New England's largest city is a magnet for tourists, as it should be. It offers lots of attractions for families, couples, and singles alike.
Boston, Massachussetts (MA) is considered the unofficial economic and cultural center of New England and is a haven for tourists, especially during the warm summer months. Whatever you are looking for when you visit Boston you are almost guaranteed to find it. It is a city rich in history that will keep any tourist - or sports fan - busy for days. And you can see all of Boston by riding the "T", better known as the city's MBTA transportation system. Here are some ideas about what to do and see when you're in Boston.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace - built in 1742, it was established as a home for merchants, fishermen, meat and produce sellers, and was a site where many historic figures, such as patriot Samuel Adams, spoke in encouragement of independence from Great Britain. As its popularity grew it was expanded in 1826 to include Quincy Market ,and it remained a vibrant business centre until the mid-1900s. The vacant and aging buildings were scheduled to be demolished until a group of locals fought to preserve and eventually renovated them in the mid-1700s. It now remains Boston's central meeting place for locals and tourists, and offers shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Fenway Park (MLB's Red Sox), TD Banknorth Garden (NBA's Celtics and NHL's Bruins), and Gillette Stadium (NFL's Patriots) -
Boston boasts a rich and storied sports history that makes many other cities' sports traditions seem insignificant in comparison. MLB's Red Sox have won seven World Series titles - two in the last four years - and the NFL's New England Patriots have won three of the last four Super Bowls and this year may become the league's first undefeated team since the 1972 Miami Dolphins. The NBA's Celtics stake claim to an NBA-best 16 Championship titles, including eight consecutive in the last 1950s and 60s, while the NHL's Boston Bruins are owners of five Stanley Cup titles. The two latter teams have not experienced the same level of recent success that the Red Sox and Patriots have but due to recent player and personnel movement show promise to become contenders in the near future.
Try to set aside some time to take a guided tour of historic Fenway Park and see its renowned left-field wall, better known as the "Green Monster."
Bull and Finch Pub - founded in 1969, this bar became the inspiration for the setting of the long-running and incredibly successful Cheers television show. While the inside of the pub does not resemble the show's set, the outside was the actual exterior used for the program's opening sequence and when returning from commercials. You won't find Norm in his usual seat or Woody mixing cocktails behind the bar but you will realize the true significance of the television show and the tradition that it has created while you enjoy some delicious pub food and beer.
Boston Sightseeing Tours - if you don't want to go it alone let a guide take you through Boston and learn about the rich history of the city. Although there are lots of tours to choose from most will show you the Bunker Hill Monument, Harvard University, and the site of the infamous Boston Massacre. You'll also learn about Paul Revere, the 18th-century silversmith and patriot who famously warned of the pending invasion of the British Army and allowed the militia to fend off the attack. He is immortalized by a statue in the city's North End, where his house still stands and serves as a museum. If you don't feel like traveling on land you can also choose from a variety of harbor cruises and view the beautiful skyline from the water.
Boston Movie Tours - take this tour and see where Hollywood has been. They offer a bus tour that includes relevant movie and television clips and a walking tour down Boston's "Movie Mile." They visit locales where films and television shows such as The Departed, Ally McBeal, Mystic River, and the recent Gone Baby Gone were all shot. The tour might even allow you to stop for a drink at the L Street Tavern, where Will, Chuckie, Morgan, and Billy hung out in 1997's Oscar-winning Good Will Hunting.
The Boston Beer Company - brewers of the world-class Samuel Adams beer, they offer tours of their facilities almost daily. While Mr. Adams himself was not first considered a brewer, the beer that bears his name has become a mainstay in the region. Come take the tour and taste some, or all, of the 18 different styles of beer that the company brews, including its flagship Boston Lager brand.
Where to Eat in Boston - the city offers a diverse food selection to accommodate any eater's palette. You can visit Chinatown to indulge in authentic Chinese fare, explore the city's North End to satisfy your craving for Italian, or enjoy the incredible seafood selection along the scenic waterfront. If you decide to dine along the waterfront you might want to visit Anthony's Pier 4, one of Boston's most prestigious eating establishments. There you'll be pleasantly overwhelmed by their seafood and steak options, and an award-winning wine list with over 500 selections. Eat, drink, and be merry!
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