Boston General Tips by Carmanah

Fondest Memory: I enjoyed wandering through the Italian neighbourhood in the northern district. Tons of great little Italian cafes and bakeries to be discovered. Don't be afraid to walk off the main streets - the best kept secrets are hidden away (or so it seems!)

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Fondest Memory: Touring the USS Cassin Young. It was Friday afternoon and humid... but I'm so glad I took the free guided tour of this World War 2 warship. Our guide had a wonderful personality, and took us throughout every level of the ship. Of course, that was the day I decided to wear my skirt!! So I was a bit self conscious when I climbed up and down the ladders, but it was all good. We really got to see what the living and working conditions were like for these brave men during World War 2.

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Favorite Thing: visit the Charlestown Navy Yard. Check out my Charlestown Naval Yard travelogue for more pictures and info!

Photo:The famous U.S.S. Constitution, photo by me!


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Favorite Thing: Walk the Freedom Trail into Charlestown. Visit Bunker Hill, the actual site of the American Revolution, where the battles with the British were fought. There is a giant tower at Bunker Hill in which you can climb. There are 294 stairs before you get to the top. It's like climbing a castle tower, except much more taller, and you can only go up or down. Once at the top of the tower, there are several small windows which give you a beautiful panoramic view of Boston and Cambridge. For more pictures, check out my Bunker Hill travelogue!
Photo: Following the Freedom Trail through Charlestown to Bunker Hill. Photo taken by me!


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Fondest Memory: A famous icon in Boston is the Park Street Church. 'Founded in 1809, the Park Street Church building and the 217-foot steeple were, for many years, the first landmark seen by travelers approaching Boston. For nearly two centuries, Park Street Church has organized its life around the Christian Gospel and been pioneer in human concerns. Among other historic events, it was the site of a number of important anti-slavery speeches in the early 1800’s. Located at the corner of Park and Tremont Streets.'

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Fondest Memory: Boston Common - the famous city park in downtown Boston. Across the street from the park is a plaque. It reads:

'In or about the year of our Lord One thousand six hundred thirty and four the then present inhabitants of the Town of Boston of whom the Hon'ble John Winthrop Esq'r Gov'nr of the Colony was chiefe did treate and agree with Mr. William Blackstone for the purchase of his Estate and rights in any Lands living within said neck of Land called Boston after which purchase the Town laid out a plan for a trayning field which ever since and now is used for that purpose and for the feeding of cattell.'

Of course, Boston Common is a park, and is no longer used for 'trayning' or the 'feeding of cattell'!

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Favorite Thing: This famous graveyard is a stop along the Freedom trail. Many of the headstones are thin and worn away, but they're authentic, and usually you can read the engraving. Some even sport the skull and crossbones on top... something that seemed to be quite normal back then. The graves of such famous revolutionists such as John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Peter Faneuil, and Paul Revere are here. Mother Goose is burried here as well. Yep, she really did exist!


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Fondest Memory: Here's the Old City Hall (aka: the old State House). It was built in 1713 and was the headquarters of the British government in Boston. 'It served as merchants’ exchange, general meeting place, site of revolutionary fervor in the legislature and as the symbol of Royal authority in the colony. The site played a central role in the story of the rebellion, from the Boston Massacre in 1770 which sparked the fires of the revolution, to the reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony in 1776.'

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Fondest Memory: Faneuil Hall is a touristy shopping/dining center in Boston's historical downtown. While we stayed away from the craziness of the crowds, the Abercromie and Fitch's, and the other chain stores... we did walk through Quincy Market and found a bustling food fair. Locals suggest to stay away... we walked through the area, enjoyed looking at it, then went on our way. One website says, 'The “Cradle of Liberty,” Faneuil Hall was the site of many fiery Towne Meetings. Built in 1742 by merchant Peter Faneuil and given as a gift to the town, Faneuil Hall has served as an open forum meeting hall for over 250 years. Here, Bostonians protested the British taxation policies of the 1760’s. Their protests eventually led to the American Revolution. Located adjacent to the Quincy Market building.'

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Fondest Memory: Boston's State House is quite unlike any building I've seen in the USA. With it's golden dome and Roman architecture, it's really hard to miss. 'Designed by Charles Bulfinch, the State House was completed on January 11th, 1798, and widely acclaimed as one of the more magnificent and well-situated buildings in the country. Today, the State House is the oldest building on Beacon Hill and is the seat of the Massachusetts’ state government. Visitors are able to see the Hall of Flags and the House and Senate Chambers, and can learn about the history of the building, the state and the legislature.' Located across the street from Boston Common on Beacon Street.

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