Der Freedom Trail ist eine wichtige Verkehrsader in der Innenstadt von Boston und schlängelt sich entlang einiger der bedeutendsten Wahrzeichen des Landes. In seinem Verlauf findet sich eine Reihe von Stätten, die Schauplatz so berühmter Ereignisse wie der Boston Tea Party und des Mitternachtsritts von Paul Revere waren. Unter der Obhut des Boston National Historic Park und der Freedom Trail Commission, befinden sich entlang des Weges zahlreiche Kirchen, Friedhöfe und Gebäude von monumentaler Bedeutung. Einige der wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten, die auf dem Weg liegen, sind das Old State House, die Faneuil Hall, die Old North Church, das Old South Meeting House, die USS Constitution, der Copp's Hill Burial Ground und das Paul Revere's House. Der Weg beginnt oft am Boston Common und schlängelt sich hinauf zum Bunker Hill Monument. Auf seinem eindrucksvollen Weg durch die Weiten der Stadt erzählt der Freedom Trail bewegende Geschichten aus der glorreichen Vergangenheit des Landes.
Get a feel for Boston with a stroll along 17 miles of riverside paths and parks. Watch sailboats and racing college crews on the Charles River Esplanade. On summer evenings, there is free music at the Hatch Memorial Shell, and there are always hundreds of walkers, joggers, bikers, dog walkers, and sunbathers enjoying the view. The best way to reach the river is via the Arthur Fiedler footbridge, which is close to the intersection of Beacon and Arlington Streets in the Back Bay, or via the pedestrian bridge near the Charles/MGH T station.
Commonwealth Museum exhibits some interesting documents and legal records belonging to the State. The museum's education department offers lectures encouraging the use of material from the archives. A special exhibit entitled 'Highway to the Past' is dedicated to the archeology of the Big Dig. Many of the artifacts uncovered during the digging are also on display.
Established in the 19th Century, Franklin Park is one of the city's biggest public parks, and also among the most beautiful in the Emerald Necklace. The park's beautiful layout, with its ponds and gardens, is the work of the legendary Frederick Law Olmsted, who considered parks, a vital component of any thriving city. The lush expanse spans 527 acres (213.27 hectares) and comprises the Franklin Park Zoo, William J. Devine Golf Course, numerous sports facilities as well as expansive wooded areas for picnics. Apart from this, the park also has a Playhouse, an open-air venue hosting occasional concerts and cultural events. If you are looking for a day out in nature, Franklin Park is an excellent choice when in Boston.
Arnold Arboretum, a botanical garden, located in Jamaica Plain, is the crown jewel in Frederick Law Olmsted's Emerald Necklace, which is the chain of Boston parks that he created. The manicured grounds, under the management of Harvard University, are filled with exotic flora that are tagged with species and genus names for the eager amateur botanist. The annual 'Lilac Sunday' during the second week of May draws thousands of visitors to enjoy the beauty of lilac bushes. Whether you are looking to take a break or learn something new, Arnold Arboretum will surely strike a note in your heart.
Salem is more than witches, goblins, ghosts and New Age and Wiccan shops; the town has a rich maritime and literary history that has left a valuable impression on the entire country. The town is home of one of the region's leading art museums, the Peabody Essex Museum, that hosts exhibits of art and artifacts from around the world and hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year. Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of The Scarlet Letter and The House of the Seven Gables, called Salem home. The real House of the Seven Gables is located in Salem and was once owned by Hawthorne's cousin. Come fall, many visit Salem for the beautiful shoreline foliage and amazing number of witch-themed museums, exhibits, parades, show and then some. Even those the witch hysteria occurred in Salem Village (in what is now the town of Danvers), that doesn't stop thousands of tourists from visiting this quaint, seaside town at Halloween.