May seem silly, but the little bit of snow we got today made me think of a trip to Boston when we got snowed in. That made me think of all the trips I’ve made to the Boston area over the last 20 years.
Since Bobby’s family is from towns very near Boston, we go visit them almost every year. We usually do some sightseeing when we’re there. Now, let me just say that this is definitely not going to be a comprehensive list of things to do. We’ve been going there all these years and we always find new things to do. But if you are only going to be in Boston for a little bit and not sure if you are going to return, then here are a few things you might consider doing.
- Purchase a City Pass – We did this a couple of years ago and had a great time exploring the sites. A ticket costs around $49 a person, but it gives you access to 4 different sites around the city. When we went, we actually got to see 5 different locations. We saw the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the New England Aquarium, the Skywalk Observatory, the Museum of Science and the Old Statehouse.
While you have nine days to use the pass, Bobby and I did everything in one day!
One word of advice, at the Museum of Fine Arts, don’t get too close to the paintings. First an alarm goes off and then you get followed around the museum the rest of the time. Not that I know by experience…I’m just saying.
- Tour Harvard University – Bobby tells people we studied history at Harvard, because we took a historical tour of the university. These tours are free and led by students. They give you the historical background of the school as well as their own perspective from attending the school.
- Take a Trolley or Duck Tour – These tours travel around Boston with a tour guide explaining some of the highlights. The difference is that on the Trolley you can get on and off the Trolleys if you want to spend more time a site or wander around a bit. The Duck Tours are self contained as they travel through the city both on the streets of Boston and through some of their waterways. Bobby and I have done both, although not on the same visit to Boston.
- Visit Faneuil Hall Market Place – This is one of the first places Bobby took me on my first visit to Boston over 20 years ago. We go back there almost every time we are there. It is exactly what it sounds like–a place for shopping and eating. They have a beautiful display of lights during the holidays. Check out my video. I’ve never been there when it hasn’t been very crowded, but I guess it has always been that way. This is where the idea of “no taxation without representation” was first born. If you go, try Mmmac ‘n Cheese. They have a seafood macaroni and cheese that is scrumptious. Bobby would recommend Pizzeria Regina. For an east coast pizza, I guess it is alright.
- Take a Ferry to George’s Island – We did this on our last visit to Boston. I think if you are going to be in Boston, you should try to get out on the water a little bit. Taking a ferry gives you a chance to rest between all the walking you do–which you will do a lot, unless you have a personal chauffeur. When we reached the island, we were given a tour of Fort Warren. This Fort was used at one time as a civil war prison. There is an interesting display showing the kinds of meals the prisoners would get depending on their rank. Union deserters received the least amount of food.
These are just a few things that can be done in Boston. I hope this whets your appetite for a visit there. Oh, one other tip. Ride the “T.” That’s Boston’s subway system. It makes getting from place to place easier and a little less frustrating.
Traffic in Boston is crazy! Bobby says to stop by Dunkin’ Donuts for iced coffee. I’d give you an address, but they are on almost every street corner — you can’t miss ’em.
