Founded by Puritans in 1630, Boston has a long history associated with the formation of the United States of America. With its strong seafaring tradition, Boston was considered one of the wealthiest international trading ports and boasted the largest population of British North America up until the mid 1700s. Many famous American Revolution events transpired in Boston: the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre and Paul Revere’s ride, to name a few. Today, Boston has become a financial and higher learning hub – home to many of the country’s top rated universities.
City Site: cityofboston.gov/
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston
Activities:
Arts & Entertainment:
- African Meeting House – The oldest black church in the country that is still in operation. Recent renovations have restored this amazing church to its former glory.
- Boston Athenaeum – One of the largest and oldest private libraries in Massachusetts.
- Boston Common – The big, public greenspace located in the center of the city that’s used as a free space for locals and tourists alike.
- Boston Light – The first lighthouse in the United State, Boston Light is located in the middle of Boston Harbor and is open for tours.
- Boston Public Garden – A pristine public park where you can take a ride on the famous Swan Boats of Boston.
- Chinatown – This unique neighborhood has a strong Asian influence and offers up authentic Chinese cuisine, culture and shopping.
- Chinatown Park – A big public space that incorporates Chinese culture into it’s design. It’s a great place to stop for a quick break and relax in the shade.
- Frederick Ayer Mansion – An elegant mansion designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany. It features exquisite glass work both inside and outside of the structure.
- Frog Pond – Mostly known for great ice skating in the winter, this shallow pond is also open in the summer and a great place to take a stroll
- Hatch Shell on the Esplanade – This rounded, outdoor stage often features free concerts in the summer and is home to the Boston Pops annual concerts.
- Hayden Building – During your next visit to Chinatown, stop by the historic Hayden Building on 681 Washington Street. This building is the last remaining commercial building built by Henry Hobson Richardson. It was constructed in 1875.
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum – This museum is a work of art in itself With 3 floors of exhibits and a courtyard and indoor garden, this museum will recharge your creative juices.
- Museum of Science – Featuring an IMAX theater, a planetarium and many fascinating exhibits, the MOS is sure to entertain the whole family.
- Nick’s Comedy Stop – Get your laugh on at this great stand up comedy venue located in the Theater District.
- New England Aquarium – Explore the amazing life of the ocean where you will learn about and interact with the world’s most fascinating marine life.
- Paifang – The Paifang, or traditional Chinese gate, marks the entrance to the Chinatown district. It’s a great spot for photos or to relax in the nearby parks.
- Sam Adams Brewery Tour – Free tours are offered daily where you learn the history of brewing, the Sam Adams company and of Samuel Adams himself!
- The Rink at the Charles Hotel – A lesser-known ice skating rink that tends to be less crowded than Frog Pond. It makes a great spot for a romantic date.
Lounges & Bars:
- Fritz Bar – A gay sports bar located in the South End that’s a great spot for some cheap drinks.
Restaurants & Dining:
- California Pizza Kitchen – One of the better chain restaurants located in the heart of the theater district and conveniently located close to many nearby attractions.
- Chung Wah Hong Market – Located in Chinatown, this market features fresh produce and ethnic cuisine.
Volunteering:
- Greater Boston Food Bank – This food bank provides supplies to over 35 million pounds of food to the community. Most of the sorting is done by volunteers so please consider picking up a shift here the next time you’re looking for something to do.
