Beantown Mass,

For a city known as "Beantown" due to it's fondness for baked beans and molasses during the colonial times, today many just call it Boston. Way before my time, Boston was the centre of political, commercial and religious life of New England. A city that played a role in the American Revolution and that famous event known as the Boston Tea Party. Today visitors can enjoy the numerous historic sites such as the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, The Freedom Trail, Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church. But that is not all Boston has to offer.

I have had the the opportunity to visit Boston in previous years and it never disappoints. One of my favourite areas is Beacon Hill, with a combination of historic architecture and cobblestone streets and that famous bar known as Cheers. Speaking of streets, I always enjoyed the drive down Commonwealth Avenue, lined in tall lush trees and beautiful brownstones. Then off to Boston Common, a smaller version of New York's Central Park in the middle of the city. But this park is known as the oldest park in the United States. There is not just one park, you can also visit Boston Public Gardens, the home to the first botanical garden in the United States and aside from its pretty landscape, you can also enjoy a ride on the famous swan boats. Boston Harbour is another stop worth the visit be it for a tour of the New England Aquarium, a walk, a boat tour, or just to enjoy the views. If you do take a boat tour, your may be fortunate enough to even see some whales.

Feeling a little hungry head over to Quincy Market or Faneuil Hall where various food vendors ( i.e., Mexican, Greek, Italian etc...) can be found along with some typical and unique Boston souvenirs. I of course order a small claim chowder and a lobster roll every time. A New England must! If you wish for a more of an authentic Italian experience, then the North End is for you. It is Boston's oldest residential neighbourhood, known for its Italian restaurants, bakeries, festivals and historic sites. A go to for us, is Mike's Pastry. Since 1946, it has been serving their legendary cannolis on Hanover Street. If a change of scenery is needed, head over to Newbury Street, a famous mile long stretch in the Back Bay area. It is known for its high end shops, restaurants and rich architecture. One could always use a walk, after a cannoli at Mike's!

You cannot talk about Boston, without mentioning that it has been known to be the City of Champions. The 2000's have been very good to Bostonians and their sports teams. The New England Patriots led by Tom Brady won the Super Bowl in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2015, 20017 and 2019. The Boston Red Sox winners of the World Series, in 2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018. The Boston Celtics winners of the NBA Championship in 2008, 2011 and more recently 2024. Lastly the Bruins who after a 39 year drought, won the Stanley Cup in 2011.

It is safe to say, that if visiting Boston in the summer head over to the the oldest stadium in the MLB Fenway Park, built in 1912, the same year the Titanic sailed and sank. If visiting in the fall, head over to the North End to catch a Bruins or Celtics game. A Patriots football game on the other hand, will have you driving just outside of the city to Foxboro to Gillette Stadium. Sadly no Tom Brady or Gronk to be found tossing around a football there these days.

Not too far from Boston is Cambridge located just on the other side of Charles River. Cambridge is home to not one but two prestigious universities, Harvard and MIT. Both are institutions worth a tour! While there, you can also explore the Harvard Museum and the MIT Museum, on your visit. Or you can enjoy a stroll or a bike ride along the Charles River or stop in Harvard Square for a bite to eat, to shop or to people watch.

Be it "Beantown" or City of Champions, Boston does live up to its other nickname "The Hub". As one of the largest cities in the United States, comprising of famous neighbourhoods such as Back Bay, North End and Beacon Hill to name a few. This historic yet lively city never disappoints, from museums to sporting events, from restaurants to shopping. It truly has a lot to offer.