DIGITAL NEST|Best of Boston in 36 Hours
By: Tennie Sumague, New York Bureau
Four hours north of New York City lies the historic American city of Boston, Massachusetts where budget travelers like myself can opt to take the bus for less than $35. What can a traveler see within a span of 36 hours? Here are several recommended places to explore to make a trip to Boston fun and memorable.
Freedom Trail
This 2.5 trail starts along Boston Common and ends in the quaint neighborhood of Charlestown, home of the USS Constitution. The trail is best to do on foot where one can take in the city’s remarkable history and walk through 16 historical sites including Boston Common, the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, the site of the Boston Massacre, Paul Revere House, USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument to name a few.
TD Boston Garden
Calling all NBA and NHL fans! TD Boston Garden is the place to be, especially with the Celtics and the Bruins in the playoffs. As a New Yorker and an avid sports fan, I must admit that Boston indeed has the most loyal, friendly, and supportive sports fans in America. In a city home to the team with the most NBA championships and the oldest American hockey team, every sports fanatic should visit the place to either watch a game or take a tour to the sports museum on the fifth floor. Boston’s most beloved legends in the NBA, NHL, MLB and NFL include Larry Bird, Bobby Orr, David Ortiz, and Tom Brady.
Fenway Park Tour
You don’t have to be a baseball fan to appreciate America’s most beloved ballpark. Founded in 1912, Fenway Park is Major League Baseball’s (MLB) oldest and smallest ballpark with a seating capacity of approximately 37,000. Inside the ballpark lies history including the painted blue seats, the red reserved seat where the longest home run at the ballpark was hit by Red Sox outfielder Ted Williams and the infamous Green Monster. Tourists can also walk the field and have their photo taken by the team’s mascots, Wally the Green Monster and his little sister, Tessie.
Boston’s North End
Boston’s North End neighborhood is the city’s oldest and known as the “Little Italy” of Boston. Though I wanted to try and taste Boston Pizza, I went to Pauli’s on Salem Street and ordered a lobster grilled cheese with fries with a side of clam chowder. After all, that is what Boston is known for – lobster and clam chowda. Pauli’s North End did not disappoint and is my go to place to eat at to stray away from the touristy food places at Quincy Market. If you are craving for dessert, walk along the neighborhood where you will find Mike’s Pastry, well known for their infamous cannolis, Thinking Cup, a cafe chain with the most moist chocolate ganache cake in the city or grab some homemade ice cream at Lulu’s Sweet Shoppe.
Boston Common/Boston Gardens
The oldest park in America is the best place to walk around freely after eating a heavy meal. The park consists of 50 acres of land. Here, one can stroll or run along the area and take in the magnificent views of the city center. Across the park lies the Boston Gardens where tourists and Bostonians walk or run along the bridge and take in the Garden’s serene surroundings.
Union Oyster House
If you are the nostalgic type like myself, the best place to eat a dozen of oysters or any kind of seafood is at the Union Oyster House, America’s oldest restaurant. Founded in 1826, Union Oyster House takes you through time as workers revive stories from the past to present.
John F. Kennedy Library and Museum
In the south side of Boston lies the most incredible museum I have been to in America. The library and museum features the lifestyle of John F. Kennedy, the most popular American president in United States history up to his assassination in 1963. There are seven permanent exhibits here; my three favorites being the Oval Office exhibit which includes information of the Civil Rights Movement, the First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy exhibit featuring the First Lady’s fashion memorabilia and the Kennedy Family. On May 29, the museum plans to salute the birth centennial year of the 35th president of the United States.