Ask me anything -Boston, Massachusetts (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough Massachusetts) travel/local area info

[Gladstone]

On 5/12/2026 at 12:11 PM, PSJ84 said:

No worries, thanks for the response. Little tight for time so just needing to go directly to the airport - suspect I’ll be leaving 5/10 minutes early — unfortunately — to miss some of the traffic. Will keep digging but I do reckon hiring a car and parking it away from the stadium will be the best bet. 

You could try prked, which is an app that lets you rent out someone's drive to park in. I've never been to Gillette myself so I don't know whether it's practical for that area but in Miami it's a good option.

[PSJ84]

7 hours ago, Gladstone said:

You could try prked, which is an app that lets you rent out someone's drive to park in. I've never been to Gillette myself so I don't know whether it's practical for that area but in Miami it's a good option.

Ta. I’ll check that out. 

[Nigeyy]

12 hours ago, Gladstone said:

You could try prked, which is an app that lets you rent out someone's drive to park in. I've never been to Gillette myself so I don't know whether it's practical for that area but in Miami it's a good option.

Following up on that, it's not uncommon in the surrounding stadium area to see signs for parking in people's driveways for some fee on Patriots game days, so I think it's likely that will be an option.

[Clootie Dumpling]

On 5/12/2026 at 9:13 AM, Iain69 said:

Is it discounted travel for veterans? My son is one

Not sure about travel,but I did get a reduction on a hotel booking for New Jersey.

 

[Aldo1963]

Hi @Nigeyy I know you had originally offered to help out with queries about Boston and its surrounding areas. Our travelling group of 3 have decided to base ourselves in New Haven, Conneticut for the first 9 days of our trip and we're sorted through Rally for bus travel to/from Gillette stadium for both games. Was just wondering if you have any experiences or info you could share about New Haven and it's surrounding areas? Thanks in advance ☺️ 

[Nigeyy]

4 hours ago, Aldo1963 said:

Hi @Nigeyy I know you had originally offered to help out with queries about Boston and its surrounding areas. Our travelling group of 3 have decided to base ourselves in New Haven, Conneticut for the first 9 days of our trip and we're sorted through Rally for bus travel to/from Gillette stadium for both games. Was just wondering if you have any experiences or info you could share about New Haven and it's surrounding areas? Thanks in advance ☺️ 

First I can't say that I know much first hand about that area of Connecticut, except New Haven (home of Yale University, an excellent university) is known to be in a pretty sketchy area. Of course any urban place can have it's problems, and I think New Haven has it's share. I don't know where you are planning on staying in New Haven, but even if I did I'm not familiar enough with New Haven and it's neighbourhoods to know anyway! Obviously use the usual common sense and take note of your gut feeling -and if you think where you are staying is a bit iffy, then use an Uber to get there rather than walk in the middle of the night sort of thing. Honestly though, and I certainly don't mean to sound alarmist, this is just good common sense and I strongly suspect you'll be 100% fine.

What I can say from first hand experience is that my son did look at going to Trinity College in Hartford, and it was the only place where I was mightily relieved he decided not to go to -utterly beautiful quintessential New England campus -but set a single foot off campus and you were in gang land territory. The only place where I kept thinking on the drive out that I hoped the car wouldn't break down! So what I'm saying is don't take a day trip to that part of Connecticut!  As an aside, it was a very happy day for me when my daughter didn't decide to go to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, by all accounts even worse and more  dangerous 😬

What is a lovely day out is the ferry to Block Island and some of the Connecticut coastline is beautiful as well. You can also catch the train from there into New York city, obviously an experience as well. As a family with kids, we used to go to the aquarium close to Mystic Seaport as well, which my then younger kids enjoyed. There are also some lovely state parks there, but obviously harder to get to, and I've done a chunk of hiking the Appalachian trail in Connecticut and really really enjoyed it. I think you will really enjoy Connecticut -It really is a New Englandy state.

Happy and safe travels! Hope you have a great time when you are over.

[Aldo1963]

7 hours ago, Nigeyy said:

First I can't say that I know much first hand about that area of Connecticut, except New Haven (home of Yale University, an excellent university) is known to be in a pretty sketchy area. Of course any urban place can have it's problems, and I think New Haven has it's share. I don't know where you are planning on staying in New Haven, but even if I did I'm not familiar enough with New Haven and it's neighbourhoods to know anyway! Obviously use the usual common sense and take note of your gut feeling -and if you think where you are staying is a bit iffy, then use an Uber to get there rather than walk in the middle of the night sort of thing. Honestly though, and I certainly don't mean to sound alarmist, this is just good common sense and I strongly suspect you'll be 100% fine.

What I can say from first hand experience is that my son did look at going to Trinity College in Hartford, and it was the only place where I was mightily relieved he decided not to go to -utterly beautiful quintessential New England campus -but set a single foot off campus and you were in gang land territory. The only place where I kept thinking on the drive out that I hoped the car wouldn't break down! So what I'm saying is don't take a day trip to that part of Connecticut!  As an aside, it was a very happy day for me when my daughter didn't decide to go to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, by all accounts even worse and more  dangerous 😬

What is a lovely day out is the ferry to Block Island and some of the Connecticut coastline is beautiful as well. You can also catch the train from there into New York city, obviously an experience as well. As a family with kids, we used to go to the aquarium close to Mystic Seaport as well, which my then younger kids enjoyed. There are also some lovely state parks there, but obviously harder to get to, and I've done a chunk of hiking the Appalachian trail in Connecticut and really really enjoyed it. I think you will really enjoy Connecticut -It really is a New Englandy state.

Happy and safe travels! Hope you have a great time when you are over.

Thanks for getting back to me, mate. Did a little bit of digging ourselves but very often it's only the 'good' stuff they want you to see! As you say, a bit of common sense and all should be good. Plus, the kilts will hopefully act as a deterrent against any would-be muggers 😆 Thanks again @Nigeyy

[Nigeyy]

8 hours ago, Aldo1963 said:

Thanks for getting back to me, mate. Did a little bit of digging ourselves but very often it's only the 'good' stuff they want you to see! As you say, a bit of common sense and all should be good. Plus, the kilts will hopefully act as a deterrent against any would-be muggers 😆 Thanks again @Nigeyy

For stuff around that area, a lot also depends on your interests (I think there are some casinos to the east, but never been as I'm not a casino kind of person). I like the outdoors more as you can tell, but to each their own. As I said, I'm not really familiar with that area, but I'm guessing you could get the train somewhere. If you can, hiring a car might be a good idea too (https://ctvisit.com/articles/coastal-connecticut-road-trip). As I've said in previous posts, the USA is very car centric, so having a car will certainly give you some freedom to explore -though I still don't recommend driving in Boston.

[NE TA in the weeg]

@Nigeyy

How easy is it to get to Worcester Regional Airport from Boston? 

We're flying from there down to Florida on the 20th, after Scotland's second game.

(thanks for all your responses, tips and advice in this thread!)

[Nigeyy]

7 hours ago, NE TA in the weeg said:

@Nigeyy

How easy is it to get to Worcester Regional Airport from Boston? 

We're flying from there down to Florida on the 20th, after Scotland's second game.

(thanks for all your responses, tips and advice in this thread!)

Huge caveat: never been to Worcester regional airport! However, at a guess, taking the commuter rail from South Station, Boston to Union Station, Worcester (Framingham line) is definitely going to get you closer. How you get from Union station to the airport I'm not familiar with at all, but I'd guess an Uber or a taxi or bus would be the next best thing to get to the airport. 

You might want to check out if there are any direct buses from Boston to Worcester regional airport as well.... Sorry I can't be of more help but it's just not something I've done.

[NE TA in the weeg]

@Nigeyy; thanks for getting back to me!

[JimOwer]

Hi @Nigeyy, I was thinking about going to the Haitian World Cup event in Matappan at lunchtime on the 13th. Soak in a bit of their atmosphere before heading into town. I know you've mentioned that area can be sketchy, reckon it will be alright during the day?

Cheers for all your info! 

[Nigeyy]

12 hours ago, JimOwer said:

Hi @Nigeyy, I was thinking about going to the Haitian World Cup event in Matappan at lunchtime on the 13th. Soak in a bit of their atmosphere before heading into town. I know you've mentioned that area can be sketchy, reckon it will be alright during the day?

Cheers for all your info! 

I think you should be ok in a crowd.  Just keep your eyes open, and if you don't feel comfortable then just leave. I've had the pleasure of chatting with quite a few Haitian people over the years and I've always found them lovely (their country, unfortunately, suffers terribly from corruption, poverty and violence). Just do the usual common sense things of not going to unpopulated areas, keep to the main streets, etc have fun!

[JimOwer]

Good stuff, cheers 

[Up and Doune]

@Nigeyy On our last night we’re staying at the Hyatt Boston Harbour as we’ve an early flight the next day. Is Jeffries Point a safe area? Would walking back from Maverick MBTA station to the hotel be safe or best to get an Uber?

[Nigeyy]

4 hours ago, Up and Doune said:

@Nigeyy On our last night we’re staying at the Hyatt Boston Harbour as we’ve an early flight the next day. Is Jeffries Point a safe area? Would walking back from Maverick MBTA station to the hotel be safe or best to get an Uber?

It should be safe to walk back (take the usual precautions: if you think you might be a bit tipsy, just take an Uber, or if you decide to walk from Maverick square, keep to the main streets, Sumner St sort of thing) though I'd tend to catch an Uber late at night -but I'm not sure how late you are talking about. However, can you catch the water ferry taxi? The Logan Airport Ferry Terminal is right beside the Hyatt Regency Boston Harbor (I assume you mean this hotel) and the ferry leaves from Long Wharf, a short 15 min walk from South Station.

Summary: really late at night and if you might be affected, take an Uber or the ferry, otherwise use common sense and you should be fine to walk.

Edit: https://www.mbta.com/schedules/Boat-F2H/timetable

Plug in your date to see which ferries run, or look at:

Bostonwatertaxi.com

 

Edited May 25 by Nigeyy

[Gordon63]

New Haven has best pizza in the world according to Dave Portnoy of One Bite Pizza Review fame. 

Nige, if you've been asked before apologies, but what are the usual prices for a draft (domestic US/Mexican e.g. Coors/Modelo/Sam Adams) beer in central Boston (and in suburbs if different) in a regular bar (i.e. away from the tourist hot spots, trendy areas etc).  We're going to pay whatever, but appreciate an idea of our beer budget beforehand, cheers.

[Grim Jim]

About time someone asked 😃

[Nigeyy]

7 hours ago, Gordon63 said:

New Haven has best pizza in the world according to Dave Portnoy of One Bite Pizza Review fame. 

Nige, if you've been asked before apologies, but what are the usual prices for a draft (domestic US/Mexican e.g. Coors/Modelo/Sam Adams) beer in central Boston (and in suburbs if different) in a regular bar (i.e. away from the tourist hot spots, trendy areas etc).  We're going to pay whatever, but appreciate an idea of our beer budget beforehand, cheers.

Oh dear I'm really the wrong person to ask as I'm a near tee totaller. While I love my beer, drinking alcohol can sometimes trigger really severe week long migraines for me (strangely sometimes not, but hey, drinking a beer for me is like Russian roulette) so hence I very rarely have a beer!

At a guess, I'm thinking around $8-12 for a decent beer (and that might not be a pint either) but it really varies with location. The cheaper domestic  beers in draft at some neighborhood  bars can be had for much cheaper ($4-7 a draft) but we're talking Bud, Bud Light, Coors, Coors Light, etc (great when it's a really hot day after mowing your lawn, less so if you prefer a "meatier" beer).  Without a doubt buying a case from a liquor store is the way to go -plus of course you won't be paying a tip on that.

By the way, there is some really really good beer here, a lot of micro brews have started up. When I have a beer I personally really, really like Harpoon IPA (beautifuly balanced, perfect amount of hops), though that isn't every ones taste. Interestingly beer lovers here say that they really like Trillium and it's very highly regarded -but I don't like it at all, way too over hopped for my taste.  IPAs (American IPAs, duh) are very popular.   A lot of people like Sam Adams (not really a microbrewery admittedly) too, again not my taste but worth a go. Anyway, I really think there are some excellent micro brews here. I'd encourage you to be adventurous as I'm sure you'd find something you like and probably unlikely to get back home.

[Nigeyy]

And just following on, you can do a tour of the Harpoon brewery at the seaport (done that and recommend it, $15 per person) but you have to book ahead as they are usually popular. I think you can also do a Sam Adams brewery tour, but I've never done that and it's not in the centre of Boston.

[Nigeyy]

Just back from doing a shop at Trader Joe's at Patriot Place (it's on the southern side of the stadium, close ish to Bass Pro Shops). I did talk with the guy behind the counter who said Trader Joe's would be open normal hours when the world cup is on, and will be selling alcohol (just not hard spirits though). That's what I was informed.

As you go into Trader Joe's, take a left, walk to the far left side of the store, and you'll be at the alcohol section. Beer (including some sold from a refrigerated display) is at the far end of the store (you'll see it and you can't miss it).

Included some photos and hopefully you can zoom in to get an idea of the prices.

 

[Nigeyy]

Prices are usually for six packs (but some of the more expensive ones are sold as four packs) and you can see they vary quite great ly in price, e.g. $10 for a six pack of Sam Adams Summer ale, $15 for a four pack of Austin Session IPA. Boatswain beer is the cheapest I think, but that's Trader Joe's own brand, so I'm not sure how good it is (you can Google it, e.g. https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/trader-joes-beers-tasted-and-ranked/ )

One thing for anybody who likes cider: I find all the American cider to be sickly sweet. You have been warned!

Edited May 31 by Nigeyy

[Ally Bongo]

Meteor explodes over Boston as sonic boom rings out across Massachusetts

 

[fraz65]

2 hours ago, Nigeyy said:

Just back from doing a shop at Trader Joe's at Patriot Place (it's on the southern side of the stadium, close ish to Bass Pro Shops). I did talk with the guy behind the counter who said Trader Joe's would be open normal hours when the world cup is on, and will be selling alcohol (just not hard spirits though). That's what I was informed.

As you go into Trader Joe's, take a left, walk to the far left side of the store, and you'll be at the alcohol section. Beer (including some sold from a refrigerated display) is at the far end of the store (you'll see it and you can't miss it).

Included some photos and hopefully you can zoom in to get an idea of the prices.

 

Is it worth booking a restaurant table in Patriots Place before or after the game?

I want to watch Australia vs. Turkey but it's a midnight kick off. Will anywhere in Patriot Place be open and showing it? 

Thanks in advance. 

[Nigeyy]

8 hours ago, Ally Bongo said:

Meteor explodes over Boston as sonic boom rings out across Massachusetts

 

I was at home with the wife and it was horrible rainy weather, a bit blustery too (quite a few people lost power). When we heard this, to be honest I just thought it was thunder! We live in the Dedham area which is to the South West of Boston.