Boston, MA

Do I start all of my posts with 'I love x?' Because I feel like I do. But this post will be no different. I love Boston! Boston is special, y'all. It's a city that feels like a European city. It's walkable. It has tons of history and cultural things of interest. It's my favorite city to spend time!

Charles River Esplanade

Every time I am in Boston, I get up at least one morning to walk the Charles River. It's so beautiful and peaceful, right in the middle of Boston.

Another thing I always enjoy is doing the Freedom Trail. It's about 2.5 miles and covers 17 different locations that tell the story of the American Revolution. We have never done it with a guide, but I have done it each time I have been there. My favorite spots are Park Street Church (One year I climbed the steeple and visited the basement crypt.), Old South Meeting House, Faneuil Hall and Boston Massacre Site (good place to grab a snack), the Paul Revere House (Love this!), USS Constitution (the oldest commissioned warship, and worth a trip onboard), and Bunker Hill Monument.

We have visited Harvard a few times over the years. We take a tour each time, and each time we have learned something new. My favorite information is learning who has been a student there over the years.

John Harvard, and you must rub his foot for luck.

Beacon Hill is always gorgeous and stunning. I did a tour the first time I went to Boston, and the guide pointed out all of the famous people who currently live there.

No trip to Boston is complete without visiting Fenway Park for a tour or a game!

No games in 2017 when we were there. So we took a tour.

In 2018, I took a solo trip with kids to Boston. It was such a special trip.

In 2019, in our second honeymoon, we did seven days that began and ended in Boston.

We have also take an afternoon in Salem. And what they say about Salem is true. It's a bit tourist-trap, North Gatlinburg-esque. And once I realized the real location of the witch trials was a bit north, and was ready to Uber there, the kids said, "Nope. We are tired. Let's go back to Boston." I still regret giving into their complaints!

A bit gimmicky. But we still had fun riding the ferry and enjoying the gorgeous harbor.

And another cool part of Salem was seeing the House of Seven Gables house. And though I don't have pictures of it, Hawthorne's birthplace is also located there.

Maybe this was why the kids were over Salem? I dragged them through this.

Let's talk bookstores. I have visited two. One in Boston and one in Harvard.

Brattle Book Shop is certainly unique. It is one of the oldest used bookstores in America. On the 3rd floor, there are rare books.

Now this was before Campbell started reading as an adult. So needless to say, I had two sets of eyes staring at me as I tried to leisurely browse.

Another gorgeous spot that we have loved is the Boston Public Library. It was established in1848 and was the first free public library in the US.

Look at the beauty!

The interior garden is a great place for pictures or to sit and enjoy a book.

I love Boston, but let's be real, I love Boston because the food is wonderful! Lobster rolls for days. The North End is what my dreams are made of. Let's start with breakfast. I have eaten at these places each time I have visited.

Kanes Doughnuts is the absolute best doughnut I have put in my mouth. They are soft and doughy and full of flavor.

See that jelly-filled in my face? The best jelly-filled ever.

Another breakfast spot we enjoy is The Friendly Toast. While I generally avoid chains, this one is a Northeastern chain only. It's eclectic and fun and they serve brunch all day!

2017 throwback; I love our travel memories.

They have mimosa flights and that sandwich on the right. It's the Doughnut Stop Believin sandwich.

I love this picture of them. So grown, but nothing like they are now! Special memories for sure.

Let's move on to the seafood! We love seafood when we are near the water and are game to try most anything.

Neptune Oyster is my favorite spot. You can get the lobster roll either hot with butter or you can do cold with mayo. We get each and share.

Yes, please.

This is how the line began on our honeymoon. Me about an hour before opening. They don't take reservations. Then you can see how the line developed over the course of the hour. This place is tiny and expensive. But it's a must at least once.

**Note: If you don't want to wait in line at Neptune, Pauli's right next door is also said to have a great lobster roll for a fraction of the cost.

Another great place at the water is James Hook. Only serving cold lobster rolls, but there is room for all kinds in my life. I am not picky.

In 2017, we enjoyed Union Oyster House. Located on The Freedom Trail, the house dates back to the Pre-Revolutionary days, serving food since 1826.

For our honeymoon, we enjoyed Carmelina's in the North End.

Now, I feel pretty confident in my pasta/Italian knowledge. Ha! This dish that Robert got will bring us back to Carmelina's. It's the Sunday Macaroni. The best thing that I would never order normally!

**Another eatery that I haven't tried but that is on my list is The Daily Catch on the North End. It is cue only, but squid ink pasta here is supposed to be just like Italy!

No stop in Boston is complete without dessert in the North End. Mike's Pastry never disappoints. There are multiple locations in Boston, but the one in the North End is the first one.

My favorite picture of Robert.

Honestly, the cookies are my favorite.

**Yes, we have also eaten at Modern. They are very similar. I think I remember having specific opinions on them all these years ago, but now, I can't remember. Either way, I am going back!

**I know want to try Bova's Bakery. It has been family owned since 1932 and probably doesn't have the line either!

I will leave you with some more beauty from Boston, family included!

Public Garden Lagoon

We rode the swan boats.

Beacon Hill area

Boston Harbor

From the Cambridge side of the river looking toward Boston.

Until next time, Boston.