 Boston is a one-of-a-kind American city that offers visitors opportunities to relive history, immerse themselves in the arts, cheer for hometown sports teams, explore museums, discover "hidden" harbor islands and imbibe at a famous brewery or an even more famous bar. If you're visiting Boston for the first time or if you've never spent an extended period in Massachusetts' capital city, here are my picks for Boston's must-see sights and attractions. Boston
Public Garden, located along Charles Street adjacent to Boston Common,
is the nation's oldest botanical garden. The famous Swan Boats have
returned to Boston Public Garden each spring since they were first
invented in 1877 by Robert Paget. The business, which operates from
mid-April through mid-September, is still operated by descendants of
the boats' inventor. When winter arrives, the pond is open to ice
skaters. 3. Quincy Market© 2000 Kim Knox Beckius Most
people know it as Quincy Market, although its official name is the
Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Whatever you call it, this indoor-outdoor
market is a great place for both shopping and dining. 4. Fenway Park© 2000 Kim Knox Beckius On
a sunshine-filled summer afternoon, there is perhaps no better place to
be in all of New England than Fenway Park, historic home of Major
League Baseball's Boston Red Sox. Baseball fans have been energized and
agonized by the exploits of some of baseball's greatest players at
Fenway since 1912. If you can't score tickets to a Red Sox game, look
into behind the scenes tours of Fenway Park. 5. Museum of Science© 2007 Kim Knox Beckius Boston's
museums are as good as any you'll find in the world, and the most
visited one is the Museum of Science at Science Park. It has more than
400 interactive exhibits including my favorite--the Virtual Fish Tank,
an IMAX theater and a planetarium. Take the kids! Sam Adams Brewery These
days, Samuel Adams is known as much for being a brewer as a Patriot.
Tour the Sam Adams Brewery in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston
for a glimpse at the microbrewery's beer-making process and a sample of
the finished product. The brewery is also home to the Boston Beer
Museum. New England AquariumWant
to see sea lions smile and penguins play? Head to the New England
Aquarium, one of Boston's perpetually popular family attractions. Once
inside, you'll find yourself immersed in a watery world, where you can
wave your flippers at cavorting sea lions and press your nose right up
against the glass of the poisonous fish tank--if you dare! 8. Boston Harbor IslandsWant
to swim, hike, explore the ruins of an old fort and camp out under the
stars at a national park? Believe it or not, you can do all of these
things without leaving the city of Boston. The Boston Harbor Islands
National Recreation Area consists of 34 narrow isles scattered in New
England's most historic harbor, and you can visit these "hidden"
outdoor spaces by boarding seasonal ferries from Quincy and Boston's
Long Wharf. 9. Museum of Fine Arts, BostonThe MFA is New England's largest art museum. It is known for its collection of works by Claude Monet--the largest assemblage of paintings by the French Impressionist outside of France. It is also home to spectacular changing exhibitions that never fail to attract attention.10. Cheers Boston (formerly the Bull & Finch Pub)Famous as the inspiration for the television show Cheers, the former Bull & Finch Pub, now officially known as Cheers Boston, is located in Boston's Beacon Hill District. It's definitely a tourist trap with souvenirs galore for sale and overpriced pub food, but it's still one of those places that fans of the show make a beeline for when they're in Boston.Cosmopolitan, collegiate Boston has hosted more than its share of joyous weddings and honeymoons. Whether you're planning a special event or simply a weekend here, you'll find this historic city a great destination. You can wander along elegant Beacon Hill or the trace the steps of Revolutionary War heroes along the Freedom Trail. Art lovers can immerse themselves in the Museum of Fine Arts or the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, a 19th-century Venetian palazzo. Other places of interest include the New England Aquarium, and the JFK Library & Museum. One of the romantic spots in town is the Public Garden (entrance at left), where swan boats ply the waterways and couples nuzzle along the pathways. Across the Charles River in Cambridge, Harvard Square is the center of activity. The Coop and bookstores are great for browsing. And you can stroll right into ivy-covered Harvard Yard and then cross the street for an inexpensive snack at Finagle a Bagel. Expect to see plenty of street performers, students, and people just watching the passing parade. Music lovers can hear the Boston Pops or Boston Symphony Orchestra. In summertime, they often perform outdoors. Shoppers and those who've worked up an appetite will find bountiful, low-cost choices in the Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market area. And lobster-lovers will agree it's worth the wait at Legal Sea Foods, known the world over for superb, freshly cooked fish. Otherwise, though, Boston isn't much of a town for gourmets. Many travelers schedule a night or two in Boston, and then head for other popular New England destinations: Cape Cod, Hyannisport, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and the Maine coast all draw their share of visitors, especially in the summer months. In 2000, the main event will be Sail Boston, when a flotilla of tall ships comes to Boston Harbor July 11-21. to visit other city discounts please click belowAtlanta Bahamas Boston Chicago Florida Beaches Hawaii Hong Kong Las Vegas London Los Angeles New York
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