Possibly the most defining aspect of Boston is its very contrasts. Whether talking to a native Bostonian or scanning a touristy website, the emphasis is there. Boston both venerates its historic past and glories in its modern triumphs.
"Boston prides itself on being one of the most livable cities in America. Twenty diverse neighborhoods offer more than 600,000 residents the opportunity to taste, touch, and experience things from all over the world." ( http://www.cityofboston.gov/residents/default.asp ) Boston is also a leader in providing medical care, community development, crime prevention and education.
Boston can boast a number of popular attractions that display their contrasting appreciation for the historic and the modern:
Mayflower II
A replica of the famous ship that brought the Pilgrims across the Atlantic has been painstakingly recreated so that modern visitors can learn about what the voyage would have been like for the original passengers and crew. The ship features both modern tour guides and period actors sharing personal accounts.
Boston Harbor
The site of the infamous Boston Tea Party makes a lovely stop either to enjoy the water or to recall your history. Many whale-watching cruises are available there as well as ferries and sight-seeing tours.
The Boston Globe
One of the countries oldest newspapers offers free tours to allow visitors to explore the paper printing process.
Christian Science Center
The world headquarters of the Christian Science Church are based in Boston in a beautiful complex where visitors can learn about their history and faith. The 14-acre center holds services as well as holding a number of activities during the year.
The Hayden Planetarium
This advanced facility features numerous shows set to music to suit just about anyone's taste in genres. The facility is divided with the top half of the Hayden Sphere featuring the Space Theater, which the Planetarium boasts is the "most powerful virtual reality simulator in the world." Below visitors can experience the Big Bang, which is designed as a multi-sensory recreation of the beginning of the universe. A sloped pathway then leads visitors on a journey through the next 13 billion years of cosmic evolution.
USS Constitution
"Old Ironsides" is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. She got her nickname in the 1812 battle with British Frigate H.M.S. Guerriere. The frigate sunk while the cannonballs fired at the U.S.S. Constitution merely bounced off as though she were made of iron. In fact she is made of wood from all over the United States including two types of oak and yellow pine.
The House of the Seven Gables
The site of this legendary house is slightly north of Boston, but well worth the drive. Costumed interpreters, seaside gardens, and secret staircases provide a treat for all ages. Also known as the Turners-Ingersoll Mansion, the building is the oldest surviving 17th century wooden mansion in New England. It inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne to write his novel of same name, and since then, the house where Hawthorne was born has been physically moved to the same site so that you can visit it as well.
Boston Public Garden
America's first public botanical garden was begun in 1859. Perhaps one of the most heart-warming attractions in Boston can be found here: the small bronze statues of a mother duck with her babies: Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack. The famous children's story, "Make Way for Ducklings" was set in the Public Garden and inspired by an actual duck who used to stop traffic daily as she led her ducklings to the pond. Mrs. Mallard and company have been immortalized here to the delight of visitors.
"Duck" Tour
This fully narrated land & water tour features amphibious vehicles from WWII. Passengers travel through the city in these "ducks" to various sites including Back Bay, Beacon Hill, downtown Boston, and the North End. The peculiar crafts are then driven into the Charles River (don't worry, they float!) for the remaining half hour cruise.
And leave it to the Bostonians to think of everything... If you are concerned about the weather just look to the beacon on top of the John Hancock building. There is a rhyme to help remember what the lights mean:
Steady blue, clear view
Flashing blue, clouds due
Steady red, rain ahead
Flashing red, snow instead
Boston Local Favorites:
Medieval Manor Theatre Restaurant
The medieval manor features comedic performers from a host of characters from minstrels to wenches to entertain and amuse you during dinner. Featuring a six-course feast, the dinner theatre is not the place to visit with a full stomach, or a concern for clean fingers given that no one is allowed to use utensils. Advertised as a "bawdy romp through the Middle Ages," get ready to be one of the honored guests of the Lord of the Manor.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall originally housed a market for local merchants, fisherman, meat and produce sellers. Today, it serves much the same function only catering to modern consumers with specialty food stores, restaurants, cafes, specialty shops and artisans. Over time the Hall had fallen into disrepair and underwent revitalization in the 1970s. Today it is a bustling attraction and well worth a stop, particularly as it is one of the sites on the Freedom Trail.
The Bar
Located in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, The Bar opened 65 years ago and heralded the repeal of Prohibition in the classic style of an old-time piano bar. The Bar is known for its relaxed piano music and its evocative atmosphere of luxury complete with genuine oil paintings, mahogany arm chairs, and cozy fireplace.
Sources:
( http://www.boston-travel-services.com/ ) (Accessed June 7, 2004)
( http://www.lonelyplanet.com ) (Accessed June 4, 2004)
( http://www.cityofboston.gov ) (Accessed June 4, 2004)
( http://www.bostoncitylinks.com/boston.html ) (Accessed June 7, 2004)
(http://www.whatsontheplanet.com ) (Accessed June 11, 2004)