The public right to waterfront access has been enshrined in Massachusetts law since the days of the Puritans. Nowhere has that right been so vigorously asserted as along the wharves of Boston Harbor. When Rowes Wharf was developed in 1987-88, it set a template for public access.

What does this have to do with travel and food?

Everything. The hotel on the wharf, the Boston Harbor Hotel (617-439-7000, bostonharborhotel.com), has been a model host. And not just to the clientele for its luxury rooms and associated condos. For the 24th year, Boston Harbor Hotel is putting on a series of weeknight programs called ‶Summer in the City.″

On Tuesday through Friday nights through August 25, a live band plays from a floating barge stage. Artists range from soft jazz to country to soul and R&B. Hang out on Rowes Wharf to hear the music. Or guarantee a seat by reserving a patio table at the hotel’s Sea Grille restaurant or even closer to the action (but with a shorter menu) on the Harborwalk Terrace.

That’s where you would have found us on Wednesday evening — sipping white wine sangria and enjoying a quintessentially stateside meal of lobster rolls and cheeseburger sliders. (Okay, we also had some crudités with Green Goddess dipping sauce and some perky hummus and pita.) You don’t have to travel to eat well, but travelers to Boston this summer should seriously consider dinner and music at Rowes Wharf.

When the wine starts pouring and the band starts playing, that’s when we know it’s really Summer in the City.