Hi!

I've previously used this forum to ask questions, so I thought I'd return the favor and do a trip report.

I went to Boston, Mass. this past Memorial Day weekend and was in for a pleasant surprise. People had told me I would like Boston, but I'd only half-believed them. I thought I'd like it all right and didn't expect it would be nearly as pleasant a place as it was.

The first thing that struck me was how clean and well-kept the train station was (South Station) when I arrived. I honestly felt like I'd arrived in a Canadian city. Then there was the efficient public transportation...I've been to a number of cities in the US and found that most public transit systems are poorer than those that I've used in Europe and Canada. Boston's was definitely an exception.

But what I loved best of all about Boston was the liveliness of the streets. After living in Montreal for 5 years, (I live in Baltimore now) I discovered that I really missed being able to walk around at night and go to restaurants or sidewalk cafés and have a wealth of people-watching. Boston (particularly Harvard Square and Newbury Street) was rife with street musicians (some really fantastic folk singers...I often don't give money, but some were so talented, I gave them a few bucks), sidewalk cafés, restaurants with the windowfront open. The city was abuzz with people walking around enjoying life.

I also enjoyed taking in the history. The architecture in Cambridge reminded me of England, as did the winding streets. The Freedom Trail, despite its reputation as being hokey-historical, I thought was worthwhile; American History I find is so much more memorable when one sees the places where the events took place, and the homes of the forefathers of this country. Going to The Old South Meeting House and the Old State House in particular helped me understand why the Patriots were so incensed about British rule. Seeing Paul Revere's house conjured up images of how life was in those times. I didn't realize there were not even 10,000 people living in Boston at the time of the American Revolution!

I also enjoyed roller-blading along the Charles River in Cambridge. What a fantastic way to take in the beautiful river views and get a feel for the majesty of the Harvard campus.

Anyhow, I truly enjoyed myself and think Bostonians are blessed to live in such a diverse, enjoyable (and walkable!) city. I hope I can make it back at some point in the not too distant future. Anyhow, I know many of you probably have been to Boston, but I hope there might be some people out there who'd enjoy hearing my $0.02!

Daniel

Daniel, thanks for the report. We'll be heading to Boston July 1-5 after a week on Cape Cod. It will be our first time in Boston--now I can't wait!!!!
Diane

Thanks for the report, Daniel! It made me miss the spring-summer weekends in Boston!

Well, I certainly enjoyed your 2 cents! I was raised in Baltimore, have lived in Maine, MA, and now NH and visit Montreal every chance I get! TV shows and movies filmed in Boston (Ally McBeal, The Practice, Cheers) have rendered Boston an even more popular tourist destination. And, Boston has surely responded by "cleaning up the place", I think. When I first arrived in the area, the combat zone was still in full force and one experienced trash blowing between the ankles when out and about. A few months ago, my husband and I wandered through streets we wouldn't have considered in years past admiring the gorgeous architecture. HAVAHD YAYD and SQUAHRE has changed from Bohemian to appealing and charming since my first visit in 1971. Those who can afford to live in or visit Boston these days are, indeed, blessed.

Come back soon..maybe in our lifetime the Big Dig will be finished... One of th reasons Boston is so vital is all the colleges and the kids who go there..they don't want to leave and go back home. As a result the city is always active and they bring youth to the city. Yes, rollerblading along the Esplanade is done from early spring until almost dead winter it seems. The sailboats on the Charles River, people sunning themselves along the banks of the river. My favorite story is of my sister several years ago coming up from Atlanta and staying downtown inCopley Square and complaining of the traffic at 1:00 a.m....she had no idea why...Atlanta at that time closed down at 5:00 a.m. We have been told that the Boston Common is the only untouched park in the middle of a city that has not been parceled out and remains intact.. and your right..the streets are cowpaths..The Combat Zone is almost gone and living downtown Boston is the thing to do..if you can afford it.. Please come back..

Thank you all for your replies.

I do plan to go back to Boston at some point soon. I have to say, I think it was my favorite city in America that I've seen so far (and I do love NYC also, so that's a big statement!). With a decently-paying job, I think I'd live there without a thought. Anyhow, for now, there's still so much more that I want to see (and restaurants I want to go to) that I did not get a chance to in a mere three days. Luckily, I have a dear friend who lives there...so the price tag is not so expensive for me to visit.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I went by Amtrak from Baltimore. Although a somewhat long trip (7 hrs. from Balto on Acela), I very much did enjoy going this way. Between New Haven and Boston, there is some truly breathtaking scenery...particularly in the area near New London approaching Rhode Island. (I also enjoyed sneaking upstairs to get a slice of NY pizza in NYC on the way back.) However, since the trip is long-ish, I would not recommend it for everybody.

Dan.

Hi Daniel,

Thanks for your vaulable insight. I am planning a trip out to Boston in February ( I am in Edinburgh, Scotland)- and your views really helped.

CHEERS

Ken

Daniel, thanks so much. Boston is absolutely breathtaking, hence one of the many reasons I decided to move here.
Come back soon.

I yield to no one in my love for "Beantown," but Donna, some of us do not consider the change in Harvard Square from Bohemian to "clean" an improvement. With Abercrombie and Fitch instead of the Wursthaus, some of us think the "Skwayuh" is in danger of becoming just another mall.

Guess you read todays Sunday Globe about the "changes" in Harvard Square...not for the better.. Ken..why would you want to come to Boston in Feburary..most of us leave for warmer zones and try to get out of Logan Airport before we are snowed in..But if you do come bring the heavy boots, coats, scarves and mittens.. There should be plenty of indoor activities for you.. I've heard reports of how beautiful Edinborough is and the castle...