Boston
One of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston is a gorgeous treasure trove of history and culture. The bustling Atlantic Coast metropolis, 200 miles northeast of New York City, has long been celebrated for its myriad attractions dating back to the Colonial era, as well as its legendary sports teams, venerated educational institutions, heavenly food and beer, and vibrant Irish American culture.
Rivers Run Through It
Boston straddles the mouths of the Mystic and Charles rivers, which spill out into Boston Harbor and the Massachusetts Bay beyond. Interstate Highways 90 and 93 both lead into the city, connecting it to other New England destinations including Providence, Rhode Island, an hour’s drive away, and Portland, Maine, just under two hours to the north. The climate here is cool throughout the year, with plenty of fog and rain owing to the old city’s coastal orientation. July is the hottest year of the month, with averages around 74 degrees, notably cooler than most other big cities in the region.
Anglers’ Delight
Several areas in town entice fishing enthusiasts to drop their lines. For freshwater catches, settle into a spot on the banks of the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, just east of downtown. A gravel path circles this well-maintained fishing hole, and ample open areas along the banks give you lots of choices for a casting spot. Close to Boston Harbor, the Charles River Esplanade offers three miles of waterfront, where striped bass and largemouth bass tug on lines just minutes from downtown. Looking for something more rustic? Houghton’s Pond, situated about 25 miles outside of town, teems with tiger trout, brook trout and other popular catches. Part of the 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation, the pond hosts fishing clinics every July for anglers.
Freedom Trail
History lovers will adore the two-and-a-half-mile-long pedestrianized Freedom Trail, connecting 16 of the city’s important historic sites, from the Boston Common to the Paul Revere House, not to mention Bunker Hill, the site of a major battle in the struggle for independence. The trail also passes by the historic USS Constitution warship, which was first launched in 1797 and later used in the War of 1812.
Glorious Gardens
While the Freedom Trail is the main draw for history buffs, there are quite a few other popular old attractions throughout town. These include the Boston Public Garden, a 24-acre expanse of trees and plants that dates back to 1837. Take a ride on a beautiful swan boat and glide through the scenic lagoon with a pilot at the helm. The swan-shaped vessels have charmed passengers since 1877.
More Green
The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is a mile-and-a-half stretch of public space connecting the downtown area and the harbor. Visitors can ride the carousel, enjoy public art, shop at a farmers market and tap toes to live performances. While at the harbor, visitors can watch historic tall ships, like the Liberty Clipper, an authentic replica of the schooners that plied these waters in the 1800s.
Irish Influences and More
Celebrations are a popular feature of Boston life. Saint Patrick’s Day is the best time to visit for party people and those interested in Irish American culture. The annual celebration of Ireland’s patron saint attracts tens of thousands of green-clad revelers every year, and the annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, held on the Sunday closest to the holiday, is the second-largest St. Paddy’s Day fete in the nation. Another big festival is Patriots Day in April, which commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord. The festival coincides with the Boston Marathon, which attracts 500,000 spectators each year. Festivals recognizing Haitian and Puerto Rican culture also reverberate through the town each year.
Food and Drink
Bostonians love to eat, and the city’s wide array of restaurants and bars satisfy every palette. Don’t miss Union Oyster House, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States, which has been serving up succulent seafood since 1826. Lovers of all things Irish should stop by Durgin-Park Restaurant for a dish of the city’s popular baked beans; delicious prime ribs and lamb chop are on the menu as well. Beer drinkers can wet their whistles at the Atlantic Beer Garden or Boston Beer Works. Throw a little pop culture fun into the experience with a stop-off at the Cheers pub, displayed in the opening credits of the popular ‘80s sitcom by the same name.
Beantown Sports
Boston spoils sports fans. Baseball fans should visit to Fenway Park, which opened back in 1912 and still hosts the Red Sox Major League Baseball team. Other pro teams in town include the Boston Celtics, with a National Basketball Association-leading 17 championships under the team’s belt, and the National Hockey League’s Boston Bruins, which play at TD Garden. The Super Bowl-winning New England Patriots count Bostonians as their most avid fans; the team plays at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough to the south.
Higher Education
Be sure to visit “Boston’s Left Bank,” also known as Cambridge, home to Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). You’ll find musicians, puppeteers and jugglers among the entertainers at Harvard Square, while culinary masterpieces are created at Central, Kendall and Inman squares. Of course, places like Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston Public Market and Haymarket offer shopping, dining and entertainment.
Boston Buildings
Fans of iconic American architecture should add a stop at the Beacon Hill neighborhood to their itineraries. This historic district is full of old Federal-style brick row houses that frequently make appearances on Boston postcards. Get another glimpse of the past at the Old State House Museum, housed in the former Towne House built in 1713, making it the oldest surviving public building in Boston.
Skywalkers
Turn the clock forward and enjoy the Boston of the 20th and 21st centuries. Perched atop a 50-story skyscraper, the Skywalk Observatory serves up sweeping views of contemporary Boston, whose diversity is as rich as its love for its home sports teams: Boston Red Sox (baseball), Boston Celtics (basketball), New England Patriots (football) and Boston Bruins (hockey).
For More Information
Greater Boston CVB
888-733-2678
www.bostonusa.com
Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
800-227-6277
www.massvacation.com
