|
|||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|||
 Boston SightseeingBoston Sightseeing Contents
The Freedom Trail incorporates a number of the city's most famous sites at once - a simply unavoidable part of any visit to Boston. The 2.5 mile long designated route (marked with a red painted line from start to finish) cuts right through the city, encompassing 16 of its most treasured landmarks. Starting at the visitor information centre at Boston Common (where maps of the trail are available), the route notably takes in three must-see sites including Faneuil Hall, The U.S.S Constitution and the world-famous Bunker Hill Monument.
Faneuil Hall (www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com) is a bustling hotbed of activity and excitement in the heart of Boston. It is to Boston, what Covent Garden is to London (although Faneuil is vastly bigger); with its street performers and musicians, wide range of eateries, and incredible marketplace offering foods from all over the world. Should you be feeling peckish; Quincy Market Colonnade within the hall offers no less than 40 bars and restaurants, including a perfect replica of the bar from the hit U.S series Cheers, which originally took inspiration from the Bull & Finch pub on Beacon Street next to the State House.
A little further down the red line towards the Charlestown Navy Yard, visitors will be greeted by the inimitable site of the U.S.S Constitution (www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org). After being commissioned by George Washington, "Old Ironsides" (nicknamed due to cannonballs pounded at her side to no avail during the war of 1912), remains the world's oldest warship still afloat, after being launched in 1797 - some 211 years ago! With 42 battles fought and won, and never taken by the enemy, the Constitution remains one of the proudest military symbols of America's spirit and endeavour during wartime.
The best however, is saved until last on the Boston Freedom Trail, as the adventure culminates with the dominating, world-famous landmark that is the Bunker Hill Monument (www.nps.gov/bost). Some 221 feet in height, the granite obelisk marks the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill fought on June 17 1775 between the invading British and colonial forces. Although won by the British, the monument is testament to the unity and bravery of the colonial forces, who despite poor training and preparation, managed to stave off the British on two occasions, from this important strategic spot (as it sits on high ground next to the harbour). The monument was the tallest in the U.S until the Washington Monument was erected in 1885. Car Hire Boston LinksUseful InformationBoston Weathermax
min
Thu 11/03/2010
6°C
4°C
Fri 12/03/2010
6°C
6°C
Sat 13/03/2010
7°C
5°C
Provided by BBC Weather
|
||||
 |
||||
|
| Copyright Traveljigsaw 2010 |