Sunday, July 12, 2009

Top 10 Fun Things to do in Boston

By Sheri Park

One's idea of what constitutes a nice tourist activity largely depends on one's perspective? - traveling with children? A romantic getaway? Reunion with friends? This list includes something for everyone, whether seeing Boston for the first time or the 40th. And you won't find shopping centers or malls on this list- you can do that anywhere.

Here is the best list:

1. The Boston Public Gardens

Also know as the Boston Common, this used to be a "common ground" in Revolutionary War times for cows to graze. Although you won't find cattle here now, the Swan Boats take tourists for a spin around the pond, alongside beautifully arranged flower beds. Check out the bronze duck family from the story "Make Way for Ducklings".

2. Museum of Science

Located overlooking the beautiful Charles River, the Museum of Science has something for everyone young and old. There are over 400 interactive exhibits and displays, the IMAX Theatre, and the Hayden Planetarium to fill you time in a fun, interactive, learning environment.

3. Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is located between Back Bay, the Boston Common, and the Charles River high up on the cobblestone streets overlooking the city. The gaslit cobblestone streets are reminders of the old Boston when horse drawn carriages carried the wealthy through town. Be sure to stop and grab a pint of beer at the most famous bar Cheers and the Bullfinch Pub where "everybody knows your name"- not really but that is the comfortable feel of this area.

4. Home of the Red Sox- Fenway Park

The Fenway Park area in summertime and early fall are the best! Come early and catch a game with the Red Sox. Even on off game days the area is constantly bustling with fans and energy. Fenway Park offers guided tours daily. Fenway Park is the second oldest ballpark, in use continuously since 1912. If you are lucky you may even get to meet some players or Wally the Green Monster for a photo opportunity. You need to have a Fenway Frank while here or try a RemDawg.

5. JFK Museum

Birthplace of President John F. Kennedy this restored home place has become a museum full of original artifacts documenting JFK's childhood, war service years, rise in politics, and untimely death. This building is located on Boston Harbor and is a tranquil, peaceful place to visit for the history of an amazing man.

6. Quincy Market

These restored warehouses are in the style of South St. Seaport in NYC, but we were first (actually 1975)! Great food, drink, and souvenir hunting, and still nothing like in on a warm summer's evening. Try McCormack & Schmicks' seafood, and top it off with a stroll though the adjacent...

7. North End, Little Italy Boston style

The feel of this amazing neighborhood is one of walking the side streets in Italy. Outdoor cafes for espresso, pastry shops open late with the smells of cannoli, and old school family members sitting on folding chairs playing cards is typical of what you will see. Bring your appetite and enjoy the feasts that await.

8. MIT/Harvard

In Harvard Square, where John Harvard opened a little school named after him in 1636, you find the famous Harvard University and Harvard Yard. Take a tour of the gorgeous school grounds then walk to enjoy the interesting sites and sounds and people of The Square, a world by itself with a unique unusual flavor. Buy a HARVARD sweatshirt at the COOP department store and pretend you studied there - everyone else does. Contine your tour onto Kendall Square to see MIT, where many a genius in the high tech world have learned and imagined. The MIT museum is interesting in its structure and shows the many past contributions of its graduates.

9. Whale Watch at the New England Aquarium

Spend the day visiting the harbor seals, penguins, sharks, and seal lion show then hop aboard the whale watch vessel to get up close with the whales. The boat captain is expert at finding the whales and the only time you can catch this tour is late spring through fall. To see these amazing animals breech so close to the boat is amazing!

10. Duck Tour

Amphibious vehicles with names like "Fenway Frank" and "Beacon Bertha" hit the hot spots around town, complemented by a running monologue of wisecracks, anecdotes, and half-truths. The Duck enters the Charles River near the Museum of Science for a riverspin. Back on dry land, implore passersby to "QUACK-QUACK".. You're a tourist, so why not?!?

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