Re: More free guides....
Well we survived! I wish I could say the same for the credit card. Completely oblivious to any news about customs we literally went to town. There were 3 main places we went to. Filene's is a department store somewhat reminiscent of Arnotts/Clerys. Of great interest were the two levels in the basement where they just knock up to 75% off stuff before they give it away to charity. Across the street was Macy's. Enough said. Didn't spend too much time in there. The most impressive part was the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets. If you've been to the Premium Outlets in Orlando (not Belz) you'll have an idea of what this is like - except bigger. Maybe an extra 50 or 60 shops. Vastly discounted stuff. It's not in Boston city and you'll need to find some way to get out there. I'm sure there's some kind of bus service available. We met up with folks from a few years ago and they were good enough to take us out.
For me, the highlight was a computer fair that we went to on the Sunday. A nerdfest to beat all. Half price components - motherboards, CPUs, monitors, RAM, disk drives, etc.
Just to remind you we stayed in the Back Bay Hilton. About 15 mins walk from Boston Common/Public Garden. Another 5 mins on from that and your in Downtown Crossing. If you fancy, it you could wing it on the T (Boston's subway) but only went on this with our friends.
As for touristy things, there was a trolley stop outside the Hilton/Sheraton (where Aer Lingus staff stay) hotels and for about €20 you could hop on and hop off at any of the 17 stops. Plenty of history with Boston's Faneuil (fan-yool) Hall being the cradle of liberty.
Eating out was fine, didn't have any bad experiences. We chowed down in the Cactus Club (Mexican food - around the corner from the Hilton), Zuma (more Mexican - Quincy Market) and Fireflys (BBQ in Marlboro outside Boston - of cigarette fame).
All in all, a great weekend and thoroughly recommended especially if you book flights and hotel during the summer before the Christmas rush begins.