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A Lakelander’s travel guide to Boston, MA

Find out what to do and where to stay in one of the top new destinations Avelo Airlines will fly to from Lakeland.

A view of Back Bay and the Boston Public Library at sunset.

Get ready, Bostonians — the Lakelanders are coming.

Photo by @oschapov

As Avelo gears up to fly to seven additional locations out of LAL this fall, we’re preparing you for takeoff by covering the must-dos for each of these destinations.

Next up, we’re heading to a destination that’s rich with culture + history — and may also hold a special place in City Editor Amelia’s heart — Boston, MA.

✈️ Fast facts

Flying into: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in Manchester, NH
Flight time: 2 hours 57 minutes
Est. cost: $39+
Est. population of Boston: 650,706
Avg. high in October: 64º

A drone shot of the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire's White Mountains during the fall time.

The Kancamagus Highway is approximately three hours north of Boston — but trust us, the foliage views are worth it.

Photo courtesy of Matt Lefebvre

🗺️ Things to do

City Editor Amelia here. While I proudly call Lakeland home now, I grew up just about 90 minutes north of Boston across the border in New Hampshire, and let me tell you, there are loads of things to see + explore in this neck of the woods.

If you never miss a history question during trivia at Swan Brewing, you’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot when visiting Boston. Maximize your time by walking the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path that connects 16 different historical sites like Paul Revere’s House and the Bunker Hill Monument. For a truly unique sightseeing experience, don’t miss out on a Boston Duck Tour.

If you’re planning to travel in the fall, I highly recommend taking a drive up and across the border to the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire’s White Mountains to get prime viewing of the foliage. No matter how many times I’ve driven it, it takes my breath away every single time.

Pro tip: If you’re renting a car during your travels, park outside of Boston and use the “T” to get around the city easily.

An exterior shot of Giacomo's Ristorante in Boston, MA

If Italian food has your heart, Giacomo’s in Boston’s North End will sweep you off your feet.

Screenshot via Google Maps

🍽️ Where to eat + drink

Fans of Scarpa’s or Il Forno are in luck, because if there’s one cuisine that Boston is most synonymous with, it’s Italian.

Readers Madison H. and Mackenzie H. recommend heading over to Boston’s North End neighborhood (which also goes by “Little Italy”) and sitting down for a meal at Cantina Italiana or Giacomo’s Ristorante. Based on personal experience, I recommend bringing your stretchy pants.

City Editor Connor visited Boston last year and headed to Chinatown for lunch. She got warmed up with a bowl of ramen at ShoChu Co at Ruckus, but there are countless options in this bustling neighborhood near downtown.

Check out even more food recs from our friends at BOStoday.

    A photo of an ivory brick building covered in ivy leaves.

    Staying in Boston is like staying in a slice of history.

    Photo via VRBO

    🏨 Where to stay

    Fenway-Kenmore Apartment
    This one-bedroom apartment is just a short walk from Fenway Park. No games or tours going on? Head over to the James P. Kelleher Rose Garden to literally stop and smell the flowers.

    North End Studio
    Located in one of Boston’s most notable neighborhoods, this studio apartment is within walking distance to major attractions like Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, the New England Aquarium, and more.

    Assembly Square Apartment
    Need some more elbow room? This three-bedroom space has you covered. Plus, it’s located less than three minutes away from a hub for the “T” for easy access in and out of the city.

    Already thinking about your next trip? We’ve also got guides to Avelo’s other destinations out of LAL, with more on the way.

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