Discovering Boston
Boston is one of the most vibrant areas in New England attracting visitors from across the world. The cities past dates back to the early colonial days making it rich with history. There are also plenty of modern day attractions that keep this city on the map. Whether you watch lightning strike at the Museum of Science, sample Taza chocolate or take in the sunset by sea you will see why this is a top tourist destination.
Cycle the City With Urban AdvenTours
Pedal the streets of Boston with Urban AdvenTours to learn less discovered history of Boston
It was an uphill climb for the bike tour company Urban AdventTours in the beginning.
Owner, Andrew Prescott operated out of his garage until building up enough revenue to operate out of a storefront in downtown Boston. Andrew started the company in 2004, giving narrated tours of the city with a tiny fleet of eight bikes. “After quitting my job in accounting I thought about things that I really like,” says Prescott. “Some of the answers are green, travel, health.” And exploring. “On weekends I rode by bike to get lost and explore the city.”
Since opening, Urban AdvenTours has extended its kick stand and set up a spacious shop on Atlantic Ave. From selling to renting, Prescott is always looking for ways to expand. The Bio Bus stands as proof of Prescott’s innovative ideas. The big green truck, fueled by recycled veggie-oil delivers bikes to hotels and around the city. “The creative part keeps you sharp,” says Prescott who is turning the wheels in his head to come up with more ways to expand the business. Possibilities in the works include a coffee and cycling tour along with yoga classes offered in a spacious part in the shop.
There are several bike tours offered to see the best of Boston by bike. I buckled my helmet
The Tour De Boston lands you in front of landmarks like the USS Constitution
to prepare for the Tour De Boston. After a safety rundown from our guide, Craig, we took to the streets with topped off water bottles eager to learn less discovered facts about Bean town. Following the Longfellow Bridge over the Charles River, we pedaled through Cambridge for sights of MIT and nearby areas. Looking back over your shoulder, you can see Beacon Hill and Back Bay along with spectacular skyline of high rises.
Its evident Craig does his research as he spews off facts you won’t find on search engines. Find you why MIT sued infamous architect Frank Lloyd Wright after construction of the eccentric Stata building was complete. Craig also points out a sweet spot in the amphitheatre that surrounds the Stata Building. If you stand in just the right spot you will notice a booming echo that startled some enough to jump off the ground.
Other tour options include the Cityview Tour and the Emerald Necklace and Fall Foliage Tour.
For an interview with Urban AdvenTours visit: https://youtu.be/LZFx1U9mDyc
103 Atlantic Avenue Boston, MA 02110
(617) 233-7595
Tours are all-inclusive and run $50 per guest, except for Bikes @ Night, which is $35.
Learn Less Discovered History at Massachusetts State House
Built in 1798, the State House shows off a famous gold dome that is considered the center of Boston.
You don’t have to be a Massachusetts resident to enjoy the history and sights of the State
House. Energetic guides waste no time delving into the history and eagerly answering questions in this 45-minute tour. Built in 1798, the State House shows off a famous gold dome that is considered the center of Boston.
Inside, you will see lawmakers at work in the Senate Chambers and House of Representatives. Take note of the iron railings on the main stair case because the design in truly one of a kind. After it was built, the molds were broken to ensure the railings would never be recreated. Reflect in the ‘The Hall of Flags’ where more than 400 original flags carried to battle by Massachusetts’s men are displayed.
Guides point out a wooden codfish that signifies the importance of the fishing industry in Massachusetts. Learn how Harvard Students managed to smuggle the fish out as a prank before police recaptured it.
24 Beacon Street
Monday Through Friday 10-4
*Recommended to schedule tours in advance
Savor the Sunset with Boston Harbor Cruises
Even on a rainy night it’s worth a trip to sea to watch the sunset into the Atlantic
Touring Boston Harborat dusk brings a nice alternative from traditional tours. This is one of several tours offered by Boston Harbor Cruises to keep variety in motion. We
hopped aboard the Sunset Cruise to savor the relaxing feelings of watching the sun dip into the Atlantic. Even through the rainy night, the panoramic views of the harbor and the sea lit up. As dusk becomes dark, listen to Old Ironsides fire off canyons as part of a 213 year old tradition to signal the end of the day.
Tours take off from Long Wharf.
Boston Harbor Cruises also offers Whale Watches, Harbor Cruises, Lunch and Brunch Cruises, Codzilla and the Cape Cod Fast Ferry.
Explore Marine Life at the New England Aquarium
Playful California sea can swim at speeds up to 25 miles an hour, making them faster than any other seal or sea lion.
Take a trip to the exotic waters of the New England Aquarium. The energetic California
sea lions captured my heart as they bounded into the water. These animals can swim at speeds up to 25 miles an hour, making them faster than any other seal or sea lion. I wanted to scoop up their bubbly personality as they playfully bounced around their open-air exhibit overlooking the Boston Harbor.
Inside, you can meet more than 80 penguins and wind your way through the Giant Ocean Tank. You will sharks, sea turtles, exotic fish, stingrays and eels. Make sure to stop by the Sting Ray Tank where you can stick out your hand as they sweep right by. Grab a schedule when you walk in for the latest demonstrations and shows. You can watch a Penguin Feeding, Harbor Deal Training Session and Giant Ocean Tank Divers.
Wind your way through the Giant Ocean Tank where you will see sharks, sea turtles, exotic fish, stingrays and eels.
1 Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110
Phone: (617) 973-5200
Sample Mexican Style Chocolate at Taza Chocolate
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Sample organic chocolate made from Direct Trade certified cocoa.
Cure your sweet cravings with a tour of Taza Chocolate. All the sweet stuff is made in house central to downtown Boston in Somerville, MA. Reviving an ancient and nearly lost tradition from Mexico, co-founder Alex Whitmore makes organic chocolate from bean to bar using a stone ground technique using millstones from Direct Trade certified cocoa.
During an hour-long tour you will see the Oaxacan millstones that grind cocoa giving it that craved refined and distinct taste. Stone minimally refines the cocoa so vibrant flavors aren’t lost!
Ingredients for varieties, such as ginger (the real deal from the root), cinnamon, pepper, vanilla bean, and nuts are ground with the chocolate to
Hour-long tours show off Oaxacan millstones that grind cocoa giving it that craved refined and distinct taste.
enhance texture and taste. All Taza chocolate is gluten free and nixes dairy, lactose, soy lecithin and other filler ingredients. Before shipped across the nation and overseas the chocolate is wrapped in house adding that last special touch.
When you eat Taza you are also supporting local farmers in the Dominican Republic. Taza visits each farmer to form a relationship, pays fair wages and makes sure no child or slave labor is used on the farm.
561 Windsor Street, Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 284-2232
Opening Hours:
Wed–Sun: 11AM–6PM
Tour Times:
Thu & Fri: 2PM and 4PM
Sat & Sun: 10PM, 12PM, 2PM, and 4PM.
Reservations required.
Trace History back to the Colonial Days
“The printing offices of Edes and Gill” are giving tourists the chance to chat with local historians and lean about pre-revolutionary Boston.
A colonial era printing press is the newest addition to the Freedom Trail.
Adjacent to the Old North Church, “The printing offices of Edes and Gill” are giving tourists the chance to chat with local historians and lean about pre-revolutionary Boston. You will see how a printing press works and learn how this invention sparked an American Revolution and the Boston Tea Party.
The press is a reproduction of an English common press made for Colonial Williamsburg in 1949. Print Master, Gary Gregory opened the shop and also provides demonstrations on how the press works. He trained in Colonial Williamsburg and now also teaches classes. This is true history!
The Printing Office of Edes and Gill
21 Unity Street, Boston, MA 02110
Open Daily 11:30-5
(Adjacent to the Old North Church in the Clough House)
Discover Boston with a Walking Tour
Tours led by the Freedom Trail Foundationstand out because guides wear period
Ninety-minute tours lead guests along the famous red line and to some of the landmarks such asCopp’s Hill Burying Ground.
costumes, transform into character and deliver history with an incredible amount of energy. My guide introduced himself as Josiah Quincy, who was the law partner to John Adams. His name might not be as famous as President Adams but Mr. Quincy didn’t lack when it came to bringing an in depth look into the history of New England.
Ninety-minute tours lead guests along the famous red line and to some of the landmarks that played major roles in the years leading up to the American Revolution. Tours focus on different parts of the Freedom Trail so you won’t see every landmark but will learn at a deeper level. Plus, you can join another tour with the Foundation or finish up on your own.
I joined a tour that started at Faneuil Hall, which featured revolutionary era sites in the North End. Other stops included the Old North Church, the Paul Revere House and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground.
Many of the guides with the Freedom Trail Foundation come from a performance or
acting background making you feel like you are part of a play. Off the stage, our guide goes by the name Timothy Hoover who says, “I love my job because I am getting to tell stories of my hometown. We have to do our research. It’s extensive reading but we start to discover lesser known stories.”
Many of the guides with the Freedom Trail Foundation come from a performance or acting background making you feel like you are part of a play.
617.357.8300
Energize Your Mind at the Museum of Science
Students from M.I.T. developed the three story Van de Graaff generator to better explain the science of electricity.
Catch yourself awe-struck when lightning strikes at the Theater of Electricity. Students from M.I.T. developed the three story Van de Graaff generator to better explain the science of electricity. Two million volts strike through the room in this hands on demonstration. Check the museum schedule for a listing of shows.
There are plenty of other shows and exhibits that could easily make for an entire day of exploring. Observe bees in a glassed-in beehive; catch a show that is larger than life at the IMAX Theater or experience science come to life watching a show at the Science Live! Stage.
1 Museum Of Science Driveway Boston, MA 02114
(617) 723-250
