Boston, MA

The best way to learn about Boston's 350 years of American history is to take the Freedom Trail in the Boston National Historical Park. Start at the Boston Common where self-guided and audio tours are available. The trail includes 16 historic sites, such as the site of the Boston Massacre, the Old North Church, the Massachusetts State House, and the King's Chapel. The Paul Revere House was built in 1680 and is the oldest house in Boston. Paul Revere owned the home from 1770 to 1800. After Revere sold the house, it took on many different forms, serving as a candy store, a bank, a produce store, and even a cigar factory. Even with so much history, the house is still roughly 90 percent original, and several pieces of furniture still in the home belonged to the Revere family.

The Boston Massacre took place in 1770, in front of the Old State House. This National Historic Landmark was built in 1713. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read from the east balcony by Colonel Thomas Crafts, one of the Sons of Liberty. Today, the building is a fascinating museum. Old North Church, built in 1723, is the location where the "one if by land, two if by sea" signal was sent -- this event led to Paul Revere's midnight ride in 1775. Here's a fascinating side note: in 2009, roughly 1,100 bodies were discovered entombed in the basement of the church, dating back to 1732. After all your touring, stop into the oldest Tavern in America, the Bell in Hand. The tavern poured its first drink in 1795.

If you love charming taverns and fine dining, you have plenty of choices in Boston. From steaks to seafood to Italian and French cuisine, you'll find it all in this dynamic city. Boston’s world-famous North End has some of the best Italian restaurants you’ll find anywhere in the US. Mamma Maria, Panza, Arya Trattoria, Vinoteca di Monica and Al Dente are but a few of the many excellent choices in the North End alone. Sorellina (Back Bay) and No. 9 Park (Beacon Hill) are additional superior choices for tasty Italian food in Boston.

Love tavern ambiance and food? There are equally numerous options, including West End Johnnie’s, Five Horses Tavern – South End and Club Café. The number of Boston neighborhood taverns is staggering. If you live in Boston, you’ll find some favorites. Don’t forget, the original “Cheers” (The Bull and Finch Pub) still sits at the foot of Beacon Hill, across from the Public Garden.

Love tavern ambiance and food? There are equally numerous options, including West End Johnnie’s, Tavern Road, Five Horses Tavern – South End and Club Café. The number of Boston neighborhood taverns is staggering. If you live in Boston, you’ll no doubt find a number of favorites. Don’t forget, the original “Cheers” (The Bull and Finch Pub) still sits at the foot of Beacon Hill, across from the Public Garden.

Boston is "America's Walking City," and this is the best way to get around the city. In addition to being extremely walkable, Boston offers a comprehensive subway system known as the "T." If you decide to live outside of the city in a suburb, the commuter rail is a quick and easy way to commute. Boston also offers buses and taxis. As a bicycle-friendly city, Boston provides Hubway, a bicycle-sharing system with more than 100 stations and roughly 1,000 bikes available.

Boston Common, America's first park, is a fantastic destination. Dating back to 1634, this is where Colonists gathered to discuss revolution. During the 1860s, another war was discussed -- the Civil War. And it is also where Charles Lindbergh talked about aviation. Today, Boston Common is still a gathering place, complete with tennis courts, baseball fields, and public art. From there, head to Franklin Park, which was established in 1885. This park includes a playground, ball fields, tennis courts, Franklin Park Zoo, a golf course, and an arboretum. This is the largest park created by Frederick Law Olmsted in the city and is considered the "crown jewel" of his Emerald Necklace Park system.

From Faneuil Hall Marketplace to Downtown Crossing, you'll find plenty of shopping areas in Boston. Check out open-air Legacy Place and Patriot Place to browse work by local artisans, or stroll the pedestrian mall along Washington, Summer, and Winter Streets. Head to Beacon Hill for charming boutiques, or head to Newbury and Charles Streets to shop in charming brownstones.

Freedom Trail, Boston Commons, Franklin Park, Faneuil Hall, Legacy Place, Beacon Hill, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Old State House

When comparing Boston to cities in Canada, Montréal comes closest to matching Boston's love of hockey.