I LOVED Boston! But I’m also a huge history nerd so this city was right up my alley. We went mid September and the weather was cool (even downright chilly some mornings). We only went for a few days (long weekend) and weren’t able to see all that Boston had to offer.
Where We Went
Fenway Park
I’m not a huge baseball fan and I was actually bored going to Fenway Park. The history of the park was interesting (enough) and I enjoyed a hotdog but that’s about it. We attended a game while there and the crowd was drunk. I asked to leave. That is all.
Harvard
I enjoyed Harvard and we had an excellent tour guide (he was there on a FULL scholarship). A very historical school with lots of landmarks and beautiful architecture.
Brief history of this library that I thought was interesting: Harry Widener graduated from Harvard in 1907 and was an avid book collector. (His grandfather invented the street car.) He died at the age of 27 aboard the Titanic and as a memorial, his mother donated this library along with all the books he collected.
Duck Boat Tour
This was a really neat tour. The first half was driving around the city learning about all the buildings, monuments and landmarks and then it takes you into the Charles River for a view of the city from the water. I was terrified when we went into the water and gripped the sides of the boat for dear life. Clearly, everything turned out okay.
The Old State House (one of the oldest public buildings in the US, the Boston Massacre occurred in front, and crowds gathered as the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed from the balcony)
King’s Chapel (established in 1686 and was the first non-Puritan church in Boston – Boston was predominantly Puritan at the time)
Kings Chapel Burial Ground: oldest graveyard in the city and was the first burial ground in Boston (1630), many notable people buried here including Massachusetts’ first governor and the first woman to step off the Mayflower.
The original inspiration for the tv show Cheers
Trinity Church – founded in 1733, notable rectors (preachers) include Phillips Brooks most known for writing the Christmas Carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”
The Fairmont Copley Plaza – doors opened in 1912 and was the center of Boston’s most elite. The plaza held a dinner for Babe Ruth in 1935 as a welcome home after 16 years with the New York Yankees. Last time I checked, rooms had dropped to $200 a night due to Covid. Before they were upwards of $600.
Historic Boston
Boston Harbor – site of the Boston Tea Party
Where We Ate
I’m no foodie, but I don’t think we ate a bad meal…
Granary Tavern – located in the financial district and a short walk across from the duck boat tours
Bacco Ristorante and Bar – located in the North End. We actually walked from our hotel to Little Italy and just popped into this restaurant with no reservations. Absolutely delicious.
L.A. Burdick – Stopped in this little place for an apple streusel and hot chocolate.
Bell in Hand Tavern – this place was really neat. The tavern itself was built in 1795. Supposedly it’s America’s oldest tavern.
The Hungry I – located on Beacon Hill and open for 40 years, it actually closed the VERY NEXT DAY that we ate here. French cuisine and the chef was the owner of the building but was also the wait staff, greeter, etc. It was very small and you had to have a reservation. Not many employees and our waiter had actually worked there for 30 years. You kind of had to go underground to get into the restaurant. The food and atmosphere was definitely an experience.
Legal Sea Foods – located next to the Harbor and not far from Granary Tavern (in the Financial District).
What I Wore
I’m by no means a fashionista, but I do love classic pieces that can be used time and again. Our trip was a year ago but MOST of the pieces that I bought/wore are available again this year.
Gingham Shirt // Dark Denim Jeans // Olive Military Jacket // White Sneakers // Olive Dress (Tuckernuck last fall) but Love this Style // Scarf (Tuckernuck last fall) // Chambray Shirt (this one was a maternity shirt but I found a similar HERE) // Blazer // Cognac Mules // Leopard Mules
Definitely a trip worth taking! There are so many places within the US that are so interesting and full of history. Boston is now officially checked off my bucket list!
~Ashley