Haute Secrets Boston: PR Guru Courtney Long

NJFPR is one of the hautest names in the public relations industry helping to launch hotel brands and restaurants from the East to West coasts.
Photo Credit: NJFPR

From the Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square to Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires, they have a satellite office now in Boston.  

Photo Credit: NJFPR

We recently caught up with Courtney Long, NJFPR’s Boston director,  to find out what she loves most about Boston.

Where were you born: Charleston, SC

Neighborhood: Back Bay

Occupation: Boston Director at NJFPR, a full-service PR agency specializing in the travel, hospitality and lifestyle industries.

Favorite Restaurant: Can I only pick one? I have so many favorites but being obsessed with seafood (specifically lobster rolls), I would have to say that Row 34 and Island Creek Oyster Bar are two of my top picks. I love that everything is so fresh and the menus are constantly changing.

Best Italian: Can’t beat Rialto

Best dessert: Doughnuts are my favorite kind of dessert, and it doesn’t get any better than Blackbird Doughnuts in the South End.

Best place for a romantic date: Living in Back Bay, my fiancé and I love to take advantage of the close proximity to the Charles River. When it’s nice out, we love packing a picnic and sitting along the Esplanade, particularly in the summer when you can watch the sailboats on the river. It’s even better when the flocks of geese don’t try to steal our food.

Best Sunday brunch: The Gallows in South End. Lively but not too crowded, consistently great food and friendly service. They also serve Blackbird Doughnuts which is always a plus.

Best place for a power business meeting: L’Espalier

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Hands down, Hotel Commonwealth (and I’m not just saying that because I represent the hotel). I love the preppy chic design of the guest rooms, the genuine service and the truly unique views of Fenway Park.  The General Manager, Adam Sperling, is also one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Shreve, Crump & Low

Best Spa: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

Favorite Charity Event: My Life My Choice “Turn on the Light” Gala

Favorite Cultural Event: Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

Favorite Cultural Institution: Boston Public Library 

Best Steakhouse: Grill 23

Best Pizza: Santarpio’s

Best Lunch: Having lived in NYC for 8 years, I developed a (somewhat) unhealthy obsession with Shake Shack. You could say I’m a regular at the Newbury Street location.

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Diehard Bar Method client, it’s the best!

Best Massage: Exhale’s Flow massage is a great go-to, but if you want to really treat yourself go for the Oriental Essence massage at the Mandarin Oriental.

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Uber, though NOT UberX!

Best Museum/Exhibit: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Describe Boston in three words: Charming, historic, proud

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore: Boston Public Garden

All-around favorite spot in Boston: I love the Espalande because it’s a peaceful respite from the busy city and it’s great for people watching.

Best Aspect of Boston: There are so many wonderful aspects of Boston, but I love that I can actually get into sports because all of the professional teams are consistently good. Oh, and Tom Brady.