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Travel Logs June 2014

Compulsive Traveler

Top Ten Tips for Visiting Boston

By Sandra Scott

    Follow the 2.5-mile trail to 16 historically significant sites including museums, meeting houses, churches and cemeteries. Stops include Paul Revere’s house, Faneuil Hall, Old North Church, Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides.

    Boston, Massachusetts’ capital and largest city, is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Founded in 1630, it was the site of some key events of the American Revolution. Today the city is an exciting place to visit with something for everyone including sport fans, history buffs, and foodies. For more information check www.massvacation.com or call toll-free (800) 227-MASS.

    1. CityPASS: Savvy and budget-minded visitors will want to purchase Boston CityPASS which allows admission to the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science, Skywalk Observatory, Museum of Fine Arts, and Old State House or the Harvard Museum with a savings of nearly 50% –  and no waiting in line.
    2. Trolley Tour: There are a variety of tour buses and duck tours (in a WWII style amphibious landing craft that travels on land and water) all offering a variety of deals for traveling about Boston. Old Town Trolley Tour is an excellent choice with a hop-on/hop-off option and great deals such as a choice of free admission to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum or Boston Harbor Cruise. Purchase online for greater savings.
    3. Boston Tea Party: If you only relive one historic event in Boston it should be at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum which opened in June 2012. The multi-media exhibits, authentically restored ships, live actors, and audience participation will bring the event alive. You can toss the tea into Boston Harbor reenacting the historic occasion.
    4. Freedom Trail: Follow the 2.5-mile trail to 16 historically significant sites including museums, meeting houses, churches and cemeteries. Stops include Paul Revere’s house, Faneuil Hall, Old North Church, Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides. Walk it on your own but for a more information book a tour with “Walk Into History” led by an 18th-century-costumed guide.
    5. Harvard: You, too, can say you went to Harvard after a tour with Cambridge Historical Tours. The Harvard choice is just one of the company’s tours of the Cambridge area. Their Innovation Tour includes both Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, plus they offer another tour of Harvard’s Natural History Museum.
    6. Go team: Boston is home to several major league sport teams. Bostonians are avid fans and visitors can catch the excitement at a game by cheering for the Boston Red Sox, the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, or one of the many college teams. Check out the legendary Green Monster, the 37-foot left field wall at Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox.
    7. Museums: The city is home to a plethora of museums including the Museum of Fine Arts which opened during America’s Centennial and is home to nearly a half million works of art. The Institute of Contemporary Art located on the waterfront features works of Picasso, O’Keeffe, Warhol and other famed artists. Also visit the Children’s Museum, historic homes, JFK Library & Museum and many others.
    8. Foodies: Boston is home to the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S. – The Union Oyster House. Wet your whistle with a stop at the Harpoon Brewery and check out their meal-size pretzels. Looking for something on the sweet side? Take a Back Bay Chocolate Tour.
    9. More cool things to do: Take a harbor boat ride. View Boston from the Skywalk with many displays dealing with Boston’s history. Visit the Christian Scientist mother church and adjacent Mapparium, a three-story glass globe. Have afternoon tea in Abigail’s Tea Room.
    10. Side trips: Follow Paul Revere’s Ride to Lexington and wander along Battle Road to Concord. Nearby, tour Louisa May Alcott’s house and Thoreau’s Walden cottage.

     

    Sandra Scott travels the globe recording the top attractions at every destination.