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An American Treasure
Article and photos courtesy of the Greater Boston Convetion and Visitor Bureau |
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| With a mix of colonial charm, urban sophistication and world-class
attractions, Boston is dynamic as well as historical. A place that played
an important role in shaping United States history, Boston offers visitors
a chance to see the places where the American Revolution was conceived
and began. From Paul Revereís house to the Boston Tea Party ship to the
Old North Church, history is on every corner in Boston. Boston is also
the "Hub of New England," and major highways link Boston to points throughout
the Northeast. With its proximity to so much in New England, Boston offers
a wide variety of activities within a short range for a group tour.
Boston's premiere attraction, The Freedom Trail, is a walking tour through historic Boston encompassing 16 of the most treasured sites in American history. The Freedom Trail is an actual red line painted on the sidewalks and streets of Boston. Besides guiding a visitor to the historic sites, the Freedom Trail is an excellent way to tour the city as it winds through many of the city's diverse neighborhoods. The National Parks Service offers free, guided tours of the Freedom Trail for individuals and groups. Another walking tour, The Black Heritage Trail, explores the history of Boston's 19th century black community as it guides the visitor past 10 historic sites along the north slope of Beacon Hill. The heart of the Heritage Trail is the African Meeting House, the oldest standing black church in the United States. The Meeting House became known as the "Black Faneuil Hall" because of its status as the center of political activity. The African Meeting House has been recently restored and is open to the public for tours, special exhibits and group functions. With a wide array of diverse and interesting attractions, visitors to Boston are never at a loss for something to do. Boston's many museums, concert halls, theaters and nightclubs are always abuzz with activity and excitement. From the internationally acclaimed Museum of Fine Arts, The Museum of Science and the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, to the famous Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops, to an abundant local and pre-Broadway theater scene, Bostonís cultural and entertainment options are bountiful. Top Attractions in Boston A fun way to tour Boston is to climb aboard one of the authentic, renovated World War II amphibious landing vehicles at Boston Duck Tours. Groups will be greeted by their ConDUCKtor who will be narrating the tour and providing interesting insights and little-known facts about the sights along the way. The journey begins on land and takes passengers past famous Boston landmarks such as the State House, Bunker Hill, Boston Common and many others. Then it is time for a "splashdown" on the scenic Charles River and passengers can enjoy some spectacular views of the Boston and Cambridge skylines and they cruise on the water. The Ducks operate from March through November and tours run seven days a week, rain or shine. Tours last about 80 minutes and depart every 30 or 60 minutes depending on the season. There are two points of departure, the Prudential Center and the Museum of Science. Group rates are offered for groups of 20 or more and are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and military and $16 for children ages three to 11. One ticket is comped for every 20 paid. Groups can be picked up and dropped off outside the Prudential Center on Huntington Avenue in front of Shawís Supermarket or at the Museum of Science. Parking is available by the Christian Science Center (Prudential Center location) or by the Moran Terminal in Charlestown (Museum of Science location). To learn more phone (800) 226-7442 or visit their Web site at www.bostonducktours.com. Many television fans are familiar with the Boston pub where "everybody knows your name," from the hit series Cheers that ran for 11 seasons beginning in 1982. The fictional bar "Cheers" was inspired by an actual neighborhood bar and restaurant in Boston formerly known as the Bull and Finch Pub. The façade of the establishment, located in the Beacon Hill area, was used in the opening sequence of the TV show. Having been renamed Cheers Boston Beacon Hill, the famous pub is open to tourists and has a gift shop that sells memorabilia from the popular program. A second "Cheers" location was opened in 2001 in Faneuil Hall and features a replica of the interior set seen in the show. To see the Beacon Hill location, passengers can be dropped off at the site at 84 Beacon Street. At the Faneuil Hall location, drop-off can be done at State Street or Congress Street. Parking is available on the surface artery between Hanover and North streets or the surface artery between North and Clinton streets. For more information contact (617) 227-9605 for the Beacon Hill location or (617) 523-1300 for the Faneuil Hall location. Web sites can be viewed at www.cheersboston.com and www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com. Shoppers who live for bargains can thank Boston son Edward A. Filene for originating the concept of the off-price store. In 1908, Filene used the basement of his fatherís department store as a place to sell off excess merchandise at reduced prices. Soon other retailers were bringing him their excess goods to sell and the "bargain basement" was born. Today, Fileneís Basement has stores in eight states and Washington D.C. and is famous for offering high-end brand name and designer fashions at greatly discounted prices. The original Boston store is the second most popular tourist attraction in the city. Shoppers will not find any fancy décor, but will enjoy the thrill of searching for that deal-of-a-lifetime amongst the plain wooden bins and racks of the store. The original Filene's Basement is located at Downtown Crossing at the corner of Washington and Summer. Buses bringing groups can drop off passengers outside the store. Parking facilities are available nearby; phone the store for details. You can get more information by contacting (617) 348-7974 or go to their Web site at www.filenesbasment.com>. |
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| Boston is a place rich in history where many key events that led up
to the American Revolution occurred. The Freedom Trail is a chance to see
and experience some of the significant sites that played a role in United
Statesí fight for independence. The 2.5-mile, red-brick walking trail passes
16 historic sites including museums, churches, meeting houses, burying
grounds, parks, a ship and historic markers that tell the story of the
American Revolution. Passengers can be dropped off at 148 Tremont Street
at Boston Common Visitors Center and buses can park on the server artery
between Hanover and North streets or the surface artery between North and
Clinton streets. Phone (617) 357-8300 for more information or visit their
Web site at www.thefreedomtrail.org.
Some of the best views of Boston can be found on the water and Boston Harbor Cruises offers some great options for groups that want to set sail. As New Englandís oldest and largest cruise company, Boston Harbor Cruises offers a variety of excursions that include whale watching, sightseeing, sunset cruises, lighthouse cruises and fast ferries. They can accommodate groups and arrange specialty or private tours, water transportation service, and coordinate food service and entertainment. A discounted rate is extended to groups of 25 or more people. Comps offered will vary by group. Bus parking is done at Boston Autoport or Moakley Courthouse. For more information contact Doug Hall at (617) 227-4321. You can learn more about Boston Harbor Cruises and the tours they offer by viewing their Web site at www.bostonharborcruises.com. The culture and beauty of the arts has a grand showcase in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. On display are approximately 450,000 objects with new ones arriving all the time. There are many permanent and special exhibitions and many daily activities including gallery talks, films, concerts, artist lectures and other programs. The museumís collections include art from around the world, ancient and contemporary art, musical instruments, prints, drawings, photographs, textiles, fashion arts and more. The museum is open seven days a week. There are on-site dining services available in the museum as well as shops. Group rates are $14 per adult and $13 per tour operator for a self-guided visits. Youths ages 7-17 are admitted free on weekdays after 3 p.m. and on weekends and public school holidays. Buses can drop off passengers in a barrier-free drop-off area in the Museum Road/West Wing circular driveway. Bus parking is available in an open-air parking lot on the right side of Museum Road, just beyond the garage. Phone (617) 257-9300 or go to www.mfa.org for more details. |
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| The fascinating world of science entertains and educates visitors of
Museum of Science Boston. This impressive facility has enough exhibits
and attractions to keep a group enthralled for hours. Some of the highlights
include an IMAX theater, a planetarium, live presentations and more. There
are a multitude of exhibits on scientific topics such as animals, dinosaurs,
the human body, electricity, the history of computers, natural mysteries
and many others.
Group can enjoy a meal or snack at the museum café which has a collection of eateries offering food such as Mexican, grill, pizza, salads, sandwiches and more. Group rates are offered to student groups and vary throughout the year. Buses can drop off passengers directly in front of the museum and can park at Moran Terminal or Mystic Pier at a charge of $20 per motorcoach. Phone the museum at (617) 723-3500 for more information. You can view their Web site at www.mos.org. Life in the ocean is as interesting as it is beautiful. Visitors can learn about and view aquatic creatures up close at the New England Aquarium. The museum hosts many exhibits, offers programs and does research on the mysterious and fascinating world found underwater. A centerpiece of the museum is its Caribbean Coral Reef Exhibit. This 200,000-gallon tank accommodates sharks, sea turtles, barracudas, moray and hundreds of tropical fish. It is considered one of the most detailed and scientifically accurate recreations of its kind. The Aquarium Medical Center Exhibit is a live working animal hospital where veterinarians and staff care for aquarium animals as well as sick and stranded animals that were rescued from local beaches. It is the first exhibit of its kind to put real staff and medical treatments on public view. The museum offers groups rates for 10 or more people. The charge is $15.95 for adults, $13.95 for seniors and college students and $7.95 for students. For every group of 10 paying customers, one escort ticket will be comped. Passengers can disembark from the bus directly in front of the aquarium and parking is available at Boston Autoport or Moakley Courthouse. To learn more phone (617) 973-5200 or go to www.neaq.org. |
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| History buffs and ship enthusiasts will not want to miss seeing what
is perhaps the most famous vessel in American naval history. The USS
Constitution also known as ìOld Ironsidesî because of cannonballs bouncing
off her sides during battle, is the oldest commissioned ship afloat in
the world and is still in service in the U.S. Navy. Although she saw a
lot of action during the early part of the 19th century and is one of only
two presently commissioned ships in the U.S. Navy known to have sunk an
enemy vessel, today her role is that of a "ship of state." The vessel has
a crew of 55 that participate in ceremonies and special events as well
as educational programs that promote the U.S. Navy.
The USS Constitution is open to tours to the public year-round. Tours are conducted every 30 minutes and are free of charge. Since this is a military vessel, there are security measures in place and guests must be screened before embarking on the tour. Extra time should be allowed for this process. Buses can drop off passengers in front of the Charlestown Navy Yard and parking is available at the Moran Terminal which is on Chelsea Street northbound from the Navy Yard. To find out more phone (617) 242-5671. More information can also be found on the Web site www.ussconstitution.navy.mil. There are many more exciting attractions to explore and a host of group-friendly lodging and dining establishments in Boston. The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau offers a wide assortment of resources, maps and publications to make planning your group tour to the Boston area easier. For more information phone (888) SEE-BOSTON or go to www.bostonusa.com on the Web. Motorcoach Lavatory
Clean Harbors Dumping Site
Peter Pan
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