Fenway Park

Fenway Park, home of the beloved World Series champion Boston Red Sox, sits prominently in Kenmore Square just steps from the famous Citgo sign that illuminates the area at night. The 100-plus year old park has more than 37,000 seats where fans gather each year to watch their beloved team in "America's favorite ballpark."

Fenway Park parking
Parking near Fenway is always a challenge. Metered parking is available but extremely limited and nearly impossible to score, especially on game days. There is parking available in garages all around the park within walking distance, but most do charge exorbitant prices.

Hotels near Fenway Park
The Hotel Buckminster offers one of the cheapest stays in the area with modestly appointed rooms that range from king rooms to a full suite. Across the street in Kenmore Square is the luxury (and more expensive) Hotel Commonwealth that features a suite dedicated to Fenway Park. The baseball suite here is lined with baseball memorabilia, including movies, trading cards and décor.

Seating at Fenway Park
Bleacher and grandstand seats are the cheapest in the park, but some of the best views are had from left field high atop the Green Monster, which was constructed in 2003. Since then, Fenway Park has undergone major renovations with seats being added to include dugout field boxes, a right field roof, Coke deck along with the exclusive EMC Club and State Street Pavilion (where full sit-down dinners are offered and many Red Sox players' wives can be found watching the game).

Food at Fenway Park
There are numerous concession stands throughout the park sell chicken tenders, cotton candy, Cracker Jacks, burgers, fried dough and pizza. If you are looking for a quick snack, i.e. popcorn, peanuts, ice cream or even Fenway franks, just head to your seat where park workers run up and down the aisles balancing trays and coolers on their heads for from-your-seat service. For something different, don't miss the lobster rolls sold at the Gate D Concourse, New England clam chowder on the Right Field Roof Deck or the Monster Dogs sold on the Green Monster.

Beer at Fenway Park
The Big Concourse offers the largest beer selection, including Guinness, Coors Light, Bud Light, Harp, Heineken, Amstel Light, Blue Moon and a few other craft beers as well as local selections like Harpoon, Green Monster Ale and Sam Adams. All levels and seating areas at the park offer beer (even the Green Monster section has their own private bar).

Parking alternatives at Fenway Park
Taking the Green Line train to either the Fenway or Kenmore stop is your best (and cheapest) bet. For just a few bucks, you don't have to worry about finding a parking ticket for an expired meter.

What to bring to Fenway Park
Food and drinks are not allowed inside the park and security guards are on hand checking bags to ensure this upon entry. During summer games, be sure to bring sunscreen as many seats inside the park sit directly in the sun. When the sun goes down, be sure to have a light jacket or sweatshirt on hand as it quickly becomes cool at night even in the warmer months. If you do forget to bring a jacket, don't worry -- there are many souvenir shops nearby.

Insider tip for Fenway Park
Fenway Park offers year round tours of the park. The batting practice tour, which is held three hours' prior to the start of a home game, is one of the coolest ways to get up close and personal watching the players on the field. There are also tour packages available that allow you to gain access to the locker rooms where you can try on uniforms of both past and present players.

Author's bio: Kellie Speed is a freelancer who lives south of Boston.