Mara Vorhees - Boston

Bostons history recalls revolution and renewal, and its still among the countrys most progressive and barrier-breaking cities.

The arts have thrived in Boston ever since the 19th century, when this cultural capital was dubbed the Athens of America. Certainly, the intellectual elite enjoyed their fine paintings and their classical music, but they were also dedicated to spreading the cultural wealth, establishing museums, libraries and symphony orchestras that could be appreciated by the masses. Today the lucky residents of (and visitors to) Boston benefit from such largesse. These venerable institutions play an integral role on Bostons cultural stage, which has significantly expanded to include dynamic contemporary art and music scenes.

Fanatic is no idle word here. Boston fans are passionate about sports, and its easy to understand why. The three-time world-champion Patriots; the long-overdue World Serieswinning Red Sox; the winningest basketball team in history, the Celtics; and 2011 Stanley Cup victors the Bruins: theres a lot to be passionate about. Bostons college teams also inspire fierce loyalties and staunch rivalries. No less spirited are the countrys oldest and most celebrated running event, the Boston Marathon, and the worlds largest two-day rowing event, the Head of the Charles Regatta.

A word of advice: when in Boston, eat as much seafood as possible. Local specialties include the sacred cod, fresh steamed lobster, oysters on the half-shell and thick, creamy chowder. You can eat seafood around the city, but especially in the fish-centered Seaport District, where its accompanied by spectacular harbor views. The creatures of the sea are your top priority, but dont miss the chance to devour delicious plates of pasta in the North End and to sample exotic Asian dishes in Chinatown. Trendy fusion restaurants draw on all of these eclectic influences to present contemporary cuisine that is uniquely Boston.

For all intents and purposes, Boston is the oldest city in America. And you can hardly walk a step over its cobblestone streets without running into some historic site. The Freedom Trail winds its way around the city, connecting 16 sites of varying historical significance; and thats just the beginning of the history lesson. These are the very places where history unfolded. In effect, Boston is one enormous outdoor history museum, where visitors can remember and relive the events of centuries past.

Financial District, viewed from the Northern Avenue Bridge
KIM GRANT / LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Why I Love Boston

By Mara Vorhees, Author

Boston is wicked smaaht. I love that Boston is motivated not by money or politics, but by learning. The academic institutions are a source of innovative art, architecture and ideas that we all benefit from. The students provide a renewable source of energy and vibrancy that permeates the city. Yet for all the fancy buildings and big ideas, Boston is still a city of neighborhoods and local people. The students may or may not be here in four years, but my neighbors are here for the long haul. They are the cogs that keep the city running, moving, growing, remembering the past and creating the future.

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Bostons Top 10

Fenway Park ()

There might as well be signs on I-90 reading Now entering Red Sox Nation. The intensity of baseball fans has only grown since the Boston Red Sox broke their agonizing 86-year losing streak and won the 2004 World Series. The hometown team repeated its feat in 2007 and has come awfully close in years since, which means it continues to sell out every game. Catch the boys at Fenway Park, the iconic old-style ball park that has hosted the Sox for over a century.

Kenmore Square & Fenway

LOU JONES/ LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Freedom Trail ()

For a sampler of Bostons revolutionary sights, follow the red brick road. It leads 2.4 miles through the center of Boston, from Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument, and traces the events leading up to and following the War for Independence. The Freedom Trail is well marked and easy to follow on your own an ideal strategy if you actually wish to enter some of the historic buildings and museums. Otherwise, there are plenty of tours that follow this trail, including the National Park Services free option.

Freedom Trail

(OLD SOUTH MEETING HOUSE, )
RICHARD CUMMINS / LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Boston Harbor Islands ()

If youre dreaming of an island vacation, youve come to the right place. The Boston Harbor Islands consist of 34 islands, many of which are open for trail-walking, bird-watching, camping, kayaking and swimming. Explore a 19th-century fort at Georges Island; walk the trails and lounge on the beach at Spectacle Island; or climb to the top of Bostons iconic oldest lighthouse at Little Brewster. Mostly operated by the National Park Service, the Harbor Islands offer a unique opportunity for outdoor adventure and theyre just a quick boat ride from downtown Boston.

Downtown & Waterfront