Boston Today
Boston is the undisputed birthplace of American history. It's home to a number of firsts: first public park (Boston Common), first botanical garden (the Public Garden), and even the first phone call (made by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876). Much of the political ferment that spawned the nation happened here, and visitors are often awed by the dense concentration of landmarks. But this is a living city—not a museum—and, as such, its entrepreneurial spirit continues to evolve. Cambridge's Kendall Square, close to MIT, is a hotbed of technological progress, while Boston's Seaport District has a number of start-ups.
Neighborhood Developments
In a city as old as Boston, there's always room for reinvention, so it's no surprise that a few different parts of town are currently making themselves over. The Seaport District, formerly commercial buildings, parking lots, and working fish piers, is now home to high-res hotels and residences, water-facing, upscale restaurants, and purposeful green space. Across the harbor, developers are polishing up East Boston's waterfront, albeit on a smaller scale.
The Historic Harbor
This city has long been defined by its harbor: The first colonists were largely drawn here because of it, and local commerce has been inextricably bound to the water ever since. See the amazing views for yourself along the Boston HarborWalk, a 43-mile-long path that skirts the coastline and passes by piers, parks, working wharves, hotel lounges, and urban beaches. It's also the launching pad for loads of harbor cruises, whale watches, and tall ship sails.
Kennedy Honors
The memory of Boston’s beloved native son John F. Kennedy and his legendary family lingers. Tour historical collections dedicated to the 35th president at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum; the legacy of his brother Ted is equally apparent next door at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute. Downtown's Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway features many diversions from the workday, including splash fountains, public art, beer gardens, and food trucks.
Lights! Camera! Action!
The Massachusetts film tax subsidy program that was implemented in 2006 has continued to draw more productions to the Bay State. As a result, playing "spot the star" is a popular pastime. Big-screen names like Chris Evans, Johnny Depp, Jennifer Lawrence, Ryan Reynolds, Rosamund Pike, Ben Affleck, and Mark Wahlberg have all worked here.
Food Scene Sizzles
Boston lays claim to a long line of innovative chefs such as Karen Akunowicz, Jody Adams, Jamie Bissonnette, Tiffani Faison, Barbara Lynch, Ken Oringer, Ana Sortun, Ming Tsai, and Tony Maws, but it all started circa the 1960s when Julia Child launched a culinary revolution from her Cambridge kitchen. Today, it's getting harder to try traditional Yankee dishes like baked beans, codfish cakes, and Indian pudding—although Union Oyster House is a holdout on all accounts, and other restaurants may offer a modernized version of one or two. The Parker House still serves its signature Boston cream pie that was there in 1856. And, of course, the North End is an essential stop for Italian-American food.
The Aftermath of COVID-19
The U.S. (including Boston) was gravely impacted by COVID-19 in 2020. Restaurants, hotels, shops, bars, and even cultural institutions were forced to close. If you’re planning a visit, remember to verify open hours, and to make sure that the property is still in operation.
