Unusual Destinations For Your Boston Travel Plans
As one of the oldest urban centers in America, Boston is known for outstanding universities, esteemed museums, and its location on the Atlantic. In order to discover the pulse that makes this city unique, avoid tourist traps such as the New England Aquarium and the Skywalk Observatory in favor of the unexpected. Memories will endure longer with these alternative Boston travel destinations.
Sightseers and hikers alike will enjoy the thirteen Harbor Islands off the coast. For a fantastic picnic, take the ferry to George Island, the location of Fort Warren, dating back to the Civil War. Climb the Harbor Light on Little Brewster Island for a striking panorama of the harbor. If you prefer not to take a boat, visit Castle Island, whose paths are accessible by land for walkers and cyclists.
Constructed in 1935, the Mapparium provides an educational peek at the history of world politics. Walking through this illuminated stained glass globe on the see-through bridge, you see countries depicted as they were in the era before World War II. Clocks around the equator display different time zones, and the unusual acoustics make it easy to hear people from all the way across the room.
While visiting a park may seem an unlikely choice during a trip to the city, locals and tourists alike flock to the Boston Public Gardens. The Victorian layout takes you on a pleasant stroll down winding paths with statues and fountains, offset by the displays of more than 80 types of flowering plants. Soak up the atmosphere with a ride on the lagoon in the swan boats, unique in the world.
With a modern addition (Johnson, 1972) built onto the original building (McKim, 1895), The Boston Public Library on Copley Square, tends to resemble a museum. The interior carries on this illusion, with grand marble staircases, lofty ceilings, and masterful frescoes which highlight temporary exhibits. As a library, it houses impressive collections on art and American history. Enjoy the scenery while browsing a book in the exterior courtyard.
Historic cemeteries provide perspective on the varied past of the city. The oldest, King’s Cathedral (1630) contains elaborately carved tombstones. Check out the great view of the harbor from Copp’s Hill (1659), unusual as the burial site of nearly 10,000 African Americans in unmarked graves. Gilbert Stewart, the portraitist of George and Martha Washington, was entombed at Central Burying Ground (1756).
Colonized in 1630, the North End is steeped in history, although today it is mostly known as New England’s Little Italy due to the ongoing influence of the 19th century immigrant population. In addition to enjoying the amazing selection of Italian cuisine in its restaurants, contemporary visitors may take a stroll down Revolutionary War era streets and alleys, and sit in the romantic courtyards of 18th century buildings.
Taking the road less traveled generally costs less, allows you to meet residents, provides interesting photo-ops, and lets you enjoy fresh air and exercise. Your Boston travel memories will be different from those of most tourists, creating a more interesting, fulfilling, and memorable experience.
If you want to really experience Boston travel to the marketplaces and shops, as well as to the historical sights and locations. Learn more about landmarks by visiting the web pages at http://www.faneuilhallmarketplaceboston.com now