I have lived in the suburbs around the city of Boston for my entire life. I was introduced to life in the city at a very young age and have grown to love and appreciate it more and more as I have gotten older. From trips to my aunt's house in the North End as a 4-year-old, to be responsible enough to take the T into the city alone, I have become an expert on Boston.
Here are some of my favorite things about the wonderful city.
Accent
Everybody knows the famous Boston accent, for some reason no one can say their R’s. Ex. “Pahk yah cah in Hahvahd Yahd”
Boston Marathon
An annual event held where people come from all over the world to run 26.2 miles right into the heart of Boston. The 2015 Marathon bombing has only increased the significance of the event and unity in Boston.
Citgo Sign
A large neon sign that lights up all day with the Citgo gas logo on it. The sign can be seen from miles away and is a classic part of the Boston skyline.
Duck Boats
These are buses that drive around the city and can turn into boats to float along the Charles River. Tourists fill the buses year round and the drivers guide visitors around the city. The Duck Boats are also used to carry Boston athletes in championship parades (which happen often in Boston).
Esplanade
The Esplanade is a performance stage, which hosts concerts and other entertainment events throughout the summer. It is outdoors, right on the Charles River and is surrounded by parks for children to play on. One of its greatest attractions is the Fourth of July when the Boston Pops come to play and fireworks are set off.
Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail takes you past all of the most historical sites in Boston. It creates a path that brings you past Faneuil Hall, the Old and New State Houses, several burial grounds and many other significant pieces of Boston history.
Good Will Hunting
This movie was created by two famous Boston locals Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Both men star in the film set in Boston and give viewers a glimpse of life in the neighborhoods of Boston.
Hancock Tower
The John Hancock Tower is one of the most notable parts of Boston. It is the tallest building in the city and can be seen from many surrounding towns. If you can see the John Hancock Tower, it is a sign you’re close to Boston.
Ice Cream
New England consumes more ice cream in one summer than the rest of the country does all year round. Much of this contribution comes from Bostonians who are surrounded by all different types of ice cream shops that make a perfect destination after any dinner.
John Adams
A historical figure from Boston who was one of the Founding Fathers served as the first Vice President and America and the second president ever.
Kenmore Square
Kenmore Square is part of the heart of Boston as many main streets cross through it.It is home to the previously mentioned Citgo sign.
Logan Airport
Logan Airport is where you fly into when you want to come to Boston.
Mike’s Pastry
Mike’s Pastry is in the North End of Boston and is home to the greatest cannoli’s in the city. The bakery attracts tourists and locals all year round with the amazing selection of treats.
Newbury Street
This street is a major tourist destination in Boston. Famous for its delicious restaurants and high-end shopping people flock to the street daily even just to browse.
Old State House
This is one of the stops on the Freedom Trail and holds great significance in Boston history.On July 18th, 1776 Col. Thomas Crafts read the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the building marking a triumphant day, finally free from the rule of England.
Pops
The Boston Pops are a symphony orchestra the perform concerts throughout the year. They perform many holiday concerts that bring together people from all over Boston and give people a destination for holiday festivities.
Quincy Market
This attraction is another stop on the Freedom Trail and is right next to Faneuil Hall. To this day it serves as a market, with a large diversity of small restaurants lined next to each other throughout the building. The many culinary options highlight Boston’s diversity and guarantee a great meal.
Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are part of the heart of Boston. As the cities baseball team, they attract millions of people a year to their games and historical ballpark. It is unlikely you come across a person from Boston who doesn’t love the Sox and hate the Yankees.
Sweet Caroline
This famous Neil Diamond song is played during the 7th inning stretch at every Red Sox home game. The song has an amazing ability to unite all Boston fans and enhance pride.
TD Garden
The Garden is a huge venue that holds all types of entertainment events. It is the where the Boston Bruins and Celtics play their home games, it can turn from an ice rink to a basketball court in just several hours. Many concerts and ice shows are also held in here.
U.S.S. Constitution
Another stop on the Freedom Trail, the U.S.S Constitution is the oldest Navy ship still afloat. It was named by George Washington and used in the War of 1812.
Victorious
In my 19 years of life at least one professional New England sports team has won a championship each year. In Boston, we are used to winning and knowing that our sports teams are some of the greatest in the country.
Waterfront
The Boston Waterfront has begun to be developed over the past couple years.Many restaurants have been added, museums, and shops.Cruise ships leave the harbor daily allowing people to view the city from the water.
X-ING
The symbol for crossing, which there are many of in Boston.
Yawkey Way
Yawkey Way is a famous short street in Boston and is home to Fenway Park. It has great historical significance and is meaningful to many Boston natives.
Zakim Bridge
The Zakim Bridge was created at part of the Big Dig project in the early 2000’s.The results were impressive and the massive cable-style bridge is an amazing sight.
