Boston
Boston had been a
thriving city long before the United States itself existed.
Founded in the 17th century, Boston has been the center of
attention in New England since the colonial period. Today's Boston
continues to boast some of the best attractions to be found in the
Northeastern US. As the "cradle of the Revolution," Boston is full of history like no other city in America. For over 350 years, some of the world's greatest patriots, writers, thinkers, athletes and artists have called Boston their home, leaving an indelible mark on this incredible city in the process.
A trip to Boston is necessarily a trip into American history. Boston was the center of the revolutionary movement in the 1770's, and the monuments to those glorious times still stand. Faneuil Hall (1742) was a meeting place for revolutionary leaders, and it now houses dozens of shops and restaurants. The Old State House (1713) was the site of the colonial government and is open for tours. Paul Revere's house is also open for tours, and the Old North Church (1723) and its famous lanterns are still in use. The site of the Boston Massacre where five colonists died in 1770 has been preserved. The First Public School was in Boston; some of its graduates include Sam Adams and Ben Franklin. The Granary Burying Ground in the middle of town has the graves of patriots John Hancock, Paul Revere and others. Even the Boston Tea Party is commemorated in a floating ship museum, not far from the floating museum aboard the USS Constitution, America's first great warship.
In addition to history, Boston boasts a wonderful cultural tradition. There are currently more than 23 major theatres, orchestras, and symphonies in Boston, and more small theatres numbering into the hundreds. The Old Corner Bookstore was a favorite meeting-place for Hawthorne, Longfellow, Emerson, Thoreau and other great American writers. The Museum of Fine Arts is the largest museum in New England, and is the centerpiece of a collection of art museums that are spread all across the city.
Kids will love Boston's history, and they will also love many of its other attractions. Boston Common, which once housed British troops, is now a beautiful park in the center of the city. The Franklin Park Zoo is nearby, with a Children's Zoo and other kid-friendly attractions. The Boston Science Museum feature over 400 hands-on exhibits. The New England Aquarium has more than 2000 sea creatures on display, including fish, whales, and penguins. Finally, the Boston Children's museum is dedicated to educating and entertaining kids at the same time.
Sports fans can attend professional basketball, hockey, and baseball games involving some of America's greatest teams. Football fans can enjoy professional games or college-level ball at many of Boston's dozens of colleges and universities.
Millions of visitors a year come to Boston for its history, and once they arrive they discover that there's even more to enjoy in this amazing city.
Boston Vacations: Four Ways To Experience Beantown
by Cliff Calderwood
Boston is a great destination city for a vacation. There's plenty on tap to see and do, and it's an easy city to get around on foot. And you'll find Boston vacations a refreshing mixture of old and new.
You can experience the start of the revolutionary war, take a bus on a river, and see a coral reef - and all before dinner.
The best way of getting around during Boston vacations is walking. That's right the ole soft shoe shuffle. You'll save time and see more by expending some shoe leather.
But for first time visitors I highly recommend an orientation tour first.
A SPLISH-SPLASH DUCK TOUR
One of the best, and most unique tours is the Duck Tour ride.
The tour is done in a renovated World War II amphibious vehicle. You get to not only experience Boston from the streets of the city, but also from the Charles River.
That's right, during the tour, the bus you're on will become a boat, and you'll see the beautiful Boston skyline from the river that separates Boston from Cambridge.
You can pick-up and buy tickets for the tour at two places: The Museum of Science, and The Prudential Center in Boston's Back Bay. During the summer the tours are usually sold out by lunchtime. The tour lasts about 80 minutes, and there's no stops.
It's a great tour and you'd have to be "quackers" not to do it! Sorry couldn't resist it.
THE FREEDOM TRAIL
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile easy-to-follow red brick line that links 16 historical sites together around the streets of Boston. It's a one-way route starting from Boston Common and ending up at the Bunker Hill monument in Charlestown.
If you do the whole thing, plan on at least 2-3 hours, or better still take the whole day. You'll pass by many landmarks on your trip, such as: The Boston Common, Boston Massacre Site, Paul Revere's House, and USS Constitution.
The route takes you through Boston's famed North End, where you'll be sure to return during your Boston vacations to sample the superb Italian restaurants.
THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM
As San Diego has its world famous zoo, then Boston has the New England Aquarium.
New England and its coastline have a history of fishing and whaling. But today instead of slaughtering whales, New Englanders spend most of their time saving them.
And the aquarium is a vital link in the area's ocean preservation movement.
The centerpiece of the aquarium is the giant tank. The floors of the aquarium run around the tank and up four levels. At the top you get to peer down into a coral reef and listen as the staff explain about the tank and the fish that live in it.
You'll get the answer to questions such as: "Why don't the big shark fish eat the little tasty fish?" or "How old are those huge sea turtles swimming around down there?"
Your ticket will include a visit to the Discovery next to the main building, where you can see and learn about sea lions during an amazing show. A few years ago the Aquarium opened an IMAX theater that shows a mixture of sea-related and general science films.
A word of warning - this is a favorite Boston vacations attraction for families. But you'll always get in, even when the ticket line seems to stretch for miles.
BEACON HILL
Sandwiched in a small area between Boston Common, and the Charles River, are alleys and narrow red brick cobbled streets, where time has stood still for the last century.
This is Beacon Hill, and one of the most popular walks for people on their Boston vacations.
Quiet and bewitching, it's a delight to walk. You'll find walled gardens and an authentic 19th century neighborhood feel. Even the original gas lights remain on streets lined with ancient elms.
A favorite haunt for taking pictures is Louisburg Square. A picturesque block of residences perfectly preserved.
After you ramble up Mount Vernon street, wind your way back across to the Massachusetts State House that sits atop Beacon Hill and get your camera out again.
AND THERE'S MORE.
Three other places to visit on your Boston vacations are Cambridge, just across the Charles River, and home to the universities of Harvard and MIT - THE J.F.K Library and Museum at Columbia Point in South Boston - and the Boston Harbor Islands, tours to the islands leave from Long Wharf and Rowes Wharf, both located near the aquarium.
Boston has tons of things to do and see, and I've really just started to scratch the surface for you. The rest is yours to discover and as close as your favorite search engine and booking on the Internet.
About the Author
Cliff Calderwood is the owner and contributing writer of New England Vacations Guide . This is an excerpt from a longer article on Boston vacations, and you can read the full article and get a free downloadable copy of his complete travel guide at http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com
Places To Visit
Abiel Smith School
46 Joy St. Beacon Hill
Boston, MA 02114
617-742-5415
The Museum of Afro American History, Boston, is a not-for-profit cultural institution dedicated to preserving, conserving and accurately interpreting the contributions of African Americans. More Info
African Meeting House
8 Smith Court
Boston, MA 02446
617-742-5415
The Museum of Afro American History, Boston, is a not-for-profit cultural institution dedicated to preserving, conserving and accurately interpreting the contributions of African Americans. More Info
The French Library & Cultural Center
53 Marlborough Street
Boston, MA 02116
617-266-4351
Looking for a taste of French culture in Boston? Then visit the French Cultural Center and Library. The French Cultural Center offers translation and interpretation services, language classes, films, and videos. Enjoy the varied art exhibitions, concerts, lectures and special events.
Beacon Hill Walking Tours - Magnificent and Modest
Visit the elegant Federal style Otis House, stroll around Beacon Hill; view the homes of well to do merchants and then the modest dwellings on the North Slope where the working class resided.
Society for Preservation of NE Antiquities
141 Cambridge St.
Boston, MA 02114
617-227-3956
Museum of cultural history that collects and preserves buildings, landscapes, and objects dating from the seventeenth century to the present. .
Black Heritage Trail
46 Joy Street
Boston, MA 02114
617-739-1200
A walking tour of the history of Boston's Black community between 1800-1900 on Beacon Hill. The tour includes: Meeting House, Smith CourtResidences, Abiel Smith School, G. Middleton House, Robert Gould Shaw Memorial, Phillips School, home of John J Smith, Charles St. Meeting House, Lewis & Harriet Hayden House, and Coburn's Gaming House. Historic walking map available. All sites must be visited with an arranged tour except those hours noted at specific sites.
Book Lover's Dream Tour
Boston History Collaborative - Literary Trail
38 Burroughs St.
Boston, MA 02130
617-574-5963
A guided walking tour of either Boston, Cambridge, or Concord's delightful, private bookstores, followed by tea and literary conversation in an elegant, historic setting. Call for reservations.
Boston Irish Famine Memorial
50 Braintree Hill Office Park
Braintree, MA 02184
617-696-9880
The Boston Irish Famine Memorial, along the city's Freedom Trail, was unveiled in June, 1998 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Irish Famine, an episode which sent over 100,000 Irish refugees to Boston. It is also a tribute to the memory of over one million Irish who died during the Irish Famine (1845-1849) and a remembrance of people still suffering famines in countries around the world.
Boston Stock Exchange
100 Franklin St.
Boston, MA
617-723-9500
Take a tour of Boston's stock exchange! The glass-enclosed viewing area above the trading floor offers an area for self-guided tours. Exhibits and multi-media displays trace the close links between the Exchange's role as an early source of capital, the development of New England's economy and the growth of Boston's financial services industry. Online access to breaking financial news and stock market data are available.
Boston History Collaborative - Literary Trail
38 Burroughs St.
Boston, MA 02130
617-574-5963
Boston History Collaborative is a non profit alliance of four groups interested in furthering interest in Boston and American history, and tourism. This model for historical tourism blends the best of our historical heritage with innovations to create a presentation of Boston's rich history. Trails include the Literary Trail, Boston By Sea: The Maritime Trail, and The Immigration Trail.
Boston African American National Historic Site
African Meeting House
8 Smith Court
Boston, MA 02446
617-742-5415
Black Heritage Trail site; Begin at the Boston Common Visitor Center to visit The Boston African American National Historic Sites along the Black Heritage Trail. The first site is the Shaw Memorial, across from the State House. Explore the rich history of Beacon Hill's 19th century Black community.
Boston By Sea: The Maritime Trail
617-574-5950
Boston's Maritime Trail currently offers a great opportunity to connect a variety of sites and activities centered on Boston's rich seafaring history. Ships and museums, shops and harbor islands, historic centers for shipbuilding and scenes of romance, roguery and revolution make up this interesting and fun trail along Boston Harbor. Going beyond the city limits, the trail continues the story of Massachusetts' place in sea history. Begin at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center to pick up a map and up-to-date event listings along the trail; then, head down to the sea !
Boston History Collaborative - Maritime Trail
38 Burroughs St.
Boston, MA 02130
617-574-5950
Boston History Collaborative is a non profit alliance of leaders from the visitor industry, the business community, local government, historic attractions and senior historian. Established in 1997, the organization's mission is to spearhead the development of a new model of historical tourism in Boston. Its mission is to increase tourism by making Boston's authentic historical attractions more exciting and interactive for both visitors and local residents. Three trail are currently offered or are under development - The Literary Trail, The Maritime Trail and the Immigration Trail
Boston Center for the Arts
539 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02125
617-426-5000
Located in the heart of the South End, easily accessible by public transportation and within walking distance from Chinatown, Back Bay, Beacon Hill and the Theatre District, the Center features programs in the historic Cyclorama, exhibitions in the Mills Gallery, theater performances in three small theaters and offers studio space for artists.
Boston Light on Little Brewster Island
Fan Pier
Boston, MA
617-223-8666
Boston Light is America's oldest lighthouse and the country's only lighthouse manned by active duty Coast Guard personnel. Completed in 1716 and rebuilt from its own rubble in 1783, the lighthouse was preserved by special legislation. A great chance to get up into Boston Light and look around. Tours leave aboard the 49 seat Hurricane and last approx. 2 1/2 hours. Tours leave on Saturdays at 9am and 1pm from Fan Pier.
Boston National Historical Park
Headquarters for the National Park Service in Boston.
Charlestown Navy Yard
Boston, MA 02129
617-242-5644
Visit the Boston National Historical Park, and capture the spirit of the old and the new within Boston.
Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum
Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum
Congress St. Bridge
Boston, MA 02210
617-338-1773
Begin at the Boston Common Visitor Center to pick up information and perhaps a trolley tour to the Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum. Visit a replica of the "tea party ship." Celebrate freedom during Patriots Day week on board the ship located on the Congress Street Bridge. Relive the Boston Tea Party with costumed guides aboard the full scale replica of Big Beaver. History comes alive aboard the replica Tea Ship. Participate in the reenactment presentation with Paul Revere & Sam Adams. Throw tea chests overboard. Engage in discussions with Colonial Costumed Guides. "Tax free" tea served, too.
Bunker Hill
617-241-7575
Enjoy a dramatic multimedia presentation of the first battle of the Revolution at the Bunker Hill Pavilion, located 200 yards from "Old Ironsides" in Charlestown.
Commonwealth Museum & Massachusetts Archives
220 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
617-727-9268
Explore the people, places and politics of Massachusetts. Interactive exhibits focus on and contemporary issues of appeal to visitors of all ages.
DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park
51 Sandy Pond Rd.
Lincoln, MA 01773
781-259-8355
Take a stroll through the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park. The museum is dedicated to the exhibition of art and sculpture.
First Church of Christ, Scientist (The)
175 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
617-450-3790
Tour the Mother Church, visit nondenominational Bible exhibit, and see the 30 foot stained glass Mapparium in the Christian Science Publishing Society, where the Christian Science Monitor is published.
Fort Point Open Studios
Fort Point Channel Neighborhood
Seaport District
Boston, MA
617-423-4299
Stroll through the working studios of Boston's resident artists in the Fort Point Channel neighborhood. Look, study, talk to the artists, and buy their works! Please call for a map.
Harriet Tubman Park
Columbus Ave. & Warren St.
South End
Boston, MA
Columbus Ave. between Holyoke and Pembroke St., at the corner of Warren. 10 minutes walking distance from Prudential Center. A tiny park situated in Boston's historic South End, will feature a 1913 statue "Emancipation" - the only monument in America to freed slaves. Created by black artist Meta Warrick Fuller, it depicts a man and woman metaphorically from bondage. Born a slave, Harriet Tubman is recognized as the mother of the Underground Railroad, a dangerous escape route for slaves to freedom. Beginning in 1850, Tubman's tenacity and emboldened spirit helped 300 black men and women escape slavery. Her brilliance as a speaker galvanized abolitionists in Boston to become a leading force in 19th century history.
Harpoon Brewery
306 Northern Ave.
Boston, MA 02210
617-574-9551
Atlantic Ave., to Congress St., to Northern Ave. (past World Trade Center/Jimmy's Restaurant) at the EDIC Marine Industrial Park. Located on Boston's waterfront (Seaport District), the Harpoon Brewery is New England's largest brewer of specialty beers. Tours, tastings, events, catalogue Brew-Wear and more make this a great place to sample hand-crafted beers in all seasons.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
280 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
617-566-1401
This 15th century Venetian palace created at the turn of the century by Isabella Stewart Gardner houses more than 2,500 art objects, among them works by Rembrandt, Botticelli, Raphael, Titan, and Matisse. Relax in the interior flowering courtyard and outdoor gardens. Visit the Cafe & gift shop. Information about the Museum is available in Braille and large print at the Information desk.
John Hancock Observatory
Copley Square
200 Clarendon St.
Boston, MA 02116
617-572-6429
Located on the 60th floor of NE's largest building, the Observatory offers unparalleled views of Boston and beyond. It also features several exciting interactive and audio-visual exhibits.
Longyear Museum
1125 Boylston Street
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-278-9000
An independent historical museum featuring Mary Baker Eddy's life. Founded in 1926, it maintains six historic houses, exhibits and archival/library materials.
Museum of African American History - African Meeting House
138 Mountfort St. Brookline
Boston, MA 02446
617-739-1200
The Museum is a non-profit educational institution founded to study the social history of New England's African American communities. It also promotes an awareness of that history by means of educational programs, publications, exhibits and special events. Sites include African Meeting House & The Black Heritage Trail.
Museum of National Center of Afro-American Artists
300 Walnut St.
Roxbury Boston, MA 02119
617-442-8614
An art museum dedicated to the promotion, exhibition, collection and criticism of the Black visual arts heritage worldwide. Programs are offered in 5 areas, as well as publications, research and education.
New England Historic Genealogical Society
101 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02116
617-536-5740
New England's largest collection of family and local history materials, this modern library is an historic Back Bay landmark. Tours, research assistance available.
Nichols House Museum
55 Mount Vernon St.
Boston, MA 02108
617-227-6993
This historic house museum is located on Beacon Hill and is available for small functions and cocktail parties.
Old North Church
193 Salem St.
North End
Boston, MA 02113
617-523-6676
Built in 1723, the Old North Church is Boston's oldest church building. It's where the signal was given to launch Paul Revere's ride on April 18, 1775. The Church and museum/gift shop are open daily to visitors from 9am to 5pm, summer till 7pm.
Old South Meeting House
310 Washington St.
Boston, MA 02108
617-482-6439
Freedom Trail : It's where the Boston Tea Party began ! See the award-winning restoration of this National Historic Landmark and experience Old South's history through an innovative audio program that transports you back in time and places you right in the middle of the action.
Prudential Skywalk Observation Deck & Exhibit
Prudential Tower
800 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02199
617-859-0648
The Prudential Skywalk Observation Deck offers the only 360 degree view of Boston and beyond from over 700 feet up.
Robert Gould Shaw & 54th Regiment Memorial
Boston Common & Park St.
Across from State House on Beacon St.
Boston, MA 02114
617-742-5415
A Black Heritage Trail site commemorating the Civil War regiment. The Black regiment, which served with honor in the Civil War, was the basis for the movie Glory.
USS Constitution Museum
Charlestown Navy Yard
Boston, MA 02129
617-426-1812
Experience one of America's great national treasures - Old Ironsides. Share in the historical heritage, take the wheel yourself to sail into battle during 1812, or travel "around the world" during her 1844-46 world cruise.
Walks Through Freedom
617-227-8800
All year round by reservation.
Walk the Freedom Trail with costumed, historic ambassadors from Revolutionary times, discover or re-discover the story of America! Explore the Trail with the Freedom Trail Players as they re-tell the known and little- known tales of the past, leading the way through city streets to the actual sites of our American Heritage.
Freedom Trail
3 School Street
Boston, MA
617-227-8800
Boston's three-mile walk through history -- follow the red brick road to 16 historic sites: Boston Common, The State House, park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King's Chapel, Ben Franklin's statue, Old South Meeting House, Old Corner Bookstore, Old State House, Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and Copp's Hill Burying Ground, USS Constitution, & Bunker Hill Monument
Women's Heritage Trail
Boston, MA
617-522-2872
Begin at the Boston Common Visitor Information booth to start five guided walks through four centuries of Boston women. The Downtown Walk highlights the search for equal rights; the North End Walk explores the diversity of cultures; the Beacon Hill Walk reveals the stories of writers, artists and activists; the South Cove/Chinatown Walk celebrates women's action for economic and social justice; and the Back Bay Walk tells the tales of educators, artists and social reformers. Follow the footsteps of some remarkable Boston women and share their stories of heritage and freedom, accomplishment and achievements as you "remember the ladies." Pick up the 80-page illustrated book "Boston Women's Heritage Trail" and begin at the Boston Commons Visitors Information Booth.
