Somewhere in my mom's life, before she had kids, she made it obligatory to take her future kids to every damn historic place in Boston. I recall always trolling behind my mom with my little brother with our packed backpacks full of sandwiches and boxed juices. Now I'm positive I haven't been to all the key attractions in Boston, but I sure have been to a lot. I'm going to provide you readers with places I've been to and places I haven't been to also: ALL of which are recommended for first time Boston goers.
Because Massachusetts was one of the 1st 13 colonies of America, a lot of history lies in this state, especially in the city of Boston. In the following places that I will be mentioning, you will find that most sites have a historical background to them. Many of these sites are also located outside of Boston, but close enough that visitors call it Boston. You will also find the significance of these sites to be extremely interesting, as some have connections to why America IS America today. I learned a lot of Boston history through my middle school and high school, took lots of field trips, but to be quite honest I have forgotten a lot since high school was over, and even found AP US History very difficult in those years, so please bear with me.
Places I've been to:
The Freedom trail is a 2.5 mile red/brick walking trail in Downtown, Boston that leads you to 16 nationally significant historic sites.
For those of you who aren't acquainted with Revere, he was a patriot in the American Revolution. He became a legend overnight as he is famous for warning the Americans and the troops that "The British are coming! The British are coming!" during his Midnight Ride on a horse through the Boston, Lexington, and Concord streets.
Established in 1635, the university is located right in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The school takes up most of the small city and attracts thousands of tourists everyday. Interesting fact: Harvard produces the most billionaires in the world. In 2009, US News proclaimed Harvard as the #1 university in the world, followed by the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
MIT
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Separated from Boston by the Charles River, Massachusetts Institute of Technology is also located in Cambridge. A university dedicated to math and science, it stands in the top 5 best universities in America.
Newbury Street
Often known as the "5th Ave of Boston", Newbury Street has become the city's premier shopping district for the city's wealthy and fashion-forward. It is a long strip featuring some of the world's most elite stores down to the very stylistic. It is home to some of the best restaurants in Boston. Many people own apartments on the street also. Bentleys, Bugattis, and Lamborghinis are just some of the luxury cars that zoom through the street after a nice day of shopping, or valeted in front of a restaurant. The street is an easy getaway for the local Bostonian to attend to (as commuting is easy) and a satisfying experience for the average visitor.
There's also Franklin Park Zoo, Museum of Fine Arts, the JFK Library & Museum, Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, Symphony Hall, Boston Pops on July 4th at the Hatch Shell, Spooky World, Six Flags, Scooper Bowl at City Hall; just several more attractions/events I highly recommend off of experience and word of mouth.
Places I haven't been to (but recommend):
A popular spot for the elite, especially for a lot of politicians, Martha's Vineyard is a getaway location not too far from Boston, serving the purpose to relax in peace. It has been a hot spot, as well as a home, for numerous musicians, artists, politicians, and etc for centuries. Above is a picture of President Obama and one of his daughters bike riding a few days ago on the Vineyard (August 27, 2010). The Obama family, as well as many other significant figures frequent here. The Vineyard has had some of the most prestigious people own homes there and vacation there for centuries, including many presidents.
Recommended Hotels:
Recommended Restaurants:
The following restaurants I will be mentioning are some of the restaurants I have personally been to. I've had an amazing experience at all and found the food good enough to be recommended to you all. Click this link for a more profound list of recommended restaurants --> More Top Restaurants in Boston
Now of course, there are many other sites, hotels, and restaurants that are also amazing that I didn't get to mention. However, these are what come to the top of my head. If you feel that I've excluded something very important, feel free to email me at bianca_y_rose@yahoo.com.
I am open to opinions and suggestions. On another note, I hope when and if you get the time to visit Boston, you refer back to this post and take my advice on places to go.You won't regret it. If you don't plan to, then I hope you got a good feel of Boston through my words and the pictures. Boston is a wonderful city for all and it is to be enjoyed by whoever, in whatever way.
Sources:
Wikipedia
Because Massachusetts was one of the 1st 13 colonies of America, a lot of history lies in this state, especially in the city of Boston. In the following places that I will be mentioning, you will find that most sites have a historical background to them. Many of these sites are also located outside of Boston, but close enough that visitors call it Boston. You will also find the significance of these sites to be extremely interesting, as some have connections to why America IS America today. I learned a lot of Boston history through my middle school and high school, took lots of field trips, but to be quite honest I have forgotten a lot since high school was over, and even found AP US History very difficult in those years, so please bear with me.
Places I've been to:
Always used to be one of my favorite places to go to as a child. One time isn't enough. The feeling as a young kid to experience this museum is captivating and overwhelming. Adults also frequent here.
Children's Museum
Unlike the Museum of Science, the Children's Museum is just for kids. Of course parents take their kids there but this place is like a world of surrealism from a kid's perspective. It's magical.
Fenway Park
Home to the Boston Red Sox baseball team, as well as the first MLB stadium ever in America. The environment in and around this stadium is quite fulfilling to a sport's fan soul.
Gilette Stadium
Home to the New England Patriots football team.
TD Garden
Home to the Boston Celtics basketball team and Boston Bruins hockey team. Many other events also takes place here such as WWE, Disney On Ice, and more.
Disney On Ice
A great family event to attend to. My mom took us here several times when we were young. It's a traveling show and they only appear during the winter season. If you haven't taken your kids to Disney World in Florida, which I also highly do recommend for every kid to go to in their prime time, Disney On Ice provides you with a nice sample. Great event for Disney fanatics.
TD Garden
Disney On Ice
Massachusetts State House
Located right on the top of the elite Beacon Hill, this building is where the governor makes his second home and offers daily tours to visitors. Great history here.
Boston Latin School
Established in 1635 as the 1st public high school in America, the school continues to stand at the top of America's 50 Best High schools. It is the predecessor of the world's #1 college, Harvard. Many historians, signers of the Declaration of Independence, war veterans, billionaires, and owners of major corporations in America graduated from here, dropped out also (as Benjamin Franklin did, who later became one of the four Founding Fathers of the United States of America). Hopefully I'll join the notable alumni list someday? Yeah ok haha.
This is not the location of the first school. It is actually located on School street, the very same location of Benjamin Franklin's statue. It's apart of the Freedom Trail!
Established in 1635 as the 1st public high school in America, the school continues to stand at the top of America's 50 Best High schools. It is the predecessor of the world's #1 college, Harvard. Many historians, signers of the Declaration of Independence, war veterans, billionaires, and owners of major corporations in America graduated from here, dropped out also (as Benjamin Franklin did, who later became one of the four Founding Fathers of the United States of America). Hopefully I'll join the notable alumni list someday? Yeah ok haha.
This is not the location of the first school. It is actually located on School street, the very same location of Benjamin Franklin's statue. It's apart of the Freedom Trail!
MIT
Castle Island
An important location during the American Revolution. A popular place for student field trips.
George's Island
Another popular place for student field trips, George's Island has an interesting, mythical environment. I learned many things here, such as there being a ghost on the island, who may I say his George himself. I believe it! It's scary as a little kid, but if you were as spontaneous as me back then, you'd enjoy it for the thrill.
Charlestown Navy Yard
Located right outside of Boston, the Charlestown Navy Yard holds a significance in relation to the war between France and the US, regarding the Civil War. You can take ferries from Boston to here, while enjoying the view of the city itself.
Charlestown Navy Yard
White Mountains
Standing 6,288 feet tall, located in New Hampshire (not too far from Boston), the gorgeous White Mountains are incredible. After climbing them, you feel a type of successful feeling, getting only a taste of what those who climbed Mt. Everest probably feel after they complete the mission. I recommend, highly, to visit the mountains. If you aren't afraid to camp out in the mountains for a few days, then this is perfect for you. The water is beautiful, and the greenery is exquisite.
Cape Cod
Famous for its beautiful water and vacation homes, Cape Cod, just outside of Boston is a beautiful town that serves as a getaway place or retirement location for many, many people. The only difference between Cape Cod's and Jamaica's water is that the Cape's is wicked cold, nevertheless beautiful. A wonderful place to make a getaway stay.
Bunker Hill Monument
The monument was created to honor the Battle of Bunker Hill. Another fight between the British and Americans, the battle proved right for the British but benefited the Americans for the amount of losses (dead bodies) the British had in the battle. You can actually go inside the monument and walk all the way to the top.
Famous for its beautiful water and vacation homes, Cape Cod, just outside of Boston is a beautiful town that serves as a getaway place or retirement location for many, many people. The only difference between Cape Cod's and Jamaica's water is that the Cape's is wicked cold, nevertheless beautiful. A wonderful place to make a getaway stay.
Bunker Hill Monument
The monument was created to honor the Battle of Bunker Hill. Another fight between the British and Americans, the battle proved right for the British but benefited the Americans for the amount of losses (dead bodies) the British had in the battle. You can actually go inside the monument and walk all the way to the top.
Boston Common
A common area for Bostonians and many events (statewide walks, marathons, plays, shows, etc), the Boston Common serves as a park for people to relax. Right in the heart of Downtown, Boston, many corporate workers find time during their break to come here and take a breather. The greenery is absolutely stunning. You also find historical findings in the wide area. The Frog Pond skating ring is located right in the center of the Common, an ice-skating ring frequented by hundreds of people everyday during the winter season. The movie theaters is also right across the street.
Swan Boats
Another sweet site located in the Boston Common, the Swan Boats have turned iconic in Boston and for its visitors. Even though it's a short, smooth ride paroling through the Common, you get a wonderful view of Downtown, Boston and the Common itself.
A common area for Bostonians and many events (statewide walks, marathons, plays, shows, etc), the Boston Common serves as a park for people to relax. Right in the heart of Downtown, Boston, many corporate workers find time during their break to come here and take a breather. The greenery is absolutely stunning. You also find historical findings in the wide area. The Frog Pond skating ring is located right in the center of the Common, an ice-skating ring frequented by hundreds of people everyday during the winter season. The movie theaters is also right across the street.
Swan Boats
An extremely fun event for the family, a boat takes you far out into the harbor in order to view the Whales jump. It's an incredible experience because the whales are so huge in person.
Also try a new, cool ride called the Codzilla! You can find it at the Harbor in the summertime! It zooms!
Newbury Street
There's also Franklin Park Zoo, Museum of Fine Arts, the JFK Library & Museum, Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, Symphony Hall, Boston Pops on July 4th at the Hatch Shell, Spooky World, Six Flags, Scooper Bowl at City Hall; just several more attractions/events I highly recommend off of experience and word of mouth.
Places I haven't been to (but recommend):
Boston Duck Tours
The Boston Duck Tours serve as a perfect opportunity for a visitor to get a good and fun view of Boston. The driver is also the story teller of the ride, and while riding through the streets of Boston you also learn about many historical and significant sites as you pass them. Eventually the boat goes right into the water, and you end up having a memorable tour.
10/18/13 update: I actually have been on one of these tours and I highly recommend it! Very cool experience.
10/18/13 update: I actually have been on one of these tours and I highly recommend it! Very cool experience.
Recommended Hotels:
The hotel became the permanent hotel of kings, queens, US presidents, and other powerful people whenever they come to Boston. My mom worked there as a receptionist for years so I had the opportunity to attend a lot of events and had personal experience with amazing rooms and significant people. This hotel provides you with true luxury, even if you don't have a royal background. It's Bill Clinton's favorite hotel in Boston.
I've never stayed at the W Hotel in Boston, but the reputation the hotel has collected throughout the years from their hotels around the country, as well as my experience with their hotels in other cities, has put this particular one on my list. It's fairly new, being just finished built about 2 years ago. It's a walk away from Downtown, Boston and even a shorter distance away from Newbury Street. It also is right around the corner from Boston's top nightclubs.
My family and I have stayed here before (just for fun) and thought it very convenient for Boston sports fanatics in town. It's also a favorite spot for Britney Spears!
This hotel also spells L-U-X-U-R-Y. I never got to experience it until my senior prom was held here, and it was the first time I was able to get a feel from the inside. I don't know about the rooms, but I do know the Ballroom is gorgeous.
Ha. Now this is "LUX" lol. Definitely never been in here but it is located right on the corner of Newbury Street and Beacon Hill. The luxurious hotel draws the attention of many of the world's elite. It is extremely pricey but holds down it's word of having one of the most beautiful hotels in America.
Also check out The Liberty Hotel. It was a jail converted into a hotel, but I only hear good things about it.
Also check out The Liberty Hotel. It was a jail converted into a hotel, but I only hear good things about it.
Recommended Restaurants:
The following restaurants I will be mentioning are some of the restaurants I have personally been to. I've had an amazing experience at all and found the food good enough to be recommended to you all. Click this link for a more profound list of recommended restaurants --> More Top Restaurants in Boston
Now of course, there are many other sites, hotels, and restaurants that are also amazing that I didn't get to mention. However, these are what come to the top of my head. If you feel that I've excluded something very important, feel free to email me at bianca_y_rose@yahoo.com.
I am open to opinions and suggestions. On another note, I hope when and if you get the time to visit Boston, you refer back to this post and take my advice on places to go.You won't regret it. If you don't plan to, then I hope you got a good feel of Boston through my words and the pictures. Boston is a wonderful city for all and it is to be enjoyed by whoever, in whatever way.
Sources:
Wikipedia
