Our readers are writers too...

Journeywoman Laura Purdom is a freelance writer living in Northampton, MA. Her book, Secret Boston: A Unique Guidebook to Boston's Hidden Sites, Sounds and Tastes is an excellent guide. We thought it would be fun to include two of Laura's tips in this article. She writes...

L.A. Burdick
It was clever marketing to set up a chocolate shop in the heart of Radcliffe campus, the Ivy League women's college. Isn't it a scientifically proven fact that women need chocolate to live? The stylish cafe/shop, L.A. Burdick (52 Brattle Street, Cambridge, 617-491-4340) serves hot chocolate -- sumptuous, rich, intense, thick -- as well as pastries and handmade chocolates. The mostly-female patrons at this den of chocolate iniquity sit at tiny tables sipping from white bowls and nibbling on tarts, heedless of the clanging that emanates from the kitchen. Burdick's candies sell for $12 a pound. Choose a solid ingot or an assortment of bonbons, such as a boxed set of the company's adorable chocolate mice.

Qingping Gallery Teahouse
Art and the art of tea blend seamlessly at Qingping Gallery Teahouse (231 Shawmut Avenue, 617-482-9988). This art gallery/teahouse is tucked away on a quiet street between the South End and Chinatown. Shows feature contemporary, cutting edge Chinese artists, while the tea service grounds the experience in tradition. Listen to the strains of Chinese opera or perhaps a jazz riff on the stereo while you sip your tea and nibble an almond cookie in the sunny front area, by the bubbling aquarium in the rear -- or tip toe up to the loft for some quiet reflection. Evening discussion groups on books and films are scheduled regularly, and the gallery puts on frequent acoustic evenings.

Recommended reading...

The Boston Globe publishes a special supplement each Thursday, called the Calendar - where you can find information about local events, for the coming week as well as restaurant listings etc. For even more extensive information, pick up a copy of the weekly Boston Phoenix.
Yael, Ramat Gan, Israel

Another Journeywoman adds: Or log on to www.boston.com and look for the online version of Calendar -- an events tabloid that comes with the Boston Globe newspaper on Thursdays -- listings for everything going on in town.
Marilyn, Boston, USA

Whenever I'm in a new city, I check to see if they publish, WHERE Magazine which I always find extremely helpful (they bill themselves as 'the best source for shopping, dining, entertainment & maps'). I was pleased to find Where Boston at my hotel -- it's free, informative and the information was right up to the minute. Bear in mind that this is an advertisement-driven publication so read the restaurant and boutique reviews with eyes wide open. I always benefit most from browsing through their section called, 'What's On in Boston.' Excellent! (P.S. Looking for greeting cards at 50% off. 'Where Boston' directs you to a spot called Boston Sweets and 1/2 off cards in Copley Square. They say you always pay half for wrapping paper and cards, here. 545 Boylston Street (617.266.6882)
Evelyn Hannon, JW Editor

The Mini Rough Guide to Boston (Fagundes and Grant) is small enough to fit into your bag and is an ideal guide for a mini holiday in the city. I used this pocket handbook when I visited Boston and also referred to it when researching this article. Don't expect long write-ups on any one subject but you definitely get the basics you need to get you started.
Evelyn Hannon, JW Editor

If you stop at any information center or at South Station (train station), you can find brochures on all kinds of activities, tours (walking, bus and water) and events. Enjoy!
Phyllis, Charlton, USA

I have lived in the suburbs of Boston all my life - more than 50 years. For restaurants I use Zagats' little red book with ratings and reviews, also available on-line - so many fabulous ethnic restaurants in Boston and over the river in Cambridge for all price ranges and food preferences.
Susan, Boston, USA

From the U.K. to Boston with love...

I e-mailed Journeywoman from the U.K. to express sympathy with all in the United States after the Sept. 11 disaster. I said that we were still planning to travel to Boston despite the fact that so many people all over the world had cancelled their plans. I was thrilled to  get a speedy reply from Editor, Evelyn Hannon - makes Journeywoman seem so much more personal. Now, my 15 year old daughter and I have just returned from Boston and had such a great time. We are so pleased we did not cancel. We felt safe - no bomb scares. Well done Boston, we will be back!

Sue Dennis, United Kingdom