About Boston

Downtown Boston's streets are charming and full of the kinds or stores and shops that make tourists feel like they've been transported to another time. But that's part of the charm of Boston -- its history is everywhere, from the neighborhoods around Faneuil Hall to the Old North Church in twisting streets of the North End to the USS Constitution docked in Charlestown.

Or take the Red Line subway to Harvard Square in Cambridge and stroll around Harvard Yard. The university was founded in 1636.

There are many famous festivals and events held throughout the year. The Boston Marathon, held each April, attracts runners from all over the world. Summer and fall bring many festivals including Chowderfest, Chinatown Festival, Octoberfest Festival, Boston Harborfest, and the Dragon Boat Festival.

The saints have their days in the North End during the summer, with festivals ranging from Santa Maria Di Anzano in early June to the St. Domenic Society in mid-July to the Santa Rosalia Di Palermo festa in early September.

A Boston visit is also the chance to explore the spectacular scenic coastlines of New Hampshire and southern Maine with day trips. Massachusetts' most famous scenic shoreline, Cape Cod, is best seen in the winter when the area is relatively deserted and you can drive there without once cursing the traffic. But if you must go in the summer, the high-speed ferry from Long Wharf to Provincetown is expensive, but darn well worth it.

Other day trips around Boston include the living history of Plymouth Plantation; Salem, where no witches were burned (but plenty of people suspected of witchcraft were hanged); and lovely Gloucester on Cape Ann, which bills itself as America's Oldest Seaport. It's also home to "America's oldest art colony."

All this and nary a mention of the Bunker Hill Monument, the Old South Meeting House, the Paul Revere House, the red brick sidewalks of Beacon Hill, King's Chapel and the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site in Brookline. And how could we forget Fenway Park?

It'll take more than a few visits to see all of Boston.