Among Boston’s suburbs, which is the best for tourism?

I’m looking for quaint shops, eateries, etc. samll town kind of stuff.

Try Gloucester, Winchester, you will fall in love with Cape Cod.

Have fun!

Definately the North Shore, Salem, Marblehead, Gloucester, Swampscott. On the South Shore there is Plymouth, home of the Plymouth Rock and Plymouth Plantation. The Cape is fabulous, but I don't know if I'd consider it a "Boston Suburb". Salem is very touristy especially around Halloween because of the Salem Witch Trials.

I would say Concord - its got a nice down town area and historic sites to see. Lots of quaint architecture and it is also close to Walden Pond that you can walk around.

AVOID CAPE COD.
Everyone says how great it is and how much they love it but in my personal opinion it's nothing but a giant overcrowded tourist trap. There is nothing special about it.

There is much more charm west of the city. The Berkshires (though i don't know if they're considered being suburbs 3 hours west) but the towns are very small and very quaint and a lot of antiquing if that's your thing.

South of the city there is not a lot unless you plan to go to Plymouth and there they have a lot of Pilgrim museums.

Salem is great to visit with it's history.

I don't go to the North Shore much so I can't help you there.

Total, what are you talking about? You are the very first person I have ever heard say that about Cape Cod. The Cape is awesome and Salem is eerie. The Cape sounds like what A Patriot is looking for.

Cape Cod is far from Boston, but it would have what you're looking for. . .You could also find it along the North Shore area- Salem especially. . . . Not a "suburb" at all really, but you should check out Somerville and Cambridge as well. Some of the best eateries and cool little shops are in those cities so don't be afraid to go a few extra stops on the Red Line and check out the cool stuff!

Rockport, Newburyport, Salem, Gloucester, Beverly, or anywhere down on the Cape