Boston: Urban Buzz and Historic Charm

During my stay, I took the opportunity to get out of the city by ferry and headed out to the Boston Harbor Islands National Park, which is made up of 34 islands and peninsulas. As the boat cut through the waters, I was glad for the summer breeze. Within just 30 minutes, I was surrounded by nature. Two of the most popular islands to visit are Georges Island, which was used as a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp during the American Civil War, and Spectacle Island, which has some of best views of the Boston skyline. Formerly the city dump, Spectacle Island, which used to look like a pair of glasses, has been transformed from an eyesore into something beautiful. You’d be short-sighted to miss a visit.

After returning to the city, I made the easy walk over to Faneuil Hall Marketplace, an indoor-outdoor shopping center close to the waterfront. The marketplace is as alive today as it was in 1742. This iconic mixed-use venue includes an array of shops, restaurants, bars, internationally known street performers and historic Faneuil Hall, also known as “The Cradle of Liberty.”  

Taking a walk through Quincy Market, I salivated over the variety of food available. But since the weather was so warm, I opted for one of the many air-conditioned restaurants found in Faneuil Hall Marketplace. A yummy prosciutto, rocket and fig pizza refueled me for the rest of the day.

During the afternoon, I made the short drive over the magnificent Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge to the Outlets at Assembly Row. Although beautifully modern and sleek in design, the bridge is Boston’s equivalent to Tower Bridge in London, England, or the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. You’ll know the city when you see it. Once at the outdoor mall, I browsed the many shops offering bargains, and picked up gifts to take back home. My favorite place, and a great photo spot, was the Legoland Discovery Center and its life-size giraffe made of Lego blocks.

Back in the city, I walked to Kenmore Square, the gateway to Fenway Park, which is the home of the Boston Red Sox baseball team. Interestingly enough, the owner of the Red Sox, John William Henry II, also owns the Liverpool Football Club. On the day I was there, the Liverpool players were in town for a friendly rematch against AS Roma. The English fans donned their red football shirts and were everywhere.

As you can tell, with a variety of things to do and see, this multicultural and multidimensional city has plenty to offer everyone. Be sure to include Boston on your next U.S.-bound holiday.