When you think Boston, what do you imagine? I think if warm, thick, creamy clam chowder. Crackers or no crackers? People have definite opinions upon adding crackers. Me, I’m a purist, no crackers for this girl. When in Boston, clam chowder is on the menu every night for me and each restaurant has its on style. Some are thicker, some add more vegetables. Its fun trying the different varieties at the restaurants and seeing which one you prefer. Our winner was actually at the hotel where we stayed, the Hyatt Regency.
And, Boston is so much more…. It’s a city of American heritage. You can walk the 2.5 miles of historic sites along the Freedom Trail to learn about the American Revolution and truly, no matter where you go within the city, you will stumble along some part of the trail.
Knowing that we would only spend a few days in Boston and that we would be walking everywhere, I did something I rarely do and mapped out our adventures.
Once in Boston, the sightseeing began. Because it was early in the year and just coming out of Covid, some of the places we wanted to see were not open. Here are some suggestions if you’re ever in the town.
Granary Burying Ground
The Granary Burying Ground is an old cemetery, right in the middle of Boston. It’s surrounded by tall buildings. Some of the famous people buried there include the “real” Mother Goose, Benjamin Franklin’s parents and Paul Revere along with John Hancock and Samuel Adams, both signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Boston Common
Boston Common is the oldest park in America. Colonial Militia meet here to prepare for the American Revolution. In the 1860, Civil War recruitments and anti-slavery meetings were held within the Park and during the World Wars, it was used for Victory Gardens and the railings surrounding the were donated toward the war efforts. Today, the park is a gathering place to relax and let the dogs play together. In the winter, there is an ice rink.
Acorn Street
Built in 1823, this almost 200-year-old cobblestoned street of row houses offers a look back to Colonial Times in Boston. The homes here are decorated with flowering pots and American Flags. It’s one of the most photographed streets in Boston.
Trinity Church
Trinity Church was built between 1872-1877 and is a parish of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts founded in 1733. The Church is open for tours and to just visit but there is a nominal fee. The hours are Thursday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm.
Old South Church
Across the street from the Boston Public Library and just steps away from Trinity Church is Old South Church built in 1669. Not only is it older than the more famous Trinity Church, I actually liked this church better for two reasons. First, because I got to see John Alden’s, gravestone hanging on the wall outside of the main door. He’s one of my relatives who traveled to America on the Mayflower and married Pricilla Mullins. There is an old Henry 
Wadsworth poem about them, called the Courtship of Miles Standish. Miles asks John to speak to Pricilla on his behalf, asking for her hand in marriage. John goes to talk to her but ends up proposing himself and they get married. The story could be fictional but it goes to show you, love triangles in America started a soon as they arrived. Alden’s grave marker was found in buried in the dirt when the city installed a new street. The second reason I love this church is because the inside consists of intricately carved wood. There are acorns, leaves and small animals within the wall trim and the pews are gorgeous. If you only have time for one church, this is a must see.
Boston Public Library
The Boston Public Library’s main room is a photographer’s dream. With its old books and bright green lights that run down the middle of the main reading room, it’s definitely worth visiting. Two huge lions grace the staircase going up toward the room. I was particularly interested in the John Singer Sargent murals upstairs that are like no others of his art. Lastly, make sure you check out the lights overhead the entry doors. They are really unique.
The Library is open M-Th 9:00 to 8:00 pm and on Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. They are closed on Sunday. They have started offering architectural tours again.
The Mary Baker Eddy Library
This library has a room in it where you can go inside a stain glass globe. Unfortunately, the entire library was under renovation and closed so we wondered the halls outside.
Quincy Market
The Quincy Market, named after the Mayor Josiah Quincy, opened in 1826 and underwent restorations in the 1970’s. It is actual just one of the markets contained in Faneuil Hall Marketplace that includes Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market. You can shop, people watch, sit in a local pub or enjoy a meal. This is also a good area to just walk near the water.
The Paul Revere House
If you are interested in U.S. history, these last two places are for you. Paul Revere lived in Boston. Remember the one if by land, two if by sea story? Paul Revere was tasked with riding to Lexington Massachusetts to inform the residents that the British were going to arrest John Hancock and Samuel Adams and then ransack local militia and food supplies. It turns out there was no proof of the possible arrests but Paul Revere told a friend to go to the the Old Church to inform him how they would invade. He was to go to the steeple and watch for the British, lighting one lantern if they came by land and two if they came by sea. Late into the evening, Revere saw the light(s) and sped on his horse to pass on the information. How many lanterns did he see? You’ll have to drop by the house to find out or you can read Revere’s own account.
The house is open daily from 10:00 to 4:15. The cost is:
Adults $6.00
Seniors and College Students $5.50
Children (ages 5-17) $1.00
John F. Kennedy (JFK) Presidential Library
Not directly in the city but nearby is the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. JFK was our 35th president and probably the most dynamic. You can learn all about the Kennedy’s lifestyle, his presidency and how Jackie helped change the role of the First Lady. The Library is open Thursdays-Sundays and you need to reserve tickets in advance. I failed this on this one and the Library was completely booked. Guess we’ll have to go back.