BOSTON - BEANTOWN

Boston is probably the most historical city in America - it is where American history began more than 300 years ago. Boston itself was founded in 1630, nearly 150 years before the colonies formed a new nation. Since then, it has been this site for innumerable events that changed the face of the continent, most notable among them being the Boston Tea Party and Paul Revere's ride.

Now Boston is a thriving metropolis and the capital of the state of Massachusetts, but it has admirably retained its historical landmarks. It has gone so far as to link 16 of the most important historical buildings and attractions via the Freedom Trail, a 3-mile long tour that follows a red line embedded in the pavement. Walking this trail is an exercise in both fitness and history and is one of the most intriguing attractions in America. Study up on Boston history before you come here, and you will be amazed at how well things are preserved.

The downtown is located on a peninsula that juts into Inner Boston Harbor, with the Charles River beginning at the north end. A very pretty city, it is now undergoing a massive change - the aboveground highway, I-93, is being rebuilt underneath the city, thus opening up new space for retail and office space and making the city that much more beautiful. Known as the Big Dig, it is the largest municipal project in the country's history, and is not expected to be complete until at least 2004. 

Big Dig

Boston is home to pro sports teams in all four major sports, although the New England Patriots actually play football in the southern suburb of Foxboro. The other teams are the NBA's Celtics, one of the most storied franchises in any sport; the Bruins in the NHL, and of course the cursed Red Sox, who we came to see. 

Our impressions: Leave your car at the hotel. Parking is tough to find and the meter maids are the most vigilant in the country. We saw more parking tickets here than in all other cities combined. The transit system is cheap ($1) and effective, and will get you anywhere in the downtown area. 

Walking in Boston is a challenge, but not because of hills, or strange streets. No, what makes Boston so fun are the pedestrian crossings - simply the most dangerous in America, and rivaling those in Europe. Pedestrians routinely disobey these crossings and drivers rarely slow down, causing most walkers to dodge the traffic while trying to get to the other side. The walk signals are very short, and change to red very quickly, so be careful. As an aside, we noticed a sign that says "Over 3 pedestrians are seriously hurt in Boston every day" - this is hard to believe, I would have guessed 30! Seriously, though, crossing the street here can be a problem, so play it safe.

The John Hancock Tower and the Prudential in the distance

People in Boston are really energetic. This may be a strange thing to say, but Bostonians are attractive and have a good sense of life - it would be a great place to reside; there's lots to do and see. Beantowners may talk with funny accents, but they definitely approach things straight on. The style of architecture here is very interesting, with historical residential buildings having been well-preserved.

Overall, Boston is one of the top 5 cities in the nation. History mixes well with the modern age, the transit system is good, and the restaurants and other amenities are top notch. But it is the people of Boston who seem to have a special resolve about them, perhaps a joie-de-vivre that one doesn't see in many other cities, that really gives this city it's lively energy. Stop in Boston for a couple of days and enjoy the sights before getting over to Fenway for a night game. We think you will enjoy it.