An Art-filled Weekend in Boston

Friday:

Arrive midday and head to your hotel in Back Bay, which is well-positioned in the heart of it all.

After settling in (early check-in with Fora perks!), take a stroll through Back Bay or head to the Freedom Trail for some shopping in Quincy Market.

Quincy Market is an impressive collection of buildings, which were an addition to Faneuil Hall. The Market blends the Georgian-style architecture of Faneuil Hall. It boasts a Greek Revival style, which was a popular style at the time of construction. In the early days of 1826, Quincy Market was the best place to shop for produce. Today, it's a great place to find souvenirs, a quick lunch, countless sweet treats and even some people-watching. But don't eat too much! Tonight, you will be dining at Limoncello.

Ristorante Limoncello is a family-operated Italian restaurant in Boston's historic North End, just steps from Paul Revere's house. Can't decide between seafood or Italian for dinner? Limoncello has plenty of both! You'll probably not see them on the menu, but don't miss your opportunity to order a plate of meatballs. They're for-real mamma's meatballs, made from the old family recipe of the owner's mamma, Concetta. Stay for a cannoli and limoncello or head around the corner to Caffé Vittoria for dessert and a night cap (or in some cases, your drink is also your dessert!)

Saturday:

After a big breakfast at the hotel (you need a big breakfast today, and it's included with Fora perks!), head towards The Fenway, where you will find The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Isabella Stewart Gardner came to love travel and art as a means of coping with grief – grief experienced from a loss as a mother and later from the loss as a wife.

The location of her museum-home was to be built in what then was a brand new, undeveloped part of Boston, Fenway-Kenmore. Much of the inspiration she had for building this mansion came from her travels through Italy and the Mediterranean. Inside the vast museum courtyard, full of lush plants always in bloom, you do feel like you are in an Italian villa - even during a harsh Boston winter. Visitors around April will see the annual Springtime Hanging Nasturtiums, a cascade of colorful blooms that explode from a courtyard window, spilling into the garden below.

Most who visit the Gardner are looking for the Rembrandts or Titian's famed "Rape of Europa," but there are many pieces by famed artists located throughout the home, including Giotto, Degas, Manet, Delacroix, Turner, Sargeant and the list goes on. Today, there is also an extensive collection of contemporary works to explore, if time allows for it.

The museum is perhaps best known for falling victim to one of the most tragic art crimes in history. In 1990, thieves posed as security guards and in 81 minutes, heisted 13 highly valuable works of art right off the museum's walls. Today, multiple rewards ranging from $10 million to $100 million still stand. Throughout the gallery, you will see clear signs that this case is certainly not closed. The frames that once held these brilliant works of art remain on the walls, empty - a reminder that this art is still missing and must be returned.

Tip: If you are a member of an art museum back home, you can get free entry tickets via the North American Reciprocal Museum Association (NARM) and save with the membership discount in the gift shop!

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is not just a museum, it is an active living part of Boston’s culture and community. After you've marveled at all the gorgeous things, you're heading to Boston Public Library near Copley Square.

If you arrive at the library early, spend some time on the self-guided Art and Architecture Tour or book a private tour to learn how this massive center of learning was built to be the people's palace. Be mindful of time, because you will be walking down the hallway to The Courtyard Tea Room in the early afternoon for a very traditional afternoon tea. You may have to wait in line for a bit before the doors open for your reservation, but be patient, even though you will most likely be hungry.

Once seated, your waiter will bring a stack of old books to your table, each of which holds a menu. Select your tea and if you're not driving, order a cocktail - you're on vacation! It's a very creative cocktail menu, so don't feel bashful asking your waiter for advice.

Tip: Make a reservation as soon as you book your flight, especially if you're with a group. This is an extremely popular place. Tables fill up very quickly! When making your reservation, let them know about any food restrictions - they do an amazing and delicious job of accommodating their guests. And don't wear your skinny pants.

With a belly full of sandwiches and scones, go back to your hotel to get ready for a night in a theater by taking a quick carb-fueled nap.

Boston is not at a loss for the performing arts, just to name a few:

• Boston Ballet

• Boston Lyric Opera

• Boston Symphony Orchestra

• Citizens Bank Opera House

By the time you leave for your performance, you will still feel full from the afternoon tea and will not want dinner. (You'll also have enough room for a champagne at the theater bar. It's vacation!)

If you’re at the Opera House, walk around the corner after the final bow where you’ll find jm Curley. Grab a quick snack before you call it a night.

Sunday:

It was a big night, so enjoy sleeping in a little later this morning! After breakfast, head back to The Fenway and visit the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

The breadth and depth of this museum's collection is remarkable. Similar to the Gardner, you'll find just about any category and period of art within these walls - even a collection of musical instruments that span the time of human history. If you are a real fan of Impressionism, you'll be blown away by the hallway featuring numerous works by Camille Pissarro and Alfred Sisley - Gallery 253.

The MFA also offers large collections of ancient art from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, as well as art from Africa and Asia. In the warmer months, you can even step outside and enjoy the Japanese Garden. You could spend an entire day or longer here. If this is your plan, the MFA operates several different options for lunch as you soak in the collection.

After getting your fill of art, make your way back to Back Bay for brunch at The Banks Fish House. If you've still not found a bowl of clam chowder or a lobster roll this trip, you're in the right place. Team up with a friend, order from the raw bar and toast with your oysters to celebrate a beautiful weekend.

Other art-tastic spots if you have more time:

• Harvard Art Museums: the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum and Arthur M. Sackler Museum.

• Institute of Contemporary Art - Look for the infinity room by Yayoi Kusama titled "Love is Calling".

• Rose Kennedy Greenway