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