Last week our family flew to Boston for my older brother Jesse’s wedding. It was such a beautiful ceremony heightened by the romantic backdrop of Boston. Growing up in New Hampshire, this place was our “home city” so to speak. We went there for music lessons, historical field trips and when when my mom wanted to infuse us with a dose of “culture”. In college I interned in Boston and got to see what it was like to live in this pretty city. Because I love this place so much, I wanted to share a Boston Travel Guide. Several things I recommend below will turn up in a “things to do in Boston” search, so before I get into specifics I want to share why I think this city is so worth a trip. 🙂
Hanging out in Fenway with my crew!
Sweater (similar) // Top // Jeans // Scarf // Ring // Earrings // Mules
Top (obsessed!) // Jeans // Sandals // Earrings // Lipstick // Bag (similar here)
Strolling towards Copley Place!
My brother’s wedding at Boston University (my babe cleans up nice!)
Our sweetheart of a flower girl 🙂
The lobby of Hotel Commonwealth, where we stayed
View of the Charles River from my brother and sister-in-law’s reception
Top 4 Reasons To Visit Boston, Massachusetts:
- It’s a city dripping in historical significance. The Revolutionary War started in Boston and history from these days are preserved and showcased in really cool ways all over town (e.g. Paul Revere’s House, the Freedom Trail, and re-enactments of the Boston Tea Party).
- It’s the oldest US city with a uniquely European feel. Boston was colonized by the British before the start of the revolutionary war and because it dates back so far, much of the architecture and culture has a uniquely European flare. My dad grew up in Belgium (moving to the US in his 20s) and he told me Boston is the closest city in the US to Europe. In other words- if you want a taste of Europe without leaving the states then Boston is for you!
- There’s something for everyone. The Boston area boasts great sports teams, superb shopping and fantastic restaurants with authentic cuisine the world over. Some of the best French, Ethiopian, and Italian food I’ve ever had were in Boston. Whether it’s food, shopping, or site seeing you’re after, Boston’s got it.
- It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the US. Much of the architecture is 200+ years old and almost everywhere you look you’ll see buildings with intricate carving or stonework. Brick and cobblestone walkways aren’t a rare site, especially in the Italian district of the North End. Boston Common and Public Garden is the city’s corollary to Central Park, but I personally think it’s even prettier.
Have I convinced you to book a trip? 😉 If so, here are my favorite things to do:
- Visit Fenway Park. Better yet, catch a ball game or concert at this historic ballpark. One of my favorite memories from interning in Boston was hitting up a Dave Matthews concert at Fenwway.
- Take the Freedom Trail and visit Paul Revere’s House. I kind of sort of got chills reliving the Revolutionary War in this way as a high school student.
- Catch a Duck Tour. One of Boston’s unique charms are the “duck tours”. Ride one of these amphibious boats from World War II to catch the biggest highlights of the city in a single tour, but that’s not it…finish up by taking a duck splash in the Charles River to catch some amazing views of the skyline.
- Get your retail therapy on via Newbury Street and the Shops at Copley. Boston has all the high end shopping, but boasts a great selection of much more afforable shopping as well. The gorgeous Newbury Street has both a Zara and a large H&M in addition to the likes of BCBG and Tory Burch.
- Indulge in the best Italian Food (and dessert) in the North End. This “Little Italy” is home to more than a few fantastic Italian restaurants and pastry shops.
- Swing by Quincy Market. This building reminds me of a Roman temple. Inside are a million dining options and within a short walk is some great shopping. Quincy Market is touristy, but I still love it for the pretty architecture, shopping, and overall ambiance. Random story: as an intern, I took my violin to Quincy Market and tried my luck as a street musician. It worked well until the police came and told me I needed a permit! :/
- Check out the New England Aquarium. I love this place so this past week Ridge and I took Juliana. We made the mistake of telling her the day before and for the next 24 hours all she could talk about was “seeing the fishies”. This aquarium doesn’t disappoint though, and one of the coolest parts is a giant penguin exhibit.
- Bring your lunch to Boston Common. Boston Common is adjacent to Boston Public Garden, another picturesque landscape. Both are great to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a minute and take in nature. And if you happen to be visiting in the Fall, the foliage does not disappoint!
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