With its American Revolution foundation, rich maritime history and the oldest university in the nation, Boston is fascinating destination. Ideally one could spend many days there perusing its museums, exploring its charming brick streets and sampling its delicious food. For those of us more pressed for time though, here’s a helpful guide.
Freedom Trail Tour: If I could recommend anything that gives the best background of Boston’s interesting history, it would be this tour. And as an added bonus, Groupon usually has it as a promotion. You’ll follow a costumed, energetic guide through the streets of Boston past historical landmarks as you learn more about this great city’s interesting history. Never one to pass up an interesting cemetery, the portion of the tour through the Granary Burying Grounds were especially fascinating. There you’ll spot some well-known names in its midst. If you want to self-guide, follow the red brick line that traces through the cities historical landmarks.
Faneuil Hall: After finishing our guided tour we wandered over to this historic marketplace. Built in 1742 by Peter Faneuil, Boston’s wealthiest merchant, it was a gift to the city. Talk about leaving a legacy! As with so many of Boston’s historic buildings, it too has ties to the American Revolution. It’s where colonists first protested the Sugar Act in 1764 and established the doctrine of “no taxation without representation.” Today it’s a beautiful spot to grab a bit to eat, watch street performers or shop for souvenirs.
Common Wealth Bookstore: Along the Freedom Trail we came across a number of sites we wanted to return to. One was this charming bookstore with quite the collection of rare and unusual books and prints. It’s not hard to imagine that a bookstore in Boston would acquire an impressive collection. If you are a fellow bibliophilic, this small bookstore is well worth a stop.
Old South Meeting House: To stand where our nation’s revolutionaries stood just gives one a thrill. It was here that the Boston Tea Party began in 1773. Five thousand or more colonists gathered at the Meeting House, the largest building in Boston at the time. It at one time even served as a ride school for the British army who decided they didn’t have need for another revolutionary’s church. Bloody! Thankfully you won’t see any traces of a horses today in this beautifully preserved, historic building.
Old North Church: If historic churches are your thing, then be sure to also check out The Old North Church. As Boston’s oldest surviving church building and one of its most visited historical sites, this is a unique and stirring monument to liberty. Here in this well preserved church, now over 300 years old, you’ll discover many interesting facets of our nation’s history. It was from its very steeple that lanterns were hung to alert Paul Revere that the British were coming which of course ignited the American Revolution.
North End: A delightful walk directly east from the “market” will land you in Little Italy. As Boston’s first neighborhood, the North End evolved from an isolated village to the home of American Revolutionists to Irish haven and finally to Little Italy. We stopped in at Modern Pastry for some cannoli’s and other pastries. I’ll forever spend my life in search of a cannoli as good as the pistachio one I tasted here.
Beacon Hill neighborhood walk: Gosh Boston knows how to lay on the charm thick and the Beacon Hill neighborhood is one of its shining examples. Here you’ll find gas lit lamps, bricks sidewalks and colonial architecture. We loved exploring its streets, shops and dining on the most delicious pizza at Figs Pizza.
Public Gardens/Boston Common: When my sister-in-law suggested this city park as an interesting sight while touring the city I had no idea the treat we’d be in for. With the title of being our nation’s first botanical garden, you know it’s gotta be good. Definitely plan to spend some time enjoying the landscape, ponds and duck watching. Even if you’re just passing through, time in the Boston Commons will leave you better then when you entered. And next time I’m definitely taking a ride on one of these!
Museum of Fine Arts: A good museum does not go unnoticed by me! Boston has an exceptional collection of fine arts that was an absolute pleasure to view. We spent a couple of hours here at the museum and could have spent much longer it was so good. They have antiquities from as far back as the 6500 BC, to impressionist Monet, to more modern pieces. I want to go back to Boston just for their MFA!
Boston Red Sox Game: If you’re in town during their playing season seeing a Red Sox game in the historic Fenway Park is a must. We loved seeing a game and even though we purchased cheap tickets, the stadium is small enough that no seat is very far from the field. America!
Boston is such a treasure in so many ways. It’s a beautiful city with such interesting historic ties that makes it a great trip. And we saw so much in just one day before we set out to see Cape Cod. And as an added bonus, Boston is a very walkable city that requires minimal public transportation once you’re in the city center. We can’t wait to go back and explore even more!
