Boston Harbour and Skyline by Katie Haugland
Charm, character, architecture and a melting pot of culture, it’s also the Boston accent that gets me every time. A bevy of high profile individuals: US Senators, Mayors (Bloomberg), Presidents (John F. Kennedy, John Adams), Inventors, Poets, Celebs (Mindy Kaling, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon), Bands (Aerosmith) all hail from this regal city. If you haven’t visited one of the US’s best kept secrets, you need to, and here’s what you should do:
During The Summer
1. Go to The Landing – situated right on the Boston wharf, this gem is hard to find but very fun. It is only open seasonally and gets busy quick! Get a seat early and enjoy the scenery.
2. Codzilla – a high speed boat ride around the Boston harbor – 40 mph! Music blaring and wind in-your-face blowing.
3. Go to the Sowa Market – starting in May, this Sunday market serves more than 400 local businesses – whether it’s jewelry makers, food truck or local farmers. 375 Harrison Ave.
4. The Lawn on D – starting May 21st, this green turns into a small festival every summer with games, concerts, food trucks and more.
Downtown Crossing, Boston ~ centrally located with shops galore and plenty of street vendors
Christopher Columbus waterfront park ~ The backdrop to many weddings, its very popular and beautiful in the summer.
Post Office Square, Boston ~ just a short walk from downtown crossing- this park is mainly for locals to relax on their lunchbreak. In the summer, they have cushions, live music and even a small bookshelf of books to read while you are there.
Post Office Square, Boston
During The Fall:
1. Head of the Charles Regatta – this is the world’s largest two-day rowing event and takes place Oct. 22-23, 2016. It’s very popular for locals and it draws crowds from all over the world.
Year Round:
Visit the North End (little Italy) and to walk down Newbury Street, below is a list of restaurants, bars and tours you must try while here.
1. Boston Crawling Tour – At each stop, you get to pick your choice of beer while the guide gives a brief explanation of the bar/pub and it’s relation to history. I have taken this tour personally and it’s very fun. This tour is perfect for history buffs who also love a good craft beer.
2. Harpoon Brewery – Although there are many breweries in Massachusetts. I recommend the Harpoon Brewery. It was designed to feel like a German-style beer hall complete with long tables and pretzels. It is also situated in South Boston so it is a close walk to almost anything.
3. Get a Drink at Top of the Hub – Situated at the top of the Prudential Center, this bar provides 360 degree views of the city of Boston.
4. Drink at the Liberty Hotel – this luxurious hotel was previously a jail. Although it has been lavishly renovated, you can still see the jail influence. With bars named “Clink” and “Alibi” the hotel attracts many travelers from near and far.
5. Taza Chocolate in Sommerville – take a tour of this amazing chocolate company. They use traditional Mexican stone ground processes to make their organic cacao chocolate. They are also the first U.S. chocolate maker to establish a third-party certified Direct Trade Cacao Certification program.
Taza Chocolate
6. Drink Coffee at Pavement, a unique coffee shop which recently made the “America’s Coolest Coffeehouses” list by Travel and Leisure and “America’s 50 Best Coffee Shops” by The Daily Meal.
Christopher Columbus waterfront park ~ a beautiful place to sit down and eat your pastries after you visit the North End
Founded in 1630, it is one of the oldest and regal cities in the U.S. At almost every corner, you can find something old next to something new – a 1729 church next to skyscraper. Throughout the years, the city has reinvented itself, added many new and exciting restaurants, pubs and activities. Situated on the ocean and home to the Charles River, there are endless possibilities for those who want to spend their time kayaking or sailing along with those who want to shop, drink and explore the city.
-KS
