Boston is home to some of the most well-known sports teams, restaurants and landmarks in the country. From the Patriots, Celtics and Red Sox to the Original Cheers Restaurant, Boston offers it all, but it can be overwhelming to decide what to do first. Even for those who have lived in Boston for a decent amount of time, there is a great deal to choose from in terms of places to see, restaurants to try and events and activities to attend.
As more than just the home to the Red Sox, the neighborhood surrounding Fenway Stadium bustles with activity. The stadium is a must-see icon in Boston. A variety of restaurants line the main street running next to the stadium, called Landsdowne Street, but the area is home to more than just restaurants. Events such as a Country Street Party held on September 24, close the street for country fun with artist performances.
The House of Blues is also found on Landsdowne Street. This music hall features live music focused on celebrating African American cultural contributions through jazz and blues musical traditions, while serving traditional southern style food.
For history, Boston is notable for the Freedom Trail. The walking trail spans 2.5 miles, passing by 16 sites that highlight the rich American history that unfolded in Boston. Historic landmarks along the trail include places such as Paul Revere’s grave, the site of the Boston Massacre, USS Constitution, and the monument for the Battle of Bunker Hill.
In addition to the Freedom Trail, there is a lesser known Black Heritage trail that traverses Beacon Hill and explores places such as the site of the first African Meeting House and residential houses that played instrumental roles in the Underground Railroad. Regular guided tours of the trail take participants through the 14 main sites of the trail, or a guide can be found online at the Museum of African American History’s main site (http://maah.org/).
The Boston Public Garden, noted as the first public botanical garden in the country, is a beautiful location to explore for a relaxing outing. The Victorian-era park sits in the middle of Boston beside the Boston Common. The large pond in the Garden is home to the popular tourist attraction of the Swan Boats, as well as two swans named Romeo and Juliet. If visited during the right season, one could catch a glimpse of the fall colors, or the bright tulip gardens in the spring.
While these attractions are iconic in the Boston area, there is still so much more to do, such as exploring the North End (known for its historic landmarks and Italian-American community), the Waterfront, or Faneuil Hall.