Insider Tips for Boston's Freedom Trail
Autumn's cooler weather makes a walk through the city of Boston much more pleasant than it was in July or August. So now is a great time to explore Boston's historic Freedom Trail.
If you don't have the time (or the inclination) to explore all sixteen stops of the Freedom Trail, we recommend you start at what is traditionally considered the "end." Unless you plan to climb up the 294 steps of the Bunker Hill Monument to admire the view, it's best of admire the monument from afar. So start at the Charlestown Navy Yard, home to "Old Ironsides" (where, as a bonus, you'll find more plentiful parking than at the Boston Common, the Trail's traditional first stop). Opt for the guided tour, narrated by a sailor in the U.S. Navy -- a reminder that the USS Constitution is still an active ship, serving as the Navy's ambassador to the public.
Stop in at the Charlestown Navy Yard Visitor Center for the audio-visual presentation -- it might not be the latest thing technologically, but it provides a good orientation of the events that took place leading up to the early Revolutionary War battles in Boston.
Make a brief stop at the Old North Church, famous as the tower where the lanterns --- "one if by land; two if by sea" -- hung before Paul Revere's famous midnight ride. Then spend some time at the Paul Revere House. We've found that the "living history" programs offered on Saturdays from May through October are especially interesting.
Then, as you walk through the North End on your way to Faneuil Hall, the next stop on the Trail, consider taking a break at Caffe dello Sport to enjoy a cup of cappuccino, an Italian pastry, and a glimpse of whatever soccer game is playing. Once you are fully refreshed, you can skip all the shops and restaurants at the Fanueil Hall marketplace and head straight upstairs to see a bit of history. It is worth the time to wait for the U.S. Park Ranger presentation, to learn about the role that this space played not only in Revolutionary War times, but as the Civil War approached, too.
Had enough? Then maybe it is time to stop for the day. If not, go ahead to the Old State House and the Boston Massacre site before calling it quits.
If you don't have the time (or the inclination) to explore all sixteen stops of the Freedom Trail, we recommend you start at what is traditionally considered the "end." Unless you plan to climb up the 294 steps of the Bunker Hill Monument to admire the view, it's best of admire the monument from afar. So start at the Charlestown Navy Yard, home to "Old Ironsides" (where, as a bonus, you'll find more plentiful parking than at the Boston Common, the Trail's traditional first stop). Opt for the guided tour, narrated by a sailor in the U.S. Navy -- a reminder that the USS Constitution is still an active ship, serving as the Navy's ambassador to the public.
Stop in at the Charlestown Navy Yard Visitor Center for the audio-visual presentation -- it might not be the latest thing technologically, but it provides a good orientation of the events that took place leading up to the early Revolutionary War battles in Boston.
Make a brief stop at the Old North Church, famous as the tower where the lanterns --- "one if by land; two if by sea" -- hung before Paul Revere's famous midnight ride. Then spend some time at the Paul Revere House. We've found that the "living history" programs offered on Saturdays from May through October are especially interesting.
Then, as you walk through the North End on your way to Faneuil Hall, the next stop on the Trail, consider taking a break at Caffe dello Sport to enjoy a cup of cappuccino, an Italian pastry, and a glimpse of whatever soccer game is playing. Once you are fully refreshed, you can skip all the shops and restaurants at the Fanueil Hall marketplace and head straight upstairs to see a bit of history. It is worth the time to wait for the U.S. Park Ranger presentation, to learn about the role that this space played not only in Revolutionary War times, but as the Civil War approached, too.
Had enough? Then maybe it is time to stop for the day. If not, go ahead to the Old State House and the Boston Massacre site before calling it quits.
posted by Insider Travel Guides at 9:45 AM
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