Once upon a time ago in ye olde 2008, in the far away land of Seattle, VThornHeart started an adventure. It turned out to be a success and, though it has evolved and changed hands over the years, it has continued to happen at each successive PAX. And so we have
The Magical Mystery Tour!You can get twitter updates by following @PAX_MMTSchedule: (prices listed where applicable, closest T stop listed for each location)
Wednesday, April 4:
08:30a meetup @ Boston Common (corner of Tremont St & Park St) (
Park Street)
09:30a travel time
10:00a
Harvard Museum of Natural History $9 (
Harvard Square)
11:00a
Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (
Harvard Square) (we'll be walking)
12:00p travel time
12:30p lunch -
Sunset Grill and Tap (
Harvard Ave)
02:00p travel time
02:30p
New England Aquarium $22.95 (
Aquarium)
03:30p travel time
04:00p
Harpoon Brewery (
World Trade Center)
05:00p dinner break
06:30p
Skywalk Observatory $13 (
Hynes Convention Center )
07:45p travel time
08:30p
BU Astronomy night (weather permitting) (
BU Central)
Thursday, April 5:
08:30a meetup @ Boston Common (corner of Tremont St and Park St) (
Park Street)
09:00a travel time
10:00a
Sam Adams Brewery (
Stony Brook)
11:00a travel time
12:00p
Freedom Trail $12 (
Park Street)
01:30p lunch -
Fried Food Extravanganza (
State Street, we'll be walking since the Freedom Trail ends here)
02:30p
Mike's Pastry (
Haymarket, we'll be walking)
03:30p travel time
04:00p
Museum of Science $21 (
Science Park)
We'll be using the T (subway) to get around. You can by a pass for $15 that will get you unlimited rides for a week. When we leave the morning meetups, I'll be making sure everyone has a pass.
What To Bring?
A list of suggestions:
Cash Monies - This is a necessity this year! Be prepared to pay cash for lunch on Wednesday (to help splitting up bills and to make our waiter's life easier) and the Freedom Trail on Thursday. Also bring small bills for tips and donations.
Good Shoes - You want shoes that are preferably comfortable and have good tread. We will be walking up and down stairs to the subway, between the T stations and our destinations, and around various sites (museums, Harvard campus, etc).
Outerwear and Layers - It's springtime, so don't be surprised if we see rain/sleet/other water-based things falling from the sky. You can also expect cool or cold mornings, though it could warm up during the days. Layers are your friend.
Phone - You know, in case you get lost. Or hurt. Or you miss your best friend and need to hear his voice.
Charlie Card/Weekly Pass - We'll be riding the subway A LOT. It will save you some money if have either a standard Charlie Card ($1.70 per ride instead of $2) or a weekly pass ($15, unlimited rides for a week). Both are available at subway stations. (More info here:
http://mbta.com/fares_and_passes/subway/) At the morning meetings, I'll be helping everyone acquire one if they haven't already.
My Phone # - Did you get my PM? Write down my number, put it in your phone, or somehow make sure you have it.
Water and Snacks - Our time is tightly budgeted. While lunch is worked into the schedule everyday, there won't be time to stop at convenience stores/coffee shops/what-have-you. If you think you may want a snack or drink, bring it with you.
A Bag - Bags are handy for carrying stuff. Whether you need a place to stash your snacks, store your extra layers when you get warm, cart around your favorite game, or carry souvenirs and toys you buy, a bag is a good idea.
Cards - Did you make trading cards for PAX? This is a good time to get in some early trading of said cards. If you didn't make trading cards, you can still bring business cards or some other sort of info cards to give out to those cool new people you just met.
Schedule - It could be handy to have a copy with you. The MMT trading cards have an abbreviated version of the schedule on the back, so if you show up to the morning meeting (either day), you'll have that one.
Boston City Pass - Buying this could save you a little money if you are with us both days. You can order one online (
http://www.citypass.com/boston ) or at our first stop included in the pass
Pens and Other Small Items - General things that can come in handy: pens, paper clips, bobby pins, floss, duct tape. Stuff can go wrong. And you can play MacGuyver and fix it.
A Good Attitude - We're spending a day or 2 together. Play nice: Don't complain about things I can't fix (the walk/weather/late train). Don't start fights. Don't feed the animals. Don't be a dick.
Attendees: 57
Aioua
BIGmog
B0ndZ
browncoatbeth
bushnrvn
cabsy
chaosisorder
Cloudwalker +1
cpdavngr
Cynni87
Decius
Durinthal
Emod
Faern
gigabrain
jdixon1972
Jeff7
Juicepockets
Kevralyn
Khadour +1
Lady Lilybell
LedaXI +1
Littlebutton88
LTAcosta
MagnusCarter
marmaduketwist
metaversenomad?
MrSloth +1
mruth
peetsnack
PuddingSenator +3
Reverend Snide
Sausage +1
septagon
Snipethewolf
squeakyboy
The_Doctor1
the_stamy
tr0tsky
TurnedtoGold +1
vthornheart
Wheels35
willowtastic +2
Wormdundee
zerzhul +1
Posts
Old Info
Items in bold are places we went last year.
Prices listed are per each adult. Discounts are often given for children, seniors, students, and sometimes military.
Any notes about reservations are for my benefit.
Go to http://mmt.vthornheart.railsplayground.net/, sign up with your forum name and vote on where you do and don't want to go.
Price: $7
Hours: Wed, 4pm
Website: www.bso.org/
Additional Info: A reservation for a group tour will need to be made in advance.
Price: Free! (I'm suspect donations are encouraged.)
Hours: 9am - 5pm
Website: www.sec.state.ma.us/mus/museum/index.htm
Price: $10 for an F1 license and $28 to actually drive on the (cheaper) track
Hours: 9am - 11pm
Website: www.f1boston.com/
Additional Notes: It's a bit out of the way since it's in Braintree and using public transit will take us about an hour to get there by bus. Must be 18+ with valid driver's license. There are also a bunch of other rules you might want to read.
Price: $12
Hours: 10am - 2pm at each hour (maybe longer, as it will only tell me the winter hours now)
Website: mlb.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/tour.jsp
Price: $16
Hours: 10am-5pm
Website: www.zoonewengland.org/page.aspx?pid=219
Additional Notes: Animal exhibits include Tropical Forrest, Giraffe Savannah, Kalahari Kingdom, Serengeti Crossing, Tiger Tales, Franklin Farm, and Outback Trail. Read more here.
Price: $12 for guided tour (plus admission to some sites)
Hours: 12pm or 1:30pm (maybe more options as the summer season starts in April, but it won't show that schedule yet)
Website: www.thefreedomtrail.org/
Additional Notes: We can do a self-guided tour to avoid the $12 ticket price, but it's less fun.
Spots on the Trail:
State House
Park Street Church
Granary Burying Ground
King’s Chapel
King’s Chapel Burying Ground
Benjamin Franklin Statue/Boston Latin School (Oldest Public School)
Old Corner Book Store
Old South Meeting House ($6)
Old State House ($7.50)
Site of Boston Massacre
Faneuil Hall
Paul Revere House ($3.50)
Old North Church
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
Bunker Hill Monument
USS Constitution
Price: $9 guided tour
Hours: 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Website: www.thegibsonhouse.org/
Additional Notes: Museum is 4 floors and has no elevator. Cash or check ONLY, no cards accepted! Group of 12+ needs an advance reservation.
Price: Free!
Hours: 2pm and 4pm
Website: www.harpoonbrewery.com/
Additional Notes: Since it's a tasting, it may be only 21+. The website doesn't say.
Price: $9 (includes admission to Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology)
Hours: 9am - 5pm
Website: www.hmnh.harvard.edu/
Price: $15
Hours: Wed 10am - 5pm, Thu 10am - 9pm
Website: www.icaboston.org/
Price: $12
Hours: 11am - 5pm (open until 9pm on Thursday)
Website: www.gardnermuseum.org/
Additional Notes: They just added a new wing. $2 discount if you visit here and the Museum of Fine Arts within 2 days. Bonus: the website says if your name is Isabella, you get in free :P
Price: $12
Hours: 9am - 5pm
Website: www.jfklibrary.org/
Price: $6 each
Hours: 10am - 4pm
Website: www.marybakereddylibrary.org/
Additional Notes: Home to the Mapparium! A 3 story painted glass globe. (Viewable only by tour. Tours are every 20 minutes, starting at 10:20am.)
45-60 minute guided tours available, but only listed on the group rate page. I may have to reserve it (if we have a group of 15+).
Price: depends on what you buy
Hours: 8am - 10:30pm
Website: www.mikespastry.com/
Additional Notes: Take a look at some of the deliciousness they have to offer here.
Price: many things are free. $8.50 for the museum
Times: varies depending on what we do. Campus tours are 11am and 3pm. Museum hours are 10am - 5pm. Art tours must be scheduled in advance.
Website: web.mit.edu/visit/
Additional Notes: They periodically have some very cool-sounding events. Check out what will be happening when we're in town.
Price: $5
Hours: 10am - 4pm
Website: www.afroammuseum.org/
Price: $22
Hours: 10am – 9:45 pm
Website: www.mfa.org/
Additional Notes: Check the current and upcoming exhibits to see what will be showing while we're in town.
Price: $21
Hours: 9am – 5pm
Website: www.mos.org/
Additional Notes: The temporary exhibit when we'll be there is about Egypt
Price: $22.95
Hours: 9am – 5pm
Website: www.neaq.org/
Additional Notes: They have an IMAX theater but we probably won't be there long enough to see anything (and it costs another $9.95).
Price: Free! (suggested donation: $2)
Hours: 10am – 3pm
Website: www.samueladams.com/
Additional Notes: All ages allowed, but if you want to sample the beers, you must be 21+ and have a valid ID. International people, have your passport with you!
Price: $13
Hours: 10am – 10pm
Website: www.prudentialcenter.com/shop/shop_detail.php?id=64
Price: $10
Hours: 10am – 4pm
Website: http://www.sportsmuseum.org/
Price: $13
Hours: 10am-5pm
Website: www.zoonewengland.org/page.aspx?pid=220
Additional Notes: Animal exhibits include Yukon Creek, Windows to the Wild (small birds, mammals, and primates), Treasures of the Sierra Madre, Barnyard, Himalayan Highlands, and the Gibbon exhibit. Read more here.
You probably noticed the asterisks on some of those items. Those are things that are included in the Boston City Pass. The city pass costs $46 and will get you into 5 attractions in the city (Museum of Science, Museum of Fine Arts, New England Aquarium, Skywalk Observatory, and the JFK Library OR Harvard Museum of Natural History. (Yes, you have to choose between the last 2.) We'll probably go to 2 or 3 of those places, so the pass will likely be worth it.
I co-dependently visited Harvard and MIT during PAX, and would recommend Harvard for the tradition and wonderment, and MIT out of my personal kick for architecture. This building in particular.
Punzie, I think a survey link, like last year, might be a good idea to better help you gauge group interest.
A++ Would tour again. (Incidentally, I'm not going to PAX this year, but I wanted to offer my support and endorsement of an outstanding Pre-PAX event).
Gaming blog
@lamournumerique
I think there will probably be a survey after some discussion is done. There may be things added to the list
Sorry this post is a bit hyperactive, lack of sleep, but those have captured my interest for sure and the list as a whole is fantastic. Thank you, Punzie!
2009 Omeganaut
Pax Attendee/Enforcer:
Prime - '11 Attendee, '12 Enforcer, '13 Enforcer
East - '12 Attendee, '15 Enforcer
Google+ | Twitter
Ooo I'm going to have a previous MMT leader there judging me? Interesting.... >.>
Yay Nomad! It'll be good to hang out with you more
I never finish anyth
Pax Attendee/Enforcer:
Prime - '11 Attendee, '12 Enforcer, '13 Enforcer
East - '12 Attendee, '15 Enforcer
Nope. You'll just only be able to go for whatever's after 2pm People come and go regularly as they like. Just try to keep the tour guide in the loop as to your comings and goings.
On which day? If its Wednesday, you'll definitely be able to join us all day Thursday. If it's Thursday, you might cut it close.
Trying to meet up with the MMT the same afternoon will depend on a lot of things: What is our schedule? How are you arriving? What's traffic like (vehicle and foot)? Do you need to check into the hotel and how long will it take? Are you familiar with the public transit? It could very easily take 2-3 hours from when you land until you can get to wherever we are. That will be about the end of our main day.
If you can make it, thats great! But If you miss us, never fear. There are other community events held in the evenings: Thursday has the dinner, pub crawl, and boardgame night( if the thread isn't up yet, it should be soonish). And it looks like there will be some Wednesday nights events too (there's a thread for a pig roast already).
I was planning on doing most of the historical sites on my own anyway, so I thought it might be neat to tag along with the tour.
Pax Attendee/Enforcer:
Prime - '11 Attendee, '12 Enforcer, '13 Enforcer
East - '12 Attendee, '15 Enforcer
There's a link in the first post, so you don't even have to go to twitter and search for it. :P
I may not be Jesus, but I think I can make this happen.
@Durinthal
I'm also throwing in some heavy support for Sam Adams at 10am on Thursday
Pax Attendee/Enforcer:
Prime - '11 Attendee, '12 Enforcer, '13 Enforcer
East - '12 Attendee, '15 Enforcer
Yes, and I am the harshest judge. Wait, no I'm not!!!!!!! But I am happy to offer you whatever assistance you might need, if you want it!
F1 Boston (which I highly doubt will be chosen): your head will be slamming from right to left going around the track and it will hurt.
If there was any interest in Braintree, Dave & Buster opened just about a month ago at the South Shore Plaza. (Taking the red line to Braintree then grab one of two buses to the mall)
I ♥ making awesome crafts! I ♥ my Cookie Brigaders!
Sadly, thurday will be spent with PAX setup.
fuck up once and you break your thumb / if you're happy at all then you're god damn dumb
that's right we're on a fucked up cruise / God is dead but at least we have booze
bad things happen, no one knows why / the sun burns out and everyone dies
Also, if you look at the list of potential stops (second post), you'll notice there's also the Harpoon brewery. If enough people vote favorably, we can do one Wednesday and one Thursday.
What! Order? Reason? :P
Well just you wait until february. I'ma vote so hard at your website.
fuck up once and you break your thumb / if you're happy at all then you're god damn dumb
that's right we're on a fucked up cruise / God is dead but at least we have booze
bad things happen, no one knows why / the sun burns out and everyone dies
No matter how many people show up, we are going to have a rad time.
Twitter
3DS Friend Code: 3926-5491-9247
I also added a couple new spots: the Franklin and Stone Zoos, and Mike's Pastry. It looks like the 2 zoos have different animals on exhibit, so if you're interested in visiting a zoo, check them out to see which you prefer. We went to Mike's Pastry after lunch on Thursday last year and it was a big hit. I'd be surprised if you guys vote not to go there this year.
First: If you want to go, get your tickets soon, as they are selling quickly: http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/153429/east-pre-pax-east-2012-dinner/p1
Second: It's starting a bit early this year, at 5pm. This tour usually goes until 5pm and I wanted to make sure everyone has the opportunity to do both (indeed, I'm going to the dinner too), so I talked to acumen101. We may end the tour a little early Thursday prevening (pre evening), but acumen101 has assured me that it's perfectly fine if we don't show up until around 5:30pm. We'll just have a little less time to eat and socialize at dinner.