|
Boston Attractions
There is a wealth of historically significant attractions in Boston. Consider purchasing a 'Boston City Pass' and thereby pay half price for most of the finest attractions.
Freedom Trail: The Freedom Trail is one of the most popular walking tours in America. It covers approximately three miles and is very easy to follow. The path is marked by painted red lines or bricks set into the pavement. Each site is identified by a marker or sign. The trail follows the original path set by the colonists in the early days of Boston. Most of the Trail is accessible only on foot for this reason. The Trail is best started either at Boston Common or at the USS Constitution (where there is free parking). The easiest way is to leave the car behind and take the subway (T) red or green line to Park Street.
Stops Along the Freedom Trail
1. Boston Common;
2. Site of Franklin's Print Shop
3. Old South Meeting House
4. Site of Benjamin Franklin's Birthplace
5. Old State House
6. Site of the Boston Massacre
7. Faneuil Hall
8. Quincy Market
9. The Tea Party Ship
10. Paul Revere House
11. Saint Stephen's Church (Hanover Street)
12. Paul Revere Mall
13. Old North Church (193 Salem Street)
14. Copp's Hill (Hull and Snowhill Streets)
15. USS Constitution (Charlestown Navy Yard)
16. Bunker Hill (Charlestown)
17. Site of the Liberty Tree (Washington & Essex Streets)
18. State House (Beacon & Park Streets)
19. John Hancock's House
20. The Beacon (The Monument behind the State House)
21. Park Street Church (Tremont & Park Streets)
22. Old Granary (Tremont St., near Park Street Church)
23. King's Chapel
24. King's Chapel Burying Ground
25. Benjamin Franklin's Statue
26. The Old Corner Bookstore (3 School Street, Corner of Washington St.)
Boston Irish Famine Memorial
50 Braintree Hill Office Park
Braintree, MA 02184
617-696-9880
The Boston Irish Famine Memorial, along the city's Freedom Trail, was unveiled in June, 1998 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Irish Famine, an episode which sent over 100,000 Irish refugees to Boston. It is also a tribute to the memory of over one million Irish who died during the Irish Famine (1845-1849) and a remembrance of people still suffering famines in countries around the world.
Walks Through Freedom
617-227-8800
All year round by reservation.
Walk the Freedom Trail with costumed, historic ambassadors from Revolutionary times, discover or re-discover the story of America! Explore the Trail with the Freedom Trail Players as they re-tell the known and little- known tales of the past, leading the way through city streets to the actual sites of our American Heritage.
Black Heritage Trail
46 Joy Street
Boston, MA 02114
617-739-1200
A walking tour of the history of Boston's Black community between 1800-1900 on Beacon Hill. The tour includes: Meeting House, Smith CourtResidences, Abiel Smith School, G. Middleton House, Robert Gould Shaw Memorial, Phillips School, home of John J Smith, Charles St. Meeting House, Lewis & Harriet Hayden House, and Coburn's Gaming House. Historic walking map available. All sites must be visited with an arranged tour except those hours noted at specific sites.
Book Lover's Dream Tour
Boston History Collaborative - Literary Trail
38 Burroughs St.
Boston, MA 02130
617-574-5963
A guided walking tour of either Boston, Cambridge, or Concord's delightful, private bookstores, followed by tea and literary conversation in an elegant, historic setting. Call for reservations.
Women's Heritage Trail
Boston, MA
617-522-2872
Begin at the Boston Common Visitor Information booth to start five guided walks through four centuries of Boston women. The Downtown Walk highlights the search for equal rights; the North End Walk explores the diversity of cultures; the Beacon Hill Walk reveals the stories of writers, artists and activists; the South Cove/Chinatown Walk celebrates women's action for economic and social justice; and the Back Bay Walk tells the tales of educators, artists and social reformers. Follow the footsteps of some remarkable Boston women and share their stories of heritage and freedom, accomplishment and achievements as you "remember the ladies." Pick up the 80-page illustrated book "Boston Women's Heritage Trail" and begin at the Boston Commons Visitors Information Booth.
Beacon Hill Walking Tours - Magnificent and Modest
Visit the elegant Federal style Otis House, stroll around Beacon Hill; view the homes of well to do merchants and then the modest dwellings on the North Slope where the working class resided.
Boston Duck Tours
One of the most popular tours in and around Boston is the legendary Duck Tours, showing you the best of Boston with a combined land and sea tour. World War II vehicles take you on a scenic drive around the most famous sites and attractions in the city, and then onto the Charles River for a delightful harbor cruise. With interesting commentary, this novel tour is an enjoyable way to see the city.
Boston Trolley Tours
The Trolley Tours are taken in small bus-like trams that drive around the city on a route that points out the best known sites and landmarks. Travelers can step off at any of the stops to look around and then catch the next trolley, which will arrive shortly. An entertaining commentary accompanies the tour. Check at your hotel for hours and fares.
Boston Common
This 40-acre area is the nation's oldest public park. The land was set aside for public use in 1634 (originally as a cow pasture and training ground. The Commons also has a longstanding tradition as a place where demonstrators can exercise their right to freedom of speech without the hassle of getting a permit. Free.
Park Street Church
Free, seasonal tours. Call (617) 523-3383 to learn more.
This church is best known for its location at "Brimstone Corner" (named for its use as a gunpowder storage area during the War of 1812) and as the setting of William Lloyd Garrison's first anti-slavery speech.
Granary Burying Ground
The first of the three burying grounds on the trail, Granary is notable as the final resting place of John Hancock, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.
King's Chapel and Burying Ground
Famous for its architectural beauty, King's Chapel became the first Unitarian Church in the U.S. after the American Revolution. Donations accepted. For more information, call (617) 227-2155.
Site of First Public School/Ben Franklin Statue
This Freedom Trail stop features a statue of Ben Franklin and the site of Franklin's alma mater: the Boston Latin School (built in 1635).
Old Corner Bookstore
This brick building, where legends like Longfellow, Emerson, Hawthorne and Thoreau gathered, was once the literary center of Boston.
Old South Meeting House
Much of the discussion and debate that led to the Boston Tea Party and other events connected to the American Revolution took place in the old South Meeting House. Call (617) 482-6439 to learn about the lectures and programs on American history and culture offered by the Old South staff.
|
|
