By Susan H. Green
Explore Boston's many attractions.
is one of the great walking cities in the
United States, due to its neighborhoods and to the Freedom Trail, the painted red line that connects many of the city's historical sites. A trip might focus on three neighborhoods: Back Bay, Beacon Hill and the North End. Back Bay, so named since the area used to be water, combines retail, business and tourism. Beacon Hill is known for lavish brownstones and narrow streets. The North End dates to the 1630s and is known today for its Italian restaurants and coffee shops. Each provides a unique flavor of Boston.
Back Bay
Trinity Church, in the heart of Copley Square, was originally founded in 1733, but was rebuilt after a fire in 1872. It stands out for its Romanesque architecture and for the contrast with the sleek modern design of the neighboring John Hancock Tower.
Down Boylston Street is the Prudential Center, Boston's primary downtown mall, which also boasts the Skywalk Observatory.
Trinity Church
206 Clarendon St., Boston
(617) 536-0944
http://www.trinitychurchboston.org/
Prudential Center Skywalk Observatory
800 Boylston St., Boston
(617) 859-0648
http://www.prudentialcenter.com/shop/shop_detail.php?id=64
Beacon Hill
The Granary Burying Ground dates to 1660 and features the tombstones of notable residents John Hancock, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.
The Boston Common and Public Garden are on either side of Charles Street. The Common boasts public playing fields, festivals and food vendors. The Public Garden boasts the Swan Boats in summer and blooming flowers almost year-round.
A stroll down Arlington Street (via a footbridge) takes you to the Esplanade, best known as the location of the Fourth of July celebration. Bordering the Charles River, on most days the Esplanade is full of bikers and runners.
Granary Burying Ground
Tremont Street (at Park Street)
http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/visitor/granary.html
The Boston Common
Between Charles, Beacon, Tremont and Boylston streets
http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/visitor/boston-common.html
The Public Garden
Between Arlington, Beacon, Charles and Boylston streets
http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/emerald/Public_Garden.asp
Boston Esplanade
Along Charles River from Boston Museum of Science to Boston University Bridge
http://www.esplanadeassociation.org/park/index.html
North End
Start at Faneuil Hall Marketplace--part museum, part food court and part mall--and cross over Atlantic Street to Christopher Columbus Park. A relatively small park, it is along the Harbor.
Take Richmond Street to Hanover Street, which is the North End's main street: full of charming restaurants, coffee shops and bakeries. Perhaps the most famous destination in the North End is Mike's Pastry, known for its cannoli. Then, follow the Freedom Trail to Old North Church, known for bearing the two lanterns that were Paul Revere's signal that the British were coming by sea.
Faneuil Hall
Between Congress Street, State Street and Atlantic Avenue, Boston
(617) 523-1300
http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/
Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park
84 Atlantic Ave. (next to Aquarium T Station), Boston
http://www.bostonharborwalk.com/placestogo/location.php?nid=3&sid=18
Mike's Pastry
300 Hanover St., Boston
(617) 742-3050
http://www.mikespastry.com/
Old North Church
193 Salem St., Boston
(617) 523-6676
http://www.oldnorth.com/
Resources
About the Author:
Susan Green has ten years of business writing and proofreading experience and three years of web content writing experience. Areas of expertise include personal finance, small businesses, travel, and pet care. Susan has a bachelor's degree from Tufts University.
Photo Credits:
Boston image by Alessandro Lai from
Fotolia.com
