I'm on a mission this summer to enjoy Boston as a "tourist" and visit things that I haven't taken the time to see other than maybe passing by in the car. After reading yk's and other's reccomendations for things to do in Boston, I decided (being only an hour away) I should get off my duff and go see those same things!

Last week I toured the USS Constitution. On the next expected warm day (it's been a tough start to the summer up here) family and I are going to see the USS Cassin Young (also in the Charlestown Naval Shipyard) and then go on to the North End (LIttle Italy) for lunch and then explore the sights there like Paul Revere's House.

The Freedom Trail is on the list, but DH really wants to have Italian food in the North End first, so we're hitting some of the sights at the end of the Trail first.

If you have the time, take the Duck Tour, it's really fun for everyone. Part of the tour is IN the Charles River, but don't tell anyone, let it be a surprise.

Have FUN.

Hi Jaya, would you consider visting Bunker Hill Monument while you're in Charlestown? There is a new Bunker Hill Museum. These are still a few things I have yet to (re)visit.

BTW, in the next few days, I probably will add a few more things to that thread I started.

I'm open to visiting just about anything and since I've never stopped at the Bunker Hill Monument I will include that when we go back to tour the USS Cassin Young (my son likes the ships).

It was your thread on Boston that got me on this kick to start with! But it's good. How often do people live somewhere and never pay much attention to all the cool things around them?

I know what you mean, Jaya. I have done a lot more in the last 18 months in Boston, than I had in 7 years when I lived here in the 1990s.

Since you're in NH, have you been to the Lowell National Historic Park not far from you? I was just there yesterday and it is quite a fascinating place to visit - history of mill factories, power looms, canals, mill girls etc. They have a free trolley/city tour (led by park ranger) every day; plus on summer weekends there are canal lock cruise (fee applies).

This is turning into "True Confessions" - LOL . I had an office in one of the Lowell mill buildings on Suffolk St. next to the Tsongas Arena for a few years, but never visited the historic places in Lowell, although I was so close.

More true confessions here. I have lived in Eastern Massachusetts since 1974, and I have never been to Bunker Hill or the USS Constitution. For that matter, I have a friend who is a driver for the duck tours and we talk about getting a group together to go with him every year, but haven't done that either. I know more about restaurants in New York and Paris than I do about restaurants in Boston.

Time to change all that, I guess.

Don't feel too bad Nikki. You live farther out than I do, and even I find it a hassle to get into the city, and I only live about 10 miles outside of the city. Just the idea of driving in, the traffic, the parking, the crowds etc... that's enough to make me want to stay home instead. But I am trying to make myself go out to tour all these places (and some smaller ones), esp given the fact that I have got the time.

Since I've moved a few times, every time I moved away from a city, I had always regretted not doing this and not doing that, but it was too late. Moving back to Boston last year, sort of made me feel like I was given a second chance to get to know this city.

Now Jaya, I don't know what to say to you... except shame on you?!?! Just kidding

OK....Another one here. yk, when I read your thread I thought that I really would like to do so many of those things. I would look for similar things in Paris for example but don't think to go to Boston. Maybe because it's close but not easy close. I go in to see a dear friend, to the GTG and for special exhibits at the MFA.

Nikki if you do the duck tour count me in!!

I know...my bad!

I've been in the Boston area for 20 years, and I've still not seen as much as yk in the last 18 months! But i know the key is to have visitors. I always do touristy stuff when family or friends are visiting.

Nikki, maybe we should have a Fodor's GTG Duck tour. I did one once (my nephews were visiting), but it would fun to do again.

I'm inspired. I will see my friend at a party this weekend and ask him how to schedule a duck tour that he's driving.

Count me in too! I would LOVE to ride the Duck Tour.

BTW, I don't mind going sightseeing by myself; or drag DH and sis-in-law to go with me on weekends. Many visitors prefer seeing the typical touristy things, and it gets old doing the Freedom Trail over and over again. Fortunately, my parents and brother have been to Boston numerous times and they are happy to visit some new places (such as the Adams National Historic site with my parents, and the Lowell National Historic site with my brother.)

We did the Duck Tour a few years ago. A little pricey, but a lot of fun - especially if the driver is good with the historical info as you drive by places.

Adding the Tall Ships coming in July to my list!