Boston

Boston is the capital and largest city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is considered the economic and cultural center of the region, and is sometimes regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England." Boston city proper had a 2007 estimated population of 608,352, making it the twenty-first largest in the country.] Boston is also the anchor of a substantially larger metropolitan area called Greater Boston, home to 4.4 million people and the tenth-largest metropolitan area in the country. Greater Boston as a commuting region includes parts of Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine; it includes 7.4 million people, making it the fifth-largest Combined Statistical Area in the country.

Created by Author

Sundar Kadayam

Subject: Geography

Tags:Boston, Massachusetts

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Reference
Things To Do In Boston: Museums
Things To Do In Boston: Parks

City Of Boston
Things To Do In Boston: Sports
Things To Do In Boston: Freedom Trail

About Boston
Things To Do In Boston: Shopping & Dining

Getting To Boston
Things To Do In Boston: Shows & Concerts

Reference

Boston

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston

City Of Boston

City of Boston

http://www.cityofboston.gov/

Official site for the City of Boston featuring a calendar, list of e-services, and contact information.

City of Boston (Facebook)

http://www.facebook.com/cityofboston

Boston City Guide - Recommendations and Reviews by Citysearc...

http://boston.citysearch.com/

Find reviews and recommendations about the city of Boston at Citysearch.com. Get information on anything from restaurants to real estate.

Visitors - City of Boston

http://www.cityofboston.gov/visitors/default.asp

City Departments. Welcome to Boston! The City of Boston hosts over 12 million annual visitors from across the country ... tour of the Boston Public Garden ...

City Year Boston

http://www.cityyear.org/boston.aspx

Service organization which unites young adults, ages 17 to 24, from diverse racial, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds for a demanding year of full-time ...

City of Boston - Downtown - Boston, MA

http://www.yelp.com/biz/city-of-boston-boston-3

City of Boston - Steve L. says "Boston is one of my favorite cities to ... City of Boston. 4.5 star rating. based on 37 reviews. Rating Details " ...

About Boston

Boston, first incorporated as a town in 1630, and as a city in 1822, is one of America's oldest cities, with a rich economic and social history. What began as a homesteading community eventually evolved into a center for social and political change. Boston has since become the economic and cultural hub of New England.

As the region's hub, Boston is home to nearly 590,000 residents, many institutions of higher education, some of the world's finest inpatient hospitals, and numerous cultural and professional sports organizations. Boston-based jobs, primarily within the finance, health care, educational, and service areas, numbered nearly 660,000 in 2002. Millions of people visit Boston to take in its historic neighborhoods, attend cultural or sporting events, and conduct business.

Getting To Boston

By Car

There are 3 main routes into Boston:

I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) from the west
I-95 from the north and south
I-93 from the north and south

By Subway And Bus (Local)

The MBTA [MBTA.com] offers an online trip-planner useful for figuring out how to get here by subway, local bus, and train.

By Bus (Regional)

Nationwide bus companies including Greyhound and Peter Pan stop downtown at South Station. Several regional bus companies offer scheduled service from Boston to New Hampshire, Cape Cod, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York City. A good list of them can be found here [bostonusa.com].

By Train

Amtrak has scheduled train service to Boston from New York and other points in the Northeast Corridor. The trip from New York City takes 3 1/2 hours on Acela Express trains, about 4 hours on other trains.

Amtrak has three Boston stops.

Rte. 128 is about 12 miles from downtown and is a good place to get off if you are visiting the western or southern suburbs.
Back Bay Station is in the Back Bay, convenient to hotels in the Back Bay and the South End and the Orange Line subway.
The terminus is South Station, near the financial district and on the Red Line subway. It is convenient for the hotels along the waterfront and the theater district.

By Air

Logan Airport is located in East Boston. Massport gives options getting to and from the airport here [massport.com].

Things To Do In Boston: Museums

Boston Children's Museum

http://www.bostonchildrensmuseum.org/

Boston Children's Museum is the place to go for kids in Boston. Interactive educational exhibits and staged events promise a fun-filled experience.

Boston Fire Museum

http://www.bostonfiremuseum.com/

The Boston Fire Museum has occupied the old firehouse at on Congress Street since 1983. The goal of the Museum is to preserve and display fire fighting memorabilia from the Greater Boston area, educate and inform the general public on fire safety, restore and maintain the landmark building, and to support the fire service in general.

The Commonwealth Musuem

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mus/museum/index.htm

The Commonwealth Museum is the state museum of Massachusetts' history and its people. Whether you are a teacher or a history buff, this is a museum for you to visit.

French Library and Cultural Center

http://www.frenchlib.org/

The French Library and Cultural Center, Inc. / Alliance Franaise de Boston et Cambridge is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting the culture and language of France and the Francophone world.

Historic New England

http://www.historicnewengland.org/

Historic New England is the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive regional preservation organization in the country. It includes Pierce House in Dorchester and Otis House Museum on Cambridge Street.

Gibson House Museum

http://www.thegibsonhouse.org/

Gibson House, built in 1859-60 is the historic house museum of the Back Bay. It is unique as an unspoiled single-family residence that retains its kitchen, scullery, butler's pantry and water closets, as well as formal rooms and private family quarters, filled with the Gibsons' original furniture and personal possessions. Visitors enjoy a glimpse of the lives of a well-to-do Boston family and their domestic staff.

The Institute of Contemporary Art

http://www.icaboston.org/

At a spectacular new venue on Boston's waterfront, The ICA continues to present provocative programs that explore ideas, issues and exhibitions and images of our time. From Picasso, O'Keefe and Warhol to Cindy Sherman and Bill Viola, the ICA has been the first to show many of the most innovative and inspired artists from around the world for nearly 65 years.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

http://www.gardnermuseum.org/

Modeled after a 15th-century Venetian palazzo surrounding an interior courtyard garden, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum houses one of the most remarkable art collections in the world, including works by Rembrandt, Titian, Raphael, Botticelli, Degas, and Sargent. Special contemporary and historic exhibitions, America's oldest museum music program, and an artist-in-residence program enrich the permanent collection and provide ongoing inspiration for visitors. In celebration of the museum's founder, all named "Isabella" are admitted free.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

http://www.jfklibrary.org/

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to the memory of our nation's thirty-fifth president and to all those who through the art of politics seek a new and better world.

Mary Baker Eddy Library

http://www.marybakereddylibrary.org/

Home to the "mapparium" that Churchill himself once dreamed up.

Museum of Afro-American History

http://www.afroammuseum.org/

This museum aims to preserve and accurately portray African American history from colonial times. Here you will find different exhibits and can take a tour of the Black Heritage Trail.

Museum Of Fine Arts

http://www.mfa.org/

From Ground breaking exhibits to state-of-the-art galleries the MFA has it all. From one of the worlds largest Asian art collection to Egyptian mummies, the MFA has one of the most extensive collections in the world.

Museum Of Science

http://www.mos.org/

This interactive museum is sure to be fun for the whole family! From hands on exhibits to the planetarium, there is an endless amount of fun to be had.

Nichols House Museum

http://www.nicholshousemuseum.org/

The Nichols House Museum is open to the public as an historic house museum reflecting the domestic life of a typical family of Beacon Hill at the turn of the last century. The museum is part of the historical legacy of one of the most famous neighborhoods of America. Located at the heart of Beacon Hill, the Nichols House Museum receives visitors from many foreign countries and from all over the United States.

Old South Meeting House

http://www.oldsouthmeetinghouse.org/

Since the 1773 mass protest meetings that led to the Boston Tea Party, Old South Meeting House has served as a gathering place for discussion and celebration and a haven for free speech.

Today you can visit this beautiful National Historic Landmark and museum to experience events that shaped the United States or attend a program that helps keep the democratic ideals of freedom of speech and assembly alive.

Old State House Museum

http://www.bostonhistory.org/

Known today as the Old State House, this building was the center of Boston s civic life in the 18th century and the scene of some of the most dramatic chapters in the lead-up to the American Revolution. Within these walls, Samuel Adams, James Otis, John Hancock, and John Adams debated the future of the British colonies. Just outside the building, five men were among the first casualties of the battle for independence, in what would later be known as the Boston Massacre. The Declaration of Independence was proclaimed from the balcony to the citizens of Boston in 1776.

Paul Revere House

http://www.paulreverehouse.org/

On the night of April 18, 1775, silversmith Paul Revere left his small wooden home in Boston's North End and set out on a journey that would make him into a legend. Today that home is still standing at 19 North Square and has become a national historic landmark. It is downtown Boston's oldest building and one of the few remaining from an early era in the history of colonial America.

Sports Museum

http://www.sportsmuseum.org/

The Sports Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational institution housed in the TD Banknorth Garden that has served Boston and New England for the past 30 years.

At The Sports Museum, we preserve and showcase the distinctly rich sports history of New England -- and use that heritage to help build character in kids so that they can make the right choices in the face of drugs, violence, and other challenges.

Trinity Church

http://www.trinityboston.org/

Welcome to Trinity Church! People are drawn here for a variety of reasons. Whether you seek a worship home or a community that shares your values, are intrigued by the beauty and history of our building or attracted by our renowned music program, are hungry to deepen your faith through study or looking for ways to put your faith into action in the world, we invite you to get to know our parish better and experience what Trinity could be for you. Whatever brings you, we pray that you will find here a community of hope.

USS Constitution Museum

http://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org/

The USS Constitution Museum was incorporated in 1972 as an interpretive complement to the active duty naval vessel USS CONSTITUTION. In 1976, the private, non-profit museum opened the doors in the present facility located just across the pier from the still floating USS CONSTITUTION. The Museum houses and displays artifacts related to the Ships history in interpretive exhibitions offering the context of USS CONSTITUTION's history. The founding of the Museum enabled the Ship to clear the decks of display cases so that visitors who tour aboard see a frigate ready to sail, rather than a floating museum.

Things To Do In Boston: Sports

Sports

Fans are especially fond of Fenway Park, home of the 2004 World Champion Boston Red Sox. The National Football League's three time Champion New England Patriots draw sell-out crowds to Gillette Stadium just outside of Boston. Another draw to Gillette is the New England Revolution, the region's Major League Soccer Team.

Boston fans are also fond of the Boston Celtics, who won 17 world championships. Competing for space on the TD Banknorth Garden are the Bruins, winners of five Stanley Cup Championships. The city also has a Major League Lacrosse Team, The Boston Cannons, who play at Boston University's Nickerson Field. The Boston Lobsters, a member of the World Team Tennis League, is Boston's newest sporting team and plays at Harvard University's Bright Arena.

The Boston Marathon remains one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. Each October, rowers have come to take part in the Head of the Charles, the world's largest regatta.

Things To Do In Boston: Shopping & Dining

Main Street Districts

http://www.shoppingonmainstreets.com/

With over 2,000 businesses in the neighborhood you are bound to have a good time.

Downtown Crossing

http://www.downtowncrossing.org/

It is here, in the bustling fast-paced financial district, that you will find a full range of national department stores, boutiques and pushcarts.

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

http://www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/shopping.html

Here you will find over 40 pushcart eateries and 17 restaurants. Aside from the world class food, you can also find great shopping.

SoWa Open Market

http://www.southendopenmarket.com/

From May through October this Open Market Place serves as a haven to those who are fond of antiques, jewelry, and fresh produce. This outdoor weekly market is sure to draw crowds! (Sundays 10-4)

Haymarket

Every Friday and Saturday this open fruit and vegetable market draws in locals and tourists alike with their great products and low prices.

Newbury Street

http://www.newbury-st.com/

World renouned shopping in some of Boston's most chic and fashionable stores.

The Prudential Center

http://www.prudentialcenter.com/

Is a great stop for shopping or dinning! Located on Boylston Street where you will find an endless array of department stores.

Copley Place

http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=784

This upscale mall is filled with stores and restaurants that are sure to please!

Things To Do In Boston: Shows & Concerts

Shows & Concerts

In the theatre district, you'll find the Opera House, Colonial Theatre, Wilbur Theatre, Shubert Theatre and the Wang Center for the Performing Arts. Outside of the theatre district, you'll also find The Huntington, The American Repertory Theatre, The Lyric Stage, The Calderwood Pavilion and the Emerson Majestic Theatre.

Dance performances remain a cultural strong point in Boston and the Boston Ballet, known for its classical and modern works, is one of the best in the world.

The world renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops, which plays lighter, more popular classics and show tunes perform at Symphony Hall.

Things To Do In Boston: Parks

ParkArts

http://www.cityofboston.gov/parks/parkarts/

Browse through an up to date listing of performing, participatory and visual arts programs taking place in parks throughout the city.

Swan Boats

http://www.swanboats.com/

The Swan Boats in the Public Garden are a Boston tradition.

Frog Pond

In the summer, the Boston Common's Frog Pond features a spray pool for children and in the winter a skating rink.

Boating and Sailing

http://www.courageoussailing.org/

Located on Boston Harbor, Courageous Sailing offers a variety of sailing programs for all ages. Whether you are a novice interested in lessons, an experienced racer looking for a little competition, or a professional looking to organize your next company outing, Courageous' affordable prices and professional service truly make it the best sailing option in town.

George Wright Golf Course

Founded in 1938, this 18-hole Donald Ross designed golf course is a hidden gem in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston. The course is open seven days a week from April 1 through November 30. This par 70 layout measures 6,440 yards from the back tees and is a challenge to golfers of any level. Superintendent Len Curtin and his staff have taken it upon themselves to bring this storied course back to its original beauty and PGA Professional Scott Allen will answer any questions you may have. For more information or to reserve a tee time please call (617) 364-2300.

William J. Devine Golf Course at Franklin Park

As the second-oldest public golf course in America, The Park measures 5,961 yards from the blue tees and is open year-round weather permitting. Part of the the historic Emerald Necklace in Dorchester, the golf course offers a pleasant inner-city golfing experience only minutes from downtown Boston. Superintendent Russ Heller and his staff have delivered on their promise of making this a must-see for any golfer! Contact PGA Professional Jessie Hodge at (617) 265-4084 for more information or to book a tee time.

Things To Do In Boston: Freedom Trail

Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail Foundation continues to work to preserve this perfect introduction to Colonial Revolutionary Boston. The Trail takes the visitor to 16 historical sites and covers two and a half centuries of America's most significant past. A red brick or painted line connects the sites on the Trail and serves as a guide.

Since the past and the present live alongside the Trail, its visitors have the opportunity to see the City as it truly is.

One can take a self-guided tour or one of the many tours available through the Boston Common Visitors Center at 148 Tremont Street or the Bostix Booth located at Faneuil Hall. If you prefer to ride, you can pay for one of the trolley tours, which are unofficial guided tours, but do take the rider to many of the sites along the Trail and allow one to disembark at selected stops. To find out more about guided tours contact the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau.