Best Things to Do in Boston 

Take a Walk on the Freedom Trail 

One of the most popular historic sites in Boston is the Freedom Trail. This trail is two and a half miles long. During your walk, you can stop at numerous museums, historical sites, churches, and cemeteries.  

You can take a guided walking tour, or head out on your own for this walk. Depending on how much time you have, you may not be able to stop at all the sites. However, you should try to stop at the following sites on the Freedom Trail: 

• Boston Common – Walk through the oldest park in the US. 
• Granary Burying Ground 
• Old Corner Bookstore 
• Old State House 
• Faneuil Hall 
• Paul Revere House – You can tour this house to see how the Revere family lived. 
• Old North Church 
• USS Constitution 

Check Out the Marine Life at the New England Aquarium 

This aquarium isn’t huge. However, it is an excellent place to spend a few hours getting close to marine life. Sea lions, seals, penguins, stingrays, sharks, and more can all be found within the exhibits.  

Quite a bit of the marine life can be seen inside the two hundred-thousand-gallon saltwater Ocean Tank. Others are in the touch tanks or outdoor pools.  

I recommend visiting here before heading out on a whale watching adventure. Although, we will want to plan your time at the aquarium carefully. This is a popular field trip destination. It is usually crowded throughout the week.  

Go Out on a Whale Watching Tour 

One of the best things to do in Boston is head out onto the water to see dolphins and whales. The tour guides seem to know where the whales and dolphins are spending their time each day. So, there is a high chance you will see the creatures you want to while on this family adventure on the water.  

Take a Stroll on the Esplanade 

The Esplanade is a three-mile path that goes along the Charles River. You can easily walk along this path. However, there are lots of people who will be riding their bikes along it too. Take the time to stop and watch the boats out on the water.  

Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum 

If you need to choose one of the museums in Boston to visit, I recommend heading to the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum. Inside, you will discover a massive art collection, as well as books, manuscripts, and historic objects.  

Keep an eye out for the detailed architectural elements scattered throughout the museum. And take a break in the courtyard if you have the time.  

Grab a Bite to Eat at High Street Place 

You will need to eat to stay fueled for your family vacation in Boston. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in this fabulous city. But if your family wants different things, you will want to visit High Street Place.  

This is not your usual food court. This is a high-end eatery with some of the best food in Boston. Someone can have a bagel piled high with pastrami from Mamaleh’s while everyone else grabs a sandwich elsewhere. Artisanal donuts from Blackbird are a must for breakfast for the whole family.  

Oh, and champagne can be purchased from Moët & Chandon.  

See, you really can’t go wrong with a visit to High Street Place!  

Wander Through the Public Garden 

So many people cross through the Public Garden in Boston without giving it a second thought. Don’t do this during your family vacation in Boston!  

Take the time to walk alongside the lagoon to check out the flowers. Or indulge in a ride in the lagoon on one of the Swan Boats. Maybe enjoy a picnic nearby, as you talk with the kids and make a few memories.  

Read at the Boston Public Library 

Reading is always a good thing to do at the Boston Public Library. However, there is so much more you can do within this building.  

Head over to the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center to see more than two hundred fifty thousand geographic objects. Take an Art & Architecture Tour to see some of the architectural gems in the building. Or attend one of the free events that are held throughout the year.  

Go Shopping on Charles Street 

Charles Street is within the famed Beacon Hill area in Boston. It is one of the best places to take family pictures in front of Federal-style brick row houses and on gaslit corners. But you will also love shopping while walking along this street.  

Beacon Hill Books & Café is a bookstore and cafe located inside a townhome. It is a wonderful place to purchase books or simply hang out. You may also want to purchase some truffles from Beacon Hill Chocolates for a little treat.  

If your family can’t get enough of bookstores while on vacation, head over to the Brattle Book Shop. This bookstore is located near West Street. They have three floors of used books. Plus, they fill carts and shelves in the alley. Let’s just say, if you can’t find what you’re looking for at this bookstore, you probably won’t find it anywhere!  

Make Reservations at the Lookout Rooftop 

The Lookout Rooftop is one of the best rooftop bars in Boston. You must have a reservation to spend time sipping cocktails on this rooftop.  

If you are searching for a family friendly bar in Boston, I recommend Cheers Beacon Hill. All ages are welcome there and the food is good too.  

Watch a Red Sox Game 

You can’t go to Boston during late spring, summer, or fall and not catch a Red Sox baseball game at Fenway Park. Grab pictures of the Green Monster. Eat a hot dog or two. And hopefully watch a winning game.  

Oh, and if you miss baseball season, you can take a behind the scenes tour of Fenway during the off-season.  

Shop at the SoWa Farmer’s Market 

On Sundays, head to the South End of Boston to go shopping at the SoWa Farmer’s Market. Vintage items, entertainment, and food trucks can be found at the SoWa Open Market nearby. You can easily spend a good part of your day exploring this section of the city. 

Visit the Museum of Fine Arts 

The Museum of Fine Arts is where you will find the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian treasures. Head to the European Wing to see the Claude Monet gallery. Another gallery holds ancient coins, while another is full of works by John Singer Sargent.  

Go Shopping at Faneuil Hall  

Okay, so I mentioned Faneuil Hall when I was saying walking the Freedom Trail was one of the best things to do in Boston. You don’t need to walk the trail though to go shopping at this marketplace. You can simply head over there to shop at the four main buildings. Those buildings are Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market.  

The oldest building is Faneuil Hall. It was constructed back in 1742. The other buildings were added later to create space for the more than one hundred shops and restaurants found there today.  

This is quite a touristy area. Keep that in mind if you do decide to visit during your family vacation in Boston.  

Explore the Massachusetts State House 

The Massachusetts State House is located on land that used to be John Hancock’s cow pasture. This building was completed in 1798, so it has been in place for quite some time. The dome was installed at the top in 1802 by Paul Revere. At that time, it was copper, but has since been covered with gold.  

Tours of this state house are offered throughout the week. It is best to take a guided tour, so you don’t miss any of the history shared inside.  

Learn How Beer is Brewed at the Samuel Adams Brewery 

A guided tour of this brewery will have your entire family learning how the beer is made. These tours are perfect if you love tasting new brews. Or you just want to enjoy a drink when the tour is finished.  

It is important to note that the Samuel Adams Brewery is outside the city center. But it is still worth a visit if you have the time.  

Take a Ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands 

Not everyone wants to spend days in a busy city like Boston. If your family needs to escape the hustle and bustle for a little bit, take a ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands.  

There are thirty-four islands in all. However, the most popular islands to visit include:  

• Spectacle – Perfect for hiking adventures 
• Georges – Perfect for those who love history 
• Peddocks – This island offers a little bit of everything 
• Lovells – Best for beach lovers 
• Grape 
• Bumpkin 
• Thompson 

Visit the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum 

Most people seem to want to learn more about President Kennedy and his short term in office. One of the best places to do this is the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Inside, you will find exhibits filled with his presidential papers, memorabilia, and even a replica of his desk in the Oval Office.  

Another space is filled with items that were Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’.  

Experience the Boston Children’s Museum 

Younger kids will love the exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum. The interactive exhibits will have your kids learning about science, culture, health, art, and so much more.  

Construction lovers will enjoy spending time in the Construction Zone. Others will love creating music inside The Common.  

Plan on spending a little more time than you planned at this museum. Kids usually can’t get enough and don’t want to leave.  

Walk Along the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway 

The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway is one and a half miles long. It is an outdoor space that links multiple gardens and parks together in an old highway tunnel.  

This walkway is busy throughout the year. However, during the summer months it is even busier thanks to the summer concert performances, food festivals, and other weekly events.  

Learn About the Boston Tea Party 

Anyone who is interested in learning more about the Boston Tea Party needs to visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Two of the three ships have been recreated. Those ships are the Eleanor and the Beaver. You can explore them both during your visit.  

Your family can also check out the exhibits at the museum, which includes an authentic tea chest from the Boston Tea Party.  

Take a Boston Duck Tour 

Short on time while on a family vacation in Boston? Or want to see the sights quickly?  

Well, taking a Boston Duck Tour will have you seeing all the important attractions in a short amount of time. This amphibious vehicle will have you exploring the streets and the river, as your tour guide shares information about everything you are passing by.  

These are some of the best things to do in Boston. I can add many of them to your itinerary, as I am personalizing it for your family vacation. And don’t worry, I can add other attractions and things to do for your family trip. You won’t need to feel stuck doing these things. I can make it so you can experience Boston your way.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Boston or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on the link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter to continue to receive all the travel information I share.  

The post Best Things to Do in Boston appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

Best Things to Do in Cape Cod this Summer 

Take a Bike Ride on the Cape Cod Rail Trail 

As long as you take your bikes with you on vacation, your family can ride along the Cape Cod Rail Trail. This trail is twenty-five miles long. It will take you through the ecosystem of the Lower Cape.  

During your ride, you can stop at the beach, enjoy a picnic near a pond, and explore one of the smaller villages.  

Hike the Cape Cod National Seashore 

The Cape Cod National Seashore is a forty-mile stretch of land along the coastline. You will find the best Cape Cod beaches on this seashore. Those beaches include Marconi Beach, Herring Cove Beach, and Nauset Beach.  

When you are not relaxing on the sand, you may find yourself hiking along one of the many trails.  

See the Birds and Seals at the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge 

This wildlife refuge area is a nesting habitat for hundreds of migratory birds. There are guided tours offered during the summer months. Or you can pick up a self-guided map and explore on your own.  

Just don’t forget to head down to the coast of South Monomoy. This is where you will see the harbor grey seals sunning themselves on the shoreline.  

Visit the Sandwich Glass Museum 

The Sandwich Glass Museum is where you will find items that were preserved from the old Boston & Sandwich Glass Company. There are approximately five thousand pieces of glass that were produced between 1825 and 1888 on display.  

Your family will love watching the glass-blowing demonstrations. These demonstrations are usually held every hour.  

Climb to the Top of the Pilgrim Monument

One of the best things to do in Cape Cod is climbing to the top of the Pilgrim Monument. This monument is two hundred fifty-two feet tall. It was modeled after the Torre del Mangia in Siena, Italy.  

It will take you between ten and fifteen minutes to do the climb to the top. But the views are worth all those steps.  

Additionally, don’t forget to spend a little time in the nearby Provincetown Museum. That is where you will find exhibits dedicated to the Mayflower pilgrims.  

Explore Downtown Provincetown 

One of the best things to do in Cape Cod is explore downtown Provincetown. Commercial Street is the place to start. That street is full of restaurants, souvenir stores, and boutiques.  

Head down to the pier to enjoy the ocean breeze. I recommend staying longer into the evening to see how this town really comes to life after dark.  

Check Out a Cranberry Bog 

There are quite a few cranberry bogs in Cape Cod. Visit one of them to learn how cranberries grow and how they are harvested.  

Oh, and if you want to see the cranberries floating on top of the water, you must visit during harvest time.  

Go on a Whale Watching Tour 

Cape Cod happens to be one of the best areas to see whales out in the ocean. Peak whale watching season goes from June till September. Most of the tours depart from Provincetown. Keep that in mind while planning your family vacation in the Cape.  

Visit the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum 

While the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum in Boston is popular, most people also choose to visit this museum during a vacation in Cape Cod. Most of the exhibits within this museum are filled with items that were part of Kennedy’s time in Massachusetts. Plus, there is a special exhibit that focuses on the life of Robert F. Kennedy.  

Head Out to Martha’s Vineyard 

You can easily head out to Martha’s Vineyard for the day during your family vacation in Cape Cod. You can either fly to this island or take a boat ride there. There are plenty of tourist attractions on Martha’s Vineyard. Add in the art shows, guided tours, and other special events and you can fill an entire day.  

However, if escaping to Martha’s Vineyard isn’t enough, take the ferry over to Nantucket another day. Nantucket is the perfect place to relax on the beach, check out lighthouses, and enjoy the ambiance of the charming village.  

Visit the Hoxie House 

The Hoxie House is one of the oldest houses in Cape Cod. It is a saltbox house that was constructed in 1675. During your visit, you can see how people lived in the Cape all those years ago.  

This house has been carefully preserved over the years. While it didn’t have all the modern amenities when it was constructed, electricity, running water, and heat were added to the building in the 1950s.  

Act Like a Pirate at the Whydah Pirate Museum 

The kids will love acting like pirates at the Whydah Pirate Museum. Inside the museum, you will see artifacts like weapons and gold. Many of them were discovered on an 18th century pirate ship.  

There is a scavenger hunt the kids can do to keep them more engaged in this pirate museum.  

Visit the Nauset Lighthouse 

The Nauset Lighthouse was constructed in 1838. It is now part of the National Historic Register of Places.  

I recommend taking a tour of this lighthouse. During the tour, you can climb to the top and see the lookout room. The views from the top are incredible. They are definitely worth the wait if there is a line when you arrive. 

I also recommend stopping at the Chatham Lighthouse. There is an old Coast Guard ship on the lawn by this lighthouse.  

Get Up Close to Jaws at Shark Center Chatham 

Do you have a shark lover in your family? Has your family watched all the Jaws movies?  

If you answered yes to either of those questions, you must visit Shark Center Chatham. Inside, you will see displays and interactive exhibits that focus on the Great White Shark.  

These are some of the best things to do in Cape Cod this summer. As I am personalizing your family vacation itinerary, I can add other things that will interest everyone in your group. This will allow you to experience Cape Cod the way you want to during your family trip. And trust me when I say the memories you will make during this vacation will be remembered forever.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Cape Cod or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click on the link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the exciting travel information I share.  

The post Best Things to Do in Cape Cod this Summer appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

National Massachusetts Day – Fun Facts About Massachusetts

1. Massachusetts has numerous nicknames. They include Pilgrim State, Old Bay State, and Old Colony State.
2. The official berry of Massachusetts is the cranberry. And this state has the second largest crop of cranberries in the country!
3. Basketball was invented by James Naismith in Massachusetts back in 1891.
4. Volleyball was also invented in the state. William Morgan invented this sport in 1895.
5. The very first Dunkin Donuts was opened in 1950 in Quincy, MA.
6. The very first lighthouse in the US was constructed on Little Brewster Island in 1716.
7. Licenses were not required to drive in Massachusetts until 1903.
8. The very first Thanksgiving was held in Plymouth in 1621.
9. Boston Common was the very first public park in the US. It opened in 1634.
10. The very first post office in the US opened in Boston in 1639.
11. Alexander Graham Bell made the very first phone call in Boston on March 10, 1876. He called his lab assistant.
12. The divorce rate in Massachusetts is one of the lowest in the entire country.
13. Ruth Graves Wakefield invented the chocolate chip cookie at the Toll House Restaurant in Whitman in 1930.
14. Fig Newton cookies are named after Newton, MA.
15. One of the lakes in Massachusetts is called “Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg”. Most people call it Webster Lake now. Wonder why???
16. It is illegal to scare a pigeon in Massachusetts.
17. Stopping for a red light in Massachusetts is not required by law unless it is flashing.
18. There is a home in Massachusetts made from newspapers. The Paper House was constructed by Elis F. Stenman in 1922. It is in Rockport. Add this to your must-see list for your next family vacation.
19. 19 witches were hung after the witch trials in Salem in the 17th century.
20. Johnny Appleseed was born as John Chapman in Leominster, MA.
21. The Great Molasses Flood occurred in 1919 when a tank filled with molasses exploded at the Purity Distillation Company.
22. It is technically illegal to use tomatoes in clam chowder in Massachusetts.
23. Back in 1659, it was deemed to be illegal to celebrate Christmas in Massachusetts. This law was reversed 20 years later.
24. Boston Cream Pie is the official dessert of Massachusetts.
25. Dr. Suess was born in Massachusetts.

These are only some of the fun facts you may not have known about Massachusetts. There are many others, and you can learn many of them on National Massachusetts Day. Of course, you can learn even more when you take a family vacation in Massachusetts!

So, are you ready to plan a family vacation in Massachusetts?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready for a family vacation in Massachusetts, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you will never miss out on any of the travel information I share.

The post National Massachusetts Day – Fun Facts About Massachusetts appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.