Boston Off the Beaten Path Tips by dinhyen

It's not out of the way, but few people know about it. Tucked in front of the JFK Federal Building at Government Center and a few steps away from Tremont Street is a plaque commemorating the birthplace of the telephone. Here's the text of the inscription:

"Here, on June 2, 1875, Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Watson first transmitted sound over wires.

The successful experiment was completed in a fifth floor garret at what was then 109 Court Street and marked the beginning of world-wide telephone service."

Hah, and you didn't think you were gonna learn something on this trip :)

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Technically Walden Pond isn't in Boston but in Concord, MA. But it's only a short hop away and I think you would want to see it, if only because it was associated with Thoreau (I assume you've heard of him :) Walden Pond is also a scenic and peaceful area perfect for contemplation and inspiration.

Thanks to Thoreau's writings, Walden Pond became packed with tourists in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Thankfully the throngs of people are no longer there. Though the pond is still popular for recreation, efforts have been made to limit development and keep it as close to its natural state as possible. A hiking trail circumnavigates the pond and offers nice views of its crystal clear water.

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Website: http://www.state.ma.us/dem/parks/wldn.htm

DeCordova Sculpture Park in Lincoln, MA has many beautiful and intriguing modern art sculptures and many that are simply puzzling. I guess the same can be said about modern arts in general :) It's just 10 minutes from Walden Pond so it can be included on the same itinerary. The drive around Lincoln is also a pretty, particularly in the Autumn.

To get there, take the Walden Pond exit from Rte 2. Drive past Walden Pond and take the first left. Go for a few miles until you see the signs.

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Website: www.decordova.org