At the heart of Massachusetts' academic circle in downtown Boston, Suffolk University is recognized as one of the city's most prestigious institutions. Originally founded as a law school, its academic umbrella now goes on to include the Suffolk University Law School, the College of Arts & Sciences, as well as the Sawyer Business School. Myriad educational buildings dot its extensive campus that stretches from downtown Boston to the Beacon Hill neighborhood. Some of these include the Nathan R. Miller Hall, the Modern Theatre, the Ridgeway Building and the Somerset academic building.
A massive mall in Cambridge on the banks of the Charles River Dam, CambridgeSide is a perfect shopping hub for those looking to buy chic outfits or gifts. It is home to familiar clothing stores, technology stores, shoe stores, department stores, and much more. With a large food court as well as several restaurants, it is well-equipped to feed scores of hungry shoppers. The mall includes well-known stores like Apple, Sephora, Victoria's Secret, TJ Maxx, The Cheesecake Factory, Taco Bell, Claire's, and Foot Locker.
Formerly known as TD Banknorth Garden and FleetCenter, this cavernous arena is home to Boston's professional basketball and hockey teams. TD Garden has 19,600 seats, 90 executive suites, four promenade suites, 1100 club seats, three full-service restaurants and a private club. It hosts more than 200 events annually, including professional wrestling, concerts, ice shows, seminars and graduations. The arena's innovative technology and elegant design continue to attract locals and tourists alike. A branch of the Sports Museum of New England is also located here.
A trip to Boston is not complete without a visit to this attraction. From mid-April until mid-September, one can take a quick tour on a paddle boat designed to look like a swan. The Swan Boat tours have been run by the same family for over a hundred years in the Boston Public Garden, which was the setting for the famous children's story, 'Make Way for Ducklings'. Tourists will understand why as they glide among the hundreds of ducks that call the Garden pond home. The lucky visitors may also catch glimpses of a couple of real swans.
Just across Charles Street from the Boston Common, Public Garden is elegantly landscaped with flower beds, lagoons, walking paths and statues, including a notable monument of George Washington on a horse. Admire the natural beauty and watch as couples pose for their wedding photographs on most summer weekends. The children's story 'Make Way for Ducklings' took place here, and there is a popular sculpture of the ducklings in the northeast corner of the park. A ride on their famous Swan Boats is an essential experience for visitors.
Boston Children's Museum is one of the oldest children's museums in the country, and it is a great place to both entertain and educate children. Interactive exhibits introduce curious minds to a wide array of topics, including art, culture, science, and technology. The Gallery, Science Playground, PlaySpace, and New Balance Foundation Climb are some exceptional displays that teach children more about their environment and the world. A fascinating museum and an enriching spot, it is beloved by all children who visit it.
Bunker Hill Monument commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, where the famous command "don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes" was issued. Local lore makes much of the battle's misnomer; the battle actually took place on Breed's Hill. To keep the guidebooks simple, Breed's Hill was renamed Bunker Hill, and the original Bunker Hill was flattened. Many visitors end their Freedom Trail tour here. Ambitious visitors may climb the 295 steps to the top of the monument, from atop of which one can take in panoramic sights of Boston’s skyline.
Still an active Episcopalian church, Old North Church is possibly the oldest religious structure in Boston, dating back to 1723. It occupies a special place in American history. On a fateful night in 1775, Paul Revere watched for the signal, “one if by land and two if by sea.” After the church sexton hung two lanterns from the steeple, he began his famous midnight ride to wake and warn the countryside of the British troops' arrival. Every April, members of the colonial militia begin a lantern service commemorating this historic event.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is an independent university launched with a mission of educating students in the domain of science, technology and other practical areas that pave the way towards national progress. The university operates with the strength of close to a thousand faculty members, who are experts in critical areas of architecture, engineering, arts, management and science. Noteworthy alumni of MIT are stalwarts of their respective fields, with the likes of Richard Feynman, Kofi Annan, Buzz Aldrin and more.
If you plan on visiting the USS Constitution at the Charlestown Navy Yard, the USS Constitution Museum is a must-see. Come and discover what life was like for the crew that served on Old Ironsides. Take a trip into American history and learn about life on the sea, the Revolution, and the War of 1812. A fun, educational experience for the entire family. Be sure not to miss the gift shop so you can take a piece of history home with you!
This century-old Italianate structure of bronze doors and grand marble staircases, Boston Public Library was the first free municipal library in the nation. The library's first building on Mason Street was a former schoolhouse, which opened in 1854. Having received an authorized decision, the library's then commissioners located a new building for the library on Boylston Street. Thus, the Copley Square location became home to the library in 1895. Expanding the Copley Square location in 1972, the McKim building was constructed. In this National Historic Landmark, you can find collections of maps and prints, rare books and manuscripts, and fine mural series. The Boston Public Library offers daily tours highlighting famed central library buildings and art works by some prolific artists from the bygone era.
A fleet of Ducks- brightly colored, vintage World War II amphibious vehicles provide narrated, half-land, half-water tours of Boston. Do not be alarmed when your Duck abandons its wheels and lowers itself onto the Charles River! Tours cover many of Boston's downtown tourist attractions and famous spots like the State House and the Prudential Tower. Keep in mind, tour guides encourage quacking! Tours depart from three different locations, the Museum of Science, Prudential Center and New England Aquarium. Tickets sell out quickly, especially on summer weekends, so remember to book early.