BOSTON!

I’ve never been before, but have quite a few friends who have, so I reached out to see what the top things to do (with less than 24hrs!)

I’m no stranger to traveling by myself, mostly for work though. While traveling with my wife, family, or friends is definitely preferred, there’s something quite exhilarating traveling alone. You tend to be much more observant to everything happening around you and make quicker decisions on what you want to do 😉

My general approach is to find 1-2 things I want to do, walk to those activities & stumble upon other interesting places. I find it a great way to really get to know a city & experience it as close to being a local as i can. (ie. stumbling upon the cheers bar)

Boston’s first stop was FOOD. My friend Ryan suggested Yankee Lobster Co, where or course, I went with the lobster roll and clam chowder. I also received a painful lesson in what ‘market price’ is. Apparently it’s inversely related to the actual stock market… (Ryan if you’re reading this, send reimbursement.)

I checked into the hotel which was converted from a prison!  It was a unique concept. 

Dropped my bag off and headed out. My destination was the Boston Commons, a gigantic public park. But first I just started walking around. I stumbled on the Charles Esplanade, which was a really beautiful walk along the river or lake or whatever it was. Definitely a body of water. 

From there I made my way to the Common and the start of the Freedom Trail (a recommendation from Patrick N). And my mind just kept thinking about the last scene in Braveheart where William Wallace screams out “FREEEEEEDOMMMMM!”. But, much to my surprise, this trail had nothing to do with William Wallace. The Common was beautiful. I love people watching and just sat by a tree and read a book for a bit. 

I walked through the rest of the Common and over to Granary Burying Ground where I saw Sam Adams grave. Naturally I chose to honor the man by heading to the Sam Adams taproom (a recommendation from Joanna). 

I finished my time in Boston with a stop at the picturesque Acorn street, dinner at a local restaurant and breakfast and a really quaint book cafe.

It was an amazing experience and something I’ll definitely looking to try again!