In that case, consider a vacation in Boston, and take a class at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts.

The array of classes include “Back to Basics” which introduces the art of sauces.  You’ll get a brief history lesson, then head into the test kitchen to master some of the basic sauces and learn how you can adapt them to your own dining preferences.  And, of course, you’ll have an opportunity to share and taste test your masterpieces with your other classmates.

The school offers a full course curriculum in the culinary arts, and in addition offers a variety of recreational classes that includes:  Tapas, Italian cuisine, French cuisine, soups, pies and tarts, Greek cuisine, Asian cuisine, Sushi, and a whole lot more.

Take a day out of your trip to Boston and take a class!  And if Boston isn’t in your plans, check out cooking schools wherever you may be.  Most major cities will have some type of culinary program, although not all offer one-off registrations.

Photo credit: SXC

Post from: Blisstree

Take a Cooking Class When You Travel

My first MapEasy guidemap was for New Orleans. I also used one for Boston and Washington, DC. The guidemaps work much like the maps you’ve known for years: they fold and unfold. However, it’s the illustrations that bring these maps to life. Not only do the MapEasy guidemaps illustrate locations most people want to visit, but they also feature area restaurants.

Are they discreet? Well, probably not. You’ll look a bit like a tourist if you take it around with you. However, I found that the guidemaps are most useful for planning and learning your way around a city before you actually go.

Several bookstores carry these guidemaps in their travel sections. They are also available online, usually for around $6 each. And you don’t have to be bad at reading maps to enjoy one!

Have you used a MapEasy guidemaps?

(Images via MapEasy)

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MapEasy for Visual Trip Planning

Image: Flickr

Tourists will be glad to know that the Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a close walk to other great sites like the New England Aquarium, Paul Revere’s House, the Boston Public Garden and Fenway Park. The Faneuil Hall Marketplace is open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. during the week (Mon. thru Sat.) and from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sundays.

The Faneuil Hall Marketplace is famous for its diverse collection of shops and artisan push carts. Among the 100 different stores and carts, visitors can find anything from clothing accessories, eyewear and cameras to fine art, jewelry, shoes and urban apparel. Of course there are also shops that specialize in Bostonian collectibles and souvenirs.

The Faneuil Hall Marketplace has 17 different places to eat and drink. Whether you’re thirsty for a cold Guinness or hungry for a Philadelphia cheese steak, the Faneuil Hall Marketplace has everything. Try some of the local places like Boston Chowda or the Boston and Maine Fish Co.

A typical weekend at Faneuil Hall Marketplace is filled with magicians, jugglers, clowns, mimes, comedians, artists and musicians. Check their calendar for events at faneuilhallmarketplace.com and join the fun!

Last but not least, the history of Faneuil Hall Marketplace is what makes it a captivating visit. Peter Faneuil, a Boston merchant, built Faneuil Hall in 1742. The area quickly became a center point for trading, speeches and performances. It was the ground where the first seeds of the American Revolution were planted — the first protests against the Sugar Act (1764) were held at Faneuil Hall. Some of America’s greatest heroes have given speeches at the hall, including George Washington, Samuel Adams and Susan B. Anthony.

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Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Boston - Image: Flickr

Boston Sightseeing & Shopping
Freedom Trail is must-see attraction in Boston. This two and half mile path has historical points relating to the Boston Tea Party and Paul Revere. While at the Freedom Trail, you can go to the visitor center and schedule a 90-minute guided tour.

After your sightseeing is complete, shopping should be next on your to-do list. Boston has an eclectic culture and as a result, many stores in the area have one of a kind products. Faneuil Hall Marketplace is an urban shopping area that is located in the heart of Boston.

Newbury Street is the home to stylish and chic shopping. With about a dozen distinctive boutiques and galleries, Newbury Street is unlike any other place in Boston. From upscale store like Armani and Gucci to out of the ordinary boutiques, you can definitely find a place to drop some cash.

Boston Sports
In recent years, the Boston area has been the home of sports championships. The Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots have all won titles. The Celtics won the 2008 NBA championship riding their three superstars – Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. In total, the Celtics have 17 championship banners hanging in TD Banknorth Garden.

The Red Sox won the World Series in 2004 and 2007, while the Patriots won the Super Bowl in 2001, 2003 and 2004. To watch a Red Sox game head over to Fenway Park, which is arguably the most iconic baseball stadium in existence. The Patriots play in Foxboro at Gillette Stadium. The trip from Boston to Foxboro is only about twenty miles.

Boston Restaurants & Clubs
No trip to Boston is complete without sampling some of the great food available in region. One of the best places to grab some grub while in Boston is Radius. A restaurant that features a modern French cuisine, Radius is definitely a happening spot that attracts a lot of local celebrities. In addition to great food, Radius also has an extensive wine list.

The Metropolitan Club is another dining option that is a bit more laidback. This steak restaurant is actually a restaurant and club hybrid. If you want to meet new people while eating scrumptious steak, this is the joint for you.

Want more late night action? Considering hitting up one of Boston’s many nightspots. The Gypsy Bar is a stylish location that has been voted as the sexiest club in Boston. Phoenix Landing is a relaxing spot that blasts the latest in hip hop and reggae.

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Spend a Weekend in Boston

The Copper House renovation in Massachusetts by Charles Rose Architects is so lovely – starting with the color. The renovation added a wing to a 1940s kit home, and manages to integrate old and new design nicely. It looks crisp and modern but not overly so. It’s got a touch of unique that’s great but still has that livability factor I endlessly like to go on about.

This is such a sweet renovation job.

From Charles Rose Architects’ site:

“The two-story addition is oriented east-west. The addition is opened to the site on the north, east and west sides, and contains the main living spaces of the house, as well as the master bedroom and two offices on the second floor. A roof terrace with a hearth has panoramic views of the site and of Boston. A glass and steel stair connects the first and second floors, and an exterior stair leads to the roof deck from a deck off the master bedroom. A three story skylit space mediates between the larger scale of the new and the smaller scale of the old, and serves as entry and circulation to the house.”

You wish this was your smooth home don’t you? It’s really easy to like. And the night view – I always love when architects shoot night views. Especially when they show off perfect geometric patterns.

Charles Rose Architects is a site full of cool structures to see, I’d recommend the West 22nd Street, and Gloucester House. Gloucester is especially nice in that it really works with the rocky coastline it’s situated on.  If you can visit the flash site, for many visual treats, including more of the Copper House above. Plus Charles Rose Architects have a large sustainability slant, which of course we all like.

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Copper House