Vacation in Boston (also Quebec border Q)

[Brule]

I'm visiting a buddy in Boston for a week or so. First time at Fenway! (go Sox!) I did have a couple questions the locals might be able to help me with. Any replies would be very much appreciated.

I was looking at local stores near where I'll be staying, in the Cambridge area. Any advice for a visitor to the city, either a good cigar shop or any place to enjoy a nice smoke? Taxes sound crazy from what I've read...

Might also head north to the Canadian border. (note: I will NOT be returning with anything.... sigh) Do the duty free shops carry the *good* stuff or should my hopes for a good single be dashed now? Was looking at Rock Island crossing (northern Vermont) but not sure where we'll end up.

[Langod]

I'm a newbie so I can't tell you much about Boston B&Ms or other ones out of my normal travels, but if you do end up heading north on RT 93 to Quebec, you'll be going right past two good shops in NH.

-- In Salem, NH (exit 1) a mile or two south on Rt 28 -- Two Guys Smoke Shop.

-- In Londonderry, NH (Exit 5) Twins Smoke Shop. (literally about a hundred yards south of the exit, across from Sunoco.)

[massphatness]

While in Boston check out Stanzi in Boston's North End -- on Hanover Street as well as Cigar Masters on Boylston Street. Both are somewhat a wee bit overpriced, but there's not a lot to choose from in Boston.

Have fun!

[scottw]

Originally Posted by massphatness

While in Boston check out Stanzi in Boston's North End -- on Hanover Street as well as Cigar Masters on Boylston Street. Both are somewhat a wee bit overpriced, but there's not a lot to choose from in Boston.

Have fun!

Which is the one in Harvard Square? The one not too far from the John Harvards? I was there with my wife a year ago.

[Habsrule29]

As far as the duty free shops, if by the good stuff you mean cubans, then no, they wont have them, only non cubans.

[squeeze left]

From what I understand, even our Massachusetts taxes pale in comparison to our BNOTB (Brothers north of the border).

While in Boston, be sure to stop in at L.J.Peretti's if you are looking to pick up a single or two. They have a pretty good selection, and you can walk over to Boston common to light up. They're famous for their pipe tobacco, too - if your into that try some Park Square.

Enjoy your driving experience, too - our drivers are famed for their politeness and deference, and all the streets are well-marked!

[wilblake]

Originally Posted by scottw

Which is the one in Harvard Square? The one not too far from the John Harvards? I was there with my wife a year ago.

Leavitt & Pierce is at 1316 Mass Ave in Cambridge, which is Harvard Square.

As mentioned earlier, you can't miss Stanzas, it's two doors down from Mike's Pastries on the west side of Hanover in the North end. There's also Churchills near Quincy Market. I'd avoid buying singles at dedicated cigar bars (Stanzas, Cigar Masters) as their prices tend to be higher.

[scottw]

Originally Posted by wilblake

Leavitt & Pierce is at 1316 Mass Ave in Cambridge, which is Harvard Square.

As mentioned earlier, you can't miss Stanzas, it's two doors down from Mike's Pastries on the west side of Hanover in the North end. There's also Churchills near Quincy Market. I'd avoid buying singles at dedicated cigar bars (Stanzas, Cigar Masters) as their prices tend to be higher.

That's the one, thanks.

[Brule]

Thanks for the responses, I have a solid list to check out wherever I am in the general area. I hope to find a CC without having to go all the way to Montreal, but will just have to play it by ear.

[mosesbotbol]

Welcome to our fair city.

There's several excellent cigar shops around Boston & Cambridge. Many are among the oldest in North America. Just look on the B&M section of this forum.

As for going to the Canadian border. You're 3.5+ hours drive and there are no Habanos available. You'll have to drive another 1+ hour to get to Montreal. Most of the towns south of Montreal a dingy farming towns that are unlikely to have any Habanos.

Boston has pretty good cigar prices and excellent alocohol prices. Enjoy your stay.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by massphatness

While in Boston check out Stanzi in Boston's North End -- on Hanover Street as well as Cigar Masters on Boylston Street. Both are somewhat a wee bit overpriced, but there's not a lot to choose from in Boston.

Have fun!

I would have to disagree. Just think about it. Take a 1.5 mile radius from Back Bay; there's 8+ excellent dedicated places to either smoke in or buy cigars. Not many other US cities can boast that.