BOSTON - ATTRACTIONS

1. The Freedom Trail - This is not just one attraction, but a collection of Boston's historic monuments, linked by a 3-mile long path that is embedded in red brick in the pavement. Starting at the visitor center at the Boston Common, the red line leads past the State House, through a number of churches and burial grounds, past the Old State House, over to Faneuil Hall, past the house of Paul Revere and the Old North Church, and finally over the river to Bunker Hill and the U.S.S. Constitution. Some of the 16 stops on the trail have museums or other attractions, so this historic walk can easily take the entire day. We particularly recommend the Old State House Museum as well as the U.S.S. Constitution and Bunker Hill (especially the 294 steps to the top). But everything on this tour is fascinating, if you are into American history. 

Bunker Hill

Paul Revere's House

Guided tours are also given, contact 617-242-5642 for more information. 

2. New England Sports Museum and Hall of Fame - Located on the 5th and 6th floors of the Fleet Center, this museum is difficult to get into, but a good spot for the true sports junkie. With 3 areas devoted to hockey, basketball, and baseball, there is a lot of history on display as Boston has had teams in each sport for many years. A fourth area is devoted to changing exhibitions, and there are also displays dedicated to boxing, the Boston Marathon, and the Boston Garden. You can also see the Fleet Center when it is empty, which is something unusual.

Sean and Sharpy duke it out in the penalty box

3. JFK Library and Museum - Located south of downtown and accessible by a free bus from the JFK/UMass subway stop, this musuem presents a detailed look at the life of America's most famous president. Using rare film footage, historic documents, and family keepsakes, the museum recreates the world of JFK. Take your time here, there are lots of things to read and watch, but it is well worth it.

4. Bull and Finch Pub (Cheers) - TV geeks will want to have a beer at the bar that inspired the TV series "Cheers". Still a normal functioning bar, the staff here knows that everyone is a tourist, but they are friendly enough. There are three separate bars that handle the still large crowds (the series ended nearly 10 years ago) and a souvenir shop is on the premises so you can buy the Cheers beer glass. Norm Petersen is also around, as you can see below.

Norm and Sharpy