Best of Boston
from WorldWeb.com Travel Guide

An Old Fashioned Ship Floating Over Boston Harbor.1

In 1630, the Puritans of the Massachusetts Bay Colony founded Boston, in hopes of building a Christian utopia. Its advantageous position on the harbor and freshwater source appealed to affluent settlers who decided to name the area after Boston, Lincolnshire, England, where many of them hailed from. It has since been nicknamed City on a Hill, the Cradle of Liberty and the Hub of the Universe. The city was the largest, wealthiest and most influential in America until the 1760s. Its landscape, heritage and diversity set the stage for nation-defining moments such as the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party, which was a major instigator of the American Revolutionary War. The first public school and the first subway in the United States were also erected here. This clash of Puritan values and liberal rebellions has given Boston a personality all its own.

Hundreds of years and countless historic leaps later, the thriving city of Boston is the home of many celebrities, politicians, universities and registered historic sites. The economy is heavily reliant on research, finance and technology, especially biotechnology. The residents are easily recognizable, from their non-rhotic accents, to the infamous driving habits, to the inherent sense of pride that comes from living in such a historically rich city. Although Bostonians are stereotypically the social elite blue bloods, as many as one in five residents are post-secondary students. From the Kennedys to Samuel Adams to Ben Affleck, many famous faces have called this cultural mecca home.

An astounding 16.3 million people visit Boston every year. With a whirlwind of attractions and opportunities to explore, these tourists can see, learn, buy, eat and drink just about anything. Following, is a sample of Boston's best.

BEST CITY SPIRIT

	The Lone Red Seat Stands Out at Boston's Fenway Park.2

Many cities are defined by their sports teams and Boston is certainly no exception. The beloved Red Sox have made their city proud since they were formed in 1901. When the Sox won their first World Series title in 86 years during the 2004 season, mass hysteria erupted, with millions of Bostonians filling the streets for a rolling rally. The aftershock of this joyous occasion can still be felt at Fenway Park, the home of the Red Sox. This venue has hosted three Major League All-Star Games and ten World Series. It is the oldest MLB stadium, and has several unique features, including the Lone Red Seat, which signifies the Ted Williams home run in 1946 that hit a Yankees fan sitting in that spot. Despite plans to build a new modernized park at a nearby site, local protest campaigns managed to save Fenway, which remains at the heart of Boston's city spirit, where culture, discipline and pride mingle with a sense of competition.
The Boston Bruins also draw a large crowd of hockey fans at the TD Banknorth Garden. This venue is also thehome of the NBA team, the Boston Celtics. Without a doubt, sports venues are important in illustrating a city's personality and history. Boston's arenas are a must-see for any sports or history fan.

The Old North Church on Boston's Freedom Trail.3

BEST HISTORIC ATTRACTION

The city's prominent role in American history make it a hub of historic sites and museums. The Freedom Trail allows visitors to experience 16 major Colonial and Revolutionary sites during a 2.5 mi (4 km) walk along a red brick path, winding through downtown Boston. Boston Common is the first stop on the trail. This park has been around since 1634, making it the oldest city park in the country. Over the centuries, it has been used as a cow pasture, a Revolutionary War camp for the British, a place for public hangings and the venue for many significant protests. It has also been the setting for important speeches, concerts and addresses, such as those made by Martin Luther King Jr. and Pope John Paul II.

Another important stop is the Granary Burying Ground, the resting place of many significant Bostonians including Samuel Adams, a founding father, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts and a brewer; and Paul Revere, who took the fateful Midnight Ride to warn American Patriots of the British Army's advancement in 1775. The grave site of Mother Goose, author of many fairy tales and nursery rhymes, is also a popular spot for visitors. Her headstone reads “Mary Goose,” and she died in 1758. Other stops along the trail include the Paul Revere House, Old North Church and the Old State House.

For more recent local history, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library is a great way to learn about America's 35th president. Born in Brookline, which borders Boston to the east, Kennedy spent his childhood years in Boston. The Kennedy family legacy is still felt in the city and this attraction celebrates JFK's years in office. The architecturally unique building is located next to the University of Massachusetts. Official papers of the Kennedy Administration, unpublished materials, family photographs and political memorabilia are on display here. There is also a partial recreation of Kennedy's Oval Office, several documentary films and frequently changing exhibits that often change their displays. Kennedy's sailboat, the Ventura, is displayed outside during spring, summer and fall.

BEST PLACE FOR HIGHER LEARNING

	Harvard University is the Oldest Institution in the United States.4

Metropolitan Boston is home to over 100 post-secondary institutions and 250,000 students, giving it the nickname, Athens of America. Harvard University is a powerhouse of tradition, in academics and athletics. Established in 1636, the university is an active Ivy League member and has the fourth largest library collection in the world. The daily campus newspaper, the Harvard Crimson is one of the oldest daily publications in the country, dating back to 1873. With an acceptance rate under ten percent, Harvard is one of the most selective institutions in the country. The campus is located in Cambridge, across the Charles River from Greater Boston. The prestigious Harvard Square is a prime tourist destination due to its cultural significance. Visitors can tour the university, or walk around and take in the energy and adrenaline of the busy complex. Several theaters, museums and galleries are located here, including the Harvard Art Museum, which houses a diverse collection and attracts international acclaim. The funky Proletariat sells one-of-a-kind vintage clothing as well as skateboarding and art supplies. Over 90 diverse restaurants grace the bustling streets of Harvard Square, notably The Regattabar, Boston's most popular jazz club, which hosts live performances from all over the world, as well as the annual Regattabar Jazz Festival.

BEST REGIONAL CUISINE

Bostonians love to eat, and the diverse dining scene in the city reflects the cultural mosaic it has become. Boston cuisine is known for its heavy emphasis on seafood, cream and beans. In fact, the nickname Beantown comes from the regional popularity of baked bean dishes. Bulkie rolls are often used instead of buns, for a crisper taste and roast beef sandwiches and burgers served on these local favorites are not hard to find around the city. Boston cream pie is the official state dessert and was created at the Omni Parker House.

The Union Oyster House is dubbed as America's oldest operating restaurant, established in 1826. It is appropriately located on the Freedom Trail and was the first place where the toothpick was used in the country. The upstairs dining room was a favorite of the Kennedys and JFK's usual booth is dedicated to his memory. A wide assortment of high-quality oysters are served at the bar. The menu features Boston clam chowder, gourmet baked beans, boiled fresh Boston scrod and a variety of lobster dishes.

No visit to Boston would be complete without seeing the bar that inspired the hit TV series, Cheers. The Bull and Finch Pub (known locally as Cheers) is a local institution and captures the city's lively spirit. With two locations in town, visitors can enjoy the Cheers ambiance, drinks and souvenirs. The menu features pub fare, including fresh made clam chowder, Fenway-style hot dogs and an assortment of signature drinks.

Italian food is huge in Boston. The North End neighborhood is considered the local Little Italy, with almost 100 Italian restaurants, high end stores and traditional coffee shops. Italian food has come to be considered a part of Boston's local ambiance and the best place to find it is in this beautiful, diverse neighborhood on the harbor. Ristorante Limoncello is definitely at the top of the heap, with their Italian crafts and murals decor. A true family business, the staff and owners are all related and make visitors feel like they are guests at an extravagant family dinner. The opulent wine list encompasses anything one might need to emphasize the gourmet menu. The pastas include black squid ink fettuccine with Maine lobster meat, fusilli with ragu of lamb, veal and red peppers, as well as a daily risotto special.

Boston's Harborfest Includes Beautiful Fireworks Over the Harbor. 5

Bostonians (and Massachusetts residents in general) are known as the highest ice cream consumers in the country. Anyone looking for a good cone won't have to go far in the city. J.P. Licks is one of the city's finest, with several locations spanning Boston. The homemade ice cream is rich, thick, and new flavors are featured every month. The owners also acknowledge dietary restrictions with low fat and lactose-free options. White coffee, cow trax and cake batter are some signature flavors.

BEST LOCAL EVENT

Boston hosts several high-profile annual events, such as the Boston Pride Parade, Feast of St. Anthony and the Head of the Charles Regatta. Boston's Harborfest Independence Day festivities are televised and draw hundreds of thousands of viewers and attendants every year.

The Boston Marathon, started in 1897, is the oldest marathon in the world. It coincides with Patriot's Day on the third Monday in April, to celebrate Paul Revere's ride. The festivities include reenactments of the famous ride and the resulting battles of Lexington and Concord. Amidst the celebrations, the Red Sox always have a home game at 11am, so fans can watch the marathoners as they go by Fenway Park. Over 20,000 runners participate in the 26-mi (42-km) race every year and the event brings as many as 500,000 spectators to the streets of Boston.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

1. An Old Fashioned Ship Floating on Boaston Harbor; Boston, MA, USA
2. The Lone Red Seat at Fenway Park;Boston, MA, USA
3. The Old North Church on the Freedom Trail; Boston, MA, USA
4. Harvard University Campus ; Cambridge, MA, USA
5. Harborfest Fireworks Celebrate Fourth of July; Boston, MA, USA