The Boston Scene

Between the tremendous amount of history and the more modern attractions, Boston is a great place for everyone.

If you are interested in the historical sights be sure to check out Boston Common, the oldest park in the country, and the Freedom Trail. The Freedom Trail is a collection of sixteen historical sites along a 2.5-mile walking trail. The official sites on the trail are Boston Common, the MA State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel, King’s Chapel Burying Ground, Benjamin Franklin Statue and Boston Latin School, Old Corner Book Store, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Site of Boston Massacre, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, Bunker Hill Monument, and USS Constitution. Last summer I took a tour on the Freedom Trail and it was very interesting. The tour guides dress up in the traditional clothing of a colonial person and for the most part they stay in character which is really entertaining.

Traveling in the summer can be really hot and traveling in the winter can be very cold so if you’re going at either of those times, be sure to have some of the indoor attractions on your list. For kids, the Boston Children’s Museum is a great place. It has many exhibits including but not limited to: Arthur and Friends, Construction Zone, Japanese House, and Peep’s World. As a child I went to the Boston Children’s Museum quite regularly. I used to really enjoy it and it’s definitely an educational, while still fun, experience.

The New England Aquarium, though a bit pricier than the Children’s Museum, is a great option for a family with older and younger kids. Everyone will be sure to enjoy it! Some of the exhibits are the Amazon Rainforest, Hands-On Areas, Penguins, Shark and Ray Touch Tank, and Pacific Reef Community.

In the winter, one of the hands-down best places to go is Frog Pond in Boston Common. Whether you love to skate or just sit down with a good cup of hot chocolate, it’s the place for you. Skating at Frog Pond is very cheap and incredibly beautiful. There are twinkle lights on many of the trees in the Common and tons people. One of my friends has a birthday two days after Christmas and we went skating at Frog Bond for her birthday last year. It was a lot of fun, especially in the time around the holidays. There are so many people with all different skill levels - even the very beginners! 

If you’re visiting with anyone that loves to shop, there are some fabulous places in Boston. Newbury Street and Harvard Square both have lots of shops and eateries. You could hit both in one day by starting in Harvard Square, in Cambridge, and when you’re done there you can take a bus straight down Massachusetts Ave to Newbury Street. Some stores in Harvard Square are the Gap, Urban Outfitters, the Curious George Store (the only one in the world!), Newbury Comics, and the Tannery. In terms of food, Boloco, a local burrito chain, and Pinkberry, a frozen yogurt chain, are two of the most popular. Newbury Street has both of these food places as well. For shopping, Newbury Street has Brandy Melville, LF, So Good, Madewell, American Apparel, Lululemon Athletica, Rag & Bone, H & M, Forever 21, Marc Jacobs, and much more.

Harvard Square has a lot of Boston locals wandering around and of course tons of college students. In the summer, it’s so lively! Sometimes my friends and I will just grab some ice cream cones from Lizzy’s and walk over to the grass in front of Peet’s Coffee and Tea. There are benches there and generally a street musician playing interesting music. Newbury Street is much more high-end and doesn’t have the same vibe as Harvard Square but it’s the place to go if you’re looking to put a dent in your wallet.

Boston is a beautiful city filled to the brim with exciting places to go. Be sure to hit every place, as you’ll never find another city like Boston!