Boston
If New England had an official capital, Boston would be it. The region’s largest city by far is also its most exciting. The city doesn’t shy away from its history, which stretches back nearly 400 years. But its large student population keeps it young, and plenty of upscale shopping, fine dining, sports, and cultural events keep this patrician city anchored firmly in the 21st century. Any time is a good time to visit, but mid-October offers the chance to see blazing fall foliage at its peak.
Activities and Attractions:
There’s so much history in Boston that you’ll inevitably wish you’d paid closer attention in school. Not to worry; history lives and breathes in Boston. You can stand practically on the spot where the “shot heard round the world” was fired; visit the Old North Church, where Paul Revere got his famous “two if by sea” message; and walk the wooden decks of the U.S.S. Constitution, a 200-year-old veteran of the war of 1812 better known as “Old Ironsides.”
A good way to take in a lot of history in one afternoon is by following the red stripe you may have noticed on some sidewalks. This stripe marks the 3-mile Freedom Trail, a route connecting 30 historical sights throughout the city. Plaques tell you what you’re looking at, and there are also docent-led tours that whisk you through the highlights in just 90 minutes.
When you’re ready to return to the present time, pay a visit to Boston’s premiere strolling neighborhood, the Back Bay. You’d be surprised at what a city so old can do for your wardrobe. Newbury Street is lined with clothing and furnishing boutiques full of one-of-a-kind treasures. For big brand names, head to the shops at the Prudential Center and Copley Place. For antiques, make a beeline to St. Charles Street, in the heart of Boston’s august Beacon Hill neighborhood.
Along the way, you may be tempted by popular Faneuil Hall--also known as Quincy Market--but honestly, unless you have a pressing need for t-shirts and tchotchkes, skip it. Do be sure to make way for ducklings and ride the swan boats in the lovely Public Garden, though.
Being so close to New York, Boston’s cultural scene tends to get overlooked, which is a shame, because it has a first rate symphony, and the Boston Pops’ annual Fourth of July performance is something to behold. (Think 1812 Overture punctuated by fireworks.) The Museum of Fine Arts is also excellent. Kids in particular will enjoy the hands-on exhibits at the Museum of Science, and everyone loves the New England Aquarium with its performing seals and 200,000-gallon shark tank.
At dinnertime, venture into Boston’s South End. The neighborhood’s Victorian-dwelling residents know that this diverse, gay-friendly area is home to some of the city’s best restaurants. Or try the North End, where Italian is still heard on the streets and oregano scents the air. Boston also has the nation’s fourth-largest Chinatown, so try a dim sum brunch before you leave. Tasty wontons and dumplings are a good way to occupy Sunday morning, when by law, many Massachusetts stores are closed.
Insider Tip:
Pahk the Cah. No, seriously; we don’t just like saying that. Boston’s chaotic street layout and parking woes can make driving more trouble than it’s worth. Take a cab, or better yet, walk—Boston is a compact, pedestrian-friendly city. Save the car for excursions to Cape Cod or the Berkshires.
-Exclusively for Perfect Escapes by Nicole Clausing |
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