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Boston Guide

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'Clear out 800,000 people and preserve it as a museum piece.' Frank Lloyd Wright.

boston skyline picture


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Why Travel to Boston?
It's the best preserved historic city in the USA, the godfather of independence and mostly in a small, clean, safe, walkable area.
Boston also harbours perhaps the most intellectual and cultural environment in the country due to the presence of many top education establishments.

Downside:
The weather can leave much to be desired.

When to Travel to Boston:
Best: April/May, Sept/Oct
Worst: Nov-March, July/Aug

Length of stay not inc. flights:
Minimum worthwhile stay 2 days for walks.
Recommended: 2-3 days for a brisk but exploration; add a day for Salem or Plymouth.

Arts and Culture:
Museums -
Museum of Fine Arts, Arthur Sackler Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum, Fogg Art Museum, Boston Tea Party Museum.
Classical Music -
world class performances by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Popular Orchestra at Symphony Hall, Boston Ballet and Opera.

Major Festivals and Events:
February, Chinese New Year, Chinatown.
17th March, St Patrick's Day
April, Boston Marathon,
Hopkinson to Boston.
4th July, week-long Harborfest,
Boston's Independence Day celebrations, including the Chowderfest.
October, Head of the Charles Regatta,
rowing festival along the Charles river.

Shopping:
Exclusive - Newbury St, Charles St
Other - Harvard Square, Huntington Avenue, Downtown Crossing
Souvenirs - Faneuil Hall

Cuisine:
Most international fare as to be expected from a top USA city, but the New England specialty is seafood.

Boston Pictures above: Snowy public garden by Chee-Onn Leong and Charles River skyline by djpilot.

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Sights:
Freedom Trail***
The 2.5 mile Freedom Trail links most of the city's historic sights. Also The Black Heritage Trail and Harbor Walk for walkers.
North End**
the oldest section of the city, with buildings dating back to the 17thC, now colonised by Italians.
Boston Public Garden**
a pleasant historic 17thC parkland and garden, with memorials and lakes.
Cambridge* just like its namesake in England, this area is tied to the country's intellectual elite - in this case Harvard and MIT. Here you can see why top US universities are called 'Ivy League'. Or is it 'IV League'? Whatever, it's a lively area.

Activities:
Walking: One of USA's best city walks is the Freedom Trail, see above.
Biking/Inline skating: The Emerald Necklace of parks, Back Bay Fens and Shining Sea Bike Path offer pretty multi-mile routes.
Windsurfing, boating, canoeing: Charles River or Cape Cod.
Bird watching: Plenty of wildlife refuges on Cape Cod.
Beach life: Cape Cod again for good beaches.

Short Trips:
Cape Cod**
a stunning 60 mile peninsula, 2/3 hours south of Boston, with beaches, nature reserves and historic towns, particularly Falmouth and Provincetown. The latter is also a thriving arts and gay centre. Reachable by ferry direct from Boston or a 3 hour drive.
Plymouth* the Pilgrim fathers decided to stay here in 1620; see a replica of the Mayflower ship and a 17thC style plantation.
Salem* traditional houses and spooky 17th Century witch-trial exhibits. A must for horror fans; 20 miles north.

Sports:
Baseball - the Redsocks at Fenway Park
American Football - the New England Patriots at Fenway Park
Basketball - the Celtics at the Fleet Canter
Ice Hockey - the Bruins at the Fleet Canter.

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