminal has installed a "T"  Pass vending machine (all major credit cards can be used)  - and the one-week pass includes the 12-minute trip from the airport to downtown on the new Silver Line coach! Boston's "T" web site now features interactive maps and a very useful 'trip planner': Click here for more information.
 
BostonUSA is America's "Walking City" click here to view BostonUSA's Interactive Online Map
 

Boston

 
BostonUSA promotes car-free, gas-free trips around New England
Click here to view 25 gas-free day trips for citybreak visitors BostonUSA's Car-Free, Gas-Free Day Trips
 
Harbor Walk

It's a vigorous undertaking and well worth it! Boston's Harbor Walk is an inviting public walkway along the waterfront, with parks, seating areas, boat ramps, cafes, exhibit areas, interpretive signage, water transportation facilities, and a wide range of other amenities. Experience for yourself this wonderful area for walking, sightseeing, playing, taking in spectacular views of the Harbor and so much more! For more information visit www.bostonharborwalk.com

 

Boston Harbor Islands

The Boston Harbor Islands offer countless opportunities for visitors to participate in recreational activities such as hiking, camping, swimming, and fishing, along with touring historical sites, observing wildlife, and even enjoying a relaxing picnic lunch amid the spectacular scenery. For more information visit www.bostonharborislands.com

 

Boston Harbor Cruises

Whale Watch, Providencetown and Boston Harbor Islands- The premier ticket to ride on Boston Harbor since 1926, BHC offers Boston's only 3hr Hi-Speed Catamaran Whale Watch, Cape Cod Fast Ferry, the new Hi-Speed Thrill Boat Ride CODZILLA; Historical Sightseeing, USS Constitution, Lighthouse and Sunset Cruises, Charles River and Locks Tours. For more information visit www.bostonharborcruises.com
 

Charles River

Esplanade

Jog, walk, run, bike, or rollerblade along the beautiful Charles River esplanade.  Not only will you break a sweat, but you will also be treated to a spectacular view of Boston and Cambridge.

 
Salem Ferry
The Salem Ferry connects the cities of Salem and Boston with a fast, comfortable ride in only 45 minutes! Cruise along picturesque New England coastline and disembark in the heart of downtown Salem or Boston, within easy walking distance of either city's many cultural and historic attractions. For more information visit www.salemferry.com 
 

Tanglewood Boston Coach

The Boston Symphony Orchestra's renowned summer music academy - opens its 2008 summer session on June 28 and 29 collaborating with the Mark Morris Dance Group in performances of Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, and closes the session on August 19 with a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony under the direction of Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos. Take the Tanglewood coachfrom Boston to Tanglewood for Friday - and Saturday-night concerts this summer for just $30 round trip. The Tanglewood coach departs from Symphony Hall (easily accessible from hotels) at 4:30pm and makes a stop at the Riverside Train Station at 5pm. For further information, please call 888-266-1200 or visit www.tanglewood.org
 

BostonUSA Green News- events, celebrations, festivals & expositions

Current & future BostonUSA Green events, celebrations, festivals & expositions

American Institute of Architects National Convention and Design Exposition May 15-17, 2008. www.aiaconvention.com

4th Hub On Wheels

i
s on September 21, 2008. Boston's largest city sponsored sporting event. Imagine being able to bike down Storrow Drive with no cars. www.hubonwheels.org

2008 AltWheels Festival September 27-28, 2008. From the latest in hybrid vehicles to vehicles running on used cooking oil, the 6th Annual AltWheels Alternative Transportation & Energy Festival is expecting a record number of attendees on Boston's City Hall Plaza. www.AltWheels.org

2008 US GreenBuild Boston Nov. 19-21, 2008. www.greenbuildexpo.org

BostonUSA Green Trails & Tours
 

ncaa laxUrban AdvenTours
Urban AdvenTours offers daily environmentally friendly, guided Boston bicycle tours, leaving from Boston Bicycle near Fenway Park at 842 Beacon St. We also provide bike rentals and hotel bike delivery via our 'Urban Mobile', which runs on recycled vegetable oil from our friends at Prezza in the North End. Tours and rentals are also available from our Cambridge location on Massachusetts Avenue near Harvard and MIT. Featured tours include our Flagship Photography Tour, Art and Architecture Tour, and City View Tour. Our guests gain a unique and personalized experience, not just a tour, which leaves from Boston Bicycle at 842 Beacon Street near Fenway Park. For more information visit
www.urbanadventours.com.

 

Boston Bike Tours

Boston Bike Tours have lead thousands of people on informative, active, site-seeing, bicycling tours. Capture the essence of Greater Boston on one of several tour selections. Boston Bike Tours are moderate to slow paced, utilizing mostly parks, pathways and quiets side streets. On all tours, stops are made along the way where your guide points out sights and narrates history as you explore the area. They take pride in their knowledge of the streets, our insight into the past, our unique perspective of the areas interesting heritage, and our ability to get you where no other tours in Boston are able. Biking in the city has never been easier. For more information visit

www.bostonbiketours.com

 

Boston By Foot
Put on your walking shoes and follow Boston By Foot guides for 90-minute walking tours of Boston's unique architecture and historic neighborhoods. From May through October, Boston By Foot presents daily, regularly scheduled walking tours and prearranged private group tours which highlight Boston's rich heritage of architecture and history. Since 1976, our trained volunteer guides have shared their expertise and enthusiasm with thousands of visitors and residents. Great for kids, too! Join us and see Boston at her best -- by foot!! For more information visit
www.bostonbyfoot.com/.

 

Charles River Canoe and Kayak
Rent one of our canoes or kayaks and see Boston and Cambridge from a new perspective. Enjoy an outing on one of the most scenic sections of urban river in the country. Views of Harvard University, MIT, Boston University and the Cambridge and Boston skyline are exceptional from the river. Offering hourly and daily rentals of canoe and kayaks. Guided tours and instruction are our specialty.For more information call 617-965-5100 or visit
www.paddleboston.com

 

Freedom Trail

Most of the Boston National Historical Park sites are connected by the Freedom Trail. Recognized as a National Recreation Trail, the 3-mile trail is a walking tour of 16 sites and structures of historic importance in downtown Boston and Charlestown. The tours are ninety-minutes, and begin at the Visitor Center at 15 State Street and cover the heart of the Freedom Trail from the Old South Meeting House to the Old North Church. For more information visit www.thefreedomtrail.org

 

Museum of Science- Green Buildings Tour

The Science Museum is a world-renowned educational institution with over 400 interactive participatory exhibits featuring live animal and physical science demonstrations, courses, traveling exhibits, a computer center, the Mugar Omni Theater, and Charles Hayden Planetarium.
The Green Buildings Tour offers a self-guided, cell-phone tour of environmentally sustainable buildings in the Boston area. You can find out more about what some organizations around Boston and Cambridge are doing to create great places in which to work, live, and learn that are designed with our environment in mind. You'll hear architects, planners and builders describe their dreams, challenges, and successes. You'll also learn some practical ways you can make your own home a little more green. For more information click here.

 
New England
Aquarium- Harbor Cruises and Sunset Cruises

Welcome aboard our brand new high-speed catamaran, which will transport you to all the breathtaking sights of Boston Harbor in style. Catch the stunning views of the Boston waterfront and skyline, the USS Constitution, the Boston Harbor Islands and much more. Choose from our daytime Harbor Discoveries Cruise or our evening Sunset Cruise. No matter what time of day, you're sure to be enthralled by this one-of-a-kind Boston experience! For more information visit www.neaq.org/visit/harborcruise/.

 

PhotoWalks
PhotoWalks offers guided walking tours of Boston presented with historic commentary and creative photography tips. Explore Boston from a different angle and learn how to see creatively. PhotoWalks reveals the most picturesque locations in Beacon Hill, Back Bay, the Freedom Trail, the Public Garden and the Waterfront. For more information visit
www.photowalks.com/.

BostonUSA Green Convention Centers
BostonUSA had three green convention centers that have comprehensive recycling programs, energy efficiency achievements, and other environmentally-friendly practices.
 

Boston Convention Center & Exhibition Center and the Hynes Convention Center

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), which is responsible for these two convention centers, has implemented many green business practices. Energy Efficient Building Design and Equipment: The Boston Convention Center & Exhibition Center, opened in 2004, has many state-of-the-art energy efficient design features, including an advanced building management system, high efficiency lighting, and occupancy sensors that disable lighting when space is vacated. Comprehensive Recycling Program: The MCCA has implemented a well-designed and comprehensive recycling program at its two Boston facilities. They recycle food waste, grease, pallets, glass, metals, bottles and cans, cardboard, plastics-including shrink wrap, carpet and padding, and paper. Exhibitors who anticipate excessive waste can arrange for periodic waste pick up with the customer service desk; and their MCCA Event Managers coordinate special recycling needs for various conventions.  The MCCA was recognized for its recycling program by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. EPA who bestowed the WasteWise Waste Reduction Leadership Award to them in November 2006. Environmentally Preferable Paper Products: The two convention centers use Green Seal certified paper supplies. For example, all restroom paper products are 100% recycled content, including 25 - 35% post consumer material. Environmentally Preferable Cleaning Products: The MCCA uses green cleaning products for daily bathroom and public space cleaning. Indoor Air Quality: The MCCA is converting to the use of greener vacuums that have a filter which doesn't allow dust partials back into the air.  For more information call 617-867-8286 visithttp://www.advantageboston.com.

 

Seaport World Trade Center
The Seaport World Trade Center and Seaport Hotel have implemented the Seaport Saves initiative, which fosters conservation in their facilities. Some of their achievements are listed below. Energy Efficient Lighting: Energy-conserving, compact fluorescent bulbs have been installed in the Seaport Garage and the Seaport World Trade Center. A total of 2,012 fixtures were replaced throughout both buildings.  These bulbs use about 70 percent less energy than ordinary bulbs. Energy Efficient Roof: All buildings on the Seaport World Trade Center campus have a Sarnafil EnergySmart Roof system, which is designed to reduce atmospheric heat and conserve energy. Green Roof: The World Trade Center East Podium has a green roof that uses a non-irrigated 5-inch deep, pre-vegetated mat which contains sedum plants.  This eco-friendly roof offers many long-term benefits, including reduced run-off, and energy conservation. Green Space: Recognizing the value of open space, the Seaport World Trade Center complex features 2.1 acres of park land throughout the campus - 11% of the entire property. Eastport Park and the Plaza Gardens have become a valuable amenity and oasis for guests and neighbors. Greener Transportation Alternatives: Seaport Companies encourages their employees to ride public transportation by subsidizing 50 percent of their commuting costs. This is in addition to a partnership with Seaport Transportation Management Association, which offers carpool and walk or bike to work programs. Also, they house two Zipcar vehicles on site.  Zipcars allow employees and guests to use mass transit to get to work, knowing that a vehicle is available if they need one. Recycling: The convention center recycles cardboard, plastic, glass, aluminum, white paper, cooking oil and newspaper. In 2006, they recycled 178 tons of material, achieving a recycling rate of 34%. For more information visit http://www.wtcb.com.

 

Green Certified Hotels & Restaurants
 
BostonUSA Green-Certified Hotels & Restaurants
 
What makes hotels or restaurants 'green'?
  • energy efficiency
  • waste management
  • water use efficiency
  • the purchase of environmentally-friendly products
  • the minimization of products with toxic characteristics
  • the education of guests and staff
BostonUSA Green-Certified Hotels
(Update in progress)
 
Green Hotel Certifications
  • Green Seal's Certification for Lodging Properties
  • U.S. EPA Energy Star for Hospitality Label
  • U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Certification
  • Audubon Green-Leaf Rating Program
  • Green Globe 21 Certification

Boston Quincy Marriott

Boston Quincy Marriott is a Boston Green Tourism Member, Green-Certified Hotel and has the Energy Star Label.  For more information visit
www.quincymarriott.com.

 

Comfort Inn and Suites, Revere

Four-Time Gold Award Winning and ENERGY STAR® Certified. For more information visit www.comfortinnboston.com.

 

Courtyard by Marriott Boston

For more information visit www.southbostoncourtyard.com

 

Hyatt Harborside Hotel
For reservations or information call 617-568-1234 or visit
www.harborside.hyatt.com

 

Jurys Boston Hotel
For reservations or more information visit
www.jurysdoyle.com/boston-hotel

 

Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston

For reservations and more information visitwww.Sonesta.com/Boston

 

Sheraton Boston Hotel

For reservations or more information visit www.sheraton.com/boston

 

Lenox Hotel

For reservations or more information visit www.lenoxhotel.com

 

Green-Certified Restaurants

 

Café Fleuri
For reservations or more information call 617-451-1900 or visit
www.thelanghamboston.com

 

The Fireplace
For reservations or more information call 617-975-1900 or visit
www.fireplacerest.com.
 

Julien Bar & Lounge
For reservations or more information call 617-451-1900 visit
http://boston.langhamhotels.com.

 

Lumiere
For reservations or more information call 617-244-9199 or visit
http://www.lumiererestaurant.com.