Take a Stroll in the Park or See a Ball Game in Boston, Massachusetts
by Paul H. Green
Boston, Massachusetts allures travelers year round and has a little of everything from sports, parks, tours, museums, performing arts, festivities and more. When you visit Boston, you'll notice there are plenty of activities and hot spots to go around no matter what your favorite past time.
A Brief Boston History
Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and is located in Suffolk County in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Boston was founded on September 9, 1630 by English Puritan Colonists, the Puritans of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, the largest city in New England, and has become one of the most culturally significant cities in the United States. Boston is recognized as a world, or global city. Nicknames include: the “City on the Hill,” “Beantown,” “Athens of America,” and the “Hub” of the universe.
Boston was named after Boston, Lincolnshire in England, from where several prominent colonists had emigrated. Along with being the center of several major events that occurred during the American Revolution, Boston was a manufacturing center and major shipping port.
Boston Today
Boston is now a center of health care and higher education. The Boston economy is based on finance, research, and technology, mainly bio-technology. In 2005, the city proper of Boston had a population estimated at 596,638. Boston residents are called Bostonians.
Boston is established on a peninsula, originally named Shamut by the Amer-Ind inhabitants. The peninsula is connected to the mainland by a small isthmus, and surrounded by Massachusetts Bay and the Back Bay, which is an estuary of the Charles River. Boston's regional cuisine is mainly seafood and dairy products. Boston is called the “City of Squares” as the intersections of major thoroughfares are named after prominent city residents.
Points of Interest for Tourists
The Freedom Trail is one of this country's first historical walking tours, which has 16 historical sites, both from Colonial days and the time of the American Revolution. The trail has walking or trolley tours available, and is marked by a red line or embedded brick. Also visit the American Revolution historical site - the Boston National Historical Park.
Boston Street Markets
Stroll through the famous Faneuil Hall Marketplace, with numerous eateries, pushcart vendors, and boutiques, in converted 18th century warehouses, and watch and listen to entertainers frequently performing on the street.
Touring Boston
If you enjoy sight-seeing by boat, you can follow Boston tradition by riding the Swan Boats through the Public Garden Lagoon.
You can travel back in history for the “Midnight Ride,” and visit the Paul Revere house, the oldest building in downtown Boston, built in 1680. He and his family resided there from 1770 to 1800. Also, tour the Boston Harbor Island by ferry. This is the nation's newest National Park. It is composed of 34 islands. Enjoy island tours, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and bird watching.
Boston for the Outdoorsman
If you enjoy the outdoors, Boston offers many places for family fun or just relaxation. Visit the Emerald Necklace Parks, which is an 1,100-acre chain of nine parks, linked by parkways and waterways.
Walk though the Boston Common and the Public Garden, which are the oldest public park and botanical garden in this country. In summer, children like the Boston Common Frog Pond with its spray pool, and in winter it becomes a public skating rink!
Theater in Boston
There are several ornate theaters to visit, including the Cutler Majestic Theatre, the Boston Opera House, the Wang Center for the Performing Arts, the Schubert Theater, and the Orpheum theater.
Enjoy the talents of performing arts groups, such as the Boston Ballet, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, the Boston Lyric Opera Company, the Boston Baroque, and the Handel and Haydn Society, which is the oldest choral company in the United States.
Attend major annual events such as the First Night (New Years Eve) and several events for the 4th of July, including the week-long Harborfest, and Boston Pops Concert that is held on the banks of the Charles River, accompanied by a show of fireworks.
Museums and Other Attractions in Boston
Visit Boston's prominent art museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the University of Massachusetts Campus at Columbia Point. This university houses the John F. Kennedy Library.
The Boston Athenaeum, which is one of the oldest independent libraries in the United States, and the Boston Children's Museum are also interesting. You also don't want to miss the Bull and Finch Pub, which was the building used for the popular TV series “Cheers.” Other points of interest are the Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium.
For the Sports Fan
If you're a sports fan, see the Boston Red Sox - “Sox” - play at Fenway Park. The Boston Red Sox are the founding members of the American League of Major League Baseball. Fenway Park is the oldest sports arena or stadium in use in the United States. Boston is the site of the first game of the first Baseball World Series in 1903, which was between the “Sox” (known then as the Pilgrims) and the Pittsburg Pirates.
Above North Station, The TD Banknorth Garden, formerly the Fleet Center, is home to two major league teams, the Boston Bruins (the National Ice Hockey League) and the Boston Celtics Basketball Team (the National Basketball Association).
The Boston Celtics is a founding member of the Basketball Association of America. The New England Patriots Football Team was founded in 1960 and is a charter member of the American Football League. The Patriots share Gillette Stadium with the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer.
Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern University, and Harvard University meet yearly for the four- team “Beanpot Tournament” played at the TD Banknorth Garden.
Another famous sporting event is the Boston Marathon with a 26-mile run. And, there's the Head of Charles Regatta, which is a rowing competition on the Charles River. If you're planning to be in Boston when one of these amazing events is taking place, be sure to secure your tickets in advance.
Whether you enjoy touring Boston's city attractions, attending sports events, or want to do fun activities with the family, Boston, Massachusetts is a great vacation spot!